LET'S GO

September 6, 1925
Volume One, Number Six

PARISH PUBLICATION: 1925-1932
Special thanks to Joe Boman and family for the loan of their bound copies of this rare publication.
Further thanks to Father Rauch for the loan of one issue which the Boman's didn't have
Without those loans this project could never have taken place.
Bob Corbett -- March 2004



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."



EDITORIALS

PUBLIC SCHOOL CHILDREN

A catechetical instruction will be given to Public School children every Friday afternoon at 4 P. M. in the school hall and on Sundays after the 7:30 Mass.

These classes are for all the Public School children regardless of whether they are confirmed or have made their first Communion.

No important branch of education can be taught a child in one or two instructions a week for a few years, yet there are parents so lacking in judgment that they presume a child who is confirmed has a thorough grasp of religion though the sum total of the time devoted to this study, did not exceed a period of two days.

The Young Ladies' Sodality have formed a committee on religious instructions; they will investigate how many Catholic children from the parish are in the Public Schools. They will assist at the instructions and see to it that the children attend Mass on Sunday. The first class will open Friday, Sept. 11th at 4 P. M. and the children are expected on Sundays to take the place in church assigned to them and to be present at 7:30 Mass.

FATHER POHL AND THE CATS

Father Pohl and his little old bus are ever at the service of the community. Recently he was called upon by one of the parishioners to take two cats to the headquarters of the Humane Society.

The farewell ceremony was so sad and impressive Father Pohl was observed to shed tears.

A suitable box was procured to enclose the living remains of these faithful domestics and after a cushion was placed in the interior, the cats were kissed for the last time and confined to the box. The purr, purr of the engine and the sudden, jerky start peculiar to the little bus, caused the cats so much perturbation they began to squeal. These manifestations of distress so affected the feminine heart of the owner, she became hysterical and declared she could not part with her little darlings

Father Pohl endeavored to quiet her with suitable words of condolence, and being mindful that the strength of the spirit is not always able to cope with the weakness of the flesh, he exhorted her to be brave.

To allay her distress and to make the cats more comfortable, he cut a hole in the box in the hopes that a little air and sunshine might assuage the uneasiness of the imprisoned felines, and expedite the departure. It worked like a charm. The cats became playful and merry, and Father Pohl said, "They feel as if they were going to a picnic."

He lit a cigar, shifted the gears and the cats were on their way. He arrived at Chouteau Avenue, and conscious of the importance of his charge and the pledges he made to be considerate of their comfort, he pulled to the curb with the intention of having a look at them. Chagrin and dismay clouded his general countenance! One of the cats had escaped! It appears his knowledge of natural history was defective. He did not know that a cat can pull his body through any hole into which he can place his head, and in his desire to give the cats a chance to see the world, he cut the hole so that the head might protrude.

Father Pohl, with evident signs of distress, cast a searching glance back along the street; on the distant sun-baked sidewalk he perceived the retreating ca-t; he gave a jerk to his pants, tightened his belt, and pursued the little animal. People stopped in the street and gazed after him. Boys ran from vacant lots in expectation of seeing a fire or a burglar -- dogs began to bark and took up the chase, while Father Pohl shouted to a pedestrian, "Stop that cat!" A negro mammy said, "I'm blessed if that ain't Mr. Jiggs," Father Pohl was making the grade, perspiration was falling in drops from his face, his breathing became quick and heavy; he was plainly being outdistanced by the cat. He could not continue the pace; it was too fast. He stopped kind of quick, mopped his brow with his handkerchief and was heard to utter something that sounded almost profane.

He returned to his bus and continued his journey to the department of the Humane Society. He delivered the remaining cat in good condition to the orderly, and on his way home debated with himself if everything had not turned out for the best; that run-away cat, he thought, will find some good home where it can continue its usefulness in security and none will be the wiser.

Next day he visited the locality from which the cats were taken. As he approached the lady's house he observed a pussy scamper from the porch and run under a shed. He shook his head disconsolately, "Now she will never go," he mused.

This is the reason why Miss Alice Smith, decrepit, blind and solitary, is still plying at her washtub at her little shack at 2121 Esther Avenue and not at the Home of the Little Sisters of the Poor, and why the police officer at Seventh and Olive puts his fingers to his nose when Father Pohl approaches in his bus, says Whew l and quickly blows the whistle for traffic to advance.

