The Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany could have softened the news that religious artifacts and other items from St. Patrick's Church in Watervliet were being sold by returning the proceeds to the people through establishment of social services such as homeless shelters and meals for the needy.
Instead, I find myself thinking of "Love for Sale" (1930), Cole Porter's song of a street walker, which captures the sale of a different sacred commodity: "who will buy; who would like to sample my supply; who's prepared to pay the price; for a trip to paradise; love for sale."
St. Patrick's was built and paid for by parishioners. The dollars generated by this sale belong to the parish family and should be given back to these churchless worshipers.
FRANCIS W. RODGERS
East Greenbush