This pamphlet was conceived in enthusiasm by men and women who are bristling with PEP to build a Beautiful Church in St. James Parish. They are impatiently waiting: they are clamoring for action. They want YOU to know what they propose doing. They hope you will be with them. Don't look for a seat in the Grand Stand -- People who do things move -- the disinterested sit and watch -- Our Parish Big Drum is beating a marching tune -- "LET'S GO."
There is also a note due for the making of Wade Avenue.
The total of these amounts to nearly $7,000.
The moral obligation to meet this demand falls on every Parishioner who resides within the parish boundaries.
St. James Parish has a high financial rating in the business world. The reason being it has never faltered to meet its financial obligations. This is an exceptional year; many of our wage earners are out of work and cannot contribute. Our sources of revenue are diminished; but we are confident that our loyal parishioners will meet the strain of the times, and that all who are employed regularly will respond to our appeal with unusual generosity.
There are two Sundays left for raising the balance. We must make these special collection Sundays.
The call, dear parishioner, is to you. Make it evident to us that you are deeply solicitous for the reputation of the Parish.
Should we fail, it would be the first time the parishioners did not respond to an S.O.S.
There Is a Fund created toward the erection of a Convent. Should the Parish revenue be not sufficient to meet Parish obligations, we will have to encroach upon it and the Nuns will be the sufferers.
Financially we have raised the Convent to the second floor. We must not tear down the walls even to meet a parish debt. The drive is on to hold our lines. There will be no retreat if every parishioner does his duty.
Your generous contribution is earnestly solicited.
If there be a Purgatory, it is cruel to deny it, because the denial makes us deaf to the cry of some of our dear ones there who may be sorely in need of our assistance.
It is scarcely possible to conceive a life after death without associating with it a reward for the good and a punishment for the wicked.
The crudest idea of Justice demands a balance and an imaginative scale in which the good and evil of men's lives are weighed. For good there should be a reward and for evil a punishment. All human legislation is based on such a theory. We have courts because we have a belief in Justice and we expect the Judge to be just. There are prisons because there are criminals, and there are electric chairs and gallowses in every country, instruments of punishment by which society imposes the supreme penalty for human actions that are infamous.
But it is generally admitted that in this criminal age the majority of evil doers escape detection and are not punished for their crimes: hence we must admit that eternal justice is blind and deaf if there be no punishment for the evil doer after death.
In the Catholic conception. Justice is all seeing and insistent and in its very nature necessitates a balance or retribution. There is a reward for the good and a punishment for the wicked: Heaven is the reward that God bestows on those who do His Will; and Purgatory and Hell are the prison houses in which sin and wickedness are balanced with punishment.
In simpler terms, the Eternal Judge, since He is just, must make a distinction in His court when rendering a decision to saint and sinner. Good demands a reward and wickedness a penalty.
Daring, unrepentant wickedness is abhorent to God and man and is punished by eternal damnation. It is to be hoped that God temper's justice with mercy and He alone is sufficiently wise to render a decision that is just in every instance. He knows the circumstances that led up to the sin, the infirmity in which it was conceived, the blindness, darkness and ignorance that clouded the intellect of the criminal, hence He warns us to judge not.
The Catholic Church does not pass judgment on any individual, though it maintains the principle annunciated by Christ and His apostles: "Unless you do penance you shall all equally perish;" "God is not mocked;" "As a man soweth so shall he reap:" "There is no other name under heaven by which you can be saved but the name of Jesus".
There are few people who do not violate the dictates of their own conscience. Memory makes a record of these violations. Many die suddenly or in accident of train, automobile, airplane, ete. Undoubtedly many appear before the Judgment seat of God who are conscious of unatoned violations of His law. When these violations are not grievous, the punishment for them is temporary. "Nothing defiled can enter Heaven," and it is reasonable to believe that there must be a place in the life to come in which souls are cleansed and purgation made. The Christian name for such a place is Purgatory.
