Madam, - It was with some incredulity that I read Patsy McGarry's report on the sale of Mass Cards (July 19th).
He quotes Bishop Bill Murphy as saying "anything that appears to cheapen or commercialise the Eucharist must be avoided." It seems the Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise is of the same opinion. Are our bishops so out of touch with the realities of everyday parish life?
The "sale" of Masses is a common practice in all parishes. A parishioner requests a Mass for a person or intention; the name or intention is noted, a pre-signed Mass card is presented and an agreed sum of money paid. End of transaction. The sacrament is demeaned, reduced to the status of a gift voucher!
Whence the outrage of the bishops? This practice should have been stopped years ago; monies and sacraments should be separated.
As to the theological ramifications, the mind boggles. - Yours, etc.,
JUNE RAFFERTY, Monastery, Enniskerry, Co Wicklow.