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."
ITALIANS, SLAVS AND THE REST OF US
Race consciousness, race prejudice, and race tradition, are plain stubborn facts that will not sink out of sight in a day or melt away in an hour's heating in, the melting pot. Each race has its peculiar characteristics which give color and individuality to its people and variety to society.
The Catholic Church has, without prejudice to patriotism, ever maintained the brotherhood of man, and encouraged charity and good will among the human family. It is, a society in which the various races coalesce and harmonize in justice and truth, and learn the great lesson of universal love.
In St. James Parish the congregation is well seasoned with descendants of Irish, German, Italian, Slav and a few other races. No race predominates. The church and school is for all Catholics who understand, or want to understand, English, and who .desire to bequeath to their children the priceless gift of the Faith which has been so long and so lovingly cherished in their families.
There are a large number of Italians and Slavs settling in this community. The old folk, in many instances, speak English with difficulty, though they understand it well enough to transact business with their English speaking neighbors. Undoubtedly these would feel more at home in a congregation where their native tongue is spoken. They avail themselves of the church and school in this parish more because of convenience than of choice, but their children want to be like the rest of the American children, and knowledge of English is absolutely necessary for their future well-being.
The most intelligent among the parent appreciate the spirit of sympathy and good will which they find at St. James, and acknowledge their duty to the parish with no conditional allegiance. They give to the collections as regularly and as generously as the majority of the parishioners and have the good will of priests and people.
There are others, however, who, whilst taking advantage of the convenience of the church and school at their door, regard themselves as belonging to some other congregation in the city, and contribute little or nothing to the parish; this is not fair nor reasonable, especially when one considers the crowded condition of the school and the heavy burden that the parish has in its efforts to build a church that will be sufficiently large to take care of the future congregation. One of the parishioners recently remarked, "The new church will be owned in a few years by Catholics of Italian and Slav descent; they are purchasing property all around the church and within the confines of the parish.”
Be this as it may, there is at least a grain of truth in the statement, and enough to suggest the need of impressing the idea that every one who hopes to bring up their children Catholic in this community, should, with charity and faith, identify themselves with the parish and contribute to its support as generously and with as much enthusiasm as the rest of the parishioners.
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The Seventh and Eighth Grades were given a very delightful Halloween party in the School Hall Friday, October 30th, by Sister Gabriel – even the boys say it was good.
BAPTISMS IN OCTOBER
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Mr. and Mrs. Isadore Schramm, whose two daughters are nuns, were so anxious: to be near the church, they sold their home at 2047 Knox Avenue and purchased a cottage at 6427 Nashville Avenue.
Mrs. Bernard Uelk, 6763 West Park Avenue, has been ill since she gave birth to a baby boy in September.
PARISH MEETING
The October meeting of St. James Parish Association was held on the 29th of the month in the school hall. In the absence of Mr. Crotty, president, Mr. Louis Riegel acted as temporary chairman.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and Father O'Connor urged that the business of the evening be transacted as briefly as possible, as he had promised to turn the meeting over at 9 o'clock to representatives of the Food Research Department of the Everwear Aluminum Company, who would give a lecture and demonstration on cooking without water or grease.
Free School?
The first question discussed was, what should be done in regard to parents who have children in school and were neither paying tuition nor contributing to the church?
In response to the chairman's request for an expression of opinion, there was a general silence.
Father O'Connor asked Mrs. O'Brien what she thought about it, and she replied that parents who can afford to pay for their children in school should do so without any compulsion. "There are some, perhaps," she said, "who are not paying because of difficulties in their home which they do not want to make it known to a parish committee or even to their pastors." Father O'Connor replied: "I do not see, Mrs. O'Brien, why they would not come to the priest and intimate that they were unable to pay."
"If you had ever been through the mill," she answered, "as I have been, Father, you would know what I mean."
Mrs. Bovard thought the parish committee should call upon those parents who were judged capable of paying for, their children and find out the reason why they were not doing so. The chair asked her what should be done if they refused to give a reason. She said: “Drop the matter.”
Mrs. Irvin urged an educational campaign for the parents. “Let the committee,” she said, “visit them, and explain how earnestly we are all making sacrifices to raise funds for a new church; in this way they might be induced to pay something.”