The Jews believed that souls detained there could he helped by prayer and alms deeds. "And making a gathering he (the general) sent 12000 drachma of silver to Jerusalem for sacrifice to be offered for the sins of the dead thinking well and religiously concerning the resurrection." 2 Mach. 12. 43.
Christ knew of this custom and did not condemn it and indirectly refers to purgatory when He said, "he that shall speak against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him neither in this world or the world to come."
The early Christians of all nations believed in Purgatory. Tertullian who died about the year 220 tells of a custom that prevailed in his country. "We make." he says, "yearly offerings for the dead." St. Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage and martyred for the Faith in the year 258 writes: "It is one thing to be cast into prison, not to be released until the last farthing is paid, it is very different to be cleansed a long time by fire and to have purged away all sin by suffering."
St. Augustine who died in Africa in the year 430 narrates the request made by his mother on her death bed, "Place my body anywhere," she said to him, "be not troubled about it, this only I ask of you. that you remember me at the Altar of the Lord wherever you be."
St. Cyril writing in Jerusalem in the 4th century says. "We pray for our Fathers and Bishops and in general for all among us who are departed believing that it will be the greatest relief to them."
The English Church up to the Reformation believed in Purgatory as is evident from the records of the great provincial council held at Cealchythe in the presence of the King of Mercia with his princes and great officers in 816: it was enacted: "As soon as a bishop is dead, let prayers and alms forthwith be offered."
All Souls Day was instituted in England by St. Odillo in the year 998 and was soon adopted by the whole western church as a day for the commemoration of all the faithful departed.
The oldest missals or Mass books had prayers for the dead. In Bobbio in Italy there was found a Missal that goes back to the 5th century. In this Missal there are two Masses for the dead.
Let us insert a few prayers from this ancient Missal: "Grant, 0 Lord to Thy servant deceased, the pardon of all his sins in that secret abode, where there is no longer room for penance; do Thou, 0 Christ, receive the soul of Thy servant, and forgive him his trespasses."
In the Mass for the dead, we translate the following prayer: "Propitiously grant that this sacred oblation may be profitable to the dead in obtaining pardon."
There has been no recent revelation made to the reformers that denies the existence of Purgatory, nor has science or modern methods of education so improved human judgment as to make possible a rational denial of this ancient belief. We are compelled to conclude that Purgatory exists and that the souls of Protestants as well as Catholics are detained therein and that they are in need of prayers which are denied them in many instances because of lack of faith. It is cruel to fill one's ears with cotton so that the cry of distress may not be heard and this is what is being done by those who oppose a belief in the doctrine of Purgatory. They are doing a tremendous wrong to those who need their assistance; sophistry and ignorance will not relieve their want; rather let us see in the light of faith those souls in distress crying to us for assistance. God has deigned to enlighten us through His Church that we can assist them by our prayers.
November 2nd is the day that has been dedicated to the memory of the dead now nearly a thousand years. Visiting the cemeteries and placing flowers on the graves has an emotional appeal for the living but the only thing that helps the dear departed is Masses, prayers and alms deeds.
The Forty Hours devotion opened at St. James Church on Friday. October 3rd, with solemn Mass of Exposition and a procession of the Blessed Sacrament within the church.
0n Friday evening an eloquent and instructive sermon was preached by Rev. John Cowan, assistant pastor at St. John's. 0n Saturday morning there was a High Mass Pro Pace, and on Sunday at 11 o'clock there was Solemn Mass of Reposition and the customnary ceremonies, including procession and singing of the Litany of the Saints.
Father Tallmadge, S.J.,preached to a weli fllled church. The special Mass prepared by the choir was regarded by the congregation as a musical treat, which was only excelled by the student choir in the Sanctuary from Holy Family House. These young men who recently came from Germany gave a magnificent exposition of how church music should be rendered and how attractive it is. Many of those present said they never heard anything more beautiful.
The Mass was celebrated by Rev. Norbert E. Pohl, assisted by Father Tallmadge, S.J., and Father Christ, assistant pastor Immaculate Conception, as Deacon and Sub Deacon. Rev, Robt. McKeon was Master of Ceremonies
For them no more the blazing hearth shall burn.
