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."
The collections have fallen from $420 a Sunday to $250. The present income is not sufficient to meet the ordinary current expense of maintaining Church and School, much less meeting annual payments on indebtedness, interest and insurance.
Forturnately there is a surplus from past years which will enable us to keep over water a little longer.
But we are sounding a call of distress. Every parishioner is asked to be mindful of the needs of the Church. The school and the Sisters are involved as well as the comfort and convenience of the parishioners and their children. The church and school are a community interest. These cannot be maintained under present conditions unless all the parishioners are willing to make greater sacrifices. If each one endeavors to put his shoulder to the wheel we might be able to hold our position and weather the storm.
The annual note of $5000 and half yearly interest of $1625 come due the first week of November. Don't fail to manifest your concern and try to find some means of making a generous contribution every Sunday during the month of October.
The Forty Hours Devotion which opened on Friday, October 2nd, will close today at 4 o'clock. There will be procession, sermon and Solemn Benediction. The Fathers of the Holy Family will sing the Litany
Rosary, Benediction every night in October at 7:45 in St. James Church. A plenary indulgence can be gained by all who go to Communion in honor of the Blessed Mother during the Octave of the Feast of Holy Rosary.
If you desire to learn more about saying the Rosary purchase in the vestibule the little pamphlet, The Rosary.
A Triduum or three days retreat for the men of the parish in preparation for the Feast of Christ the King will be held on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, October 22, 23, 24. Every man and boy in the parish will be expected to go to Communion with the Holy Name Society on Sunday, October 25, a mark of homage to Christ the King.
This suggestion is not as lacking in a practical sense as it may seem at first sight.
Christendom has often before been threatened and endangered. In the long course of her career she has experienced staggering blows and fierce assaults from mighty- onrushing hordes of barbarians, Tartars. Turks and Mohammedans. It would be false to deny that she did not take the count and suffer temporary defeat in many of these encounters, but it is also a self-evident truth that she has never beets so completely crushed by her enemies that site became inert and helpless. Her defeats were only retreats. Her ingenuity and generalship improved in the face of danger and her vitality increased with her wounds.
The attacks I have in mind are those that parallel Bolshevism in which there was extensive aggression and tremendous force that for a period attracted and disturbed a big section of the human family. These combined social and physical conflicts were in their initiation concentrated in territory where conditions were congenial to their growth, and enabled them to develop without obstruction and intensify their capacity to afflict and dominate their neighbors.
On such occasions said Leo XIII. "The Catholic Church has always and rightly put her hope and trust in the Mother of God. It has always been the habit of Catholics in dangers and in times of trouble, to flee for refuge to Mary, and to seek for peace in her maternal goodness. The Immaculate Virgin, chosen to be the Mother of God, and thereby associated with Him its the work of man's salvation. has a favor and power with her Divine Son greater than any creature, human or angelic, has ever obtained or can ever gain. As it is her happiness to grant her help any succor to those who ask it, we cannot doubt that she would deign and even be eager to receive the aspirations of the Universal Church." In the twelfth century a fascinating local blending of natural aspirations and religious sentiment developed an organization in the south of France whose principles led directly not only to the ruin of Christianity but to the very extension of the human race. This movement was favored by various circumstances among which may be mentioned: The spread of a weird doctrinal element that could be traced to Mohammedan and Jewish sources which captivated especially the imaginative mind of the inhabitants of Languedoc. The sect became known as the Albigensians and quickly gained influence and popularity, not only in France but in other portions of the Latin world. They carried everywhere the horror of their arms, and far and wide strove to rule by massacre and ruin.
"Our merciful God," continues Leo, "raised up against these fierce enemies a most holy man, the illustrious parent and founder of the Dominican Order. Great in the soundness of doctrine, in the example of his virtue, and its his apostolic labors, he undauntedly proceeded to attack the enemies of the Catholic Church; not by force of arms, but by that devotion which he was the first to institute under the name of the Holy Rosary. In this he wholly trusted; and by his preaching and that of his brethren, he spread it throughout the length and breadth of the earth.
"Guided by divine inspiration and grace he foresaw that like a most powerful warlike weapon, this devotion would be the means of putting the enemy to flight and of confounding his mad impiety and audacity. In fact, such was its result. Thanks to this new form of prayer, when adopted and carried out as instituted by the Holy Father Dominic, piety, faith, and unity began to return. The projects and devices of the heretics fell to pieces. Many wanderers returned to the way of salvation, and the wrath of the impious was checked by the arms of those who, in defense. had determined to resist them.
"In the sixteenth century, also the efficacy and power of this devotion were wonderfully shown. The vast forces of the Turks at that time threatened to impose the yoke of superstition and barbarism on nearly the whole of Europe. The Sovereign Pontiff, St. Pius V, after arousing among all the Christian princes the resolution for a common defense, above all strove with the greatest zeal to obtain for Christendom the favor of the most powerful Mother of God. This noble example before heaven and earth rallied around him in those times all the minds and hearts of the age. Christ's faithful people then prepared to sacrifice their blood and live for the safety of their faith and country. They went forward fearlessly to meet their foe near the Gulf of Corinth. At the same time those who were unable to take this part formed a pious band of supplicants who called on Mary and unitedly hailed her again and again in the words of the Rosary, imploring her to give the victory to their companions who were engaged in battle. Our Sovereign Lady did grant her aid, for in the naval battle near the Echidnae’s Islands, the Christian fleet gained a magnificent victory in which, with slight loss to itself, the enemy was routed with great slaughter. It was to preserve the memory of this great boon that the same most Holy Pontiff desired that a feast in honor of Our Lady of Victories should celebrate the anniversary of so memorable a struggle. It is this feast which Gregory XIII dedicated under the title of 'The Most Holy Rosary'.
"Important successes were in like manner gained in the last century over the Turks at Temeswar in Pannonia and at Corfu. In both these cases the engagements coincided with feasts of the Blessed Virgin, and the celebrations of the feasts were concluded with public recitation of the Rosary.
