Msg Base:  AREA 5  - ASK FATHER            CIN ECHO   AMDG
  Msg No: 171.  Sat 11-02-91 22:48  (NO KILL)  (MAILED)
    From: Father Mateo
      To: Michael Gendron
 Subject: Mary et al.

³ Being a person who is again looking into the catholic faith after leaving
³ it at age 20 to join a protestant movement, this topic is of much interest.
³ I am not sure why this doctrine is of such importance.  I feel that it is
³ likened to drawing a camel through the eye of the needle.  I do however
³ have many questions about Mary.  I see the scripture not giving her any
³ other status than that which is ascribed to any other woman.  I am not
³ sure I can swallow the doctrine of Mary as the Mother of Heaven.  I see
³ no support for it in the sacred scriptures.  Help!
³  
³                    Let the Children Come to me...                      
³                      Mark 10:14                                         
 
Dear Michael,
 
You are looking into the Catholic Faith, and you have questions about
Mary.  As your questions are very general, I had better suggest some
reading for you.  After you have done this or comparable reading --
with prayer -- I will welcome your specific questions.
 
Two good treatments of Catholic doctrine, very readable, are:
 
1) The Teaching of Christ.  Edited by Wuerl and Others.  Our Sunday
   Visitor Press, 200 Noll Plaza, Huntington, Indiana 46750.
   ISBN 0-87973-850-2  About $15. Quite complete.
 
2) F.J. Sheed.  Theology for Beginners.  Servant Books, Box 8617,
   Ann Arbor, Michigan 48107.  ISBN 0-89283-124-3.  I think, about
   $8.  Readable, but sketchy.
 
An exceptionally fine presentation of Catholic doctrine and devotion to
Our Blessed Mother is Pope John Paul II's "Mother of the Redeemer", an
encyclical letter.  It is available for $1.50 plus postage and handling
from St. Paul Book and Media Center, 243 King Street, Charleston, SC
29401.  Telephone (803) 577-0175.
 
                        Sincerely in Christ,
 
                        Father Mateo