Or busy housewife ply her evening care.
No children run to lisp their sire's return,
Or climb his knees the evening kiss to share.
Gray
John A. Murphy
John F. Donnelly
Thomas Brady
Mrs. Mary Kehm
Maurice R. Armstrong
Mrs. Cath. Moynihan
James McEvoy
Mrs. Stella Gusmus
Cora Thomure
Harry Hall
James W. Gallaher
Mrs. J.H. Cadwallader
Daniel Kavanaugh
Mrs. Piggot
George Andrew Hruby
Mrs. Lommen
Dr. B.J. Tynan
John Lavin
Isabelle Irvin
Mildred Lindauer
James Earl
Barbara Grosch
Grace Cath. Hastey
Charles Heil
The Toties Quoties indulgence to be applied
to the poor souls can be gained from noon
Sunday, November 2nd to midnight Monday.
November 3rd by all who go to confession
and communion, as often as they make a
visit to the church and pray for the Holy
Futhers intention.
Chas. P. Heil, founder of the Heil Packing Company, and father of Chas. W. Heil, director of St. James Choir, died at St. Anthony's Hospital after an operation for an infection of the bladder on Wednesday, October 8th, and was buried from St. Bernard's Church on Saturday. October 11th.
Mr. Heil was 88 yeal'S old and came to St. Louis from Germany 58 years ago. He was the father of 11 children, seven of whom are now living. His first wife Rose, nee Riegel, the mother of all his children, died in 1900.
The Heil Packing Co., now a Million Dollar Corporation, had its small beginning in Rock Springs and was established by the late Mr. Heil. He was a man of fine ideals and broad vision. He had a virile handsome face and when he smiled his blue eyes twinkled and his whole countenance beamed with radiant animation and humor.
He was of the Old School and frequently gathered round his patriarchial board all his descendants in each of whom he took a fatherly interest. He was much beloved by them and the tears shed at his grave by his nephews and nieces was a fine tribute to his character.
Mr. Heil became a convert to the Faith and previous to his death received the last Sacraments from Father Holweck, pastor of St. Bernard's, who conversed with him in his mother tongue.
May he rest in peace.
A spiritual bouquet of 10 Masses for the repose of Mr. Heil was offered on the occasion of the funeral by Father O'Connor, the Clegg family, Mr. and Mrs. Pahl, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Dolan, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Boerckel, Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Klasek, Mr. and Mrs. G.W. Meyer, Mr. and Mrs. W. Bosche, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Walsh, and Mr. and Mrs. R.E. Pierce.
Father Joseph Himel of Luebbering parish, Missouri, spent the past week at the Rectory
Archbishop John J. Glennon administered the Sacrament of Confirmation at St. James Church, Tamm and Wade Avenues, Tuesday, October 7, to a class of 194 persons, of which 17 were converts, 8 adults, 80 boys and 89 girls.
His Grace scrutinized the church and was observed during the sermon studying its various artistic features. He seemed to be much impressed with the tapestry behind the main altar and explained its significance. He urged all present to make a deeper study of things that pertain to our Christian faith and said there is bequeathed to us a rich treasury of symbolism, the meaning of which the present generation does not understand. There have been architects, poets and musicians who applied their genius and dedicated their talents to the service of God. Their works are an inspiration to the Christian and the scholar, and they have given to us masterpieces in music, paintings, sculpture and architecture which must ever be associated with the best human expression of the beautiful and the sublime.
The sermon on the occasion was preached by Father Imbs, S.J., minister at the Florissant House. Among the clergy present in the sanctuary were: Rev. John Lyons, pastor St. Pius church; Rev. John Nugent, St. Catherines; Rev. J.P. Ryan, Immaculate Conception, Maplewood;, Rev. George Keating, St. Mary and Joseph's; Rev. James McGrath, St. Columbkills; Rev. John Godfrey, Ferguson, Rev, Wallen, Holy Family House; Rev. R. McKeon, St. Mark's.