You may break, you may shatter
The vase if you will,
But the scent of the roses
Will hang round it still.

Lest people of slow comprehension should not get the point of this story, the following news item was penned

Miss Alice Smith is a dear old lady who has no relatives. Father Pohl wanted her to go to the home of the Little Sisters of the Poor and she hesitated because she did not know what to do with her cats. Father Pohl volunteered to take them to the Humane Society and since then there is an ugly smell in his car.

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YOUR ENVELOPE

Your account in the Parish books will not be credited with the money you pit in the basket unless you enclose it in an envelope to which you have affixed your name. The parish has a right to know that you are not neglecting your duty.

YOUNG MOTHER

The age at which a child should be sent to school is usually decided by a number of

considerations which do not take into account the well-being of the little one. Many children are sent to school before they have reached the age of six just to get them out of the way. The kindergarten is regarded as an annex to the nursery, and a happy relief to the overtaxed mother.

School boards, by providing and equipping kindergartens, seem to approve of the child being sent to school at an early age. No doubt the child learns many things and for a few weeks enjoys the novelty of being at school, but these advantages are more than counter-balanced by the danger there is to the child's health and development.

Nature is slow to place burdens, anxieties and cares on a child. It keeps it free as long as possible from mental strain so that the animal casing for the mind may be built firm and strong and capable of sustaining later the strain of the mental machinery.

In sleep the mind is at rest, the engine is shut off and the body builds up. An infant sleeps twenty hours a day and increases its weight. Sending a child to school too soon has much the same effect as keeping an infant awake.

In the school room there is an artificial stimulation of the mind and an increased mental activity which draws the blood from the digestive organs, the nerves and the muscles, and interferes with their proper functioning and development. The injury done in this manner to a nervous, sickly child cannot be computed. In all probability it will have to pay for it in later years by that condition which is known as nerves.

The school room is, at best, a congested place where the child's freedom is limited by "sit up," "watch the board," "don't be late," "don't talk," "keep your hands clean."

It is the hotbed of measles, diphtheria, chicken-pox and scarlet fever.

I wish I had my way in my training. I would not have gone to school until I was ten. With a strong, robust body, I could rule the roost in my class and probably gain such confidence I would study for the rest of my days how to hold my lead in life.

THE HOLY NAME PARADE

On Sunday, Sept. 13th the Grand Rally of the Holy Name Society will be held in St. Louis.

The parade will be formed on the east side of Grand Ave. from Lee Ave. to Natural Bridge; as usual St. James Parish Branch will lead the various Parish Groups.

Eight officers from the Mounted District will ride in front, followed by Father Spigardi's Band and the officers of the Diocesan Union. The parade will move along Grand Ave. to the Rock Church grounds.

Mr. William J. Moriarty, prominent in Knights of Columbus Circles will be the speaker of the occasion. It is not certain the Archbishop will be present. Father Brady. Spiritual Director, and the other officers will also make addresses.

The parade will start sharply at 3 o'clock from Lee Ave. St. James Branch will assemble at the school and leave not later than 2 P. M.

The officers of the Diocesan Union disclaim having anything to do with depriving St. James Branch of their proper place in the parade at Maplewood. They say it will not occur on future occasions and regret the incident. Undoubtedly it was an oversight on the part of the local Marshall.

BABY DIES

Robert Chester Kraemer, six months old child of Mr. and Mrs. Kraemer, 6447 Dale Ave was buried from St. James Church, Thursday Sept. 3rd.

BAPTISMS IN AUGUST

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Mr. and Mrs. George S. Kletzker, 1041 Fairmount Ave., in their recent trip to Wisconsin, escaped what might have been a very serious accident. As they approached Chicago about 8 P. M. there was a drizzle that made the roads slippery -- a Ford touring car ran into their machine and threw it into the ditch. They were not injured but a wheel was broken on their car and they were detained three hours.