"Since then it is evident that this form of prayer is so acceptable to the Blessed Virgin, so suited to the defense of the Church and of Christendom, and that, whether publicly or privately used it brings down divine blessings "
Bolshevism in our own age is more dangerous to Christendom and more diabolical in his hatred of God than any of those heresies and false philosophies mentioned by Leo in his encyclicals on the Rosary. It is being propagated at a time and in a culture that is imminently suited to its growth and diffusion. The economic distress, the inequality of rich and poor, the laxity in morals, and the general spirit of agnosticism has disposed a big majority of the poor and downtrodden to place reliance in its promises. The biggest nations of the world are showing symptoms of dangerous possibilities. Armies and navies can no longer be trusted. They are only as strong as their philosophies, and in many countries governments have perished over night and rebels have become rulers. The mob in every country is the threatening horde of invaders, and the first conflagration that manifests their domination is the burning timbers of a Catholic Church. The atmosphere of stable government is electric and threatening. The storm might come like a thunderbolt; hindsight is a poor substitute for foresight, and providence alone can pre-. vent what human wisdom does not forestall. Catholic people alone have the remedy. They have the wisdom of ages in their traditions and practices. To worldly minded people, the Rosary is an insignificant instrument of protection which by many is regarded as an object of superstition, yet at the present time the faithful recitation of the Rosary both publicly and privately by the whole Catholic world would have more influence in bringing about happiness and contentment than all our vaunted theories of economics and social nostrums.
If you want to help to save the world, say, the Rosary. In its beads are strung the mystery of-man's redemption.
A card acknowledging envelope contributions to St. James Church over a period of 3 months was mailed last week to each known wage earner in the parish. It has space for each month and each week so that an error can easily be detected. If your account is not correct notify the rectory at once. An error might occur in transcribing the accounts, or, possibly the envelope which you gave one of the children did not reach us. To cover accurately all the accounts it was necessary to mail cards even to those for whom there is no record in our books of a subscription.
If you have been unable to contribute don't take offense at this statement. It is not intended to be a dun or a reprimand, simply a statement and no more.
Mrs. Margaret Ryan, mother of Mrs. Barron, 6408 Oakland Ave., died of the infirmity of age at their residence September 23 and was buried from St. James Church Sept. 26. She was a dear, saintly old Irish lady who made evident by every act and word that she was the living temple of the Holy Spirit. She frequently received the Sacraments and during her illness she was most edifying. May she rest in peace.
The group of volunteers who are promoting the Boy Scout movement in the Parish held an open meeting recently to which parents were invited. The attendance was not as large as might be expected, and a discussion took place as to the best means to adopt to arouse more interest in the Boy Scout movement.
Scoutmaster Foley. in response to questions asked by Father O'Connor, said the troop organized in the parish has advanced to a stage where a workshop is necessary. Boy Scouting, he said, is a preparation for life and has a programme of activities that, step by step, prepares the boy for citizenship and spiritual responsibility. There is a mistaken idea, continued Mr. Foley, that Boy Scouting is a round of hikes and drills. This is the least important, though probably the best known part of the training.
A boy is taught to be self reliant, loyal, courteous, brave and helpful. He is expected to do at least one good deed a day and to be a little man under all and every circumstance.
The discipline of Boy Scouting is exacting - a lazy, irresponsible character will not submit to it - the boy who after joining a troop quits without much cause is usually the type that will not stand the grind or pay the price for success.
As the Scout advances he qualifies himself for service. The tenderfoot learns to light fires, cook, track and be observant. His advancement depends upon his ability to master more serviceable activities. He is led on to vocational studies and is taken into the school or the workshop. An elementary training in carpentry, wood carving, leather finishing and craftsmanship is offered him. He learns to use his hands and head and to be proficient.
The troop in this parish, said Mr. Foley, is now at a point in its training where it will be impossible to hold its interest or make further advancement unless it has a workshop and the necessary equipment. There is no available building at hand that can be used and one must be erected or the troop must be dispanded.
The committee showed a fine enthusiasm about facing the difficulty. Chairman Wack said the standing of St. James troop at headquarters was a credit to the boys and their backers. It and the troop at McCausland Ave. are regarded as two of the best junior units in the city. Ray Dolan, Andrew Smith, Frank Walsh and Ollie Dolan also spoke. One of them suggested purchasing a portable school building from the Board of Education, but hesitated to advance the idea when Father O'Connor informed the meeting that he endeavored to purchase one a few years ago and found it would cost $500.
Father Pohl urged the boys and the committee to be self-reliant and to find means themselves to defray the expense of a workshop. Beg lumber, ask relatives and friends to lend a helping hand and do the carpenter work, he said, if the parents appreciate what you are doing for their boys they will show their appreciation by coming to your aid. They can't expect the committee to be more interested in their boys' welfare than they are.
Father O'Connor said "the meeting was educational to him and assured the committee of his appreciation of their fine spirit of self sacrifice. He recommended visits to the boys' parents with the aim of interesting them and suggested that an entertainment be given to raise funds.
James Morrissey, son of James Morrissey, 1347 Central Ave., whilst resting on a bridge at Clayton and Warson Roads Sunday afternoon two weeks ago, was struck by an automobile that careened to the side and broke two pelvis bones, three ribs and caused a minor fracture. He was brought to St. Mary's Hospital where he was treated and is still a patient. He is doing nicely.
1106 Forest Ave., 6 room bungalow, bath, furnace, nice yard. Will take small down payment or consider a trade for a flat. Call Mrs. Quan, 4535 Lindell. DElmar 2159.
A young lady attending St. James School would like to associate herself with some family in the parish who could use her services after school and evening for $2 a week and board and room. She is recommended to us as a steady little worker and very efficient with children. If interested call HIland 0436.
On the 25th of September the intense summer heat ceased rather suddenly and I found my wardrobe short in Stetsons so I wore my old straw hat in a trip through the parish.
There is a uniform custom in St. Louis of literally throwing away straw hats on September 15th. This probably has been promoted by merchants. You might see, on this day, at the ball game - several hundred hats being thrown - out of the stand into the field and a man who dares wear a straw hat next day is prominently ridiculous.