The clergy were entertained in the afternoon at the Rectory by Father O'Connor and a sumptuous meal was served by the house-keeper who was assisted by Mrs. Moore. Mrs. McKeon, Mrs. Pierce.
In the evening Father Lavery and Father Butler dropped in and all had a very pleasant time.
By the time Let's Go comes from Press, the Triduum in preparation for the Feast of Christ the King will be near a close and it is expected that under the direction of the Rev. J.P. Shaw, Redemptorist Father will have attained considerable success.
The officers of St. James branch of the Holy Name Society have patronized this movement and mailed 500 letters to members last week. It is expected that every man and boy in the parish will go to Communion on Sunday morning at the 7:30 Mass. To give an opportunity to those who are unable to go to confession on Saturday night one of the clergy will hear confessions on Sunday morning from 6:30 to 7:30.
Father Shaw will also conduct a mission for the school children, beginning Thursday. October 23rd.
The Feast of All Saints, Saturday, November 1st is a Holy Day of Obligation and Masses at St. James Church will be said at 5:30, 7:30, and 9 o'clock. The eve or this Feast is not only a day of abstinence but also a Fast Day. Confessions Friday 3:30 to 4:30, 7:30 to 8:30.
Patricia Ellen O'Neill, 6536a Clayton Ave.
John Joseph Billings, 6408 Lloyd Ave
Patricia Ann Crowley, 1904 Knox Ave.
Marie Janet Besand, 6844 Bleeck Ave.
Maddalena Manuela Rocchio, 1356 Graham.
William Albert Matay, 1927 Kraft Ave.
Bernice Anna Dyer, 6431 W. Park Ave.
Irene Maria Mareks, 6117 Crescent Ave.
Mrs. Cooney, 1309 Graham Street, mother to Mrs. LaGarce, is daily expected to die at St. John's Hospital where she is nursed by her daughter, Sister Juliana.
A grand lotto and card party including bridge, pinochle, and euchre will be given by the Mothers' Club in the school hall, 1348 Tamm Avenue, all Friday, November 21st, at 8:00 p.m.
The Mothers' Club expects the support of all the parishioners, but especially of those who have children in school and for whose benefit the lunchroom is conducted.
Donations of prizes will be appreciated and may be sent to one of the following ladies: Mrs. T. Cullen. 1111a Central Avenue, HIland 2553; Mrs. J. Lawless, 1139 Childress, HIland 0631; Mrs. Wm. Wack, 1546 Tamm, HIlland 3648; Mrs. P.H. Murphy. 6219a Victoria, HIland 3251; Mrs. Bovard, 2201 Forest, HIland 5747; Mrs. L. Birtley, 2012 Knox Avenue, HIland 7982; Mrs. Lambert, 1455 Graham, HIland 2084.
Lotto Committee: Mrs. P.H. Murphy, Mrs. Jackson, Mrs. Foley, Mr. Bosche, Mr. Lambert.
Bridge Committee: Mrs. G. Kletzker, Mrs. J. Lawless, Mr. McGann.
Euchre Committee: Mrs. O'Shaughnessey, Mrs. Sauers, Mrs. Reese.
Lunch Committee: Mrs. Dan Murphy, Mrs. F. Walsh, Mrs. Wm. Wack, Mrs. Bosche, and Mr. Hense.
On Friday. October 31st, the eve of the Feast of All Saints, a Hallowe'en party, under the direction of the Holy Name Society will be presented in the school hall at 8 p.m. The program is not yet complete but many popular entertainers have promised to contribute to the evening's pleasure. In all probability there will be a raffie of fowl. The receipts will go into the treasury of the Holy Name Society and every enthusiastic Holy Name member is requested to advertise the event among his friends.
Because November 2nd falls on Sunday the Feast of All Souls is transferred to Monday, November 3rd.
Masses will be offered in St. James Church every half hour from 5:30 until 8:00 a.m. when the last Mass will be said.
A decent respect for the dead should incline every Catholic to hear at least one Mass and devote a half hour to the memory of their dear ones. Don't say you are too busy, you find time to go to the races, picture shows, and ball games, and if there is a will there will also be a way found to discharge this pious duty.
