FATHER PATHE HAS THE HEART OF A BOY AND THE HUMOR OF A STRIPING AND IS A GREAT MISSIONARY
The unique opportunity of doing good and the natural inclination to spread the Gospel and bring back stray sheep to the flock of Christ should inspire every Catholic to go into the highways and byways and spread abroad the knowledge that St. James Parish is having a mission under the direction of Rev. Michael Pathe, a Redemptorist father whose ability as an orator and whose charm as a priest has attracted the attention of non-Catholics and Catholics during the past fifteen years in the many towns and cities in the United States wherever he has given a Mission.
Father Pathe is unlike most missionaries in so far as he has retained the heart of a boy and the mischievous humor of a stripling. In his most serious discourses he does not permit an opportunity to pass of making people laugh at their foibles and eccentricities. He delights in poking fun at the infirmities of human nature and in serious contrasts he dramatically depicts the horror and heinousness of sin and the Holiness of God. Usually his presence attracts a capacity audience and the attendance becomes larger as the mission advances because those who once hear him return next night and bring with them a neighbor or a relative whom they desire to share with them the elation aroused by his discourses.
His personality is peculiarly attractive to youth. They catch from his words the realization that he understands their temptations and is in sympathy with their spirit. No one among them has fallen so low or made such spiritual errors as to put them outside his brotherly solicitude. Like the Master, he comes, not to tread upon the broken reed, but to call back sinners from erring ways. "I came," said Christ, "not to call the just, but sinners to repentance." "Those who are in health need not the physician but those who are ill." In Father Pathe, the Mary Magdalens, the publicans and prodigals will find a father and a friend. The message he will bring them is one of hope and spiritual regeneration. "All you who labor and are burdened, come to me and I will refresh you. My yoke is sweet and my burden light."
The mission will bring joy and peace to many a foot sore traveller who has journeyed from sin tavern to sin tavern in search of happiness. "My peace surpasseth all understanding. Not as the world giveth, do I give."
The eternal tangles and triangles of sinful romance create problems that are difficult to unravel. Missionaries are given special faculties to cope with these impediments to a return to the fold. A mission is the call of Jesus to the erring soul. Whilst the mission is in progress, Jesus is passing. Now is the acceptable time. Tomorrow may be too late. There may be no Tomorrow.
Don't suppose your case is hopeless. Until the gates of Hell have closed behind the sinner there is hope. The Devil is the prompter of despair. Come to the Mission and submit your difficulties to the missionaries. You will at least go away no worse than you were before and you will be sure to get a sympathetic hearing. The missionaries have heard worse tales of folly than yours. Before you were born other men and women had charted all the seas of sin. The Cross of Christ has been carried beyond the poles of iniquity. God's mercy is infinite.
Beware of the temptation to make excuses. There is many a soul in Hell who traveled there on a good excuse.
Mr. James Carr, who had been recently residing with his daughter, Mrs. Smith, 6478 Dale Ave., was anointed last Tuesday and taken to the hospital, where he died on Thursday.
WHAT IS A MISSION?
Object
The objects of the Mission is to offer extraordinary opportunities for hearing the Word of God and for worthily receiving the Sacraments. The Church enriches with wonderful favors those who make the Mission well: and we should all earnestly pray to God that not one member of the parish may fail to profit by this season of grace. In the words of St. Paul: "We exhort you that you receive not the grace of God in vain. For He saith: In an accepted time have I heard thee, and in the day of salvation have I helped thee. Behold, now is the accepted time; Behold, now is the day of salvation."
Advice
During: the Mission, avoid all vain amusement, idle conversation, and useless reading, and apply yourself earnestly to the great affair of your eternal salvation. God alone knows how near you are to eternity. We beseech all attending the Mission to pray earnestly for the conversion of sinners. Those who have at any time led people to sin should repair the past by leading others to God. St. James tells us that he who causes a sinner to be converted shall save his own soul from death, and cover a multitude of sins. St. James v, 30.
Resolutions
1. I will attend Mass daily.
2. I will attend every evening service.
3. I will make a good confession and receive Holy Communion.
4. I will try to bring another to the Mission.
5. I will pray for the intention of the Holy Father.
Why Should I Attend This Mission?
1. Because I want to save my soul. "For what shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul." St. Mark 8: 36.
2. Because I desire to be forgiven my sins. "If your sins be as scarlet they shall be made white as snow." Isaiah 1: 18.
3. Because I want to change my life for the better. "Forgettlng the things that are behind and stretching forth myself to those that are before." Phillippians 313.
4. Because I want to hear God's Message "Go and preach my gospel. He who hears you hears me." Luke 10:16.
5. Because I want a blessing on myself and my household. "May the Lord add blessings upon you and upon your family." Psalm cxiii: 14.
6. Because I need many gifts of God. "Every best gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights." St. James 1:17.
7. Because I need the solace of the Holy Spirit. "Come to me all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you, and you shall find rest to your souls." Matt. xi: 28, 29.
8. Because God invites me. "The spirit and the bride say Come!" Apoc. xxi: 17.
Come every Catholic and be renewed in the fervor of your faith. "It is appointed unto all men once to die and after this - the judgment." Heb. ix:27.
Come all non-Catholics and hear the claims of the Bride of Christ, the "pillar and the ground of truth." "Other sheep I have that are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice and there shall be one fold and one shepherd." St. John x: 16.