This year the custom was not well kept because of the hard times and continued heat. I hoped I might get away with my old hat until conditions improved or the hot weather came back, but I did not. Maria O'Gorman, the vixen, and several others laughed at me, and the rest of the neighbors who did not have the pleasure of seeing me, told me about it.
Now, ladies, I want to make it quite plain, I won't be standardized, and no matter how much you laugh I will assert my independence of character and go into the street whenever I please wearing my old straw hat - my old hat is a bit soiled but it is not dirty and on a day when I have nothing else to wear it is eminently serviceable. It is also morally correct and is an indication of my democracy, I mean my humility. I can't see why you folks laugh at me and go a chattering because I wear old clothes. If you were as poor as some of us are you would realize that poverty brings enough of pain without the additional humiliation of your thoughtless sneers, but I won't be mortified or irritated though you do laugh. I know there are not many of you would have the courage to be out of style, or the fortitude to admit that you are poor.
I am poor and can't buy new clothes and I am down and out at the heels, and what of it! I am more respectable in my rags than many of you are in your summer pajamas, and Ghandi loin cloth. When I see some of you on the street or in the Church with a few ounces of drapes stretched around your much to be admired clothes hanger I feel like turning my eyes to the ground in modest shame or going away into a corner to have a quiet laugh at the ridiculous standards of style to which you Christian ladies are submitting.
Mahatma Ghandi's dress is out of style in London and is ridiculous to an Englishman, but Mr. Ghandi does not mind who laughs at him. His lack of dress manifests very forcibly the completeness of his wisdom. He does not comply with EuropeaIl customs because he does not want to be considered a European. He is a Hindu of Hindus and represents India at the Round Table Conference. He eats like a Hindu, works at a spinning wheel as he would have all his followers work and he dresses as a Hindu notwithstanding his university training and great learning that his people might know he is not ashamed of them.
Because I am a Christian I am not ashamed to wear my old straw hat even though it is a bit out of season. I am not ashamed of my threadbare clothes and down at the heel shoes for the same reason. A Christian need not be ashamed to be like our Lord who voluntarily selected poverty as His portion but a Christian should be earnestly ashamed of being out of her bedroom in an immodest dress.
Ladies, you would resent being called pagans, but you seem to approve of paganism when you dress immodestly and you are deplorably lacking in fortitude and Christian charity when you are ashamed of us who are out of style and must wear old clothes and old straw hats.
But we who are poor are not afraid of your smiles, we accept without apology our condition, and we raise our old straw in reverence to all who feel as we do and are not ashamed to wear old duds. 1.
Margaret McDonnell cannot leave her mother's store for a day but everyone in the neighborhood knows where she went. This is not occasioned by an inclination to gossip but arises from a genuine interest in her person. They miss her when she is away and on her return she is expected to report her experience and openly expresses herself on all she saw and heard.
Herb going on Retreat with a party of girls, members of the Virgin Mother's Sodality, the Saturday after Labor Day aroused keen curiosity. Margaret had gone to a convent for a week-end and that was sufficient justification for the local wits to christen her Sister Margaret.
She is not a bit embarrassed by the title and submits to it good-naturedly. Her report of the Retreat is that of a very normal person and frankly she admits she enjoyed it immensely.
The girls who accompanied her to the Little Flower Retreat House, 2500 S. 18th St. are Vera Hersch, Mary Hester Bovard, and Ruth, Ethel Irvin and Margaret, May Lawless, Genevieve Mahon, Amelia Masperi, May Collins and Margaret Oates.
They arrived at the Convent at 3 p.m. Saturday and were met by a Sister who immediately took the girls to their rooms. She assigned the Bovards and Irvin Sisters to double rooms and as Margaret Oates showed signs of levity she was given in charge to Genevieve Mahon whom Sister wisely selected to be her room companion. Someone recently said Genevieve will die soon if a secretary is needed in Heaven.
The tittering that followed the suggestion that the girls change their hats for veils indicated they were not over depressed with the prospect of being cut away from the world for a few days.
At 3:15 p.m. Saturday 17 young ladies found themselves in a conference room where the serious work of making a Retreat began.
A stately venerable Jesuit Father opened the conference. He spoke on Retreat and explained its meaning. He said that as the body requires food and exercise so the soul requires for its healthy life spiritual exercise and food. This he proposed to give. The program was as follows.
Saturday: 3:15, Opening Conference; 4:15, Rosary; 5:00, Meditation; 5:45, Supper; 7:00, Meditation; 7:45, Benediction followed by evening prayer.
Sunday: 6:00, rise; 6:30, Morning Prayer and Meditation; 7:00, Holy Mass; 7:45, Breakfast; 8:30, Meditation; 9:30, Rosary; 10:15, Meditation; 11:30, Visit to Blessed Sacrament; 11:45, Dinner, free time until 2:00, Way of the Cross; 2:30, Conference followed by Confessions; 4:00, Benediction, continuation of Confession; 5:00, Spiritual Heading; 5:45, Supper; 7:00, Meditation; Consecration to Blessed Mother, Renewal of Baptismal Vows, Papal Blessing; 8:30, Evening Prayer.
Monday: 5:00, Rise; 5:30, Morning Prayer and Meditation; 6:00, Holy Mass, Holy Communion, Benedictton; 6:45, Breakfast.
All the young ladies who made the Retreat are emphatic in declaring they never enjoyed any week-end as much as they did that of the Retreat. The beds were comfortable, the meals good, and the spiritual exercises refreshing and entertaining.
This remark was made to us recently by a hard-headed man of the world. He added, "You will go burst if you don't."
In his opinion our method of raising funds takes too much for granted. "You presume every Catholic, good, bad and indifferent, is generous," he said. We don't! We know there are Catholics who have money for everything until it comes to the church. They have money to purchase gasoline, go to the baseball game, play the slot machine, etc., but they will pass up the basket Sunday after Sunday and month after month and not contribute a nickel coin to Church support. These, in our estimation, are comparatively few and should be ignored. It makes a priest cheap and a church cheap to notice their lack of public spirit and their paltry ways. The Church must find means to get along without their assistance.
