Msg Base:  AREA 3  - ASK FATHER (AMDG)
  Msg No: 113.  Tue  10-19-92  0:52  (NO KILL)
    From: Father Mateo
      To: Joey Kennedy
 Subject: School uniforms, etc.

JK| -why must catholic kids dress alike and eat fish on friday in school?
  | -why do nuns an priests have to dress up in those costumes and never marry
  | just to serve god-i can serve my lord with no reference to dress or
  | marital status?
 
JK| thanks
  | in his love
  | joe
 
Dear Joey,
 
School uniforms in high school and the lower grades are less expensive
for parents to buy and maintain.
 
Priests and nuns don't "dress up in costumes".  Neither do Marines or
postmen.  Uniforms establish identity, both for the wearer and for the
public.
 
You say you can serve your Lord with no reference to dress or marital
status.  So can I and everybody else we know.  I'm afraid I don't get
your point.  Would you care to explain?
 
Abstinence on Friday from meat is only enjoined nowadays during Lent.
It is a form of penance.  Penance is necessary for salvation.  Jesus
said, "Unless you do penance, you will all likewise perish."
 
                                Sincerely in Christ,
 
 
                                        Father Mateo