DON'T LET THE LACK OF MONEY KEEP YOU AWAY FROM YOUR PARISH
St. James Parish, though it cannot boast of the wealth of any of its congregatlon, is never hard pressed for money. The parishioners, as a whole, are generous to a fault, and the parish church was erected without a single collector being sent to anyone's door. It is our purpose to maintain the parish without forced contributtons. Let not your failure to contribute be a reason for keeping you away from your parish church. Your associating with the congregation will be sufficient assurance to us that you are doing your best. Be assured of a welcome whether you are rich or poor.
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Sympathy is extended to Mrs. John Newport, 6420 Wade Ave., on the death of her distinguisherd brother, Father Coffey.
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Keep in touch with parish affairs by reading Let's Go. A copy can he procured free of charge in the vestibule of the church on the first Sunday of each month.
FATHER COFFEY
Father James Coffey, late pastor of St. Leo's, has entered his reward. The metropolitan press favorably and extensively commented on his career. His funeral was a manifestation of his wide popularity. It was, in the opinion of many, one of the biggest that has been given to a priest in this city this past decade and there have been a few very notable pastors buried in these years.
Father Coffey was never a man who courted popularity. He was reserved and humble. His activities sometimes necessitated his name coming into prominence in the press. It embarrassed him to make the front page and if anything might deter him from doing what he considered his duty it was fear of notoriety.
The appetite for praise is curbed in the priesthood. The judicious among the clergy, fear it. Popularity is not regarded by them as an equivalent of virtue. The motivating force of a priestly life is the silent approval of God. "It matters little to me," says St. Paul, "to be judged by human day." A priest who thinks more of his reputation than of his duty is apt to become a sounding brass.
Father Ryan, C.M., who preached the funeral panegyric summed up Father Coffey's character aptly when he said, "Father Coffer believed his duty was to work and die," complete surrender and consecration of self to his sacred ministry. Each day he worked, and in all his labors he was dead to himself, dead to the applause and worldly appeal, dead to self interest and family ties.
His sermons were always instructive and impressive. When he spoke his hearers felt they were listening to a man of God. Sincerity, earnestness and conviction embellished his thoughts. He rigidly suppressed every inclination to play to the galleries.
He was not popular as the world estimates popularity. He probably made in the course of his career, bitter enemies. A strong, sincere man does not pussy foot. When Father Coffey determined to put his foot down on anything he put behind it all the weight of his character and it hurt. Priestly men make poor politicians. The glad hand is often a cheap hand.
Father Coffey's best instruction was his life. Other men preach ideals. He lived an ideal. He attracted souls to God and led many into the religious state, and he has left them an example. His influence goes on. May he rest in peace.
HONOR PUPILS IN THE PAROCHIAL SCHOOL
In the semi-annual school examinations, the following children in their respective grades were awarded the highest marks.
Eighth Grade - Muriel Roach, 96; Mary Louise Godfrey, 95; Agnes Duggan, 94.
Seventh Grade - Hubert Ward, 94; Edward Corbett, 94; Sadie Sharamitaro, 93.
Sixth Grade - Rita Ward, 94; Gertrude Fay, 94; Edw. Regan, 93.
Fifth Grade - Carmelita Kelly, 95; Chas. Klasek, 94; Jane Schmid, 92.
Fourth Grade - Anna Dempsey, 95; Helen Frances Walsh, 93; Albert Frattini, 92.
Third Grade - Evangeline Vellios, 96; Howard Holzum, 95; Frank Vellios, 94.
Second Grade - Vernon Page, 96; Margaret Morrissey, 95; Catherine Lafser, 93.
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FOR SALE - Four-room modern bungalow; 2019 Schaeffer Pl. Call Mrs. Matreci, HI-land 2875.
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FOR RENT - Beautiful four-room modern flat, tile bath, screen porch; $40. Call Mrs. Manion, HIland 4453.
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FOR SALE - 6319 Wade Ave.; 5 rooms and bath, modern mat brick bungalow, almost new. Owner on place. Must sell.
THE DIOCESAN ANNUAL REPORT
At the end of the year the pastor in each parish of the Archdiocese is obligated to forward a report to the Diocesan Chancery which demands a complete story of the parish finances, and categorical answers to 62 questions pertaining to the application of and compliance with the Canon Law of the Church and the Decrees of the Diocesan Synod.
The income tax report is easy in comparison to the requirements of this document. It is a time-consuming demand and a form of examination of conscience which leaves the pastors in an anxious mood during the first month of the year, and keeps them on a trot the following eleven months.
Here are a few of the questions asked:
Number of families: Catholic, mixed; number of souls: practical Catholics, lapsed Catholics, non-Catholics. Canon 470.
Are zealous efforts made to bring back to their religious duties the lapsed Catholics?
Number of Baptisms: names of all baptized.
Names and number of all confirmed. Canon 470.
Number of marriages: Catholic mixed and invalid marriages involving Catholics. Canon 470.
Number of Catholic children not attending a Catholic school. Canon 1113.
Is proper provision made for the Catholic education of the children?
Does the priest give adequate instruction in the Parish School? Canon 467.
Are the sick visited frequently and zealously attended? Canon 468.
Are the poor properly provided for?
Number of deaths and names of deceased.
In funeral service is all praise and all blame of deceased avoided? Canon 1347.
