St. Joseph's bans religious gifts

[Voegelin]

The hospital shocks a Catholic school group that arrives with presents for patients.


St. Petersburg Times
By SHERRI DAY
Dec 21, 2006

TAMPA - They wanted to make Christmas bright for patients at St. Joseph's Children's Hospital.

But, quite by accident, a group of parents, teachers and nuns from Villa Madonna Catholic School stepped into the Christmas wars. Improbably, their opponent was St. Joseph's Children's Hospital, which has its roots in the Catholic Church.

At issue: whether the group could distribute religious-themed gifts to patients.

During a Dec. 11 visit, the hospital staff assessed the group's offerings and quickly made some decisions. Ornaments that read "Joy to the World" and "Peace on Earth" were in. Nativity lapel pins, ornaments bearing a "Merry Christmas" message and Jesus-themed T-shirts were out. They could be given to patients only with parental consent .

"Yes, we were founded by Catholic sisters, but we serve everybody in our community," said Sister Pat Shirley, a Franciscan nun and the hospital's vice president of missions . . .

http://www.sptimes.com/2006/12/21/Hillsborough/St_Joseph_s_bans_reli.shtml

 

[MikeK]

Nativity lapel pins, ornaments bearing a "Merry Christmas" message and Jesus-themed T-shirts were out. They could be given to patients only with parental consent .

Good. I certainly wouldn't want to deal with getting tshirts with Muhamed on it(not that such a thing would be given (or created) by a Muslim) or a "happy Rhamadon" ornament to my child while he or she was undergoing chemo. Who the hell gives sick kids a Jesus tshirt? If you want to help them, do a fundraiser for the JDF or March Of Dimes or whatever, or buy them something that they might enjoy playing with that might bring them a brief smile durring a scary and painful hospital stay, not a Jesus tshirt. Come on people, who was giving these "gifts"? If the parents want it, fine, but does anyone actuallty think that the parents shouldn't have to consent before gifts of this nature are given to their sick children?

 

[Maynard Keenan]

Blatantly dishonest article title. (I'm not accusing you, Voegelin, I'm blaming the guy who wrote the article.) Nothing was banned. Why do these loony war-on-Christmas types have to lie when they write their articles?

 

[BrRichSFO]

The hospital shocks a Catholic school group that arrives with presents for patients.


St. Petersburg Times
By SHERRI DAY
Dec 21, 2006

TAMPA - They wanted to make Christmas bright for patients at St. Joseph's Children's Hospital.

But, quite by accident, a group of parents, teachers and nuns from Villa Madonna Catholic School stepped into the Christmas wars. Improbably, their opponent was St. Joseph's Children's Hospital, which has its roots in the Catholic Church.

At issue: whether the group could distribute religious-themed gifts to patients.

During a Dec. 11 visit, the hospital staff assessed the group's offerings and quickly made some decisions. Ornaments that read "Joy to the World" and "Peace on Earth" were in. Nativity lapel pins, ornaments bearing a "Merry Christmas" message and Jesus-themed T-shirts were out. They could be given to patients only with parental consent .

"Yes, we were founded by Catholic sisters, but we serve everybody in our community," said Sister Pat Shirley, a Franciscan nun and the hospital's vice president of missions . . .

http://www.sptimes.com/2006/12/21/Hillsborough/St_Joseph_s_bans_reli.shtml

I agree. no child should be given any gift unless the parent is spoken with first and approves. Better yet give the gift to the parent and let them give it to their child.

 

[ScottBot]

Good. I certainly wouldn't want to deal with getting tshirts with Muhamed on it(not that such a thing would be given (or created) by a Muslim) or a "happy Rhamadon" ornament to my child while he or she was undergoing chemo. Who the hell gives sick kids a Jesus tshirt? If you want to help them, do a fundraiser for the JDF or March Of Dimes or whatever, or buy them something that they might enjoy playing with that might bring them a brief smile durring a scary and painful hospital stay, not a Jesus tshirt. Come on people, who was giving these "gifts"? If the parents want it, fine, but does anyone actuallty think that the parents shouldn't have to consent before gifts of this nature are given to their sick children?

The point is that St. Jospeh's is a Catholic hospital and they "banned" (I have not validated the accuracy of this story) Christian gift giving. If a patient goes into a Catholic hospital, run by Catholic nuns, he/she should very well expect that they are going to be exposed to some Catholic/Christian stuff, especially around Christmas.

If I went to Muhammed al Sadir hospital, I should probably expect that I am going to be exposed to some Muslim stuff. I would be an idiot if I got offended by it.

 

[AMDG]

Another example of what taking our idea of ecumenism to the extremes can do, IMO. If my child or I was in hospital founded by Moslems, (even IF it served the community at large and NOT solely Moslems) I would expect some sort of gift that had to do with their religion. And if my child or I was in a hospital founded by those of the Jewish Faith (even though it served the wider community), I would expect to hear "Happy Hannukah!" or something. And if my child or I were in a hospital founded by secularists and atheists (even though it served the wider community), I would expect a "Merry Christmas!", secular Christmas carols and Santa. And we can go down the list--Wiccans (Solstice) or whatever. IMO, it is just plain ridiculous for parents to place their child into a CATHOLIC hospital and expect that Jesus NOT be mentioned. What next? Taking down of crucifixes in the rooms? (Oh? Some have already done that?) This isn't ecumenism IMO--this is blatant prejudice against Catholics!

