Dateline Dayton – I admit I am easily confused. Sometimes I form an opinion, without getting all the facts. Other times I hear only what I want to hear, and possibly not reading enough to know all the facts.

I was a supporter of the Catholic Church in their struggle to keep the government from mandating their health insurance reform that would require churches to cover contraceptives, sterilizations and possibly abortions. I still believe the government should not require something that goes against your religious beliefs – unless it is harmful or dangerous. That is not the case in the health insurance struggle. Not having coverage does not harm anyone. Aren’t there First Amendments rights?

Why am I confused. The bishops of the United States are asking Catholics to write their representatives to oppose the measure when Catholic institutions, such as the University of Dayton, have no intention of following the measure. Some Catholic institution, such as the University Of Dayton, already provide coverage and will not be changing their policy. It appears to me the bishops should be spending their time getting the Catholic institutions in their dioceses to follow the teachings of the church before taking on the government.

This reminds me of Notre Dame awarding an honorary degree to President Obama, when he probably is the worst President we have had when it comes to a position on abortion. How can a Catholic university condone such a position? I am confused.

Taking a Gamble

My confusion was compounded recently when the bishops of Ohio came out against the Ohio casino issue. Everyone knows you go to the Catholic Church to play Bingo. Their festivals are known for gambling and drinking. Again it appears to me the bishops should get their own houses in order.

Last Saturday I attended a Day of Recollection for men, held at our church. More than 100 men attended, and one interesting subject was why young Catholics don’t attend church.

Most of our own children don’t attend Catholic Church, contending they get nothing out of it. Our daughter is active in a church and our son attends another. As with anything you get out of it what you put in it. If you do nothing, you get nothing. I don’t go to church expecting to get something. I go to thank God for what he has given me, another week. What I might get from attending is a bonus. In my estimation, thanking God for all his blessings at least once a week is reason enough to attend church.

Possibly some young people are confused, regarding the teachings of the Catholic Church. A lot has changed. The health care issue can only add to that confusion.

Mr. Hennessey may be contacted at pmhenn@sbcglobal.net