DEAR EDITOR: Permit me to make a few points in reply to the article of Fr Ian Taylor “The Challenge of Pentecostalism facing the Catholic Church” published in your February 25 issue.

The author, through his argumentation, gives the impression to the reader that the Catholic Church with her “liturgy” centred mostly on the re-enactment of the sacrifice of Christ on Calvary, which is called the Mass, and her seven sacraments – being all flowing springs of divine life – is made to look like a poor parent compared to the Pentecostals who are the “People of the Word”.

But these very people who, in their exultation, clap their hands and dance, are also carrying their loads of sins because who among them has the power to forgive sins? It is not to any of the so-called “prophets” that Jesus gave the power to forgive sins when he said: “Receive the Holy Spirit: for those whose sins you forgive they are forgiven; for those sins you retain they are retained.” (John 20:22-23).

It was to his twelve apostles that Jesus gives this power. He chose them to be the pillars of his Church, the only one he founded, to which he gave these inestimable treasures: the Holy Spirit, the great sanctifier, the Holy Mass and the seven sacraments.

The Catholic Church is our Mother who not only gives divine life to her children but upkeeps it as long as they remain faithful to her. When some of them choose to tarnish her reputation it is up to the others to redouble their love and loyalty to her so as to make up for the others.

Among the many scripture passages quoted by Fr Taylor one is found missing and it is this one from 2 Timothy 4:3-5.

“The time is sure to come when far from being content with sound teaching people will be avid for the latest novelty and collect themselves a whole series of teachers according to their tastes; and then instead of listening to the truth, they turn to myths. Be careful always to choose the right course; be brave under trials, make the preaching of the Good News your life’s work in thoroughgoing service.”

This is the true challenge for every Catholic: to remain faithful to Jesus Christ our loving Saviour and to his Church.

Sr MarieThérèse OP, Barataria

The needs of students however have increased tremendously. The pressure of life is affecting them much more today and we must support them. Others supported us, often quietly, in our time.

The work of the chaplaincy is even more demanding because of the dramatic increase in student population. When chaplaincy started there were 1,500 students on campus.

Today, there are over 14,000 students of which 2,500 are Catholic! Our facilities no longer fit the need nor the image of a thriving Catholic student body. There is still a lot of work to be done and lots of love to be shared among students in the coming years.

We have received permission from Archbishop Gilbert to embark on an extension of the existing facilities. The proposed structure, which is expected to cost TT$2.5 million, is designed to meet the spiritual and human development needs of Catholic students, while opening programmes and hearts to all who want to walk with us.

The two-storey structure, which is to be located east of the chapel will include training facilities, worship space, counselling rooms, adoration chapel, library, wireless computer workstations, relaxing areas, a kitchen and bathrooms.

Alumni, Friends of Chaplaincy and those who see the strength that lies in shaping the minds and values of emerging leaders of our communities - Life has been good to all of us! In response we are asking your support for this important project. We are asking for a pledge of $1,000.00 per year for a period of five years.

This will meet our contribution to the construction of the building (we are also sourcing funding from local and international agencies) and continued service for initial years. All contributions however, will be accepted with gratitude. God willing, we would like to break ground in mid-2007!

The project management committee would love to hear from you and send you a picture of the proposed structure as well as other information. Kindly send a note to us expressing your support for this project at chaplaincybuildingproject@gmail.com and details will be forwarded to you.

If you are excited as we all are at the chaplaincy, you may pay your contributions immediately into account #160127914531 at Republic Bank, UWI campus. But do let us know that you are doing so, by emailing us at the above address.
The university years are the last structured chance for us to impact young lives and to stabilise values and faith before they go out into the world as it were. Make it happen!

I appreciate all the support you have given me in the past and look forward to rekindling old relationships.

Love,
Sr Monique Moniquette
On behalf of the Management Committee