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."
OUR PASTOR'S LETTER
Dear Parishioner
The enthusiasm that prevails in the parish concerning the building of a new church is a splendid manifestation of faith. Everyone is anxious to see a new church in the parish. The parishioners have been waiting long and at times almost hopelessly; they are now delighted at the prospect of having a new church next year.
The weekly collections were never bigger. The sacrifices that are being made by so many people who can ill afford to give, is inspiring. It is all spontaneous on their part. I don't know how to talk money, as you know I rarely do talk money; the parishioners give because they know it is right to give, because they believe in God's providence, avid watchful care. He is not blind to their sacrifices. He will not be outdone in generosity. Giving in His honor; giving when it is herd to find something to give is a sign of real love, it is sacrifice; it is the spirit behind Christianity. It is the soul of good works and that which will make our new church a living manifestation of our faith.
The parishioner who does not give to this great and holy cause will feel small and cheap before God and man when the church is erected. When people will say, "I see you have built a beautiful church," he will be compelled to answer, unless he is a hypocrite, "Yes THEY have." He will remember that he was only an observer; that he failed to bring a stone when the rest of the parishioners had their coats off and their sleeves tucked up and were toiling in the heat and sweating to erect a temple to the Lord.
When he and his family sit in a pew that a poorer man than he paid for, when he looks up at the high walls arid artistic arches, when he hears the pealing of the organ, which should bring peace to his soul, he will have no peace; he will .feel like a man who is stealing a ride in a train, like a thief in another man's home.
I would ask all of you to keep up your collections and if possible .to increase them. One of the architects has rendered a sketch of a neat church which I will submit to the Archbishop for approval. I fear it will cost more than we can afford though I have eliminated everything that could be eliminated to reduce the cost. The last parish meeting approved of this design. Mr. Crotty suggested a brick -building, but all the ladies present objected, and a big majority voted in favor of a stone construction.
Yours in Christ,
PATRICK J._ O'CONNOR.
HOME ENVIRONMENT
Perhaps a greater influence than the parochial school, the press or the church, is home environment. A child is molded by the tradition of the home, the opinions of the parents and his own inclinations. His moral standards are rarely higher than the moral standards that prevail in his home. If the parents lie and steal, miss church on Sunday morning, in all probability the child will do likewise, notwithstanding the instructions that might be given through the pastors of the parochial schools.
There can be no high moral standard where there is no discipline and the parent who has not enough of discipline to regulate his own life so that he can give a good example to his child, cannot expect his child to have enough of reverence to accept his guidance in things civic and spiritual.
Criminals come from homes where there is no discipline and lax morals. Good citizens are likely to be found in a home where parents have proper ideas of right living, strict standards of conduct for themselves and are imbued with an ambition to bring up a child that will be a credit to church and country.
Home life is demoralized in these modern days. Children rarely feel a duty to parents, and parents have ceased to regard themselves as bound to discipline the child. The result is that youth is driven hither and thither in the world of sin and passion, with no adequate protection for the guidance of conscientious God-fearing parents. They are exposed to every storm and if their lives are wrecked the parents are often more responsible for the demoralization than is the child.
A judge recently said when sentencing a boy to a life of penal servitude, "You deserve what you're getting but your parents should be hanged."
The records of St. James Parochial school seem to bear out this conclusion, the majority of boy graduates, whose fathers do not go to mass, have drifted away from the church and are ranked amongst the number whose lives are run on the level of men who have no religion.
It seems little good to build up a moral character in the school, which is going to be torn down by the influence of the parents in the home. If we want to have good morals and good Christian boys and girls, it is very necessary that we have religious schools and good teachers, but nothing would be accomplished unless we have good Christian parents who day in and day out uphold the moral standard of the church, discipline their children and set them a good example, showing that the principles of religion are not theory which is like the wisp of a dream or the weakness of shadow, but a strong, practical something which is felt, appreciated and lived in the ordinary life of the home.
THE PAROCHIAL SCHOOL
Thirty-nine new children were registered in the parochial school, 34 of whom are in kindergarten. There are 308 children registered in the school, 29 of these are in the graduating class, 30 in the 7th grade, 38 in the 3rd grade, 38 in the second, 37 in the first. Five of these classes have individual rooms and teachers. School is now well under way and splendid janitor service is being rendered by Mr. Isador Schram.
The Mothers' Club gave the children an opportunity of purchasing their lunch from the local stores. At mid-day the children can be seen sitting at the corners munching large sections of coffee cake, cookies, pies and a general assortment of things that are sweet and toothsome. This freedom was appreciated by the children for a time but they are now asking, "when will the Mothers' Club open the lunch room?" They have learned that money means more eats and drinks in the lunch room than elsewhere, and they probably too realize that a warm lunch and a glass of good milk, though plain, is more substantial and satisfying than the cookies eaten at a corner on the streets on a cold day.
