I recently gave birth to my third child who is now eight weeks old. During the pregnancy I answered all the questions my seven year old daughter asked of me. We spoke of conception and the growth of the baby.
Her questions were always simple and to the point and I was able to answer her with equal simplicity and truth.
A few days ago, she asked me what aborted meant, and for the first time I couldn't answer. How can I begin to explain that the mother, or the doctor, or the politician has seen fit to destroy a baby and take its life?
I fought back the tears and prayed "Lord, help us".
E M Moffatt Weston-super-Mare
Deacon deficiency
BISHOP Brewer of Lancaster informs us that permanent deacons can perform functions proper to a consecrated person (October 23) Yet, there are only 140 or so permanent deacons in England and Wales, the majority of them married. This deplorable deficiency should be rectified immediately.
On the next "Vocations Sunday" we should then all have the opportunity of hearing a married deacon preach an inspiring and totally convincing sermon on vocations to the celibate priesthood and religious life.
Batley John Berry _ West Yorks