To the editor:

I want to say thank you to the wonderful, holy priests of the Springfield-Cape Girar-deau Diocese. They have dedicated their lives to the work of Jesus, and I appreciate all of their sacrifices and hard work.

The church is a family. We would like for our family members to be perfect, but we all know that each of us has weaknesses. During these difficult times, we lend our prayers and support to each other and are made stronger by our struggles.

The bishops, priests, victims and their families are in my prayers. This must be very troubling for all of them. May their Good Friday lead to an Easter Sunday.

I am a teacher. Occasionally we read about a teacher abusing a student. My hope is that other teachers are not assumed guilty of similar actions simply because we share the same profession.

This may also be a good time to reflect on the words of Jesus: "Let he who is among you without sin cast the first stone."

JENNY NENNINGER

Leopold, Mo.