Dear Editor:
As a young Catholic boy I went to mass on Sunday simply because I was told to do so. As I grew older I realized to participate in the mass you had to go up and receive communion. For Catholics this is a big deal because you first have to attend weeks of classes culminating in your first Holy Communion. As a Catholic, this is how you participate in the mass, by receiving the Host.
In November of 1980, the Montoya family got some terrible news. While serving in the Army in Germany, our brother, Greg, had been killed. His final mass was celebrated at St. Mary’s. I remember sitting in the limo behind Greg’s hearse on the way to Fort Lyon National Cemetery. I was amazed at all of the student’s from St. Mary’s Elementary School lining the highway, some saluting Greg. I was never more proud to be a Catholic! Eight short years later my mother, Esther, was taken by an aneurysm. Once again, St. Mary’s was packed for her final mass.
I understand now there is quite a process to go through to have a funeral mass at St. Mary’s. Many families give up and go to St. Joseph’s in La Junta. I would think during these times when many are leaving the church, we should encourage them to attend. It breaks my heart to see many former Catholics going to the Methodist, Baptist or other churches. I just don’t understand.
Attending some recent funerals here at St. Mary’s, the Father warns us not to go to communion unless we went to mass last Sunday. He states you can only receive communion after you’ve gone to confession. I’m confused because I don’t remember all these requirements.
Recently my mother-in-law, Martha Gonzales, took a few of my nieces with her to confession. With that being done, they went to mass on Saturday. They all went to receive the Host and were denied! Father told them in front of the church they could not receive communion. In a word, I was outraged!! This is a crying shame. I only hope I live long enough to participate in mass as many times as Martha has. If she is not worthy, then I’m not even close.
If this were a military infraction I would know where to go with my complaint. Even when something happens with the government, you know who to write a letter to. I’ve written this letter to Bishop Tafoya, Father Grimes and the Bent County Democrat in hopes of some change. My biggest fear as a Catholic is that when I die I will be denied a final mass at St. Mary’s. I guess my family can take me to La Junta.
Thank you,
Mike Montoya
Las Animas