Are the books containing records of Baptism, Deaths, Confirmation, First Communion and Marriages kept in proper order and up to date? Canon 470.
Are copies of these records sent annually to Chancery? Canon 470.
Is a sermon preached each Sunday and Holy Day at each Mass? Canon 467.
Is a sermon on marriage preached at least annually? Are special sermons preached outside Mass during Lent and Advent? Is the Holy Hour held weekly? Canon 469.
Are people encouraged to attend Mass daily? Canon 467.
Are people encouraged to read the Sacred Scriptures, lives of the Saints, Catholic literature and Catholic periodicals? Diocesan Synod No. 36.
Is there anything savoring of commercialism in the conduction of any devotion? Canon 1178.
Is the music at Mass and other functions rendered according to the Laws of the Church? Canon 1264.
Are the people encouraged to take an active and intelligent part in all the services of the Church?
Are your accounts always kept in such good order that in the event of your death there would be no difficulty in quickly determining the exact status and whereabouts of Parish funds?
State amount of insurance on each parish building. Describe building, give an inventory of the furnishing and an estimate of its worth.
These are only a few of the duties that fall on a pastor. To perform them as accurately as the report suggests, he has not sufficient hours to his day, days to his week, and weeks to his years. The Canon Law that permits him to take two months vacation is not emphasized in this report; perhaps it has in mind a man who has worked twenty hours a day and never plays pinochle.
MRS. FOY DIES
Mrs. Bridget M. Foy, wife of Thos. Foy, 1004 Forest Ave., and mother of a large family, died at her home on Feb. 14th after a chronic illness at a ripe old age and as buried from St. James Church Feb. 17th. Her remains Were interred in Calvary Cemetery.
The Foy family were formerly parishioners, of St. Malachy's Church, and the large attendance at the funeral was a testimony, of her Catholicity and respectability in that community.
Father Martine, assistant pastor Blessed Sacrament Church, also a former St. Malachy's parish member,was present in the Sanctuary. He said Mrs. Foy was a quiet, gentle woman who had little to say all her life but was much respected by her neighbors. She received the last Sacraments.
To her husband and bereaved children we extend our sympathy.
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Pat Phelan is not much improved, he has not regained his speech.
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Miss Carreras has made an unexpected recovery. She accompanied her sister, Miss Minnie, on a walk in the Park last week.
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Mrs. Hannah Brady, 1339 Graham, was anointed last week. She is much improved.
THE UNITED ENTERTAINMENT OF HOLY JOHN'S BARBER SHOP NAME SOCIETY AND BOY SCOUTS
A benefit and educational entertainment was given by St. James Branch No. 1 of the Holy Name Society and Troop 16 of the Boy Scouts of the Parish at the Evergreen Hall on the Sunday before Lent when the boys gave a pageant in which the aims and initiation ceremonies of these societies were exhibited to an enthusiastic audience of more than 300.
After this brief ceremonial short addresses were made by Scoutmaster Morgan P. Foley, Clarence Gesell, Robt" Edward Pierce, president of the Holy Name Society, John Wack, chairman of the Boy Scout Committee, and Father O'Connor. There were community singing, and vocal solos by Miss Helen Muehling and Jack Webb. The rest of the evening was pleasantly filled with old fashioned dances and lunch periods. Frank Walsh acted as Master or Ceremonies.
The net receipts so far are approximately $75.
The entertainment aroused an additional interest in the boy scout movement in the parish and has intensified the ambition or the youngsters to be first class scouts and good Holy Name members.
On Wednesday. Feb. 18th, the Central district held a board of review for second and first class scout candidates and 18 boys from St. James group passed the final test and are now second class boy scouts.
Wm. Wack, Bob Wack and James Kelley were awarded special prizes for selling the most tickets for the entertainment.
ANNA DOLAN GETS MARRIED
Miss Anna M. Dolan. daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Pat Dolan, 6227 Victoria Ave., was married at the Rectory on February 21 to Joe W. Humphrey, a radio repair man. Mr. Humphrey is a non-Catholic and has been taking instructions from Father O'Connor with the understanding that he will be free to form a mature judgment of the facts. This is an intelligent procedure for one outside the church and is one we recommend to all non-Cathollcs. The Catholic Church has been grossly misrepresented by many of its critics. Its doctrines have captivated more than 300 million people in the present generation, and has affected the course of civilization for more than nineteen centuries. "There is not and never was, on this earth," writes Lord McCaulay, (a non-Catholic) "a work of human policy so well deserving of examination as the Roman Catholic Church," and yet there are millions of well educated people in the world who have never taken the trouble to give a dispassionate examination to its teaching.
Miss Anna Dolan has been associated with the activities of St. James Parish since her childhood. We are glad she is married. Her husband impresses us as being a fine manly young fellow. We congratulate the young couple and wish them years of married bliss.
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Donations of linen for the Sanctuary and altar railing have been made by Mrs. Pursley, Mrs. McCauley, Mrs. Kietzker and Mrs. Griffin. Members of st. Ann's Sodality have volunteered to make albs. Miss Agnes Kern is assisting Sister Sacristan in cutting and designing the various articles. The quantity of linen donated to date is not sufficient to meet the urgent requirements of the Sanctuary.
