Notre Dame Arena and the Church

To the editor,

I believe it is high time to alert the citizens in the Berlin area of a situation that is extremely harmful to the youth, their parents, and the community. A situation that would create much sadness in the heart of Monsignor Lauziere, if he were alive today. One of his pet projects was the Notre Dame Arena and its upkeep for the youth of Berlin. Hockey is fine, but people have their priorities mixed up when those involved in its operation and their parents neglect their obligation of taking their children to church on Sunday and praying, while at the same time spending their time on Sundays at the arena, swearing and coaching or watching hockey or running hither and yon to play hockey all over Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts, and disregarding the souls of themselves and their children, something has to be said. Parents and their grandparents spend thousands of dollars and plenty of time to support their children to play hockey and no money or not much and no time or not much towards the welfare of their souls, their children's souls, the welfare of the church, and the entire Catholic community. When their children are baptized, during one of their infrequent visits to the church by the parents and their families, parents vow to take their children to church, teach their children the faith, pray with them, and partake of the sacraments with them. Not just send them to CCD when they are seven years old and to CCD when they are twelve years old while never taking them to church. This is not the way to practice one's religion. At the same time they spend plenty of time practicing hockey and playing hockey. I'm sure if Monsignor Lauziere, whose plaque graces the hallway of The Notre Dame Arena, would remedy this situation if he were alive, today. He can't, so I will. Those Catholics, of the Berlin area, who practice their religion so shoddily, are dishonoring Monsignor Lauziere's memory and harming the whole Catholic community. I hope to see you in church and so does Fathers Kyle F. Stanton and Andrew F. Nelson. Father Kyle, stated, during his homily after being appointed Pastor, there are many empty seats that need to be filled in our beautiful church. It is gut wrenching and very concerning, to those who frequently attend church, to not see other members of their Catholic family in attendance at church. I am in hopes his plea will help alleviate their anguish and I believe it is their prayers that have guided me in the writing of this article. God Bless!