Dean Bisso, 6317 West Park Avenue, a student of Christian Brothers College, was threatened with blood poisoning as a result of a blistered toe, and regretted he was not able to participate in the soccer game at Memphis between the High School in that town and the Christian Brothers College.
Mrs. James Harris, 6217 West Park Avenue, had her hand caught in a wringer and surfered a severe contusion.
Paul Colombo, 6224 W. Park Avenue, contracted a disease known as trench mouth and had severe hemorrhages. He is now convalescing.
Mrs. Ed. Schuler, 5830 Victoria Avenue, has been informed by her physician that she must undergo an operation very soon for gall stones.
Mrs. A. Cunningham, 6654 Mitchell Avenue, continues to be in a critical condition. She has recurrent periods of relief and is at such times fully conscious and talks with the family.
Membership: Anyone, who has made First Communion can belong to this society by registering his name on one of the Purgatorian sheets that will be distributed in church prior to the Feast of All Souls, and inclosing the fee of $1.00.
Privileges: All who are so registered are living members and should a member die within the year will be given a daily memento in the spiritual director's Mass, three Masses will be offered for the repose of a deceased member before a year has expired, and the living members will offer three communions for him.
Obligations: Practically none, except to assist whenever it is convenient at the Purgatorian Society Masses and remember deceased members in one's prayers. The duty of offering three communions for a member who dies can be discharged on Sundays.
It is customary for living members to list names of deceased relatives and friends on the Purgatorian Society sheet so that they too might share in the prayers and Masses.
On the Feast of All Souls this register is placed on the altar, also each month during the Holy Hour and on the morning of First Fridays when a memento is made of living and deceased members.
Three Masses are offered by each priest on the Feast of All Souls, one of which is for all the faithful departed, the second for the Holy Father's Intention and the third will be offered in St. James Church by Father O'Connor for the living and deceased members of the Purgatorian Society.
Did you know that your heating system could be made more efficient, your fuel bill reduced. Your home heated with less drudgery, and heat sent to the rooms instead of being left in the basement. This can be accomplished by proper insulation of your furnace or boiler. Call HIland 2031.
The children's lunchroom will reopen Monday, November 3rd and a wholesome, nutritious lunch will be served at minimum cost to the school children.
The Menu for November
MONDAY
Hot roast beef sandwich ..... $.05
Chili mac ...................... .05
Pie ............................ .05
Small cakes..................... .01
Milk ........................... .01
TUESDAY
Home made soup .............. .05
Saudwiches ..................... .05
Jello or fruit salad ........... .05
Milk ........................... .03
WEDNESDAY
Hot hamburger sandwich ...... .05
Baked beans or macaroni ........ .05
Pie ............................ .05
Milk ........................... .03
THURSDAY
Hot chili ................... .05
Hot frank sandwich ............. .05
Pie ............................ .05
Milk ........................... .03
FRIDAY
Hot spaghetti ............... .05
Egg salad or cheese sandwich ... .05
Pie ............................ .05
Milk ........................... .03
Mrs. Charles Klasek, 6212 Victoria, HIland 4858, has been re-appointed by the Mothers' Club to direct the lunchroom, in the operation of which she has served during the past few years with unfailing interest and splendid efficiency. She solicits assistance from ladies who have time to spend a few hours one day each week in serving the children and is especially desirous or making the acquaintance of new parfshioners. For further information, phone her.
John J. and son Joseph P. Houlihan and family who during the past quarter century had resided at 6319 Clayton Avenue, moved to their nursery at Creve Coeur Lake last Saturday.
This family has been associated with all the activities of St. James Parish since they first moved into this district. They have been regarded as exemplary Catholics and their contributions to church support have been at all times generous and substantial.
Business demands required their transfer to the Nursery. They have expressed deep regret for having to leave the Parish and we can assure them of our regret also. We wish them continued success and God's blessing.
Dorothy Marquitz, 6204 Clayton Avenue, is we are informed, a patient at the Missouri Baptist Hospital, after an operation for appendicitis.