We have established a system of financing the church that has stood the test of seven years. This excludes every form of coercion, and its success may be estimated from the fact that two-thirds of the cost of erecting the new Church was met from voluntary subscriptions. It has frequently happened that a family were unable to contribute for a whole year. They knew we understood, they had their own financial difficulties and felt they could count on our sympathy. There are times when a family has reverses and don't want this advertised, for this reason, we do not publish a subscription list or insist on school tuition. We feel assured that every practical Catholic understands that the Parish activities cannot be properly carried on unless a majority of the congregation generously and willingly contribute to the church fund.
The old parishioners had a fine sense of generosity and duty; many of them we regret, have moved from the parish and it remains to be seen how public spirited and zealous are the new families who have succeeded them.
We submit to them a dignified program of financing the church. It presumes a zeal no less than our own of promoting the Glory of God and sustaining church activities.
If you think so little of your religion as not to want to contribute, we are sorry for you, but regardless of your attitude toward the church, we will continue to run the financial side of the parish as we have been doing, even though we go burst.
Charles Brady, son of John Brady, 6433 Lloyd Ave., was married on the afternoon of September 12th at St. James Church to Miss Katherine Adele Kelly, sister to Benny Kelly of Graham Ave. They had been engaged a few years and the nuptials were long anticipated by their friends and relatives.
Father John Lonergan who has been appointed Pastor of St. Cronin's Parish is a man of fine scholarship. Wouldn't be surprised to hear he was made a bishop.
On the opening day of school 368 children were registered, 183 boys and 185 girls. There are in the kindergarten 17 boys and 18 girls; first grade, 20 boys and 25 girls; second grade, 19 boys and 26 girls; third grade, 29 boys, 26 girls; fourth grade, 23 boys, 27 girls; fifth grade, 21 boys, 19 girls; sixth grade, 20 boys, 21 girls; seventh grade, 14 boys, 13 girls; eighth grade, 20 boys, 10 girls. To accommodate pupils of various sizes it was necessary to purchase 10 new desks. The school is nominally a free school but it stands to reason money must come from some place to meet the expense and 90 per cent of the parents are comparatively poor. If you have a child in school try and make a donation every week to the church fund.
There are a number of children in the school who are underfed and poorly clothed and it would be a charity to come to their assistance. During the past few weeks Mrs. Charles Klasek volunteered to take a few of them to the clinic and last spring Mrs. Walter Sauer donated three Communion outfits and a variety of religious articles.
To raise funds to defray the cost of free lunches for poor children who are attending the parochial school, the Mothers' Club are planning a few events to create a fund.
On Thursday, November 5, the club is organizing a visiting party to Laclede Gas Co., where a demonstratton of cooking will be given. It wlll be allowed 25c for each visitor. Hours 2 to 4 p.m.
And on Thursday, December 10, an afternoon bridge and bunco party will be given in the auditorium or the Laclede Gas Light Co. at 2 p.m. Refreshments will be served free, tickets 50c.
The lunch room will open the first week in November. For health, convenience and safety of school children hot lunches will be served. Bill of fare includes sandwiches, milk, bread, soup and crackers, chili, spaghetti, beans and meat balls, each service 5c, milk 3c. Parents can make arrangements and pay in advance for lunches, thus eliminating the danger of the children losing the money or purchasing unwholesome food.
The Children of Mary Sodality of St. James Parish are completing plans for a card and lotto party to be held on Tuesday evening, October 13, at St. James School Hall. The proceeds from the card party will be applied to a fund for the purchase of capes for the Sodality and a Catholic Library.
Father O'Connor gave a wholehearted approval at the last meeting of this effort to promote interest in Catholic literature and volunteered to donate ten books by Catholic authors as a starter for the library.
Sister Georgiana has volunteered to direct this Sodality and was introduced to its members by Sister M. George at the meeting. There were about 40 members present and officers were electd for the coming year. Virginia Pursley is president, Muriel Roach, Vice-President; Helen Kelly, Secretary; Veronica Coad, Treasurer.
An athletic club also is being promoted and the girls are planning in connection with other Sodalities, a round of social events to be held during the winter months.
This Sodality is specially organized for young ladies who are of high school age, but others also are invited.
The Sodality is enthusiastic about its future and plans are being made for a drive for new members.
In a short time the officers expect to have one of the biggest and best Sodalities in the parish.
The funeral of Rita J. Schmalz, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F. Schmalz, 1623 Gregg Ave., took place from St. James Church on Sept. 28th at 2 p.m. and was largely attended. One of the school boys who counted the carriages said there were 18 in the funeral cortege. The sympathy of the community was awakened by this death as Rita was a very pretty child and the first born to her parents. She was 3 years old. Her death was caused by pneumonia. Mr. and Mrs. Schmalz have one other living child and a baby is expected very soon. Sympathy is extended to the bereaved parents.
Pastors: Rev. Patrick J. O'Connor, Rev, N.E. Pohl, HIland 0167.
Rectory: 1368 Tamm Ave.
Teachers in School: Dominican Nuns. HIland 2171.
Convent: 1354 Tamm Ave.
Masses on Sunday:
From first Sunday in September to last Sunday in May, 6:00, 7:30, 9 and 10:30.
From first Sunday in June to last Sunday in August, 5:30, 7:00, 8:30 and 10 o'clock.
Masses on Holy Days: 5:30, 7:30 and 9; and New Year's Day same as previous Sunday.
Confessions: Saturday, 4:30 to 6, 7:30 to 9. An extra, confessor at Christmas and Easter; on the eve of First Fridays and Holy Days, 3:30 to 5, 7:30 to 9, and Sunday mornings for one-half hour before second Mass.
Week Day Masses: Always one at 6:30, the second varies. Bell rings a quarter of an hour before all Masses and public devotions.