Mrs. Killian said: "The committee could call and at least find out what were their intentions."
Mr. Jim Coad : "We certainly do not want to close the school to any children whose parents are not able to pay the tuition, nor should we embarrass the children by asking them for it; however, we ought to try to collect from those who are able to pay."
Do Not Humiliate the Children
Mrs. Hefele: "The parents, and not the children, should be questioned."
Father O'Connor: "It has always been the policy of the priests and the sisters never to humiliate a child in the school on this or any other matter."
Mr. Jim O'Gorman: "I raised a family in St. James Parish and paid for their education. I believe the names of those who are not contributing to the church and school should be given to the committee which made the previous canvass, and that one or two members visit all those in their respective districts."
Getting Nowhere
Mr. Frank Walsh said he had not been at a meeting for four months because his business took him out of town a great deal. "The last meeting I attended the discussion was about increasing parish revenue, and it seems to me you are still in the same place, asking the question, 'What are we to do with the delinquents ?' "
Father O'Connor gave some facts with the intention of enlightening Mr. Walsh as to the progress the parish association was making in the raising of funds.
"When the parish organization put on this campaign for increasing parish revenue, the average weekly collections amounted to $365.00. The organization proposed to increase it to $500.00. During the month of October of the present year the average weekly collection amounted to $482.60.” This, he thought, was a very substantial increase and was a good reason why the organization should not feel discouraged. “If we could,” he said, “assure ourselves of a $500.00 weekly collection, we need have little fear of assuming a debt and of building a church that would come up to the expectations of our most zealous enthusiasts. When making a loan, the bank will ask for the parish books, and should it find that the income for the previous year has averaged $500.00 a week, it will be more inclined to make a loan and to give the money at a lower rate of interest. There are about 60 wage earners who to my knowledge could contribute but are not doing so. If they were to co-operate with us and send in a weekly contribution, the revenue would be more than $500.00 a week."
Mr. Walsh : "The figures just given by Father O'Connor seem to justify the campaign for increased funds, therefore I suggest that the committee again solicit the delinquents. Another drive through the parish ought to increase the revenue to the desired amount. Where there is doubt as to the ability of an individual to pay, instead of making them a visit, a letter might be mailed requesting them to come to the rectory and, explain why they are not contributing."
Appearances Are Deceiving
Mrs. Hefele: "Appearances are sometimes deceiving. Often people are much worse off financially than outward signs would indicate, and are likely to be embarrassed if asked to contribute when unable to do so. We should go after the ones who are undoubtedly able to contribute.""Yes," Father O'Connor said. "I know of an instance where a family owns two flats and have their children free in the school. They are growing wealthy while their poor struggling neighbors are bearing all the burden of supporting the church. In justice to the poor man, parishioners who can afford to contribute ought to be approached by the parish organization and politely requested to do their share."
Mr. Riegel: "It appears to me that we ought at least send these people a letter asking them to pay or come to the rectory to give an explanation. I suggest that the financial committee write them."
Mr. Jim Coad: "A letter won't get us anywhere; let us call on them in person"
Mrs. Nixon: "I make a motion that pledge committee call on delinquents"
Motion seconded and carried.
Free Church -- Free Pews
The second question which Father O'Connor desired the meeting to discuss was in regard to those who were not contributing 4 per cent or pew rent. “I have in mind,” he said, “young people who are earning a salary and who had few obligations. These blow in their money on wild parties, clothes, clubs and automobiles, and their names appear in the parish books followed by a blank space, which would indicate that they have not contributed even a quarter for the cleaning or heating of the church. Undoubtedly the thoughtlessness of youth may be offered in the way of apology, but a little firmness on the part of the committee would soon bring them to that seriousness where they would realize that they have a duty towards -the support of their church." Mr. Pierce made a motion that this second class of delinquents be approached by the same committee as the first and at the same time.Getting Results
Father O'Connor: "I am certain that we are getting results from our campaign and a new church is looming in sight, but we must not let up on our efforts to increase the parish revenue. We must keep on urging and striving and visiting, however distasteful it might be. The building of a church is not an easy matter; it is a heavy burden on the priests and people. Naturally, there are some who are inclined to ignore it. Leaders must not grow weary or be discouraged by petty criticisms; they can always be sure that the best people in the parish are in sympathy with their efforts. This meeting is larger and more representative than any we have so far had. Each month some new one is becoming more enthused and contributing more generously.