Father O'Connor has visited 850 families in this locality during the past year. He probably knows more about the material and spiritual well being of the Community than anyone else in this neizhborhood. He states that he did not fine more than ten families who are in extreme want and though he found many people out of work there is scarcely a home that had not some one who is employed. He intends giving at the end of the year a detailed report as to the number of families in the parish and their spiritual status.
He received from Catholics and Non-Catho1ics a very kindly reception, and spent at least a quarter of an hour in every home that he visited. He wishes to express his gratitude for the many expressions of goodwill which he received.
Mr. Lesyna Sr., 6668 Oakland Avenue, received the last sacraments during the past week. He is suffering acute attacks of heart disease.
To raise a fund to meet the indebtedness for improvements in the lunchroom of the parochial school, the Mothers' Club has been giving a series of lottos and card parties, the first of which was held September 24th and has netted on incomplete returns $250.00. The second which was given on October 15th was less successful as a storm came up about the time the doors were opening and resulted in a small attendance. The returns however which are incomplete amount to $125.00.
Among the ladies who have promoted these affairs, the officers state they have received the greatest assistance from Mrs. P.H. Murphy, 6219a Victoria Avenue: Mrs. Lawless, Childress Avenue; Mrs. Lambert, Mrs. Pierce, Mrs. Kletzker, Mrs. Dan Murphy, Mrs. Sauer, Mrs. Birtley, Mrs. McGann, Mrs. Hack, Mrs. Bosche, Mrs. Reese, and Mrs. O'Shaughnessey.
Mrs. Klasek and Mrs. Mary Boerckel make no mention of their efforts but we know that they are the moving spirits at the back of the committee, as are Mrs. W. Meyer, Mrs. Ed. Cross, Mrs. Cullen, Mrs. McDonnell, Mrs. Foley.
The attendance prize at the last lotto which was a 17 jewel watch, was won by Miss Minette Sapf, beauty shop director at Victoria and Tamm Avenues. She expressed a preterence for a money prize and was awarded cash.
Mr. Hubert Ward, 1041 Louisville Avenue, wants his friends and the parishioners to know that he has opened a dry goods store at the intersection of Clayton and Crescent Avenues. Mr. Ward has, during the past quarter century, been associated with big department stores and intends furnishing the community with textiles as good and as cheap as can be purchased any place in town. He will specialize in children's clothes.
WANTED - March 1930 issue of Let's Go.
St. James Alumni Dramatic Club decided at a meeting that was held last Monday evening in the school hall to present a play at the Lambskin Hall, Tuesday, November 25th. entitled "THE ABSENT MINDED BRIDEGROOM."
Jerry Gessell will be director and the officers are busy selecting a cast. Ticket sales will be under the direction of the officers of the Alumni Association. They intend making a door to door canvass of the parishioners and are hoping to be given a kindly reception and enthusiastic support.
At the regular monthly meeting October 21st, St. Ann's Sodality elected officers from the twenty-seven members present. The results were: Mrs. Jas. Foley, President; Mrs. Jas. Lawless, Vice-President: Mrs. Wm. Menner, Treasurer: Mrs. Robt. Griffin, Secretary; Mrs. Ben. Plengemeier, Assistant Secretary; Mrs. Thos. Meehan, Medal Bearer; and Mrs. Jas. Gallaher, Sr., Assistant Medal Bearer. At the November meeting they will be informally installed into office.
The Dolan Realty Co., 6401 Manchester Avenue, submits the following:
6515a West Park Avenue - Dandy 4 room all modern brick flat; $40.00.
6532a Clayton Avenue - 4 rooms and Murphy Bed; $45.00.
1555a Tamm Avenue - 4 rooms, all modern; $40.00.
6447 Dale - 4 large rooms, bath. Brick flat, made street; $25.00.
6237 Clayton Avenue - New Apartment. 3 rooms, up to date, oil heat; $55.00.
1540 Tamm Avenue - 6 room modern brick residence, 2 car garage. This is Danny Murphy's home and will rent cheaply as he intends living at his mother's and will move in there immediately
There is a shortage of saucers and dishes in the lunchroom. The ladies in charge request parishioners to forward them their incomplete sets.
