Explanation of Pat Ludwa's VIEW FROM THE PEW column

INTRODUCTION

        Pat Ludwa, a committed lay Catholic from Cleveland, has been asked to contribute, on a regular basis, a lay person's point of view on the Church today. We have been impressed with his insight and the clear logic he brings to the table from his "view from the pew." In all humility, by his own admission, he feels he has very little to offer, but we're sure you'll agree with us that his viewpoint is exactly what millions of the silent majority of Catholics believe and have been trying to say as well. Pat puts it in words that help all of us better understand and convey to others what the Church teaches and we must believe.

        In his column today, Pat responds to an article in his home town of Cleveland where the Diocese there has announced a "pilot" program that plays right into the hands of those seeking to chisel away at the foundation of the Church. He questions how they can allow the conferring of the Sacrament of Confirmation on seven-year olds when the very essence and nature of the sacrament is knowing fully their faith and accepting the charge of "Soldiers of Christ". It's like knighting inexperienced pages before they've ever gone through the ranks to squire on their way to knighthood. Can you imagine how effective these new greenhorn "Knights" will be when thrown into battle? It comes down to who can run away faster. Pat illustrates this in showing how early Confirmation will only weaken the troops and water down their faith. But that is exactly what those who are undermining the Church have in mind under the guise that the youth need to be more involved and that "it was done in the Early Church," a favorite refrain of the progressives. If our Catholic youth today aren't trained better and aren't battle-tested over years of solid instruction, then they will wilt quickly, not only giving up their faith, but looking for ways to make it easier as in compromising doctrine. That's what the dissidents and liberals are betting on in instigating these "pilot" programs that could eventually prove pilotless! That is the gist of his column, Another chip from the chisel .

        For past columns by Pat Ludwa, click on VIEW FROM THE PEW Archives   If you want to send him ideas or feedback, you can reach him at ludwa@core.com


    Explanation of Pat Ludwa's VIEW FROM THE PEW column

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