Madam, - I agree wholeheartedly with Archbishop Diarmuid Martin's comments on the "young Church" (LifeFeatures, May 12th). He suggests that "parishes must assume a greater role in faith formation, with schools as strong partners in that process".
Good! But what he must realise is that there is a strong symbiotic relationship between the two partners, and both are very happy with the present arrangement.
Priests dread the thought of the parish taking responsibility for all the work involved in preparing young people for the sacraments of initiation. Schools see themselves as having the franchise on these big occasions - the days of First Holy Communion and Confirmation - when the principal and the staff can display the school at its best.
God help his innocence, if the archbishop thinks he can challenge their "squatters' rights" on this most valuable liturgical site. But I would ask him to keep up his prophetic challenge to this dying church. We need voices like his. - Yours, etc,
Rev PATRICK SEAVER (former national teacher), Farranshone, Limerick.