To the Editor:

As a former president of the Parish Council of St. Lawrence Church here in Killingworth, I welcome this opportunity to address the 'so-called' problem with our finances pointed out Thursday's letter in Killingworth Today. Unfortunately, an assumption seems to be spreading that finances in the Roman Catholic Church are under the dictatorial control of the clergy. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Almost all Catholic congregations have an Parish Council, nominated and elected by their fellow parishioners. This unit acts much as the elders in our sister Christian denominations. It proposes, considers and acts upon projects pertaining to parish life, including financial matters, even to the point of tithing monies for charitable causes. In fact, it's the lay members of the Council that account for the monies collected from the congregation each and every Sunday. Yes, the parish pastor has a great influence on how the funds are used. And, yes, the bishop, as the head of a duly-constituted corporation, has approval authority over any major disbursement (> $15,000). But, I maintain that that is no different than the approval process in any commercial or governmental organization. It's just common sense.

Too much has been made lately of the troubles of the two Fairfield County parishes that were subjects of criminal activity by their pastors. But, the lay parish trustees and lay parish councils are as much to blame for not recognizing the problem in its early stages. The vast majority of parishes have hard working and concerned parishioners, as well as pastors, who are ethically, morally and spiritually responsible people. Here at St. Lawrence, we have been particularly blessed with a succession of priests who are totally responsive to their parishioners needs.

We, too, invite the good citizens of our fair community to sit in our pews and experience Catholicism for themselves. There is room for all on three occasion each weekend. Masses are at 5:00pm on Saturday, and 8:30 and 10:30am on Sundays.

God bless you all! - Peter Lenart