LETTERS: PROUD OF ACTING IN CATHOLIC WAY

To the editor:

Realizing that letters to the editor are printed on the Opinion page, the recent letter titled "School, church aren't separated" is based mostly on opinions, not facts.

Opinion: "The public school is run by Catholics in a very Catholic way." Fact: The taxpayers of the Kelso School District voted these members into office. Not all taxpayers are Catholic. If that is a concern in the upcoming election year, I urge more people of all denominations to run for the school board and all patrons to vote.

Opinion: "The school is being run in a very Catholic way, students given an excused tardy on holy days and for Wednesday youth Mass." Fact: Mass begins at 7:30 a.m. on regular days and holy days, lasting 25 minutes. It starts at 7:15 a.m. for the children's Mass on Wednesday, lasting approximately 35 minutes. School starts at 8 a.m. Extra efforts have been made to begin that early in the morning. It is very important to the parish that these students are not tardy for school. What these children choose to do that early before school is to be commended, as for any student of any denomination who regularly attends church.

Opinion: "School activities are announced in the church bulletins, and one mother commented that she was disappointed her son missed some school activities since she doesn't attend church." Fact: School activities are not published in the church bulletin. Back issues are proof of that. If some child missed a school activity, I suggest the parent look in the child's backpack a little more often. If it is a school function, the announcement came from the school. In today's society, sad but true, there is not a trace of religion of any denomination in that school, only what the children carry in their hearts.

I too attended that same school board meeting on a different matter. I hope the cheerleading issue can be resolved so all parties can go on with their lives in a happy and productive way. Let's focus more on the education of our precious children, for they are what they learn in school and at home.

In closing, I only hope someone will accuse me of acting "in a very Catholic way."

VALERIE DIRNBERGER

Oran