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September 5, 2010

Though Mass has ended, faith is not lacking

As a lifelong member of the Augusta Catholic community, I am dismayed by the recent decision of St. Michael's Parish to discontinue offering mass at the Maine Veterans' Home in Augusta. The reasons offered for this decision are (1) we don't offer mass at other nursing homes and (2) there may be only two priests serving the parish as of August 2011.

Since 1983 mass has been offered at the Maine Veterans' Home. Although the frequency has diminished with the priest shortage, providing mass for our veterans has remained a priority for parish leadership. Our commitment to social justice by providing the opportunity for mass reflects a deep appreciation of and respect for the many veterans (past and present) and their families who were once the lifeblood of the area Catholic community.

Certainly after lives of devotion to their church, our veterans are as deserving of the opportunity to attend mass as those of us still physically able to worship at a church site. To deny them the opportunity to celebrate what has been the cornerstone of their spiritual lives shows both a lack of compassion and a disregard for their dignity.

Having assisted with mass at the MVH, I am well aware of the time constraints and extra work involved for our priests. That monthly mass may no longer be feasible is understandable; that the best we can offer is a communion service with no effort to provide mass on some basis, even quarterly, is not.

The direction of St. Michael's Parish must always reflect the vision of our church's mission. May this vision continue to guide our tireless efforts to provide the best for our sick, our elderly, and our veterans who served our country and trusted in God to carry them through difficult times.

Marjorie Hussey Gallagher

Farmingdale

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