All Evening Devotions, and Holy Hour on the eve of First Fridays from 7:47 to 8:45 p.m.
Baptisms: Every Sunday at 3:30.
Method of supporting parish: Each wage earner is expected to give 4 per cent of his actual earnings to church or at least some percentage weekly.
Instructions for Public School Children: Through school year on Fridays at 4 p.m. and Sundays, 1:30 to 2:30. Not only for those preparing for Confirmation and Communion, but for all.
Business hours: 9 a.m. to 12.
Meeting of Holy Name Society: Monday after second Sunday in each month, 8 p.m.
Meeting of St. Ann's Sodality: Tuesday after third Sunday, 8 p.m.
Meeting of Mothers' Club: First Friday at 8 p.m.
To prevent errors, sick calls should be given directly to one of the pastors as soon as a doctor intimates the patient is in a serious condition.
Marriages between Catholics: Banns to be published on 3 successive Sundays and Baptismal records should be procured. The ceremony takes place in the parish of the bride.
Mixed marriages are to be preceded by six instructions.
Many of the parishioners have requested that the hours of funerals be contmued at 8:30. They say this gives them an opportunity of working in the afternoon after attending the funeral.
The traditional time is 9 o'clock. This goes back to the days when there were carriages, when it would take an hour to go across the City and a funeral took a whole day. There seems to be a good reason for a change.
Mr. John Houlihan, Jr., is enthusiastic about the program of athletics which he is promoting for the young people of the Parish during the winter months.
He says there will be basketball, handball, hikes, skating parties and social events in continued progress as the season advances and he wants every young man and woman in the parish to participate.
He deems himself fortunate in having procured Mr. Frank Staab, 1451 Graham Ave., a St. Mary's College, Kansas, graduate and the athletic coach of St. Louis University High School to direct the athletics. There is a possibility of having a football and soccer team, and ladies' basketball team. The school children also are included in the program.
At a meeting held on September 13th representatives of all the Sodalities drew up a schedule for using the old church hall.
The young men were represented by Jack Houlihan, president of the Young Men's branch of the Holy Name Society; John Mahon, Vice-President; Mathew McLaughlin, Secretary; Woodrow Foley, Treasurer.
Florence Wilsdon and Mary O'Connell spoke in behalf of the Virgin Mother's and Young Ladies' Sodalities.
Morgan Foley, Scoutmaster, represented the Boy Scouts and school boys, and Rochelle Lassos, the Angelic Warfare Society and school girls.
The young people agreed to place themselves entirely under the direction of Mr. Houlihan and Mr. Staab and to cooperate with them whole-heartedly.
Evenings were assigned each group for the use of the hall. Those who wish to join are requested to present themselves in the hall any night the group to which they wish to belong are scheduled to attend.
Young Men will meet in the hall Monday and Thursday from 8:30 to 11:30, Saturday from 6:00 to 8:00.
Young Ladies: Tuesday and Friday 8:30 to 11:30.
Boy Scouts: Wednesday, 7:30 to 11:00.
Angelic Warfare Society and Girls: Tuesday and Friday, 6:00 to 8:30.
Schoolboys: Monday and Thursday, 6:00 to 8:30.
To equip the hall properly and install shower, an entertainment to raise funds being considered to take place early in November in the Lambskin Hall. Two hundred dollars is estimated to be the cost of the necessary improvements.
Father O'Connor is giving encouragement to this movement to keep the young people together. He suggests that they sell tickets and secure patrons as far as possible outside the parish and not irritate or annoy the home folk with appeals for funds.
The next meeting will be Thursday evening, October 15th, in Dewey School.
Specials:
An address on Bertillon finger print identiftcation by an expert from Police Department.
Discussion on tax assessments ordinance pending in Board of Aldermen calculated to reduce taxes on small homes.
Widening Dale Avenue sidewalk spaces - no change of paved roadway or curbs.
Hampton Boulevard viaduct over railroads.
Roadway inside Forest Park along south line adjoining street car tracks to take half the traffic off Oakland Avenue.
Make note of time and place - Thursday evening, October 15th, Dewey School. Your presence will increase interest in our organization and promote the public good.
Raymond Dolan, President.
The church revenue of St. James Parish has struck a new low in its Sunday collections which have fallen in recent months from $420 a Sunday to $250.
This is a cause of concern for the Pastor, but he is manifesting no signs of worry. He has unlimited confidence in God and feels assured a way wlll be found to meet satisfactorily the parish obligations. He is endeavoring to economize and keep down unnecessary expense without curtailing any of the necessities.
More than a hundred families have sent notes to Sister Superior of the Parochial School requesting deferred payments on books, and each one who made application has been given consideration. The parishioners are as a whole in very moderate circumstances and many of the wage earners are barely earning enough to keep the wolf from the door.
It is pathetic to see the effort most of them are making to contribute a little each Sunday to the church. If they had money there would be no financial church problem.
This is the great consolation the Pastor has in this time of stress: the parishioners are as anxious as he is to maintain the credit and the honor of the Parish.
There is a tradition in St. Louis banks and bond houses that Catholic bonds are always safe. St. James Parish has bonds and interest to the amount of $6,250 coming due in November. It must meet these obligations or lose its reputation as a Catholic institution.
We appeal earnestly to all who can afford to make a contribution to do so at their earliest convenience. If you have more of earthly goods than your fellow parishioners, show your gratitude to God by being more generous. Your capacity to earn or to hold what you now possess is entirely in thc hands of God.
As a parishioner you are obligated to assume responsibility for the parish debt and weekly expense. The fact that you might find it more convenient to go to other parishes does not excuse you from your obligation of supporting your own. This you know is a Commandment of the Church.
Your cooperation and goodwill is the best indication of your zeal to promote God's Glory. The Church and School cannot live on fresh air, and justice requires that the generous contributors should not be fleeced to curry their own and the other fellows share of the burden.
