Divisive ‘Driver’s Licenses for All’
Archbishop Hebda and the Minnesota Catholic Conference supported the “Driver’s License for All” bill, which is awaiting signature by Gov. Tim Walz. (Feb. 9 edition) Shame on them. The bill, which will allow illegal immigrants to apply for a driver’s license passed the Minnesota Senate on a party line vote. I am a strong moderate conservative. Why is the Catholic Church taking sides on such a divisive political issue? Why should I donate 2 cents to the Catholic Church? Illegal immigration is illegal. After having so much trouble with child predators among priests and paying dearly for it, why is the Catholic Church hopping on board supporting another illegal activity? The Church leadership should get its act together.
Loras Holmberg
St. Mary of the Lake, Plymouth
Shameful abortion actions
Shame, shame on those Catholics and other Christian voters in the United States and Minnesota State Senate, who in lockstep legislation, gave legal permanence to unrestricted, painful dismemberment to unborn human babies. This barbaric, Satanic procedure will hasten chastisement. Climate change, anyone?
Everett C. Dehmer
Cathedral of St. Paul, St. Paul
Why take offense at pregnancy centers?
In the mainstream media, I never see or hear anything about the vandalism done to many pregnancy centers. These are women and girls who have chosen to give life to their babies. Perhaps they need some help, physically, emotionally and financially. Why do pro-choice people take offense to that? There are many ways to prevent unwanted pregnancies. However, if it does occur, you have options. I understand some businesses are offering to pay expenses for employees and their family members who need to travel to receive an abortion. You may not believe or follow the Ten Commandments; I do. No matter how healthy, wealthy, intelligent or famous you are, your next breath is dependent on God and you will die someday. I believe we will all be accountable to our God who made us. God bless America.
(Versions of this letter also appeared Oct. 13 in the Ladysmith News, Ladysmith, Wisconsin, and Dec. 22 in Shakopee Valley News, Shakopee.)
Bernadette Ohnsorg
Sts. Joachim and Anne, Shakopee
Thank you … and one more Benedict story
Thank you for the heartwarming stories of Pope Benedict’s influence on our Church (Feb. 9 edition). I would like to share my unique story, because Benedict saved my family. As a lay member of the Regnum Christi spiritual family, with Legionaries of Christ our spiritual fathers, I endured our family crisis and survived, thanks to the wisdom of Benedict. When we learned of the grave misconduct and double life of our founder (removed from ministry), some said our institution should be disbanded. Benedict was convinced that there was a substantial core of validity in our life and played a providential role in Regnum Christi’s survival. He appointed pontifical delegates to accompany us through an arduous renewal process, helping to purify what needed to be purified. He invited us to discover our vocation within the Church in greater depth. This resulted in approval of new constitutions of the Legion of Christ, and statues of the Regnum Christi Federation (2019). With fellow members in our Twin Cities locality of Regnum Christi, we thank the most important theologian of the 20th century. May we imitate his virtues.
Lois Taylor
St. Vincent de Paul, Brooklyn Park
Defense of life
I was pleased to read in the Feb. 9 (The Catholic) Spirit, that the archbishop, several priests and other adults accompanied young women and men to Washington, D.C., for the national March for Life. However, back home here in Minnesota, legislation was passed that sets the state on a path to unlimited abortion. The article mentioned that the Minnesota Catholic bishops had jointly written to all of the elected officials at the State Capitol to reject HF1 without much success. I would have rather seen the bishops speak out to the public with opinion pieces in the papers and other media. Especially social media, considering how personal devices now command the attention of the younger audience.
Also, I would like to see the “Respect Life Outreach” ministry broken out of the “Marriage, Family and Life” office to receive the attention and resource it deserves in today’s world. It is now one of 16 ministries in that area to be covered by a relativity small staff. We need a clear message, less preaching to the choir, based on genuine teaching of the Catholic Church and holy Scripture presented to the general population that will persuade these elected officials to vote for the actual views of Minnesotans.
Rich McCabe
St. Michael, Farmington