MARRIAGE BELLS
This was literally true of the last marriage in the parish church. Wedding bells rang in the marriage of John Martin Mullahy and Olivia Renalda 0'Jeman the morning of Feb. 12th, when Rev. Thos. N. Knapp, S.J., assisted by Father O'Connor, officiated at the ceremony. Many people supposed that the bells were rung because the Pope was broadcasting and considered their peal exceptionally joyous. They were indeed joyous bells such as have been heard only at Easter and Christmas, but they will continue in future to announce a marriage from Nuptial Mass, which is marriage in accordance with the spirit of the Church.
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Mrs. R. Brent Murphy is recuperating at home from an operation she recently underwent at St. Mary's Hospital.
WHAT IS THIS CATHOLIC CHURCH?
The Catholic Church is an organization. The Pope, the Bishop of Rome, is its head. The originator of this Society was Christ. The charter members were the Apostles. Membership in this organization is procured through Baptism.
The purpose of this organization is to spread a certain body of doctrines concerning the nature of man, his duty to his Creator and his ultimate end.
The Catholic Church claims she was established by Christ and was given by Him a Mission to teach all Nations, to teach what He commanded and to teach all days to the end of the world. "As the Father sent me, I send you. Teach all Nations, teach all truths, teach whatsoever I have commanded you."
She affirms that she alone on earth has the authority to teach men the essentials of their nature and faith. "Who hears you hears me, who despiseth you despisetb me."
Christ continues His Mission through His Church.
Is one church as good as another? There is but one church of divine institution. There can be no other. One faith, one baptism, one God Father or all. "Other sheep I have who do not belong to this fold." It is necessary they be brought to me and that there be one fold and one shepherd.
"This claim is the cause at once," says Hilaire Belloc, "of the antagonism which the Church arouses, of the discipline she can exercise and of the solidity of her following."
She is the spiritual mother of all who are born in Christ. She is His spouse.
Those outside of the Church have nothing to fear from this institution because her ways are the ways of peace and the foundation on which her teaching rests is Love. Love is the fulfilling of the law. "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." "If I should know all truths and have not charity it shall profit me nothing."
Love knows no selfishness, and tyranny and love ane opposite poles. They can no more live together than can the lion and the lamb. It is the nature of the lion to kill the lamb, and it is the nature of tyranny to destroy love. Love does not destroy, nor make prisons. Love has no steel knuckles. It is of its nature protective and solicitous for the happiness of its loved ones.
The church loves the human family and makes no distinction of Race or Nation. It protects the unborn babe, the aged, the unfit, the imbecile. It defends life, property and human rights and is the guardian of liberty and the home.
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Mr. James Pierce, son of Uncle Henry, was in a critical condition at the Deaconess Hospital during the past few weeks and especially on the night when his father was actively promoting the Holy Name and Boy' Scout entertainment at Evergreen Hall. James is now recuperating from a well developed case of arthritis.
CATHOLICS AND NON-CATHOUCS IN THE PARISH
To answer the question in the Diocesan report as to the number of non-Catholics in the parish, we were in a quandary. At best we thought we could only make a guess based upon our general knowledge of the district, but on deeper consideration we decided to become fact-finders, and our method was the following:
We went into the records of Catholic homes and found in a section 199 families who had 212 children of elementary school age. This led us to the conclusion that there is, at an average, a school child to a family. We also learned that there are 800 children in the Dewey School, 400 in the Gratiot, 600 in the Roe School, 400 in St. James, or 2200 children in the district and the same number of families. We also found there are 4 1/7 individuals to a Catholic family, and about 4 to the rest. This enabled us to estimate the population as being about 9000 and as we knew there were 750 nominal Catholic families or about 3200 souls, we concluded there are in the neighborhood 5800 non-Catholtcs and 3200 Catholics.
As a check on this estimate we had a count of the number of families in Tamm Avenue which has a high rate of Catholics, and of the Leahy Subdiviaion which has a higher percentage of non-Catholtcs and the count showed there are 120 families on Tamm Ave. of which 79 are nominal Catholics; and 80 families in the Leahy Subdivision of which 26 are Catholics. There are 105 Catholic families in these two districts in which resides a total of 200 families.
In the neighborhood of St. James Church we conclude the number of Catholics and non-Catholics are about even, but in the whole district from Forest Ave. to Macklind Ave. and from Elizabeth Ave. to the Park, there are two non-Catholics to every Catholic.
Notwithstanding this, we are not a bit fearful of our neighbors. They are like ourselves, very human people, and they are animated, as is evident in time of sickness or death, with a fine spirit of goodwill.
Christianity does not teach people to hate, it encourages them to love.
There are probably 350 children whose parents are nominal Cathollcs attending the district Public School and not more than 50 of them attend Catechetical instructions.
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Billy Brady, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Brady, after undergoing a variety of at afflictions, is now threatened with pneumonia.
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Sister Mary Etta, the kindergarten teacher, has been suffering from sore throat and loss of voice the past few weeks. Her condition became very serious during the past few days and she was transferred to St. John's Hospital. She makes light of her illness but the community are gravely concerned. Say a prayer for her speedy recovery. She has been a great favorite with her class and they miss her.
WHY PARISHES? CAN'T PEOPLE GO WHERE THEY LIKE?
WHY PARISHES? CAN'T PEOPLE GO WHERE THEY LIKE?A parish is a portion of a diocese under the authority of a priest legitimately appointed to secure in virtue of his office for the faithful dwelling therein the helps of religion.
