Observer-Tribune
Thursday, September 27, 2007 3:46 PM EDT

EDITOR: As former members of the Church of Saint Joseph, my husband
and I would like to thank you for your editorial in the Observer
Tribune in praise and support of Monsignor Kenneth Lasch.

We belonged to St. Joe's since moving to Mendham in 1970 and leaving
that church community was, and is, painful in many ways - but staying
there was even more painful. We were both born Catholics and practiced
our faith the best we could over the years.

When Father Lasch came to Mendham, it was as if someone opened all the
windows and doors and let in the sunshine and fresh air. This man was
our shepherd. He did not preach, he taught. He did not push, he led.

He listened to the voice of the community and responded with fairness,
compassion and love. Under Father Lasch's pastoral care, we came to
understand that we are the Church.

The treatment that Kenneth Lasch has received from the hierarchy of
the Catholic Church is shameful and un-Christian and has undermined
our faith in that institution. Our faith in the Lord we came to know
through Father Lasch, though, is unshaken and we would like to believe
that some day, if we continue to speak out through groups like Voice
of the Faithful, we may see a change.

Again, thank you for your support of our Pastor and friend, Monsignor
Kenneth Lasch.

Paula D'Amato

Maple Avenue

Mendham