The Barna Group Survey

Editor:

I read with interest Bishop Galante’s reaction to the Barna Group Survey in the Courier-Post (May 4). I, too, am much disturbed by that survey, and I hope that many Catholics feel the same as I do. I especially enjoyed the reporter’s comment that the bishop rolled his eyes when mentioning the fact that parishioners are distracted by other activities, namely sports among them.

They are lucky that is all he did (roll his eyes). If I were in his shoes I would have put more emphasis on that one item. I am worried that in the near future 90 percent of the people will be worshiping at the altar of the NFL, especially on Sunday. I blame parents for not raising their children to respect the holiness of Sunday.

I agree with him that the church has to re-focus on how to teach and inform the people. But how is the church going to teach and inform the people when we are bombarded with secular activities taking place on Sunday and parents not cooperating with the church in teaching their children, or themselves for that matter, the sacredness of the Sabbath? Parents have to stop being a friend to their kids and start being good Catholic parents.

I feel that we are too long gone and it might take a miracle to change things. I remember growing up in the Cathedral parish back in the 1940s and Sunday was such a nice quiet day—a day of rest and relaxation. After a week of work, it was a day for family togetherness. With the elimination of the so-called Blue Laws on Sunday things began to change and we were drawn more and more into that secular society.

I also was shocked and disturbed by the fact that more than four in 10 Catholics disagree that sex should be reserved for marriage. Once again this shows a lack of good Catholic morals teaching on the parents’ side. With the deterioration of today’s society they must continually enlighten them on the consequences of extramarital sex. We have become an immoral society and if nothing is done on the part of parents then I really fear for the future of our children and, for that matter, the church.

Thomas A. Bergbauer Sr.

Sicklerville