Uncertainty of parish boundaries may work harm and the Council of Trent orders the boundaries of parishes to be defined.
All who are not travellers and who have a home or board within these boundaries for over a month automatically become members of the parish in which territory they reside. (Exception being made for those who belong to a National Parish). From this results parochial law, i.e. the reciprocal rights and duties of the parish priest and parishioners.
The primary purpose of parishes is the orderly direction of religious activities and the salvation of souls.
Canon law requires pastors to take a census of parishioners every three years and keep on record the names of each family and the spiritual standing of each parishioner. The purpose of this Canon apparently is to keep the pastor in close contact with members of his flock so that he may the more intelligently attend to their spiritual needs.
The reciprocal obligation of parishioners being in contact with their parish finds its expression in parochial interests. Good works are most productive of merit when they are orderly and disciplined. A parish is like a regiment in an army and its immediate objective is the well being of the local flock. Each parishioner has a duty to interest himself in all that tends to promote parish unity and activity. The active enthusiastic parishioner is the best asset of a parish and shares with the pastors in the work of their ministry. His activity and parish interests increase his fervor and are usually a source of great delight. The first indication that a parishioner gives of faltering faith is a lack of interest in his parish Church. When he fails to be interested in parish life, he ceases to give expression to zeal for the spiritual welfare of his neighbor and loses contact with his pastor and the local flock. He remains a Catholic but assumes the role of being indifferent and by openly manifesting disinterestedness and lack of cooperation he makes it easy for others to lapse into indifference and loss of Faith.
There are more than two hundred Catholic children in St. James Parish who are receiving little or no religious training because their parents are careless and have broken contact with the parish. These children will later be married by the Justice of the Peace and gradually drift away from their Catholic moorings. Their parents in most instances have never been in St. James Church.
Drifting away from one's Parish is the first step towards drifting away from the Church. It is rejection or the paternal care which necessitates a pastor reeding his flock and a reproof at discipline and order in the care of souls. In the accumulated experience of pastors and parishioners there has rarely been found an instance of any great good coming to the Church through parishioners who have lost interest in their own parish.
If social betterment or spiritual delight is more easily procured in a parish which is not one's own, the plain duty of a good Catholic is to transfer not only allegiance but residence to that parish.
If you are zealous for the spread and continuity of your Faith you will endeavor to make your neighbors enthusiastic about the the things in which your parish is interested.
It doesn't promote religion very much to mock one's pastor, parish and fellow parishioner's. The quickest way to kill the effectiveness of a priest or a parish, is to knock.
FATHER POHL HOME FROM ISOLATION HOSPITAL
Father Pohl is convalescing at the Rectory from an almost fatal attack of scarlet fever which caused him to be quarantined the first three weeks of February in the City Isolation Hospital. His condition has so much improved he has begun to resume his pastoral duties and intends appearing before the congregation today, when he will say the two early Masses. He was probably infected whilst in discharge of his duties. He had frequently made sick calls to homes which had scarlet fever.
The early symptoms came January 30; after offering Mass he felt nauseated and suffered intense intestinal cramps and sore throat. Dr. R. Brent Murphy was called twice that day and by evening the patient's condition was so serious it was decided to take him to 8t. Mary's Hospital. Next morning the case was diagnosed as scarlet fever and Father Pohl was taken in an ambulance to the Isolation Hospital.
During the following two weeks he suffered excruciating pains and his kidneys became involved. He was in a critical condition during this time and the medical superintendent of the hospital and his assistants and nurses did all that medical science could do to break the fever and alleviate his suffering. He attributes his recovery to their expert knowledge and the prayers of the congregation.
The congregation was keenly concerned in Father Pohl's recovery as was evident from the number of telephone calls at the Rectory and the many prayers that were offered by the parlshioners. The children especially were deeply afflicted because of his illness and many of them offered daily communion for his recovery - since he came home groups of them have visited him in the Rectorv and all the parishioners are jubilant that he is again among them.
Father Pohl wishes to express his gratitude to God for his recovery, and thanks the parishioners for their many manifestations of affection. He says he feels weak.
John Hruby, a young married man whose home is at 1118 Graham Ave., has scarlet fever and is a patient in the City Isolation Hospital.
EIGHT PHYSICALLY PERFECT CHILDREN
In a physical examination of 150 children, pupils of the parochial school, the Catholic school Health Bureau found only eight who were perfect. Those receiving 100% included Florence Foy, Mary Louise Godfrey, Rosemary Bigney, Mary Virginia Regan, Joseph Imperial, Rolla Gittins, Agnes Dolan, Rosemary Lenci.
The remaining children, it was detected, surfered some physical defect. About 65% failed to get a high percentage because of decayed teeth; 15% were undernourished, 8% had defective sight, 2% ear trouble, 18% infected tonsils, 1% heart trouble.
Each child was given a health report card on which was a recommendation that the family physician be called upon to correct the specific trouble. In the more serious cases the parents were called in or a nurse was sent to the home to confer with them concerning the child's health.
The examination is very thorough and defects were found of which the parents were entirely unaware. One little fellow, it was found, was ruptured and another child has his eyesight much impaired. His mother said she didn't even suspect it. A few children were sent home because they showed symptoms of infectious disease, and a few days later one of these children developed measles and another scarlet fever.
