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To the Editor:
"This is the day the Lord has made," exclaims Mary Jo Copeland in your May Gazette, as she projects a safe haven for children in Victoria. I read with joy that it will bear the name Mary's House in honor of the Blessed Virgin and that young people will be taught the love of God.
Says Pastor Frank Jones on page 12 on that edition, "Christ looks into us for the beauty that is there, and He finds some in everyone." Surely He finds splendid in Mary Jo Copeland. "What you did for the least of my brothers, you did it for me."
And Mother Angelica on your quotes page says, "God is not a slot machine. You don't go to Him to get something but to give something."
Your fishhook is in the same tire as in the April Gazette. Such a work you do each month, and then you have to post the new edition, even to Belgium!
Love,
Father Ferdinand Jennen, Hasselt, Belgium, via e-mail
To the Editor:
Hey, what's up? Hope that every-thing is fine over there. Happy Mother's Day, Sue. Tell me, how is everyone over there? I hope the Timberwolves are doing great, and also the Vikings..
I'm still working on flowers. It's nice but difficult. I'm in charge of offering roses to the United States and Europe. Really cool.
Write me soon. How are Jenny, Nick, and Al? Also, how are Germaine and Father Elstan and the Victoria House? Do you still go there? I think that is the best food of the whole world.
Bye, bye. Take care.
Love, Xavier Alvarado, Cuenca, Ecuador, via e-mail
To the Editor:
We must not let our kids down. They need our support as a community. I pray we can welcome and support Mary's House in Victoria. What a chance to make a difference!
Judy Crawford
Victoria, Minnesota
To the Editor:
You sure like to fool your readers, don't you! When I saw the fishhook in the tire again, I kept looking for a different one. Couldn't find one so I assume you are really making us look! Enjoy the Gazette and feel as though I know so many of the people who appear in each issue.
Doris LeGault, Mound, Minnesota
To the Editor:
We are willing to stick our necks out to be politically incorrect. We are op-posed to Mary Jo Copeland's orphanage being located in Victoria.
Granted, these children did not ask for their lives to be this way. However, we, as citizens of Victoria, are not asking for this orphanage to be placed in our "backyards."
We saved our money for years, to invest it wisely into our new home in Victoria. We chose Victoria for its location, amenities, and community appeal. We do not wish to see our investment devalued, like a rug pulled out from under our feet, with the placement of this children's shelter in Victoria.
Mary Jo Copeland stated that the cost of the home is $30 million, and that "if everybody gave a little money, we'd have it." I'm sorry, but our taxes are already over $6,000/year. We are already "giving" enough! Why aren't we, instead, focusing our energies on finding homes for these children rather than institutionalizing them?
The May 2nd Minneapolis Star Tribune stated that there will be 200 children from the ages of 4 to 11 years old. Why then does she need a school for K-12 attached to this orphanage? What is the truth? We think that petty theft and vandalism will increase in our community that presently has a very low crime rate.
We're sure their hearts are in the right place. However, why don't we hold the citizens of Victoria as our priority? Why burden our community with yet one more nonprofit organization that does nothing to lower our tax base?
You stated in the May Gazette,
" ... the City of Victoria, pearl of Carver County ..." We ask, why not keep it that way?
Dick Copeland stated, "The community that embraces this would have an opportunity to become a national model." We do not wish to win a popularity contest with the placement of this children's shelter in our community. We, as citizens of Victoria, say NO to the placement of the orphanage in Victoria.
Bill and Jackie Ryder
Victoria, Minnesota
via e-mail
EDITOR'S NOTE: The Star Tribune quoted from old information. Age at the children's residence would include the high schoolers.
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