On March 25, the BDN ran an OpEd by Barry Gottlieb, “Thou shalt not fail to recycle.” I found it extremely sarcastic, rude and offensive. My spiritual life in the Catholic Church is rich and rewarding. Like most things in life, you get out of life what you put into it.

I have traveled a great deal in my life and it is comforting to know that wherever I attend a Catholic church, I know what to expect from the Mass. The rich solemnity and beauty of the blessings and sacraments are always the same. There is much to be said for tradition.

What purpose does it serve to poke fun of someone’s religion? I love my Catholic heritage and family tradition of going to Mass and am disappointed that Mr. Gottlieb feels the need to disparage the Vatican. Maybe he thinks he has the only answers.

Maureen B. Freeman

Bar Harbor