The Catholic School Health Bureau consists of 1 doctor, 2 nurses and a social worker. This staff is maintained by the Council of Catholic Women and their services so far have been given to St. James School, free of charge, but a request was made last July that each parish defray a share of the expense. It is but reasonable that this should he clone, or, that the parents of the children would at least know that they are obtaining this service from the Council of Catholic Women. We suggest that the parents of each child donate through the school $1 for each child that is examined.
The Catholic School Health Bureau also maintains an information bureau and directs the children of the poor to the clinics conducted by the medical school of St. Louis University, the Clinic of St. Mary's Hospital, 1509 Chouteau Ave., DePaul Hospital Clinic and St. John's Hospital. In cases where the parents cannot accompany the child the social worker employed by the bureau takes the child to the clinic and in some instances the Council of Catholic Women have been known to defray the cost of glasses.
To communicate with the Bureau, call GRand 2915.
Prevention of disease. There is an old saying that an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure and medical science has found vaccination a sure preventative of smallpox and innoculation a safeguard against diphtheria. Immunity from diphtheria is not immediate after innoculation and usually takes from 3 to 6 months. Not a single child of those treated last year in the school has been known to become infected though diphtheria developed among other members in the same family who were not innoculated.
The City Health Department is considered the safest to administer the protective serums as it secures its own supplies from dependable sources, but the Catholic Bureau also recommends all reputable family physicians.
The City Health Department innoculates arid vaccinates children in St. James School on stated periods once a year.
Communicable diseases. There is an epidemic of communicable diseases all over the city at the present time and homes are quarantined in every part of the city. The signs on the windows read, Scarlet Fever, Diphtheria, Measles, Meningitis.
A Catholic Bureau representative states that the epidemic is the worst on their record. Six parochial schools have been closed for short periods and one-fourth of the teachers in the public schools, we are informed, have been absent on sick leave.
To prevent the spread of diseases vigilance is recommended in the home and school and children should be kept under observation and separated from their fellows whenever they manifest suspicious symptoms. These are, skin rash, sore throat, vomiting and temperature.
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Bobby Coad has been a prisoner in his home these past few weeks and has been observed watching his companions playing on the street. He describes his illness as "Scarlet and no Fever."
PAROCHIAL SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION NEWS
Mrs. Helen Bawn Bartin, 7348 Ethel Ave., on January 27th gave birth to a girl at St. John's Hospital, who since has been christened at St. Luke's Church and is named Mary Joan. Mrs. Bartin has been detained in the Maternity Hospital these several weeks. Her condition, though not critical, takes a little of the pleasure from the JOY of initial motherhood.
Mrs. Eleanor Bannon Reed, 1943 Mitchell Ave., underwent a follow-up operation at St. John's Hospital where she has been a patient during the past four weeks. Her condition since the operation is very satisfactory and she has maintained a pleasant disposition the greater part of the time.
The Alumni Association Dramatic Club are preparing a play under the direction of Joseph Kelley which will be presented at the St. Louis University Auditorium on the evening of April 15th. The play is entitled "The Goose Hangs High." The sale of tickets is not being rushed until after the Mothers' Club Minstrel. The officers of the association urge the members to get behind the advertising of the play so as to secure an enthusiastic reception for the cast and a well filled house. The funds derived by the sale of tickets will be used to defray the expense of the memorial window erected in the church.
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Mary Margaret Rehagen, daughter of Hazel O'Donnell Rehagen. 1 1/2 years old, died at St. John's Hospital Feb. 7th and was buried from St. James Church Feb. 9th.
Hazel, for the benefit of her children's health, has resided with her mother at 1228 Tamm Ave. during the past two years, and her life would appear to be the Way of the Cross. Her devoted husband, Clement Rehagen, has a position which necessitates his presence in the South and their separation during their days of affliction intensified their grief. They have the deep sympathy of all who know them. Their cross is heavy, but the heavy cross is sometimes given as a supreme test of Christian fortitude.
Mr. and Mrs. Rehagen are very brave in their afflictions.
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The Manufacturers Supper given in the school hall Feb. 12th by the Mothers' Club drew a rather disappointing attendance. Not more than half the plates were taken and the net receipts were only $32. The mothers worked hard and the receipts would be a starvation wage for the hours of labor expended on this venture. But the Mothers Club members are not disheartened, they ran into foul weather, hard times, an epidemic of measles, scarlet fever, and a sprinkling of flu. They will be again on top of the world on St. Patrick's Night when they hope the parishioners will not forget that all their efforts are made for the benefit of the children in the parochial school.
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Wm. Roles, father of Mrs. Arthur Pahl, 1458 Tamm Ave., was rushed to St. Mary's Hospital Saturday night, February 21, at 2 a.m. and was immediately operated upon for hernia. The operation was successful but he has contracted a slight attack of pneumonia. His condition is critical.
THERE WILL BE TROUBLE AND THIS IS A SNARL
The old church hall has been improved at some expense to fit it for recreational and athletic purposes and to provide a meeting place for the youth of the parish. Two, previous efforts to enlist the young people's interest failed because a few Hooligans obstructed the orderly process of running the club and continued their presence after the membership intimated that only persons complying with the requirements of the club were welcome.
As a result no rules could be enforced, no order preserved: the handball court was monopolized by those who were not members and the club disbanded. The young men who were promoting the movement felt they would incur the enmity of the undesirable intruders if they insisted on the enforcement of the rules, and they accepted peace at the cost of having the club fail.