PARISH MEETING

The August Parish meeting was held in the school hall on Thursday Evening, August 27th, and was well attended. The minutes of the previous meeting were read by Secretary Mary O'Hara and approved as read.

$$$ Finances $$$

Mr. Stiff reported for the Finance Committee that letters had been sent to all parishioners who were not living up to their promise to the Pledge Committee in the matter of making contributions to the New Church Fund. He admitted that the committee had probably made some mistakes in sending letters to parishioners who, for very good reasons, had been unable to keep up their payments, but stated that the committee had been compelled to rely entirely upon the showing on the Parish Books, and were unfamiliar with conditions throughout the Parish.

Father O'Connor absolved the Committee of blame for any letters which had gone out to parishioners who through no fault of their own, were manifestly unable to pay, as the Committee could not be expected to know of these cases. He said he had worked with the Committee as much as he could in an attempt to prevent the mailing of such letters, but he had been compelled to perform other duties, during which time some letters were mailed which should not have been, and for which he was sorry. He stated that a number of the parishioners who had been delinquent in their account had paid something after receipt of the Finance Committee's letter calling the fact to their attention; which indicated that the intentions of these parishioners were good, and that the campaign of the Committee showed signs of bearing fruit.

A rising vote of thanks was extended to the Misses Devanney and Saxton, for their loyal work in helping the Financial Committee prepare and mail the letters.

Bring Them to Church

Father O'Connor expressed the belief that a great many parishioners who are not giving anything to the Church are not attending Church either, and that is the reason they are not giving. "People cannot put their envelope into the basket unless they are on hand when the basket is passed." He said he thought that the parish workers could do a lot of good in both a spiritual and financial way by trying to persuade people who had fallen away from the Church to come back. "The reason they don't contribute is because their Catholicity is weak, and they are indifferent to the welfare of the Church."

Louis Riegel -- The Lecturer

He also suggested that a lecturer be appointed to provide more entertainment at the monthly meetings, as a means of increasing interest in parish affairs. After a lengthy discussion as to what form of entertainment should be provided, Mr. Louis Riegel was selected to act as Lecturer, with full power to use his own judgment as to the form of entertainment, and to be aided by the Misses Madeline and Wilifred Walker, -- newcomers in the parish.

Mr., Martin Coad presented a motion to the effect that the officers of all parish organizations be requested to attend each monthly parish meeting, and take an active interest in parish affairs. The motion was unanimously approved and the Secretary instructed to notify each officer before the next meeting.

Lunch and Music

After adjournment, hot lunch and cold drinks were served, and music provided by several volunteers.

In every way the August Meting was the best and most enthusiastic yet held.

TWO MARRIAGES IN ONE FAMILY

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"Jimmy" Nolan of soccer notoriety, was married in Saint Roch's Church at Nuptial Mass August 18th to Estelle O'Brien, 5845 Pershing Avenue.

The Scullin football team, of which he was a member, presented him a beautiful silver set.

The day previous his brother, Ambrose, was married at the Immaculate Conception Church, Fort Smith, Ark., to Miss Julia Arnold. He and his wife came to St. Louis last week and spent a few days with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Nolan, at 1239 Graham Avenue.

========================

Ray Dolan was recently appointed District Deputy in the Knights of Columbus. The initiated know this is a mark of signal distinction.

AMONG THE CONDEMNED

Tobe, Father O'Connor's veteran hunting dog, went out one morning last week without sufficiently attending to his dress, and was taken by the dog catchers and placed in the cell of the condemned.

Mrs. Moore, his favorite among many friends, whom he accompanied to the store, pleaded with the minions of the law to spare him the humiliation of riding in the dog wagon. She said it was an oversight that he had not his muzzle on, and that a dog so venerable and so intimately connected with the Church should be given some consideration.

But all to no avail. Tobe was in the grip of the law and had to submit to the inevitable. He was permitted, however, a few moments to confer with Mrs. Moore, and one of the most treasured memories shall be the tears he saw her shed for him.

For an hour or two he turned over in his mind the events of his life and the dangers and possibilities of his unhappy circumstances. "I have given many years of service to my master," he said, "and I know he won't desert me, but perhaps he will think my usefulness as a hunting dog is near its end and he may avail of this opportunity of dropping me from his companionship, and giving my kennel to another. It is an age that calls for youth and efficiency. I am weary and old with service and possibly I am only in the way."