At the September meeting or the Virgin Mother's Sodality Miss Genevieve Mahon submitted a list of those who were professed on the Feast of the Assumption, which is as follows: Mary Hester Bovard, Ruth Bovard, Estelle Coad, May Collins, Frances Doering, Ethel Irvin, Muruarct Irvin, Camilla Jones, Genevieve Mahon, Madge Maloney, Amelia Masperi, May McCauley, Josephine Nerviana, Elizabeth O'Keefe, Nora O'Shaughnessey, Catherine O'Shaughnessey, Catherine Reese, Mary Schatzle, Rose Schutzle, Mary Smith, Rosemary Wiss, Ruth Wynne.
Temporary officers were elected whose term will expire in December. According to the constitution of this Sodality the director appointed three members who are to act as prefects. Mury Hester Bovard, prefect; Margaret Irvin, 1st Assistant Prefect, and Elizabeth O'Keefe, 2nd Assistant Prefect. The remaining officers were later appointed by the Prefects and Father O'Connor:
Secretary, Genevieve Mahon; Treasurer, Mary Smith; Medal and Book Bearer, Amelia Masperi.
Committees: Games and amusements, Vera Bersch; refreshments at next meeting, Mary Lawless; athletics, Josephine Nerviana, Florence Wilsdon, Mary O'Connell.
Hospital Committee for September: Amelia Masperi, Ethel Irvin, Margaret Irvin, Mary Smith, Genevieve Mahon.
The pictures of three young men alleged to have taken part in the holdup of the Citizens Bank of Florissant show them to be three genial, rather likeable young fellows. Undoubtedly these young men would have committed murder to escape being captured. There was a time when a robber or a murderer looked the part he played but in these later days conscience is so completely deranged it no longer registers on the mind or countenance. Ike and Mike both look alike.
When you hear a person say with a contemptuous shrug, "I know little about the affairs of the parish, I don't attend Mass in my parish church," you can be fairly certain you have a person who has nurtured a grievance against somebody or something parochial because deep down in his heart there is an aversion to making contributions. "They give reproach because they don't want to give money."
John Bull may be pulling a fast one on Uncle Sam when he relinqulshes the policy of adhering to a gold standard. The United States has the biggest supply of gold ever held by a nation, and when the demand for gold as a medium of exchange decreases, the value of gold must necessarily diminish. A surplus of gold is as hurtful to trade as a surplus of cotton. The next thing our statesmen may propose is - burn every third gold coin or send a few ship loads to China.
The baseball fans who adhere to the Browns have nearly always one source of consolation: the Cardinals rarely ever have beaten the best or the worst team in the American League.
The only teaching the protestant churches can claim as divine in matters pertaining to faith or morals is the dogmas which are acceptable to the masses. If people don't like a truth, that is a sure indication that God made a mistake in revealing it.
Miss Joe O'Brien and her sister, Margaret, were on a visit to St. Louis last week and spent Sunday at the home of J.P. O'Gorman, 6441 Lloyd Ave.
Though the Parish treasury is depleted, we won't' give a carnival. The reason is the people of St. James contribute all they can afford to the Church in their Sunday envelopes,and were we to ask them to give at a Carnival, it would involve only a change in method without a substantial increase in revenue. Why should we send a $5.00 book of raffle tickets to a parishioner who is willing to contribute $5.00 without a raffle?
Moreover our parishioners and ourselves have no rich friends; when we go into a bank or a trust company and rub shoulder to shoulder with the wealthy the only smile of recognition we get is from the porter or floor walker. We do not complain because our lot is cast among the poor, in fact we rather take a delight in being so favored. The poor are appreciative and human and they are easy to please.
We won't ask our parishioners to beg for their Church this year as we fear most of their friends are poor and would be embarrassed if asked for a quarter.
Last year the parish made $4000 in a carnival. Were we to try we might duplicate the result, but we have not the heart to make the effort, our parishioners' feelings must be spared.
Mr. and Mrs. John Henry Lott, 6162 Victoria Ave. have returned from an automobile tour to New Orleans. Mr. Lott attended a convention but stated he was really more interested in visiting the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin. He attributes his recovery from a paralytic stroke to the intercession of the Blessed Mother.
In preparation for the Forty Hours Devotion there was a church cleaning day in which the following ladies manifested their devotion to Our Lord by arduous labor: Mrs. Knickle, Mrs. Meehan, Mrs. Wagner, Mrs. Maurice Cooper, Mrs. John J. Kelly, Mrs. Wiber, Mrs. Engelhardt, Mrs. Mary Jones, Mrs. Hugh Marshall, Mrs. Menner, Mrs. Nixon, Mrs. Griffin, Mrs. Cullen, Mrs. Foley and Mrs. Pllla. Mrs. Moore prepared the lunch, and the ladies enjoyed it.
The Boy Scout Committee promoted a raffle to defray a part of the expense incurred by Louis Laterwasser who broke his limb recently in the hall. Mr. Gerry Coyne won the prize. They cleared $50.00.
A Triduum of three days' spiritual exercise, sponsored by the Holy Name Society, will be conducted in St. James Church on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, October 22, 23 and 24; ending with general Communion of all junior and senior members on Sunday, October 25, to commemorate the Feast of Christ The King, which falls on that date.
This is the third annual solemnizing of the great feast in this manner, and the officers are hopeful that it will be the most successful. They are endeavoring to install the triduum as an annual three-day layman's retreat.
The program of exercises comprises Confessions on Thursday, Masses and Communion on Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings, and Benediction and sermon on Friday and Saturday evenings. The practical benefits to be derived from this retreat, in addition to the indulgences granted, should be sufficient to make each man and boy in the parish wish to make the full retreat, but those not able to do so are especially urged to participate in the general Communion on Sunday
Ladies wishing to make the Triduum are welcome, and they are requested to urge their husbands, sweethearts and sons to attend.
The Feast was well portrayed in a sermon on a previous occasion, and is reprinted below from an issue of Let's Go.
The Feast of Christ the King is the answer made by the Church 1900 years after the question was asked by Pilate of Jesus, and Our Holy Father Pope Pius XI in December 1925, proclaimed that Christ's Kingdom tends not only over the hearts of men but also should have a place in the social and civic life of the nations.
