To the Editor,

I have just finished reading "With One Voice ? Not Yet" and I find myself extremely upset over the general tone and inequity of the article.

Let me be very clear my comments are not directed to the members of the choir. I too have enjoyed the music of the St. William's choir over the years but as a member of the Columbia-Savin Hill Community, I believe this article helps to divide the neighborhood not heal it. I'm offended that equal attention and praise was not given to both impacted parishes and most importantly both impacted choirs.

Although the suppression of both churches was mentioned in your writing there is the general theme that rings throughout the article that the only folks impacted when both churches were suppressed were the folks from St. William's parish. Things could not be farther from the truth. As a St. Margaret's parishioner for the last forty years, I can attest to the fact that it is not the same church - not even physically - the pew I have sat in for the last five years was replaced by an organ. The youth choir has been restructured, singing format has been changed and the keyboard - that many, including myself, enjoy more than an organ has been removed from the church. Although the exterior footprint is the same there have been many changes.

With that said I do believe there is an opportunity, if compromises are made by all parishioners, that we can move forward. However that will only happen if we allow ourselves to accept the good from both parishes and take the opportunity to make changes to the rest over time. All changes can not be one sided and just like the theme of the article - my experience has been that the changes have been one sided.

Your article stated that there was a process defined around the church closings that was not followed. I disagree, at St. Margaret's we did follow the process. It was the Archdioceses that did not follow the process and chose not to keep their word. They chose not to listen to the parishioners of both parishes. They made promises and have broken them. As sad as the decision was however, under the guidance of our former pastor we were asked to accept the changes we could not control. Many of us did - hoping in large part that our acceptance to move forward would make it somewhat easier for the rest of our "Columbia-Savin Hill" neighbors. In return, we have been treated as second class citizens by many more vocal than I and by many of the articles that have been written.

By way of an example - in your article you stated that "The old St. Margaret musical director, Michelle McCourt, also a teacher at the parish school, would head up a new children's choir at the 9 a.m. Mass, an endeavor which is itself earning high praise". I can't help but wonder why Sheldon Lee's choir is referred to as the St William's choir but the St. Margaret's youth choir is referred to as the "new" children's choir. At a minimum, both directors should be respected for the talent they bring to the table. There should be room for both directors and many styles of music.

My spiritual fulfillment comes from the music and song of Michelle McCourt and the youth choir at the 9 a.m. Mass on Sunday. The youth choir has been in existence for the last six years and under the talented direction of Michelle McCourt, has performed both locally and internationally in the name of their parish. Parishioners that don't go to the 9 o'clock may have had the opportunity to hear Michelle on the weekends she has covered for Sheldon. As a mother of six, it is amazing that Michelle also finds time to work with our children who are members of the Neighborhood Children Theatre. In past years their performances have included: Wizard of Oz, Sound of Music and Cinderella. A perfect example for the children of someone who gives of time, talent and treasure.

Nora McDonnell

Bad Example Being Set for BMT Kids

To the Editor:

I am a 10-year-old child of the parish Blessed Mother Teresa. I have something to say. My name is Annie M. I've been reading the paper and I am tired of hearing the same story. I am bothered by this fighting and I'm not the only person who is. I know that the parishioners of the St. William's parish praised God in their church. I also know that the parishioners of the St. Margaret's parish praised God as well. I know that God put us on this earth to praise him and that is what we should do. No matter where we are or what church we belong to. We should praise God. That is what life is about. I can tell that everyone is mad about their church being closed but now that we have a new church and new parish why not do what we're supposed to do. Why not praise God! I hope everyone that reads this will understand what I am trying to say. The point I'm trying to make is that no matter what just please put aside your differences, make some friends and praise our Lord. It's easy, I've made a bunch of friends with the St. William's school kids. They have also made friends with St. Margaret's school kids. Please stop this fighting so you don't give your friends and children a bad example. The school children are already becoming friends, not it's your turn. Thank you and Happy Holidays!

Annie McDonnell
Grade 5
Blessed Mother Teresa Grammar School