 

[ScottBot]

Another example of what taking our idea of ecumenism to the extremes can do, IMO. If my child or I was in hospital founded by Moslems, (even IF it served the community at large and NOT solely Moslems) I would expect some sort of gift that had to do with their religion. And if my child or I was in a hospital founded by those of the Jewish Faith (even though it served the wider community), I would expect to hear "Happy Hannukah!" or something. And if my child or I were in a hospital founded by secularists and atheists (even though it served the wider community), I would expect a "Merry Christmas!", secular Christmas carols and Santa. And we can go down the list--Wiccans (Solstice) or whatever. IMO, it is just plain ridiculous for parents to place their child into a CATHOLIC hospital and expect that Jesus NOT be mentioned. What next? Taking down of crucifixes in the rooms? (Oh? Some have already done that?) This isn't ecumenism IMO--this is blatant prejudice against Catholics!

Catholic descriminating against Catholicism. American Catholics deserve the wrath of God, sometimes. Bunch of PC ninnies.

 

[Kasia]

Will it ever end?

 

[ScottBot]

Will it ever end?

Yes, when Jesus comes back to end it.

 

[drpepper101]

If I were in a Muslim funded hospital during a Muslim holiday in which gift giving were a major theme I really think you'd have to be an idiot if you were offended that someone offered you a Koran or Islamic themed item. If I were in a Jewish hospitial at this time of year I'd expect to see a Menorah or two, and it would hardly be the end of the world if someone offered me a draddle. If religion upsets you so then go to a state run GH or other non-religious private hospital.

 

[Voegelin]

Wouldn't surprise me if some people think the hospital has the name it does because it is owned by the company which makes St. Joseph's children's aspirin.

 

[Caedmon]

If I took my child to a Muslim-founded hospital because the best surgical specialist happened to be there, I would not want my child to receive an islamic t-shirt. Likewise, if a muslim child comes to a Catholic hospital because the most effective specialist is there, I would not give that Muslim child Catholic holiday gifts, at least not without parental consent.

 

[WarriorAngel]

Catholic descriminating against Catholicism. American Catholics deserve the wrath of God, sometimes. Bunch of PC ninnies.

After reading St Don Bosco's vision of hell...and seeing ppl 'running' to hell to get away from God's wrath, I surely hope I am not one to face Him in that circumstance.

And would I accept a gift from a Moslem...Yes I would. Because its in their heart. Would I keep it...? No. I would probably either give it away or find someone who would appreciate it.

I had a chinese friend who knew my religious affiliation, who gave me a Budha necklace to remember her by. I accepted it, I kept it, but I dont wear it.

Whatever happened to being gracious??

 

[ScottBot]

After reading St Don Bosco's vision of hell...and seeing ppl 'running' to hell to get away from God's wrath, I surely hope I am not one to face Him in that circumstance.

And would I accept a gift from a Moslem...Yes I would. Because its in their heart. Would I keep it...? No. I would probably either give it away or find someone who would appreciate it.

I had a chinese friend who knew my religious affiliation, who gave me a Budha necklace to remember her by. I accepted it, I kept it, but I dont wear it.

Whatever happened to being gracious??

Being gracious is sooo not politically correct.

 

[Caedmon]

Being gracious is sooo not politically correct.

You're right, but I can understand the logic of the administrative sister at the hospital. She's covering her hindquarters. We live in a culture with a high sensitivity to cultural misunderstanding, which is strange, considering the number of minorities living here. You would think we could live together in harmony, esp. considering how long we've been together, yet paranoia and circumspect thought pervade us. We've been living in a cut-throat, corporate, dis-united state for too long. It's affected me too, and sometimes I just do what I have to do to survive.

 

[Maynard Keenan]

I look to the example of Mother Teresa who did not look to convert or preach but to simply show the love of Christ through her actions.

 

[ScottBot]

I look to the example of Mother Teresa who did not look to convert or preach but to simply show the love of Christ through her actions.

That was her role.

 

[drpepper101]

I look to the example of Mother Teresa who did not look to convert or preach but to simply show the love of Christ through her actions.

That's really not true. Mother Teresa chose to use her actions to do her missionary work as opposed to preaching to the pagan Hindus. You seem to imply that this means she wasn't doing missionary work, which is just false.

 

[geocajun]

I look to the example of Mother Teresa who did not look to convert or preach but to simply show the love of Christ through her actions.

You must have known some other Mother Teresa if you think her goal wasn't to convert folks to Christ.

 

[Wolseley]

Will it ever end?

Why sure it will.

Eventually, we will "multiculturalize" and "diversify" ourselves right into oblivion, and the Muslims will inherit the earth. Once they do, they will completly outlaw the practice of the Catholic Faith, and it won't be an issue any more. We will be back hiding in catacombs, and they will be running the hospitals along with everything else.

You heard it here first.