A few good men.

I agree with John C. Cort that we need many more men involved in church affairs ("Organizing the Faithful," September 9). For this to happen, however, in this little old gray-haired lady's opinion, some men need to work on their mindset. I received a letter some fifteen years ago from a pastor in New Jersey. He stated that he would trade his deacons for a few devoted female volunteers, since when he asked a woman to do a job, it was done. When he asked men, they were either too busy or the task was beneath them. I remember an article written a few years ago by a noted Catholic journalist who seemed to be intimidated by the recent advent of "women in the church." His concluding remark was that his sons would not be altar boys because it was a "girlie thing." I wondered at the time whether he would have been intimidated by Mary Magdalene, Veronica, and the other women at the foot of the cross. Until Vatican II, women were not allowed at the altar--except, of course, to clean. Thankfully that has changed, at least to some extent. I too believe that many more young men should become involved in the church, and when they realize that is not a "girlie thing," they will.

MARY ALICE VIENNEAU

Erie, Colo.