Blessed Are the NFP Physicians

I am writing regarding the article “How Losing My Patients Saved Me,” by Dr. Fleming (April 8-14). How blessed are those doctors who practice natural family planning only, as well as their patients!

An hour away from me is a big city where couples cannot find such a doctor. My prayers are that one will come to town, or one of the doctors in the area will be converted. I can see how the Lord would reward such a faithful doctor with a thriving practice, because s/he is well wanted around here.

We have many natural family planning couples who settle, because we do not have the alternative. Couples get used to the “look” when they tell their doctor, “I practice natural family planning,” because natural family planning is mistaken for the old rhythm method.

It would be a wonderful thing for all of these couples to be able to get the support and answers they need from a knowledgeable doctor. I myself am a nurse, and will forever be grateful to the woman who introduced me to natural family planning.

Unfortunately, it wasn't in my Catholic college.

CAROLE HART, RN

Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho

Finding Faith & Family

In the April 15-21 issue, you have an article on Faith & Family magazine — but no information on how to subscribe to it!

This sounds like a magazine that all Catholic parents should subscribe to. Can you please send me some information on how I might do so?

KRIS KILIKI

Kenosha, Wisconsin

Editor's note: For a free sample issue of Faith & Family, the Register's sister publication under the umbrella of Circle Media Inc., go to www.Catholic.net. If the banner ad doesn't appear, hit “refresh” on your browser menu bar. To order by phone, call (800) 421-3230.

Catholic Classroom Chaos

In your April 15-21 issue, there is an account of a priest being thrown [out of] a Catholic school (“Pro-Life Priest Ejected From Catholic School Ceremony”). How in the world are little children expected to deal with such schools?

I did not wait for repentance on the part of similar elements in the Church and happily home-educated my four beautiful children. I am not going to ask my children to give up their freedom and faith to conform to foolishness I myself would not tolerate for one minute.

Any concerned parent can obtain academic materials surpassing those of most schools and can provide a much superior environment in a nice home, sans overcrowded classrooms, poor-quality food and peer-group programming. Families are the very best place for children to learn.

MARILYN HUNT

New Martinsville, West Virginia

Charge! Pro-life Shoppers

Hi. I love your paper! I read all of it every week. It is the only newspaper I actually enjoy reading. Thanks for all the info!

In your March 25-31 issue, there was an article about a man who started a non-profit credit-card company in which the interest paid went to pro-life affiliates.

I meant to clip the information so I could apply for the credit card, but I forgot. Can you please republish the company's contact information? Thank you so much!

LISA KERLIN

Jasper, Georgia

Editor's note: You're referring to Steve Thomas and Vitae Corp. You can call (888) 883-LIFE, e-mail [email protected], visit www.-vitaecorp.com, or write Vitae Corp., P.O. Box 219, New Lenox, IL 60451.

Talkin’ ‘Bout My Generation

I was surprised to see your newspaper feature an interview with Mr. Lino Rulli (“He Has an Emmy — But Needs a Network,” March 25-31). I am quite sure that the Register understands that, in today's secular sphere, calling something “art” automatically puts it above any moral criticism. I hope that a similar trend doesn't develop in the Catholic sphere whereby profiling a person who is active in the Church automatically puts his activity above any moral criticism.

Mr. Rulli's show, “Generation Cross,” definitely features, as your interviewer put it, “footage of priests and nuns participating in activities the public doesn't associate them with.” Its year-end “best of” show featured 1.) Mr. Rulli being oiled down and massaged by an elderly nun; 2.) another nun dancing lewdly and 3.) cameramen making fun of the celibacy of Catholic seminarians.

Should the readers of the Register take your profiling of Mr. Rulli as an endorsement or recommendation of “Generation Cross”? While the content of “Generation Cross” has many fine aspects, it also scandalizes some, such as myself, in his target audience of 20- to 30-year-olds. I believe that Mr. Rulli's apostolate is in need of purification. I hope that in the future his show will be lighthearted, reach people and be sensitive to the virtue of purity.

ANDREW GLOWIK

Lynn, Massachusetts

The Father of All Foster Parents

Your recent commentary on an appropriate appellation for St. Joseph was rather disrespectful to foster parents in general (“St. Joseph: He's Not What We Call Him,” March 18-24). You imply that foster parents do not do all the things your columnist identified.

Many foster parents devote their lives to caring for unwanted children or children needing temporary but loving care. Their commitment is not “temporary.” The love and devotion of a foster parent is no more or less than that of a biological parent. They often are giving care to problem children — children with mental or physical problems who are not offered that care by any other person.

I am sure the financial compensation received by foster parents does not cover their expenditures either financially or emotionally.

The foster parent receives the same love and affection from the foster child that Mary and Joseph received from Jesus. It is my opinion that Jesus bestows untold blessings on foster parents and probably through the intercession of St. Joseph.

Just about every function or attribute you attribute to Joseph can be attributed to foster parents.

I believe that St. Joseph is proud to be identified as the foster father of Jesus.

Please be a little more understanding and compassionate in any future problems you may write in trying to enhance piety. I believe your stance needs some redirection.

WILLIAM J. HANEMAN

Levittown, Pennsylvania

Don't Dance with the Dragon

I commend the Register for its excellent editorial “Flirting With the Dragon” (April 15-21). The keen analysis of China and its totalitarian regime should be a wake-up call for all Americans and for all those throughout the world who value democracy and human rights. It is obscene and stupid that America thinks that good trade relations will convert China. China has won and will do exactly as it pleases. The Clinton policy has been a gross failure.

I urge you to send a copy of the editorial to President Bush and to every member of Congress.

GEOFFREY GNEUHS

New York

Credit Due in Alabama

The beautiful photos that ran with our April 8-14 Catholic Traveler report on the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, Ala., were taken by two Birmingham-area photographers. Shots of the shrine were by M. Lewis Kennedy. The portrait of Mother Angelica was by Hugh Hunter.

— Editor