St. Aloysius Gonzaga Parish
19 "Eye" St. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20001-1425
202 336 7211

Kathy Boylan
Dorothy Day Catholic Worker
503 Rock Creek Church Rd NW
Washington, D.C. 20010

August 28 , 2007

Dear Kathy,

I understand that you no longer wish to attend St. Aloysius Church.

Your tirade on Sunday August 19 and again this past Sunday, during the Prayer of the Faithful, clearly indicates your intention to complete your withdrawal from the parish.

Your abuse of this community has been a grave injustice for years. I clearly indicated to you both in writing and in person that you must stop. I had hoped that being made aware of the nature and purpose of prayer might cause you to change your behaviour and your attitude towards the people of St. Aloysius. I hoped in vain.

You continue to see community prayer as the time for you to lecture the congregation. Saying, "I call on all of those in the military to resign and lay down your arms" is clearly not a petition to God. It is you lecturing to and provoking members of the parish.

I have indicated to you before that, if you wished to continue to be present when this community worshiped you needed to show respect both to the liturgy and the community. By having chosen to once again disrupt the worship of this parish, you have clearly indicated your intention to withdraw yourself from it.

This has been your final choice and yours alone. You must live with it.

I hope that you find another parish that can accomodate you, but I doubt if you will encounter the patience that this community has demonstrated towards you. As strongly as you believe it is your calling to prod people into agreement with you, I know it is my job to protect this parish from your disruptions. I will take the actions which I deem necessary to be sure that you live out your clear decision to withdraw from this community.

Sincerely

Thomas F. Clifford, S.J.
Pastor