Dear Father Glenn, you really stirred things up! I liked the response from Fr. Tharp in Oklahoma who is "Christianizing the pagan holiday". That's what the Church did in the early days after being freed from Roman persecution. Also, the lady in Florida pointed out that Fr. Groeschel would say "Courage" (something that my Italian grandmother would often say), the virtue (a word not talked about much) that is needed to live and witness to the Faith in the world.
Mary in Tennessee

 

Hi Father Glenn!
I wholeheartedly agree with you that pictures can evoke bad emotions that can lead to bad actions. This is something that so many people just shrug off, especially parents. I am not saying that if you look at a bad picture you will uncontrollably be forced to act in a bad way. However, just like the clothes you wear and the music you listen to, it starts to become a part of the way "you" feel and act... I don't like Halloween because some people dress as devils and think it is harmless. I feel it is bad. How does that glorify God? It doesn't. I let my kids go trick-or-treating when they were little and I didn't let them dress as witches or devils....my son would always be a football player and my daughter would be a horse or cat... After I read your letter, I thought I would let you know what a good job you did writing it! You really have a gift. It is well written and conveys the truth.
Thank you and may God bless you always!
Lisa

 

I agree with most of the people who wrote you about your comments on Halloween. I never felt comfortable with all the "scary" stuff, especially after my oldest son became agnostic. ( He is 20 ) I truly believe that he was greatly influenced by the Satanic music he listens to and plays in his band. It was sad, and unfortunate that this happened, especially when the rest of my children (I have 5) all go to mass and practice their Catholic Faith. I pray that my son converts someday, and I plan to be as persistent as St. Monica!!

 

...Please continue with your messages, I try to read them in between teaching Kindergarten, going to graduate school and running a household. I am reading them backwards tonight, that is why it has taken a few days for me to write this to you. This week has been a wonderful "News from the Friars" week. I have written 3 emails. 2 to Fr. Glenn and one to Fr. Luke. That is more than I have written in the past 2 years. Your words have really spoken to me this week!!
May God Bless you all in your wonderful ministry!
Joan (Staten Island, NY)