This organization carries with it so much moral force there are few people who would have the temerity to openly criticize the parishioners who have the courage and the willingness to co-operate with the priests in raising funds for a new church. Let us keep up the good work and by this time next year we will be ready to draw plans.
Eloquent Louis
Mr. Riegel was called upon for some comments of a valedictory nature and attained surprising heights of eloquence as he visualized the beauty of our proposed new church and the pride it would bring to the hearts of those whose efforts made it possible. "We will," he said, "have the consolation that our lives were not empty and that we did our duty to our parish, our pastors and our God." He complimented all who were at the meeting and asked them to come to the next one and bring a few of their neighbors. "There is," he asserted, "a feeling of courage when one is backed up by a large crowd."
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Mrs. Clara Werner of Los Angeles, Cal., spent the summer in St. Louis at the home of her brother, Louis Freimuth, 6736 Oakland Avenue. She. left last week for the West and carried with her many pleasant memories.
ED PIERCE, JR., HAS ARRIVED
Mr. Ed Pierce, one of the editors of Let's Go, is the happy father of another boy. Mrs. Pierce and the baby are doing very well at the maternity ward of St. Mary's Hospital.
It is eleven years since Mrs. Pierce had a baby. Some of the wags say Ed must have dropped the Stop Signal since he became editor of Let's Go. The boy is to be named Ed, Jr.
"What do you think of him?" said Ed to Father O'Connor.
"I hope," replied the priest, "the second edition will be as interesting as the first."
In reply to a similar question, Will Hawkins said: "Ed, were it not for the little mustache you wear, I could not tell the father from the son."
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Mrs. Bovard felt very much enthused with an invitation she received to attend, as president of the Mothers' Club, the commercial luncheon given at St. Luke's Hall, until she arrived at the door and found that it was a pay-as-you-enter affair. Her embarrassment was not diminished by the fact that she found she left her purse at home.
THE RUMMAGE SALE
A large assortment of furnishings and apparel were donated to the Mothers' Club for the Rummage Sale which took place in the Parish Hall October 12th.
A non-Catholic lady was seen carrying from the hall a nice picture of the Blessed Virgin. Another lady had a gold gilt bird cage. Mrs. Moore purchased a variety kennel picture which she presented to Father O'Connor. A lady on Wade Avenue purchased a coat which she later transformed into a pretty suit and hat for her little fellow.
It was reported that the club netted about $30 from the proceeds of the sale and that quite a number of poor people were enthused with their purchases.
When the reporter for Let's Go appeared in the hall the sale was lively and Mrs. Bovard was acting as auctioneer.
"There is here," she shouted, "a beautiful vacant lot. It once housed the biggest man in the Parish -- it has depth and length and frontage. It was donated to the Mothers' Club by Mrs. Charlie Heil."
"I wish we could raffle it," said Mrs. Irvin, "it would mean so much to a poor family."
"Where is it situated?" innocently asked Mrs. Moore.
"Quite close to you," replied Mrs. Bovard.
"Lot next to the rectory?" suggested Mrs. Moore.
"No, this one right here," said Mrs. Bovard, and turning to a huge parcel beside her which resembled a peddler's pack, she took from it a man's trousers. She unfolded the article like one opening a coliseum. "Lord, what a man!" said tiny Mrs. Wilkins.
The women held their breath as Mrs. Bovard extended at arm's length the waistline and Mrs. Irvin, to give it shape and to display its full dimensions, pulled it out in the front and with the other hand extended the back the legs took shape and reminded one of a pair of tunnels leading into Grand Central Station, and the waistline opened up such unlimited depth on seeing it one impulsively drew back as he would from a chasm.
"How much for this elegant trouser?" said Mrs. Bovard, but as no one bid she laid it back with a sigh amongst the rest of the unsalable articles, and then with a shade of consolation resting on her motherly face, she said to Mrs. Irvin : "Keep it for the Mothers' Club Minstrel Show; it will about fit Mrs. Adele McVey Conroy." A fact which suggested to the writer that Mrs. Conroy is probably dieting on small stores.
Who'll buy this fine pair of pants,
Which once housed a man's large expanse?