Mr. Martin Coad, of 6433 Lloyd Avenue, has been touring Texas and sent us a card from Corpus Christie on which there is a display of a variety of fish of unusual kind and size. He did not inform us if he were in on the catch, but we know if he failed, it was not his fault. He has usually fish behind his fish stories.
Mrs. Carroll, 1461 Sproule Avenue, is in a critical condition in her home.
Dale Avenue will be a through street from Manchester to McCausland Avenue in a few weeks, and will make possible traffic from Lloyd Avenue through the center of the west end of the parish. This is an improvement that has long since been desired by the parishioners, many of whom found it almost impossible to get to the parish church when the weather was extreme.
We have but faith: we cannot know;
For knowledge is of things we see;
And yet we trust it comes from Thee -
A beam in darkness: let it grow.
Tennison
The Mothers' Club would appreciate a donation of a large old fashioned wardrobe to be used in the school to keep donations of old clothes. Many of the parishioners are kind enough to donate old clothes which the Mothers' Club washes and mends and gives to the Sisters for distribution among the poor.
When the frost lies on the pumpkin
In these late October days
Spread o'er the whole of nature
Like a painted silver glaze.
The chill that's mantled 'round us
In a somber, gray-hued cloak
Bites the marrow in our thin clad bones
And reveals our breath, as smoke.
Fur coats must soon be taken
From Summer's storage niche
Our legs become accustomed
To flannel's aggravating itch.
Coal bins will be replenished
'Gainst winter's chilling blow
Green fields will be transfigured
By the white, of drifting snow.
The Pastor's gone a-hunting
Well hid behind a blight
As the' rain drives birds to cover
From their interrupted flight.
Each day his dogs are taken
Afield to loose their joints
And refresh their faulty memories
Of scents, retrieves, and points.
The series games are over
And though our Cards have lost
We resent insinuations
That their efforts were a "frost."
The Dairy Show is ended
God's creatures in the flesh
Have returned to native pastures
To graze and browse, -- refresh.
The rites of Confirmation
Many dear ones have enrolled
Into the Faith, we're hoping
Heaven's paths to them unfold.
That their lessons may have pointed
Like a beacon in the night
To guide their lives, unsullied
Into everlasting light.
This month of sweet devotions
That's fading to an end
To the Holy Saints we oft' implore
A guiding hand to lend.
Their lives may strengthen our resolve
A sate-guard from within
That our journey's destination
May be the Port of Him.
In the evenings during Rosary
Our beads, with fervor count
And prayers repeat to Mary, Queen
As our pious feelings mount.
Mother Divine, we supplicate
Your aid in all our needs
Hail Mary, full of grace
Sponsor of our deeds.
And the Benediction service
To the Christ Son, Mary brought
God's message of deliverance
Through the lessons that he taught.
Each word and act He hears and sees
Whether one of good or bad.
Happy in our righteousness,
But alas, so often sad.
The Triduum, mass devotion
To Jesus Christ, the King,
Supreme in all the Universe
Well may his praise, we sing.
Patron of sinners, interceding
For every fallen soul
Our pillar of salvation
The Christian's final goal.
And e're long Hallowe'en will bring
Those pranks of by-gone times,
Grotesque witches, riding switches
To the tune of nursery rhymes,
A heritage of customs
Which have long become passe
Though masquerade, and serenade
Is the business of the day.
Poor Souls in Purgatory
Awaiting Judgment Day
Suffering untold misery
The sinner's debt to pay.
Are remembered for each kindness
And meted out a share
Of the indulgences we're granted
For the month we've spent in prayer.
As November comes, the Pastor's brow
Is furrowed deep with care
For administration worries
Beset him everywhere.
Notes must be paid, with cash
'Tho he knows his flock is poor.
We find ourselves quite rich, in Grace,
But the wolf is at our door.
Uncle HENRY
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