Before he had come to a satisfactory solution of these unpleasant possibilities, he was taken from the wagon and thrown into the dog pound. Thirty or forty prisoners watched his admission with a curiosity that is peculiar to such an event. The older dogs noted with some satisfaction that he was like themselves, an old-timer who should have known better than fall into hands of the dog-catchers. There was a general silence and a few moments of keen scrutiny. Tobe knew he was being sized up and that the bat of an eye, the quiver of a lip or the weakening of a facial expression would destroy forever his reputation for "guts" among these hard-boiled observers, so he assumed a poise of indifference which he by no means felt, but which the requirements of the occasion made necessary, and with ears alert and tail well curved upwards, he advanced toward the general body with a firmness of expression that tended to convey the idea that he was a dog of some importance.

After the ceremonies peculiar to dog introductions were gone through and the rites of dogdom were duly performed, one brindle, broken-toothed bull remarked, "Taken off your guard, eh? Too accustomed to danger, I presume." "Yes," said Tobe with some coldness, "I never before knew of dogcatchers being out on Tamm Avenue before 7 a.m." "I bet," said a spry looking fox terrier with a wink to the other dogs, "there was a female in it." Tobe did not deign to notice this remark, but passed over to the water trough and without having received an invitation, lapped up a few mouthfuls.

A few of the younger pups that were at first very fearful of Tobe because of his size, drew closer and one of them, with many a friendly obeisance and a nervous bark, sought his acquaintance. Tobe somewhat relaxed his severity and accepted the puppy's advance. In a little time all the younger dogs were around him, and as the truth that they were in the death chamber was dawning upon many of them, Tobe felt it was his duty to console them. When Father O'Connor arrived at the dog pound he found Tobe composedly sitting in the midst of the puppies, apparently delivering a speech with sentiments somewhat similar to those expressed lately by Clarence Darrow, which was repeatedly interrupted by repeated barks of approval.

SCHOOL-YARD EQUIPMENT

Following a recent meeting of the School Patrons Association at which a committee was appointed to do what was possible in improving the school-yard for the children to play in, designs were made and material purchased for

The available funds were insufficient for the purchase of this equipment "made up," so that the committee was compelled to order the raw material, and call for volunteers to aid in assembling and erecting it. Answering this call, Messrs. Tom Duggan, Arthur Pahl, Dulany Reese, Bernard Brady, Martin Coad, Ray Dolan, George Wiber and Ed Pierce assembled at the school grounds on Saturday, August 29th and Saturday, Sept. 5th, and, by dint of hard work, made-up and placed this equipment, and set it in concrete, and prepared it for the use of the children at the opening of school.

The material is of the very best, and compares favorably with that of any playground in the city, and these men are deserving of a great deal of credit for their prove the school conditions.

A FISHING PARTY

Mrs. J. A, Bisso, Mrs. Catherine Engelhardt, 6235 Victoria Ave., Mrs. Maurice Cooper, Mrs. Nixon were entertained by Mrs. Wiber at the Placky Lodge, Valley Park, last week. After lunch they went fishing and caught Mrs. Engelhardt, who fell out of the boat in three feet of mud.

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Mrs. Nellie Cullen, 1111a Central Avenue, is spending her vacation with her brother in Chicago.

Mrs. Louis Schollmeyer and Virginia went last week to New York. They hope to meet Sister Raymunda in Washington on their return trip. Sister Raymunda was permitted to go on a vacation to her old home in Washington, D. C., where her parents reside.

THE CORNER STONE CEREMONIES OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH, MAPLEWOOD

On Sunday, August 23rd, Monsg. J. J. Tannrath laid the corner stone for the new $150,000 Church for the Parish of Immaculate Conception, Maplewood, where Rev. John Ryan is pastor.

A large assembly of St. James parishioners attended and the local branch of the Holy Name was well represented in the parade.

Father Ryan, the pastor, gave a very witty talk in response to the Mayor of Maplewood's address. There was no doubt but Father Ryan and the Mayor intended availing of the occasion to boost Maplewood.

The weather was very beautiful, which is a propitious sign -- rarely in the past did Maplewood Parish have a dry celebration.