Their fit may be ill,
And their value quite nil,
"But they're grand," you can see at a glance.
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Miss Frances Matreci, 2025 Schaffer Place, a pupil of the Eighth Grade, St. James School, was given a surprise party by her class on Halloween. During the month a surprise was also given to Margaret Regan, 6815 Waldemar Avenue.
Ray Dolan has been shooting mud hens and passing them off on his office force as wild ducks. Ask Joe Ryan about it.
John A. Murphy, 6438 Lloyd Avenue, went to the Mississippi River last week for a day and brought back four wild ducks. There is good reason for believing he shot them himself: Ray Dolan says Mr. Murphy can sure turn over clay pigeons.
AT FAIRMOUNT
John D. Bersch, 6803 Nashville Avenue, and a prominent gentleman who lives on Tamm Avenue, decided to go to the races. It was a big occasion for both gentlemen; here were the old days back again, the ponies, the grand stand and the crowds and the little bet on the side. John was beside himself with hope and happiness. "Say what you like," he said, "there is nothing. like a horse race to put an old man's blood moving. I feel again like a kid. I can't keep sitting. I believe I will go for a paper and study the sport sheet."
He called at Eddie Ryan's filling station to make sure his Lizzie would not go dry on the way, and incidentally to find out what Eddie knew about horse racing. Eddie was once a blacksmith and John presumed that Eddie naturally knew more about horses than most people.
"Ryan," said John, "what do you know about race horses?"
"I know enough," said 'Ryan, "to fill a book." I have had my hands on the hoof of nearly every race horse that ran in Missouri for ten years before the World's Fair. I can tell a winner the moment I see him.”
"Crossing the winning post?" said Bersch.
"No," said Ryan, "whilst he is parading. Watch them come out of the paddock," continued Ryan, "note the horse with the broad chest, fore legs straight, strong and well set -- back short and on line with the pins -- hips well arched, eyes bright, ears erect and man and horse looking as if they both came at the same time from the same mother, and were out now to win this particular race on which you are about to plate your money."
"But how about it," said Bersch, rubbing his head in apparent bewilderment, "if there are two or three horses that each have all them things you talk about? In that case," said Bersch, “what horse should a man pick?”
"Bet across the board," answered .Ryan. "If your horse comes first, second or even third, you will in all probability win more than what you had ventured; or for a man like you who can't tell the difference between a horse and a cow, bet on all three for a show."
"A show !" said Mr. Bersch excitedly, "what does that mean?"
"Glory be to Mike," said Ryan disgustedly, "a man that does not know what a show is, does not know enough to wear pants; he ought to dress in mother-hubbard and stay at home with the children. A show is when a horse comes in at least third or gets placed among the first three."
Mr. Bersch and the, gentleman from Tamm Avenue looked the horses over. The ponies were already parading: "Look at that for an animal," said Mr. Bersch, "number four, that's a horse as good as Ryan himself could make."
"A nice horse!" his companion replied, "but what do you think of No. 7?"
"I believe he is a better one," said John, "what will I do, before it is too late?"
"Bet on both of them," suggested his friend. He rushed to the window where the paramutual bets are taken.
"Which horse?" said the clerk.
"Two of them," said John all excited and out of breath as he threw his four dollars on the table, "No. 4 and No. 7."
"I haven't time to fool with you," tartly snapped the clerk, "tell me the names of the horses and what way you are going to play."
Fortunately for John he had in his hand a program, and at once called the names of the horses, but that other instruction of Mr. Ryan's he could not recall. "Across the field," ventured John.
The clerk was annoyed. "Don't block the passage all day; move on!" he shouted.
“Just a minute, brother,” said John, much abashed. "I can't think of the word. Yes, I have it," he said, "give me a circus."
"A show, you mean," said the clerk threw him the tickets.
"My Lord," said Mr. Bersch on returning to his companion, "'twas as bad as being five minutes in the electric chair. Where are our horses and what are the colors?"
Blue, red yoke, white cap -- there she goes she has the inside -- Go it, "Monday Morning!" Come to the front, "Happy Bob!"
"They don't win over there," said a bystander, the winning post is at this side."
"Happy Bob! Happy Bob!" shouted a chorus of enthusiasts.
"That is my horse," said John.
"Monday Morning," third!