The Mothers' Club have decided to open the lunch room about the first of November.
Parents who have not been paying the 4% whose children attend the parochial school, are again reminded that they are expected to come to the Rectory to make arrangements about parish support. The school is now being financed from the parish treasury. Tuition is not demanded in the school because it is presumed that people who are unable to support their parish, cannot afford to pay it.
The school costs the parish a little over $5,000 for salary of teachers, coal, janitor service and upkeep of school and convent. Only children of parishioners can have accommodation in the school.
PURGATORIAN SOCIETY
The leaves are falling and thoughts of death enter our mind. Many whom we love have gone, and the cares of life and the many distractions of the day make us less conscious of their absence.
The church, mindful of its duty to its children, reminds us once every year in a very special manner to pray for our dead. It has set aside the 2nd of November as the special feast for the dead. On that day the faithful are invited to go to church and by alms and pious works make atonement for the venial faults and the remains of sin which pious souls carried with them into eternity, and for which they must suffer in purgatory until the last farthing is paid, for nothing undefiled, the scripture says, can enter Heaven, and it is a holy and a wholesome thought to pray for the dead that they may be released from their sins.
Three masses are offered by each priest on the Feast of All Souls. This is an unusual privilege and it is a manifestation of the church's desire to do something very special for departed souls. Everyone who has a deceased relative, friend, or neighbor has a duty at this time to remember them in their prayers and to assist at one of the masses and offer communion for their repose. Flowers on the grave is a very pretty act of remembrance but faith teaches that a single communion, or a short prayer is more helpful to the soul of the departed than all the wreaths and monuments that can be set up at the grave.
An excellent method for having a daily memento made of your dead is to join a purgatorian society. There is one in the parish. The spiritual director, Father O'Connor offers a special mass on the Feast of All Souls for all those whose names are sent to him on the Purgatorian sheet. There is also a mass offered in honor of the Sacred Heart the first Friday of each month, and each day in the mass at the Memento of the Dead your loved ones will be commemorated.
The person who sends a list of deceased ones should sign his name to it if he desires to become a living member., There are no special obligations but it is fitting that those who are living members should, when possible, attend the masses on First Fridays and offer three communions for other living members who may die during the year. The Spiritual Director also promises to offer three masses on the death of a living member. If there are several in a family who want to become living members each one should write his own list of deceased.
The special advantages of becoming a member of the purgatorian society are: if you should forget to pray for your loved ones, you will know that they are not entirely forgotten. Each day a memento is made of them and each month a mass is offered for them in the parish church. You yourself also are remembered and should you die during the year you will have the assurance that three masses will be offered and that all your fellow members will pray and offer three communions for you.
Instead of a certificate of membership as in former years, members' names will be listed in Let's Go. The Purgatorian Society's dues are $1 a year for membership.
THE ALUMNI DRAMATIC CLUB TO GIVE A PLAY AND DANCE
Yes, they are coming again on the stage, the St. James Parochial School Dramatic Club. And Warren Carroll, the manager, has linked up for life with one of the best performers. He recently announced his marriage to Miss Marie Kelly. They kept it a secret for over six months. It appears they were married by Father Walsh at Kimmswick, Mo., in April, through the co-operation of Father McMahon, Marie's pastor.
The Alumni have been practicing for several weeks three one-act plays which they will present at Yale Hall on the evenings of October 19th and 21st, at 8 o'clock.
Festus Signaigo will star in the first play, entitled "Speaking to Father." The other members of the cast are: Mary Murphy, Euphronious Jones, Arthur Pahl and Fred McKenna.
Mr. Carroll is a member of the cast in the second play, "Passe" as is also Dan Murphy, president of the club. The Bawn sisters may be expected to put this feature over big. Helen has appeared in many former plays and has always won the applause of the audience. Louis Rose and John Mahon will complete the cast. The playlette dramatizes mother's love and will give an excellent opportunity to Miss Bawn for acting a highly emotional role.
The skit of the evening will be the third play, "The Mayor and the Manicurist." Amusing incidents, comical situations, witty sayings added to original caricaturing by John P. Dolan will prepare the audience to laugh till the curtain comes down. The ladies who take part with Mr. Dolan and Mr. Hruby are Bernadine Quinn and Mary McCauley.
Lest you forget and miss an evening of much merriment and a host of old friends, mark on your calendar October the 19th and 21st. This will be pre-eminently a parish affair, but provisions are made to give a good time to the young people after the show. There will be a dance and orchestra.
Tickets for reserved seats can be procured from Dan Murphy, Hiland 1129-M; John Mahon, Hiland 0348-R; Euphronious Jones, Hiland 2710-W; Nell Usher LeRoi, Hiland 1765-W.
The proceeds being raised will go to a fund that is install memorial windows in the new church for Father Casey and Sisters Catherine and Louis.
