Schmitt, however, said he thought that Catholic priests should stay out of polities. "Secular problems, as far as participation, should fall to laymen," he said. "Priests should stick to preaching doctrine."

He specifically criticized Fr. Daniel Berrigan, Fr. Philip Berrigan and Congressman Robert Drinan, S.J. (D-Mass.) for engaging in politics. The Berrigan brothers have been involved in numerous protests against American participation in the Vietnam war. Drinan won a seat in Congress in 1970, running as a peace candidate.

Some observers interpret as conservatism Opus Dei's strong belief in individual freedom and responsibility.

Asked whether he could condemn a member of Opus Dei for being in Franco's Spanish cabinet, Schmitt said. "As long as the Church says it's all right for him to be in the cabinet, I think it's okay. I have no right to judge another man's actions. The only question I can ask is: Is he being loyal to his conscience?"

IV

WHAT is so attractive about membership in Opus Dei compared to parish life? "Many Catholics are dissatisfied with parish life," Griflin explained, "In many parishes there are 2000 families. Spiritual and human links with others in the parish are therefore tenuous."

"The spirit of Opus Dei is that Jaymen can work with laymen," Michael A. Cook '72, a frequent visitor to Elmbrook, said last week.

"Opus Dei emphasizes what laymen can do," Schmitt said. "Ordinarily, a Catholic thinking of serving his fellow men would become a priest," he said. "Opus Dei encourages its members to pursue virtues outside the Church."

Much like the 17th century New England Puritans, members of Opus Dei believe in the sanctity of hard work.

"Work is to give glory to God," Schmitt said. "It involves human virtue and establishes one's place in society."

Schmitt said that Opus Dei doctrine differs from the Protestant work ethic in that it "stresses the need for attention to virtue while working, rather than the virtue of work for success's sake."

Escriva has written, "God created man to work. Work is one of the highest human values and the way in which men contribute to the progress of society. But even more, it is a way to holiness."

Why join Opus Dei? "It was the best way I could serve God," one member said. "Through my own sanctification. I could help those around me."