A well disposed group of young men have again resumed athletic exercise in the hall and have constructed a basket-ball court, and organized a club, John Houlihan and a few others are deeply interested in the project. They are planning a program of social and athletic events for the young men and women of the parish.
Mary O'Counell and Florence Wilsdon have been named as a committee to organize the girls. The Pastor strongly approves of the plan and has requested those in charge to leave entirely to him to eliminate those who are not willing to comply with the rules. That is the reason trouble is anticipated. He won't use kid gloves with those who are likely to obstruct the formation of all orderly gathering of young people. Freedom to join the club is the privilege of all but an invitation is extended only to those who are ready to abide with the regulations.
Young men are invited to enter Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights. Initiation fee covering dues for one month, $1. Monthly dues, 50c.
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Mrs. Margaret Buckley, sister of Mrs. James Devaney, 1538 Fairmount Ave., died at St. John Hospital recently. May she rest in peace.
THE MOTHERS' CLUB MINSTREL ST. PATRICK'S NIGHT AT LAMBSKIN HALL
Mrs. Adele Conrov has been practicing military drills in a cast-off police officer's uniform during the past few weeks in preparation for a parade of black faced comedians to the footlights on the stage at Lambskin Hall, 1656 S. Kingshighway, when St. James Mothers'Club will present their annual Minstrel Show on St. Patrick's Night, March 17th. Others in the cast include, Mrs. Corinne Gittins, Mrs. Barney Quinn, Mrs. Wamhoff, Mrs. Kramer, Mrs. Plengemeier.
The show will be directed by Mrs. Uxa and will feature comedy that has local setting and personnel.
All orchestra has been secured that can play Irish jigs and reels and all effort is being made to have on the program old fashioned dances and an Irish sketch that will associate the evening and its pleasures with St. Patrick the great Apostle of the Irish race.
St. Patrick's Night has come to be regarded as an occasion for making a relaxation in the dlaclpllne of Lent and the Church does not frown on it as long as the festivities pertain to reverence and honor to an illustrious Saint of God, but should this feature be eliminated there is no jusitfication for the break in the Lenten program. Mrs. Uxa, in appreciation of this fact, is planning a sketch that will do honor to the occasion.
Reservattons can be made through Mrs. G.W. Meyers, 6144 W. Park Ave., STerling 0045. Tickets 50c, reserved seats 15c extra.
FUNERAL OF MRS, FOLEY'S MOTHER
Mrs. Mary A. Wilson, mother to Mrs. Foley, 1017a Central Ave., age 71, died at her home on February 5th after a brief illness and a slight attack of pneumonia, and was buried on the morning of Feb. 7th from St. James Church.
She had been a widow many years and suffered many privations. She battled bravely all her life to maintain her home and support her children. She received the last Sacraments with great devotion a few days before her death and faced this great ordeal with calm confidence. May she rest in peace.
NORTH ITALY ASSOCIATION ATTENDS FUNERAL
On Saturday, Feb. 21st, a funeral cortege that extended more than a mile wended its way to St. James Church where the North Italian Association and many relatives were present at the funeral of Paul Colombo, age 52, of 6224 W. Park Ave., who died at the City Hospital on Feb. 17th of cancer of the jaw.
Mr. Colombo has been known in this community for many years and was a man of simple, practical faith who rarely or never missed Mass, and, made sacrifices to give his children a parochial school education. He was born in Italy and was much beloved by his fellow immigrants. To his wife and bereaved children we extend our sympathy. Mr. Colombo piously received the Sacraments frequently whilst in the City Hospital and maintained a splendid heroism during the excruciating progress of the disease. May he rest in peace.
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The remains of Mrs. Eltzabeth Christman, whose son, Mr. Wulf, resides at 6438 Wise Ave., were convoyed from Las Vegas, New Mexico, to he interred in St. Louis and the funeral took place from St. James Church on Feb. 23rd with Requiem Mass when many relatives and friends paid their last respects to her memory. She never resided in this community. May she rest in peace.
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Mrs. Margaret Cecilia Newman, nee Glenn, died at her home, 1026 Louisville Ave., on Feb. 15th and was buried from St. James Church on Feb. 18th. She died of cancer and for several days, in a reflective mood, reviewed her life and hopefully anticipated death. She was humble, devout and sincere in her last days and received the Sacraments in a manner that was notably edifying. May she rest in peace.
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Miss Lorene Lutz, daughter of Herbert V. Lutz. 1516 Fairmount Avenue. was received into the Sisters of the order of St. Mary on Feb. 11. Congratulations, Sister Maureen. What a nice Irish name for a lady who is part English and German!
A LETTER FROM SOUTH FOREST PARK IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION
Dear Father O'Connor:
Many, many thanks to you for your splendid mention of this association and for your kind expressions about me in Let's Go. It was most gracious of you. I wish this community had a few more Father O'Connors. You have not only been a great beacon in the spiritual uplift of all of us, Catholic and non-Catholic, but you have taken such interest in our temporal welfare that we have been spurred to greater SERVICE. And Father, that one word speaks volumes.
Mrs. Bellairs joins me in wishing you every blessing. And again. many, many thanks.
Sincerely,Jock Bellairs.