Recently a Convent was purchased, a rectory is in course of construction, the school is to be enlarged, the grounds have been improved and the Immaculate Conception Parish is making gigantic efforts to sat a splendid example of Church activity to the neighboring parishes.

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Mary Hester Bovard, Ruth and their uncle, Ed Loyet, 6906 Bruno Avenue, are in Indiana.

BONDS

Sam J. Gittins, who is in the Bond Department of Mercantile Trust, is one of St. James' high-class business men. He resides at 6247 Clayton Avenue and may be depended upon to give good advice to any parishioner who contemplates purchasing bonds.

MRS. GIBBONS HIT BY AUTOMOBILE

Mrs. Ed. Gibbons, 6452 West Park Ave. was struck by an automobile a few weeks ago at Tamm and Oakland Ave. and was knocked unconscious. She suffered severe contusions, but escaped serious injury. She is now able to move around and regards her escape as providential.

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There is a great deal of activity in the building line in the parish. Two bungalows have been erected across the street from the rectory, ten flats and two stores are under construction on Clayton Avenue, west of Louisville, and John Manion, a parishioner, has, completed two magnificent apartments in the same locality.

Father O'Connor has been of considerable help to families who are looking for homes in the neighborhood and will appreciate a call from those who contemplate making a purchase.

HOW THEY COME AND GO

Two hundred and forty families have moved from St. James Parish during the past five years. Some were birds of passage who are of a nomadic disposition and ever restless; others were old settlers who were forced by circumstances to purchase homes in other parishes. Many of them hated to leave St. James and their affections continue with it.

POOR BUT HONEST

A new parishioner lost a silk scarf August 15. She believed she left it in a pew in the Church and insisted that someone must have taken it. Father O'Connor said, "I bet you dropped it somewhere else. We might be poor out here, but most of those who go to church are honest."

A week later she phoned to say she found the scarf and that she did -- not leave it in Church.

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The following graduates have made application for admission to St. Louis Diocesan Catholic High Schools

Mrs. Mary Kern and daughters, 1105 Central Avenue, returned from a trip to Mendota, Ill., where they spent a week with relatives. They traveled by auto and covered a distance of 900 miles. Mrs. Kern, who is in her eighties enjoyed the trip immensely.

Mrs. H.F. Hodnett. 6433 Dale Avenue. was a guest for a week at Kilcairn Lodge. Castlewood.

-- Folks! Meet "Harry" Brightly ; artist, cartoonist, wit.

So many people have asked us who the clever artist is who makes our cartoons, that we have prevailed upon the modest reluctant "Harry" to come out of his shell and let us show him to our friends.

Mr. Brightly is an artist and engraver, in the employ of the Bemis Bag Company. "Harry" is a peculiar chap, like most artists in that he loves art, and unlike them from the fact that he likes work. The writer, who sees a great deal of him has never seen him idle, and he gets a tremendous "kick" out of his ability to show people the funny way. He has never seen any of you of whom he has shown so many in caricature, but has made them all from description.

We hope you have enjoyed his "stuff" as thoroughly as we have.

MISS EMMA JENNEMAN'S MARRIAGE

Miss Emma Jenneman, 6411 West Park Ave., was married in St. James Rectory, August 22nd, to Hugo Rasmussen. Mr. Rasmussen is a splendid type of Illinois farmer. He intends going on a farm in fall (to Michigan). Father O'Connor has already received an invitation to visit the young couple there and get to do some real hunting and fishing.

THE MARINER -- EDITORIAL COMMENT

There is a squabble among the Knights of Columbus in the State of Missouri. The Mariner, the State Publication, is the bone of contention. State Deputy Charles J. Riley, the Supreme Representative of the Knights in Missouri, says: "The publishing of an official publication is plainly within the executive powers of the State Deputy, subject to a reasonable limitation by the State Council." D. A. Murphy, State Advocate, declares that the State Council of Missouri has created a committee on the State paper by certain resolutions which give the right to the State officers to arrange for publication and control. The result is, two papers have been published, each declaring itself to be the Official Organ -- one under the direction of Mr. Riley, State Deputy, and the other under the supervision of the majority of the State officers.