Christ came to fulfill the promises made of old by the prophets to the Jews, God's chosen people, in which it was foretold that the Kingdom of Israel would be given a King of Divine Origin and human birth who would sit on the throne of David and rule over the nations for all time.
The people of God constituted the Kingdom of Israel, they were led out of Egypt by Moses and under King David built the most magnificent temple that was ever erected to the Most High God. In time they were conquered by the Romans and when Tiberius Caesar succeeded to the Empire, Judea was made a province and the Kingdom of Israel was subjected to merciless harshness, and the Jews suffered almost to the verge of endurance. The administration of government in Palestine was intrusted to Pontius Pilate and his administration was characterized by venality, violence, robbery, persecution and judicial murder.
Under these adverse circumstances Jewish feelings and interest reached the extreme limit and solace was given by their religious enthusiasts in the hope and expectation of the King that was to come. Israel associated all that was happy and glorious in His rule and they searched the Heavens for the star that would usher in His coming. The children of God hoped that when the Messiah came He would restore to them the Kingdom of David and subject all nations to Himself.
When Jesus came to Galilee His first proclamation was, "Behold the Kingdom of God is at hand" and from that time He spoke with authority, associated with the people and worked miracles amongst them. 0n one occasion He multiplied loaves and fishes and fed the multitude, and as a consequence they would have made Him King but He fled. Why? because as He later said to Pilate, "My Kingdom is not of this world." They had falsely interpreted the prophecies - He had not come to establish a worldly throne whose foundations would be the political rock on which Empires are erected and whose strength would be the sabre, the sword and the chariot, and whose King would constantly have his hands red in the blood of the battlefield. His was to be a Kingdom established in spirit, justice and truth in the hearts of men and in the intellects of people and nations and over them He would rule forever in holiness and truth, pitying the poor and the lowly, uplifting - the needy and the ignorant, comforting the mourner and the sorrowful, and preparing them for Heaven, His Kingdom to come.
The Jewish rulers murmured against this interpretation of the Kingdom and openly and secretly conspired to destroy the King. They accused Him before Caesar of conspiring against the Roman Empire, led Him in chains to Pilate and in mockery of what they said were His claims of being a King they put a reed in His hand, a crown of thorns on His head and crucified Him. Over His cross they hung a sign that was written in three languages and which read, "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews."
The official charge on which Christ was put to death was that He claimed to be King. "If my Kingdom was of this world," said Jesus to Pilate, "my subjects would not have deserted me and handed me over to the Jews, for my Kingdom is not of here."
Nineteen hundred years have passed since these events transpired. Malice, prejudice, human cunning, pomp and power prevailed and the lowly Nazarene who claimed to be King was by a mocking crowd put to death, but now He has His claim acknowledged and understood; the throne of the Caesars has tottered, the magnificent ruins of their palaces alone are left of their triumph, but the Kingdom of Christ continues and the King is enshrined in the hearts of millions of the human family in every nation of the world, the Kingdom that is not of the world has seen the fall of many a government that has been established in the greed of empire, the lust for power, and pride of individuals. Emperors live for a day but Christ today, yesterday and forever. Pilate said to Him, "Therefore Thou are a King." Jesus replied, "You say that I am a King."
To be a subject of this King the first condition He Himself laid down is submission of the mind to truth, "for this I was born and for this purpose I came into the world that I should give testimony of the truth, everyone that is of the truth heareth my voice." John 18, 37. Truth is permanent and eternal, Truths of science do not change nor any truth that is fully established, God is truth, denial of Him or of any truth is the privilege of freedom of speech and action, but denial does not destroy though it may deceive and mislead." The fool said, "There is no God," and Christ brought to His Kingdom His perennial presence and gave to it an order and an organization conceived in the wisdom of God, the rock on which He built it was Peter.
"Thou art Peter, upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it and I will give to thee the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth is bound also in Heaven and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth is loosed in Heaven." Matthew 16, 19.
The truth is that Christ established a spiritual Kingdom and the rock on which He built it was Peter. Peter was the spiritual head. To him were given the keys and the power to bind and loose, who denies this is abusing the privilege of freedom and must be intellectually dishonest if he is a Christian and believes in the Bible. The Kingdom of Christ is an organization that inherits from its Divine Founder truth. The Spirit of God protects it from error and like its founder it may be manacled but never can be destroyed.
To Peter, Christ said, "Whom do men say that I am?" Peter replied, "Thou art the Son of the Living God" and to the question, "Lovest thou me more than these?" he answered, "Lord, Thou knowest that I love Thee." The essential disposition to the acceptance of Christ's Truths are therefore faith and love. Peter's love and faith disposed him to accept the rest and to carry out the will of Christ in all its ritualistic details in everything that Christ laid down as a necessary condition of admission to His Kingdom. He commanded the Jews to submit to Baptism because he also heard Christ say, "Unless you believe and are baptized, ye shall be condemned." He did penance because Christ said, "Unless you do penance you shall all equally perish." He performed the rite of the Last Supper because Christ said, "Do this in commemoration of me." In all things he was Christ's faithful servant, zealous in the cause of truth until the day when he sealed his fidelity by laying down his life.
Acceptance of truth and submission of the will is the beginning of the Kingdom of Christ in one's heart. It would be pleasant to go out with sword or gun and fight for Christ, but this is not the battle that soldiers of the King are asked to wage in defense of His Kingdom. They are asked to keep the Commandments, to love God and man and to fight against one's passion in practicing self-denial. This is more difficult than fighting with the sword, but this we are asked to do if we want to be His subjects. He laid down His life for us, "Greater love than this no man had than that he should lay down his life for his friend." If you are a friend of Christ, He is King of your heart and you will be zealous for His glory and will go into the world consecrated to His service, exemplifying by your whole life love for God and man.
Mrs. Losche (Jeanette Smith) donated a player plano to the Athletic Club.
Mary Sarita Ulrich, 6148 Victoria Ave.
Margaret Challen Cody, 6453 Lloyd Ave.
