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I disagree with the opinion of Stephen Kent’s article, “Final step to civilization? Abolish the death penalty” (CR, July 17).

While many people believe tarot cards, horoscopes, Ouija boards, palm reading and energy crystals are just innocent fun, Matthew D’Adamo knows they can have dire spiritual consequences.

She had decided to try one of the online dating services. Because she loved animals, she included a picture of herself with two of her dogs.

Often when we hear the word summer we think of a period of time when one may embark on a vacation or journey. The season also evokes in our mind a “slow down” period, a time to enjoy nature and the outside, and a time to reflect on God’s creation. Thus, the Office of African American Ministries invites the people of God to sojourn with them through a summer enrichment session titled “Walk in the Light.” These sessions provide an educational and spiritual journey, exploring a specific topic through the lens of an African-American Catholic perspective. In doing so, reflection and discussion is provided, sharing insights, history and culture from African-American Catholic leaders.

From time to time, I will invite guest columnists to share their “Thoughts on our Church.” I would be especially anxious to introduce members of our Archdiocesan staff, given the extraordinary expertise they offer me and all our archdiocesan agencies.

The Catholic Church has historically not always held the position that capital punishment is immoral and unjustified. Up until the latter part of the 20th century, a majority of Catholic theologians believed what St. Paul said in (Romans 13: 1-5) concerning capital punishment, the church and the state. “Let every soul be subject unto higher powers. For there is no power but God: the powers that be ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? Do that which is good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid, for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he (the government) is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.”

As I watched the World Youth Day celebration on television, I was overwhelmed by the happiness and the joy of so many young people represented by so many countries having the opportunity to give witness to their Catholic Faith and to be the guests of Pope Benedict XVI (CR, July 24). Who would have ever thought of witnessing our Holy Father sailing down Sydney Harbour, in a beautiful white yacht surrounded by many young pilgrims in their native dress holding the colorful and unfurling flags that represent their countries? As the yacht docks, all disembark, and thousands more join enthusiastically in greeting his holiness.

It is foolish to think eliminating the death penalty is the “final step” to civilizing the world (CR, July 17). Each generation faces a world under Satan’s influence. The final step is dying with Christ.