"That's mine also," vociferously shouted Mr. Bersch.
"That fat guy," said a boy to his dad "must own half the horses at the race," whilst John, beaming over with smiles, collected his fourteen dollars.
Another parishioner who visited the track enclosed in his 4 per cent envelope last Sunday three par-mutual tickets of horses that also ran, and wrote, "Father, I wish I could do better, but I was at the races and this is all I have left."
Johnnie Bersch on a race placed a bet,
With a horse which he knew without fret
Could run like a deer,
That was speeded by fear,
And they say the poor nag's running yet.
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The school children asked for a half day on the Feast of All Souls, and Father O'Connor said they could have it provided sixty children had gone to Communion that morning or on the day previous. After a count was taken it was determined only fifty-nine were at the Altar, so they missed their opportunity and had to remain in school.
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The veteran hunter, Mr. Joseph A. Crotty, spent, with Mrs. Crotty, the past two weeks in Maries County, Missouri, admiring the beauties of the Ozarks and incidentally taking a shot at a squirrel or rabbit in the woods.
Are you a member of the Purgatorian Society? If you do not know what it means, ask about it.
MRS, RIEGEL -- A BAD ONE!
"Louis, what was the matter with your voice last Sunday; your singing of High Mass was not as good as usual?"
"I have a sore finger, Father," and he displayed a hand wrapped in a bandage. "What happened; did you meet with accident?"
"I should say I did, and also a bitter appointment."
“Well, I’m sorry to hear of it. What occurred?
Louis” “When I reached for a second piece of bacon my wife hit me across the fingers with the carving knife.”
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Mr. John Mannion, 6528 Berthold Avenue, sold at a good price the two modern flats which he recently had built at 6500 Clayton Avenue. He and Mrs. Mannion and Mary, in company with Mrs. Peter Manion and Theresa, toured to New York. Incidentally, Mary called at the rectory before she left and donated a fifty-dollar bill toward the new church.
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Miss Rosemary Wiss, 6645 Wise Avenue, was discharged from the Mullamphy Hospital, where she was under a doctor's care for the greater part of a week. Her companion in the room happened to be one of the Misses Moriarthy, formerly of Benton.
A NEW PARISHIONER
Mr. and Mrs. John Patrick Mullahy and family purchased a store at the corner of Clayton and Forest Avenues and built three additional stores on the adjoining property on Clayton Avenue. Mr. Mullahy is well known in the downtown district. He recently sold his store at 3900 Finney Avenue. In 1921 he was State Vice-President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and is well known in Catholic circles. He is especially interested in St. James Parish, because, he says, Mr. Macken, who donated the church lot, gave him the first start. His son, John Martin Patrick, is attending St. Louis University High School and his only surviving daughter, Mary Gabriel, is at present a pupil at Notre Dame Academy, Collinsville, Ill.
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Robert Barr, 6801 Magnolia Avenue, has been awarded the contract for the brick work of the Automobile Sales Department and garage which is being erected by the Dolan Bros. at 6405 Manchester Avenue.
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Mrs. Margaret McDonnell, Mrs. Foley, Margaret Irvin and Mary Wilson are excommunicated; they attended a service at the Tabernacle, where Mr. Williams teaches people to take the sawdust trail. When request for prayers were uttered most of the ladies who spoke, asked prayers for their sons, but Margaret McDonnell gave variety by asking prayers for her mother. Margaret Irvin and Mrs. Foley donated like good Protestants when the collection basket was passed, but the rest of the party acted like Shanty Irish.
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Today at 2 o'clock Father O'Connor intends to be on a train on his way to Monroe City, where he and the Pastor, Father Connolly, will open the hunting season. He is taking his dogs along.
Father Pee Jay has left us once more,
Upon preaching he's quite closed the door.
With his dogs and his. gun
Out for game and for fun
He'll "bang" at the birds as they soar.
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The school children have been unfortunate with regard to holidays; beaten out of a whole day by the Feast of All Saints falling on Sunday, and losing by one the half day on the Feast of All Souls. But Armistice Day is at hand and the Friday after Thanksgiving would be a good day to even things up. How about it, kids?
ANOTHER MARRIAGE
Arthur Charles Matthes and Alma Rose Cissell were married at the Rectory, November 4th, Father O'Connor performing the ceremony.