Your cooperation is solicited. The Parish cannot meet its obligations unless you a helping hand. There is not a week we are losing old parishioners who were many instances the backbone of the Parish. No matter who comes or goes, we have to carry on. Though you are new to us, we will meet you more than half way, a parishioner is a parishioner, no matter how short or long his stay may be. If you don't want to contribute, don't let that cause you to turn your back on your parish church on Sunday. Your doing so hurts because it has a tendency to destroy parish unity.
If you can afford to contribute and have a desire to support the Parish Church and School, make an envelope offering every Sunday at the Offertory of the Mass. Many of the parishioners give 4 per cent of every dollar they earn to the Church. They give it as an act of homage to God and in appreciation of His many blessings. Envelopes can be had in the vestibule.
There is a promise of marriage between Michael Viscardi, 1842 January Ave., son of Amabile Viscardi and Virginia Mapelli of St. James Parish, and Leona Parker, Page and Vandeventer, daughter of John Parker and Margaret Trotter of St. Ann's Parish.
There is a promise of marriage between Richard Lindsay Weingartner, of the Cathedral Parish, son of Albert Weingartner and Gretta Holliday, and Anne Crotty, 1423 Tamm Ave., daughter of Joseph Crotty and Katherine Merriman of St. James Parish. Marriage Oct. 17 at 11 a.m. St. James Church.
There is a promise of marriage between Michael A. Newport, 6420 Wade Ave., son of John Newport and Rose Coffee of St. James Parish, and Frances Doering, 6432 Wade Ave., daughter of John Doering and Barbara Braun of St. James Parish. Marriage Oct. 7 at St. James Church. at 8:30 a.m.
Children's Mass book similar to those in the church can he purchased in the Convent. There have been several requests for them.
UNCLE HENRY'S LETTER
October 4, 1931.
dear Charlie:
this town is plenty excited on acount of the many interestin events that are about to take place, an if you was figerin on paying us a visit, this would be a good time to do so.
the Cardinals as you know are battling the Philadelphia A's for the baseball title, an maybe by the time you get this, they will have the first two games won. Everybody here is pulling for the Cards, except a few "Quakers in sheeps clothing" like dan Murphy and geo. Boerckel, but they are sore-heads because the Browns aint got nothing but a bunch of uniforms an a losing habit, an are jealous of the "Redbirds".
We are also having the Veiled Prophet ball this week, only i don't think i will go on acount of my waist-line is getting out of proportion to my height so it is next to imposslble to get fitted in a rented suit. when i was a kid it was my ambition to some day be the "Prophet" so i could pick the best looking girl in town for my "Queen", but I dont entertain no such illusions eny more on acount of the mrs. wouldnt stand for me selecting enybody but her, an wile i like the old girl first rate, i must admit that she wouldn't make the best possible selection for a "Queen", at that, she rules our "roost", and the kids, when they want to tease, call her the "dowager empress"; only not so she can hear it.
ed Burke is busy preparing the Arena for "Her Bovine Majesty" who will soon be on parade at the Dairy Show. I often wonder What passes through the mind of a cow as she is led around the tan-bark oval, the target of thousands of admiring eyes and cheering throats, and the band playing "Hail The Conquring Hero". i imagine if i were a cow, when the frock-coated dignitary walks up to present me with a beautiful silver cup i would feel like saying "what, another milk pail?"
another important event about to transpire is the wedding of Ann Crotty an Mike Newport, only they are not going to marry each other, just because there fathers is old friends. Ann is got her own idear about the kind of it husband she wants, an mike has bestowed his affections on little Frances Doering. We dent know Ann so very well on acount of she dont spend much of her time around the naberhood, an her "boy friend" is a stranger; but she is joe Crotty's daughter, an that is all the recommendation she needs. they dont make em eny better than Joe, an eny daughter of his is bound to be all right. mike an frances are a cupple of fine kids, an will make a ideal pair. we extend our congratulations to both couples, an wish them the greatest success an happiness.
the Pastor is very much incensed at sum of the parishioners on acount of remarks they made when they seen him wearing his straw hat on a cold day toward the end of september. i dont blame him for being peeved on acount of the only other hat he has is the black beaver he has been wearing for the past eight yrs., an it is a trifle early for beavers. one of the wise-crackers offered to buy him a hat but he told em to put the six dollars in the collection basket, an he would struggle along with the old straw till the weather gets cold.
you should of been here the night we had will Lindhorst to entertain the Holy Name meeting. Will, you know, is pretty clever at card tricks an the Pastor watched every move he made to try to find out how he could tell what card you had in your hand, an where is the ace of spades an the ten of clubs, an etc. if he could tell what will McGann an Ed. Cody has got in there hands, he would have a cinch to set john Newport when he runs the bid up on a shoe-string. he is got a lot of nerve though to think he could ever learn to tell what is in the other hands on acount of half the time he dont know what is in his own,
it looks like the Pastor has finally got the youngsters of the parish together in a recreation club that will develop into a real organization. he persuaded young jack Houlihan to take charge of the club an promote social an athletic events, an he couldn't have made a better choice. i herd they had a meeting the other evening an when the Pastor started to sit on em, jack stood on his "hind legs" an the whole crowd started to follow him in a "walk-out" and P.J. had to back down. that's leadership an i admire there spunk. of course i cant openly sanction such "les majesty" but when I herd about it i felt like saying. "at-a-boy Jack, you have the right stuff, now use it wisely."
I have always had a hope that sum day we will be able to build a good hall with gymnasium, bowling alleys, and entertainment hall; a recreation center for the young an old of St. James Parish. i hope the new club will work to that end.
your pertickler friend & uncle
HENRY.
Mrs. Nixon has organized nine bands of daily communicants who will offer on a specified day each week a communion of reparation. A list of members will be published later.
Flat for Rent - 6219 Victoria Avenue; 4 rooms, bath, furnace, hardwood floors, garage; rent reasonable; close to church and school.
BACK TO LET'S GO, 1931
BACK TO LET'S GO, 1925-1932
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