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Five non-Catholic families appealed at the Rectory one day last. week for help. They were in extreme want. The membership of the combined families is 31. Father O'Connor filled their baskets at a neighboring store and Ray Dolan who happened to come along, played the good Samaritan and paid the bill. It cost him $17.50. For some unknown reason these families have never requested help of the Provident Association. If you are charitably disposed, send an offering to the Rectory or put it in the Poor Box in Church. There are many appeals; we don't have to investigate cases; we know them. The poor hesitate about making their needs known. So far no one has been refused assistance by us.
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There was only one Baptism in February. Edw. Robt. Hruby, 1118 Graham Ave.
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A Catholic Instruction Class is being held at the Rectory on Tuesdays and Tnuradays at 7:30 p.m.
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Miss Margaret Fahey, 1030a Forest Ave., whilst nusing her mother, contracted a severe case of influenza. She was anointed last Sunday and since then her condition has constantly improved.
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Miss Mary C. Harris, 6217 W. Park Ave., went to Chicago last week and spent the week-end with her cousin, Miss F. Harris.
UNCLE HENRY'S LETTER
March 1, 1931.
dear Charlie:
the Pastor has arranged with Father Pathe to conduct a Mission here starting March 15, an we would like very much to have you attend. Of course, i know you don't need it charlie, on acount of they is lots of worse feller's than you are.
you go to church every Sunday - except when you have a good excuse, like goin' on a all day picnic or a fishin' trip; an you would go on Holy days of obligation only you would have to get up so early to get to work on time. You attend the Sacriments often enough to be considered a practical Catholic - Communion at least once a year.
you contribute to the church - what you think you can afford - and would give more if the priests would stop talkin money so much, an practice a little economy on there own part; instead of givin' away half the money they get to poor families which would be as well off as you if they would hustle more an try to get ahead.
i am sure you would take more interest in parish affairs if the pastor showed a little appreciation, an if he hadn't been so obstinate the time your youngster had trouble in the school.
the Lord knows, charlle, that you ain't a bad sort, an He surely will give you credit for being a respectable citizen, a peaceful neighbor, a faithful husband an father. sumhow though, i cant help feelin that a God that goes to so much pains to pervide this old world with so manv things for our interest an enjoyment is likely to expect a small measure of affection on our part.
the Golden Rule is a fine creed: but not a religion. it is like having a step-daughter who implicitly obeys every request you make; who never gives you any reason to find fault with her conduct; but who shows no sign of affection for you, or appreciation for your favors. wouldn't you rather have one that tracked mud into the house; and then threw her arms around your neck and said "I'm sorry daddy, I'll try not to do it again"?
the laws of God and man were made to be obeyed but i believe He will over-look sum of the short-comings of the feller that ain't afraid occasionally to dip his pride in a bath of pious subjection. funny too, that kind of feller don't have so much trouble obeyin the laws. think it over. charlie: better attend the mission.
we are planin' to get "pop" Kiely to attend; that is, if he is well enough to get out of the hospital by that time. i dont suppose you remember "pop," on acount of it has been quite a wile since you left "butcher-town". he is a lovable old "renegade" who was too decent to do anything wrong, but just kinda drifted away from the church. recently when the Pastor was callin on our "jimmie" at the hospital, he run onto "Pop," and it wasn't no time till he had the old feller straightened out with the church, an in just the right frame of mind to undergo the serious operation that had been worrying him, an i never saw enybodv happier than he and his family was over the turn of events.
wel charlie, the winter is slipping away, an we are coming into them bleak March days when derby hats tell which way the wind blows. although we haven't had much winter, no one will be sorry to see the season go, on acount of the terrible amount of sickness it has brought. hardly a home has escaped an it has got so bad that even the doctors is complainin'.
maybe you herd that Father Pohl was in the hospital with a severe case of scarlet fever. he got home last week an dont look none the worse for ware, in spite of losing a few pounds. Scarlet is usually consided to be a childs disease, an i dont know if his enthusiasm for the boy scouts has got anything to do with his ketchin it or not, but it jest goes to show that at Father's age, a person shouldn't try to go back too far.
the Holy Name Society are planning another big meeting for the 9th of March, an lou Riegel tells me that a big surprise is in store for those that attend. he wouldn't tell me what his plans are, but he certainly is got sumthing up his sleeve, judging by the grin he is wearin. The meeting will be short an lively, smokes will be passed around. an a fine attendance prize given away. drop around.
they is a rumor out that the Murphy's house on Lloyd avenue was robbed last week, an folks around here are savin they aint a bit surprise, on acount of the way mary dresses, one would think Dan was a millinair. the news is not for publication though, so please dont pass it around.
the improvement association is putting up a real fight to have the city make the north side of Oakland Avenue. so as to relieve the traffick on the south side, which has develop into a regular speedway. in the meantime, it would be good if they could get a cupple stop signals, or a few cops during the morning and evening hours, so that a person could get to an from the street cars without running chances of being bounced into Franklin county.
i understand our old friend, "Chubby" Glaus is openin a confectionery at Clayton and Tamm Ave., ware he will put out all kinds of soft drinks. drop in there sum day wen you are drlvin by, an maybe he will sing you a song, or recite his classic, "They are tooking me to war."
your pertickler friend & uncle
HENRY
BACK TO LET'S GO, 1931
BACK TO LET'S GO, 1925-1932
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