Loss of historic churches certain to cause heartache

My wife and I attended a memorial service on April 15 held at the St. Joseph’s Monastery Church in Irvington. Sadly, on that very day, we read that this magnificent facility is on a list for possible closure (“Baltimore Catholic cutbacks: What to know about the archdiocese proposal,” April 15).

What will happen to all the beautiful rose windows that call to mind Notre Dame in Paris? How about the colorful ceiling soaring overhead, the recesses hosting sculpted saints and so much stunning stained glass? In 1881, the cornerstone was laid by James Cardinal Gibbons. Archbishop Michael J. Curley kicked off another reconstruction in 1931.

When we lose such a place, we lose not only an architectural masterpiece but a piece of our collective history. I’m sure the same can be said for other Baltimore area Catholic churches that will be no more.

— Herb Cromwell, Catonsville

Patoka: Baltimore County welcomes public involvement in planning

I am writing in regard to the recent editorial in The Baltimore Sun, “In Baltimore County, will politics always trump thoughtful planning?” (April 9). As chair of the Baltimore County Council and a professional planner, I would like to offer an alternate perspective.

It may be true that Baltimore County has had a checkered past in regard to development issues. For that reason, it is easy to suggest that the county’s behavior of the past still exists. However, this is a false narrative that continues to be shared by those who have very little interaction with residents, community groups and families who live in Baltimore County. The current County Council is engaging and an extremely thoughtful governing body especially as it relates to development issues.

The Sun states, “Until local residents become more politically active and start pushing back against the politicization of land use decisions, the best hope may yet be in reducing the clout of individual members.” I support growing the County Council to nine members. Further, I contend that residents who participate in community meetings are, in fact, politically active and work day in and day out to strengthen their respective communities. Council members participate in that political process with the shared goal of making Baltimore County stronger. This allows for council members to make informed decisions based on community input that are balanced in thought.

There will be significant legislative initiatives in 2024 to address quality-of-life issues that require community engagement. The county council welcomes your participation. Please stay tuned to important pieces of legislation like the Mixed-Use Overlay District (9-24) and our Adequate Public Facilities legislation to address overcrowded schools.

— Izzy Patoka, Sudbrook Park

The writer is chair of the Baltimore County Council.

Holliday is a sure-fire hit (after he finally got one)

Congratulations to Orioles phenom Jackson Holliday for getting his first major league hit (“Jackson Holliday sparks rally, scores winning run in Orioles’ 6-4 victory over Brewers to avoid sweep,” April 14).

Baltimore sports fans are looking forward to having the two Jacksons — Holliday in baseball and Lamar in football — leading us to championships for years to come.

— Bruce Harris, Pikesville

Schools should intervene to stop bullying

The Baltimore Sun’s Tony Roberts wrote an excellent article bringing to light the issue of bullying in schools (“Bullying reports are up in Baltimore schools. Here’s what to do if your child is being bullied — or is the bully.” April 15).

Bullying has always had a stigma surrounding it. In the past, most schools would ignore the issue altogether, even after multiple instances. I was personally told that I was “hypersensitive” in response to multiple bullying occasions. And this is where I believe most students have trouble when it comes to speaking up.

At a young age, it is hard to gather one’s emotions to gain the confidence to speak up. Students may be worried about retaliation from the bully or the school not believing them. And this is where the school needs to make it clear that there is a trusted adult — a counselor, for example — who will listen to them. Most students rarely speak with their counselor.

They need to check up on students more often to make sure that they are not being bullied and, if an issue arises, make sure that the school is notified of the situation.

— Dylan Cignatta, Perry Hall