These young people became acquainted while in the employ of Lantz Bros. Baking Company, where Miss Cissell learned to love Mr. Matthes, and to appreciate the doughnuts he made.
Miss Cissell, a Catholic, is a sister of Mrs. Killian, while Mr. Matthes is a non-Catholic. In a desire to gain an understanding of his wife's religious beliefs Mr. Matthes took instructions from Father O'Connor, and was much impressed with the Catholic faith. Mixed marriages prepared in this way are not so likely to result -in religious friction, and we commend Miss Cissell in her choice, and Mr. Matthes in his fairness.
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Martin Coad and son, Arthur Pahl and son, and Dan Murphy were on a fishing trip at Beaver Dam Lake during the last week of October. The weather was too cool and the fishing was poor.
A FAMILY RECEIVED INTO THE CHURCH
Mrs. Loretta Steffe, 6639 Garner Avenue, and her three boys, Vincent, Vernon Joseph and Sidney Stephen, were received into the church by Father O'Connor on October 10th. Mrs. Steffe attributes her conversion to God's Grace and the zeal of the Willer family.
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Mr. Dan Sheehan of the Dolan Real Estate Company went to Jefferson City last week, where he presented himself for the State Board examination on law. He made his studies at night school of St. Louis University.
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Mr. Edward Kraemer, the young husband of Adele Jirauch, was at the point of death during the past week. He is suffering from pneumonia. The whole Jirauch family went to Communion last Sunday and have the greatest confidence that through their prayers his life shall be spared.
ANNIVERSARY MASS FOR THE LATE CATHERINE USHER
The Ja-Da Club were present at St. James Church on Sunday, October 25th, and received Holy Communion at a mass that was offered for the repose of the soul of one of their members, the late Catherine Usher Kelly:
A breakfast was served the members of the club in the cafeteria of the school by Mrs. J. A. Murphy and Mrs. Kathryn Hefele, at which Father Norbert E. Pohl was an honored guest.
The Ja-Da is composed of several girls from St. James and surrounding parishes. The Club originated during the war as a knitting club, and later became a social club; meetings are held the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month at the different girls' homes, with the exception of the months during Lent and the extremely hot months of summer.
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Mr. James Morrissey, 1015 Graham Avenue, is erecting a store with living rooms above at 1330 Tamm Avenue. It is understood his father-in-law intends making his home with the family.
Mrs. William Jones, 1209 Childress Avenue, spent two weeks with her relatives in Indianapolis. She returned Saturday, October 31st.
THE JULY BRIDE
Father O'Connor overlooked many things in July when he was on vacation, notably to report the marriage of one of the Smith twins. It now gives him great pleasure to inform the young men of the parish that they must be careful in distinguishing which is Etoyle and which Dolores. To help them Dolores is the one with the very bright eyes, who at home sits between her grandmother, Mrs. Crawford, and her husband, Jacob B. Mitchell.
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Now that you have returned from your vacation, look up your 4 per cent envelopes and see how many Sunday contributions you owe the Church.
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HELPFUL HINTS TO BRIDES
At the parish meeting, Father O'Connor asked those present for news items for Let's Go. Mrs. Boerckel, the recent bride, said she fell on the step the day she returned from her honeymoon. Father O'Connor thought that was an omen which Mrs. O'Brien undoubtedly could interpret. Mrs. O'Brien answered that she did not know what to say about it, but she would like to hear what Father O'Connor thought of it. He laughingly replied that it was a sign that Mrs. Boerckel should watch her step.
A voice in the back of the hall: "Yes, and watch her husband."
The chairman, Mr. Riegel, added: "Feed him and you won't have to watch him.".
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The late Cecil Dudley Gregg, president of the Evens & Howard Fire Brick Company and the C. D. Gregg Tea & Coffee Company, and member of the directorate of the St. Louis Times, who recently died at St. Luke's Hospital, was not a Catholic, but had been for years on intimate terms with the priests of the parish. Through his kindly consideration the grounds south of the rectory have been used for parish purposes for the past twenty years. Last year when Evens & Howard were about to sell the property east of Tamm Avenue, Mr. Gregg visited the rectory and offered the portion adjoining the church grounds at reduced price for parish purposes. He was a big-hearted, humorous, gentleman of refined manner and exceptional culture. He was kindly and tolerant and the type of American business man that is admired by associates and beloved by his neighbors. May he rest in peace.
