DEAR READERS, I don't know if you are aware of the Hurricane Noel that devastated Haiti and the Dominican Republic. But Haiti is severely damaged by flood and wind.

Several houses were destroyed; crops and numerous animals disappeared in the flood. At least 57 people died, 17 disappeared, 100 injured and thousands are homeless (latest data of the Civil Protection, November 3, 2007).

The impact is disastrous. Up to last night rain fell in my state Grand'Anse (South West of Haiti) and caused further flood especially in my town (Irois 75 kms from Jeremie) where my Mum and sisters live. They told me that the town is seriously affected and many families are left homeless. It is a tragedy for Haiti, which has not yet recovered from previous hurricanes.

I am trying to see how I can help some families who are affected in the own of Irois. Please tell me how you can contribute. It is not only your personal contribution but also that of other people in your church, friends and religious associations.

I will be grateful to you because you care about people who are in danger and need your immediate help. Thank you.
God bless.
Fr Enel Almeus, CSSp
Spiritan House
85 Frederick St.
Home: 623-2792/3/Cell:46-6423

DEAR EDITOR: Reference is made to two letters, one written October 21 “Why we do not go to Mass anymore” by a “Non-Practising Catholic” and the second one written on October 28, “Catholics, come back to church” by a Practising Catholic of Princes Town.

Both views are well received and though I agree in principle with them I do disagree to some extent with both viewpoints.

I have been attending Masses throughout the length and breadth of Trinidad & Tobago in my many living years and have visited and attended Masses in over 55 churches at varying times (including midnight & midday) with many different priests (different Orders as well). I even served as an altar boy for many a year (Latin Masses included).

I am no follower like those who do nine churches. I attend Mass wherever I am, hence 55 churches.

Some homilies are boring, and I have heard very many, some I have slept (nodded) through. Some Masses are lengthy depending on the attendance (communion distribution), but we do not have to further lengthen it by the number of announcements in repetition including birthdays, anniversaries et al, so we avoid having to indulge in the “concert hour”, as I term it, when we sing birthday and anniversary greetings. I have never experienced this outside of this country and I have been to many churches outside of this country. That’s another story.

The other part of the “concert hour” is that moment of silence we should have after communion, which I regard as sacred. That time is for you and God, when you give thanks in private prayer. We now have singing. Some churches have a soloist. I want to pray in quiet. I wonder what silent moments is “Practising Catholic” relishing.

Another thing of note is the swing and sway by parishioners when the choir sings. I am sure this has been commented on already, and it is quite distracting particularly if the person is in front of you.

Having made my comments I continue life’s journey on this earth praising my God in the best way I can via the celebration of the Holy Eucharist and try not to be distracted too much by the inadequacies presented to us, even though it may please some and displease others.
Continue to be inspired and peaceful.
Lionel Lee, Chaguanas

DEAR EDITOR: I must respond to “Non-practising” Catholic. When I read your letter, a deep sadness and grief came over me to the point of tears.

How could your spirit be so dead! How many Roman Catholics did you poll to come to your conclusions? For a non-practising Catholic you know a lot about what goes on in church! Why don’t you ask yourself

“What is the purpose of going to Mass? For me it is to thank and praise God; to openly express my love to God; to give up one hour and a half per 168 hours to obey the commandment. “Do thou keep holy the Sabbath Day.”

Wake up from your slumber and hasten to get the fruits and the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you would be free to clap, sing and dance for the Lord in church. Have you ever heard “a song is a prayer said twice”. Indeed, a “concert” for the Lord is a precious thing. A “ten-minute sermon” no way!

Incidentally, I am glad you identified us as “intelligent” people - we are. Please come to Mass, open your eyes and your ears that you might leave peaceful, inspired, and totally fulfilled. Love you.
Ann Ferreira, Chaguanas

DEAR EDITOR: I would like to say thanks to EWTN for two excellent half-hour programmes which can be seen at 2.30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Dr Timothy O’Donnell lectures on “The Memoirs of St Peter: The Gospel on Mark” and Dr Tim Gray lectures on “The Mission of the Messiah”.

Both are professors at Christendom College in Virginia and they inject their presentations with common sense, liveliness and humour.
Brian Noreiga, D’Abadie