Mr. Riley admits the State Conventions of 1918 and 1920 passed resolutions granting the State officers a right to arrange for the publication of the Mariner, but, he asserts, the conventions exceeded the authority vested in them by the Supreme Council, and denies, with a fair show of evidence, that the convention of 1925 did anything more than appropriate a sum from the general fund of the State Council for the publication.

The other officers reply, saying even if the convention of 1925 did not specify who should direct and arrange for the publication, the resolutions of former conventions remain in force, since there is no record of their being amended or rescinded.

The whole question boiled down comes to this: Did the State Council of 1918-20 intend to limit the freedom of the State Deputy in arranging a contract for the publication? And if they did, did they exceed their authority?

It appears to us that the State Council did not anticipate a division such as has arisen among the State Officers and had no intention of limiting the functions of the State Deputy. They presumed the officers would work in harmony with the State Deputy for the good of the Order and acknowledge his decision as being supreme in this and all other matters. They could not be expected to confer the high dignity of State Deputy on a man whom they would not trust with the publication and letting of a contract for the State paper. Such a course of action would be inconsistent with the spirit of those who were responsible for Mr. Riley's election, since it takes from the State Deputy the title of being supreme.

A limitation as to the amount that should be expended in the publication is a matter of regulating finances and is in no sense a regulation that strikes at the authority of the State Deputy, whereas the direction of the State paper is one of the most necessary and essential functions of his office. Take this right from him and his title is a joke.

Hence, we agree with Mr. Riley. The State Council would be exceeding its authority if it took from him the right to direct and contract for the Mariner. It is his duty to uphold the dignity and supremacy of the State Deputy.

To say the least of the other officers, their action is deplorably lacking in etiquette, and is expensive and embarrassing to the general body of the Knights of Columbus in the State of Missouri. Petty politics should be tabooed.

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Ita McCauley, 1319 Graham Street, and her aunt, Miss Annie Kirby, returned from a ten. day trip to Chicago.

Mr. and Mrs. Philip Smith, 6514 Berthold Ave. went to the Lake of Killarney, Arcadia, last week and spent a few days fishing. They say "Don't go to the Lake for fish or pleasure" -- All they got was moss, chiggers and sunburn.

CHURCH DIRECTORY

Pastors

Masses

Sunday and New Year's Day -- 6.00, 7:30, 9:00, 10:00.
Holidays -- 6:00, 7:30, 9:00.
Week Days -- 6:30 and 8:15 during Lent and the Months of May and October.

Holy Hour

Thursday before First Friday at 7:30 P.M.

Instructions for Public School Children

Fridays during school year at 4 P. M., and every Sunday after 9 o'clock Mass.

Confessions

Saturdays from 4:30 to 6:00 P.M. and 7:30 to 9:00 P. M.
Sunday mornings from 7:00 to 7:25 A. M. for the aged and those who are not free to go on Saturdays.
On the eve of solemn festivals and First Fridays -- 3:30 to 4:30 and from 7:30 to 8:30 P. M.
Special confessors on Eves of Christmas and Easter.

Meetings

Parish meetings the last Thursday of each month at 8 P. M. All invited.
Mother's Club meeting first Friday of each month at 2:30 P. M.
Virgin Mother's Sodality -- Tuesday after first Sunday at 8:00 P. M.
Holy Name Society -- Monday after 2nd Sunday of the month at 8:00 P. M.
St. Anne’s Sodality -- ,Tuesday after 3rd Sun. day at8:00P.M.

Visiting Hours to Rectory

Preferably from 8 to 10 A.M. and from 6:30 to 8:00 P. M.

Baptisms

Sundays at 3:30 P. M. sharp. Sponsors ought to be practicing Catholics.

Sick Calls

Don't delay; the pastors will not be responsible for sick calls over the telephone. In all cases confer with one of the Priests.

Bells

Church bells are rung for the Angelus at 6.00 A. M., 12:00 and 6:00 P. M. Also a quarter of an hour before services.

Church Dues

Each wage earner is expected to give 4c out of each dollar earned; for maintenance of priests. sisters, ordinary parish expense and for a building fund. No pew rent or special collections except at Christmas and Easter.

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Bob Corbett corbetre@webster.edu