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Mrs. John Steffan, 1014 Tamm Avenue, returned home from Barnes Hospital October 31st. The doctors there advised her to undergo an operation, but as she has been suffering for some time from heart attacks, she decided to defer it until later. Her condition is considered serious.
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Mrs. Teresa Placke, 1318 Tamm Avenue, though somewhat improved, is still very ill. On All Saints Day, for the first time in several weeks, she sat up for a few hours.
YOUNG MOTHER-THAT SENSITIVE CHILD OF YOURS
You say you don't know what to do with that child of yours because it is so sensitive. You don't want to spoil it by sympathy, and a rebuke causes it so much pain your maternal heart is touched and ill at ease.
Try to diagnose the character of the child; a sensitive child is often one who has a generous nature and a high sense of honor. It aspires to a character that will be above reproach. It is a Knight Errant or a Princess in Embryo, and it dreams of distinctions that are too often unattainable. Usually it has an abnormal imagination. It lives in a world of its own making. It surrounds itself with fantasies; it plays a hero amongst the retinue of its own creation. It receives from them unfaltering submission and admiration.
A girl tries to make her world real; she dresses as a nun, a teacher or a queen. When she believes herself alone, she addresses an imaginary class, she is happy till the cold world of facts comes in contact with her fancies and melts them into airy nothings.
Her distress is real and her misery can be aggravated by a rebuke. What chagrin of soul this queen feels when her mother informs her that she does not know how to wash a dish or run an errand! Her fairy realm is invaded, her fortresses are tottering, her kingdom is being destroyed. She weeps till her daddy comes home; she knows he will sympathize with her and restore to her unhappy soul the gossamer robe of glory in which she has enthroned her self esteem.
A boy's imaginings require more substance. He wants to be something in real life. He gives orders to other boys as if he were a general. He moves among. them with a consciousness of superiority, he wants to be the Ty Cobb of the baseball gang, and should his skill in performance fall short of his ambitions he brings upon himself the scathing ridicule of his companions and scarcely is given the honor of being a substitute in the team.
The period when these manifestations are most evident is between the ages of 12 and 18 and varies in intensity with different individuals. It is termed the dangerous age, because the youth has for the time lost its balance and is open to suggestion, delusion and irritation. The girl likes to dramatize her fancies and hold the attention of those around her, she tells fibs which are well calculated to arouse sympathy, she tires of home and pictures herself as a martyr; she readily feigns illness and even gets up a rather good imitation of some affection. She becomes morose or hysterical and endeavors to live up to the reputation which brings her most into the limelight.
Her condition is nothing to worry about, but requires intelligent and sympathetic treatment. Parents should not take her too seriously, and they should guard against harshness or coddling. In a few years her physical development will bring about equilibrium and her mind will adjust itself to the hum-drum of facts. She may have hidden talent which calls for imagination and later may develop a genius for painting, music, literature or leadership among her fellows. It is said genius is akin to madness, and abnormal viewpoints in children are sometimes only manifestations of unusual powers which are out of balance with the undeveloped qualities that are necessary to proper poise.
Boys with imagination and sensitiveness are, like girls, easily misunderstood. Their delusions are not less extravagant, though more substantial. They seek notoriety, and not achieving it in a legitimate way, are apt to become sour and irritable. Harshness may provoke them to rashness and under the impulse of doing something sensational, they may be easily led into crime and go to the dogs before they have reached the age of equilibrium.
For both boys and girls who are subject to these fantasies, parents should make an effort to open to them a way of legitimate activities where their ambitions to be exceptional may meet with some success. Their failures are loaded with explosives which may wreck their careers -- they need encouragement and sympathy and an urge from without to stick to something that will absorb their surplus energies and turn their thoughts to things that are practical.
All theses suggestions are in the realm of psychology, but the humiliations of the Cross of Calvary, when attention is timely directed to them by a Christian mother, are more inspiring to a youth of generous impulse and extravagant conceit than anything that can be said or written.
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Mr. John Shaffrey, 6320 West Park Avenue, has been ill for the past two months. He is suffering from a complication of diseases and his condition is critical.
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