Letters to the Editor

Do unto others...

The Oct. 18 edition of The Herald-News presented an article about neighborhood violence in the St. Patrick's and St. Raymond's neighborhoods of Joliet, lamenting over the sinful acts among the select few within our neighborhoods. One of the local residents, Tom Javorcic, suggested that the area was in great need of a "watch" program that would monitor neighborhood activity in order to curb the violence.

In regard to his comments about the St. Patrick's neighborhood, I would urge Javorcic to participate in those programs that already exist within our community, specifically our Neighborhood Association, which meets practically every Wednesday night at St. Patrick's Church in Joliet.

And as I am on the subject of safety, I have seen the Joliet Police Department in action within our community. Through personal witness, I can attest how dedicated these men and women have served our community. I am proud to put my life in their hands.

A couple weeks ago, Rabbi Charles Rubovits succinctly laid forth to my university students the basic principles that a holy person with a moral compass should follow: do unto others.

For those who live in our neighborhood, I urge you to get involved with the Neighborhood Association and your local churches or synagogues. Throwing your arms up in the air and giving up is what people of evil want you to do.

Let us remind our communities that the signs that read "Welcome to the St. Pat's Neighborhood" or "St. Ray's" cannot lose their glow if we don't let them.

Let's just do good together and love our neighbors.

A life well lived by loving and protecting each other is the best response we can give to anyone that passes through our streets.

The Rev. Peter G. Jankowski, pastor

St. Patrick's Church

Joliet