Meeting of Dramatic Club
The regular monthly meeting of St. James Alumni Dramatic Club will be held in the school hall Thursday evening, October 14th. All the members of the club are expected to be present to make final arrangements for the play and committees will be expected to make final reports.
THE ROSARY
Each evening at 7:30, the parishioners who live in the neighborhood assemble in the church and recite the rosary before the Blessed Sacrament, which is exposed. An indulgence of 500 days can be gained for each visit and those who assist ten times during the month can gain a plenary indulgence.
After devotions beads are blessed. Father O'Connor has the faculty to impart the Crozier indulgence. A person whose beads are blessed and thus indulged can gain 500 days by saying an Our Father and Hail Mary. He also has the faculty to add the Dominican Indulgence. These faculties belong to Missionary Fathers of the Holy Cross and the Dominicans and have been given to him as a privilege.
Those who cannot assist at the devotions in church should gather in a family circle and recite the Rosary each evening during the month in their homes.
THE FORTY HOURS
The Forty Hours Devotion closed in St. James Church, Sunday evening, September 26th. Father Lyons, pastor of St. Pius Church officiating, assisted by Father Pohl and Father McAtee pastor of Holy Innocents. Sermon of the occasion was preached by Father Michael O'Keefe, assistant pastor of Holy Rosary Church. The usual procession took place and a large congregation attended. Father John Nugent was master of ceremonies.
After devotions Father O'Connor entertained in the Rectory, at supper, the clergy who included the above mentioned, and Fathers Lavery and McKeon and James McGrath.
THE NEW CHURCH SKETCHES
None of the sketches submitted by the architects so far have stood the test of criticism by men who are competent to judge. All have been rejected and new designs are again called for. It may delay the work but we will not begin until we are sure of our ground.
HALL T00 SMALL FOR THE BIG EUCHRE
Many Family Parties Present
Several parishioners had special parties made up of relatives, friends and neighbors at the card party given by St. Ann's Sodality, in the school hall, September 22nd. The hall was crowded and many found it difficult to get tables and seats. Groups sat in rows as they might at a home affair and played euchre, bridge, pinochle or lotto, as their preference went. The management had no iron-clad rule; one could easily observe that they desired to make everyone happy.
There were 215 prizes awarded, few were present who did not win something. Contrary to custom, the players did not rush home after they had received their prizes, they sat around and the refreshment stand was kept busy serving soda, coffee and sandwiches 'till everything was sold.
It was a big success as a get-together party of parishioners. New parishioners were introduced to old ones and the kindly democratic spirit that is so peculiar to St. James Parish was everywhere evident.
All the prizes were donated by parishioners. There were many pieces of fancy needlework and embroidery. Mr. Null donated a load of coal; J. P. Houlihan's Nursery Co., a row of lawn shrubs; Ryan's Filling Station, gave an order for twenty gallons of gasoline and there were also donations of soda from Mr. Coyne and Mr. Quinn.
The biggest party group was made up by the ladies who assemble at Mrs. McDonnell's store. Father O'Connor said of them. "They are like quail, they travel in coveys." This group included Mrs. Fahey, Foley, Wagner, Cullen, Houlihan, Irvin, Schollmeyer and their many friends and relatives from other parishes.
Mrs. Kern and daughters also had a group which included Mrs. Ed Kern from St. Luke's Parish, and Miss Kern from St. Genevieve.
Mrs. Henkel and Hausmann from the Louisville Ave. district had their group as did Mrs. O'Shaugnessy from Crescent Ave.
Next in numbers to the McDonell group was the Coad-Brady-Houlihan-Rose combination. They have possibly the biggest following in the parish.
It would be interesting to have a group contest at one of the parish affairs and give a prize to the lady having the largest attendance.
The old settlers were represented by a few tables of veteran parish workers, amongst these were Mrs. Manion, Gibbons, Jones and Doran. Their presence at a parish gathering gives a spirit of continuity to the work that has been going on in the parish these many years.
The Heil party were missing and missed. They usually occupy a large section of the hall and patronize everything given at St. James. It appears grandmother Heil was having a birthday party and the young people celebrated the occasion.
The German element, however, were well represented. Mrs. Riegel, Mrs. Plengemeier, Mrs. Killian, Mrs. Pauk, Mrs. Lederle each had their party from St. Bernard’s, Holy Family and Saint Aloysius. They kept out of the pinochle game, they left that to the Irish and the few Dutch that can get along with them. Father O'Connor was with this group and he was heard to ask, "How much a hundred?"
Mrs. O'Brien had a big party in which were Mrs. Slaughter and Mrs. Comiskey from St. Edwards.
There were numerous other family parties of lesser size, including the Wash-Doran-Pahl group, the Manon-McGuire-Saxton group, the Bovard-Benton group, the Stephen Boyer party in which was Miss Boyer from DeSoto, the Willers, the Pieschels. Mrs. Lutz had a party of her non-Catholic neighbors, as did Mrs. Stumpf.
The affair was the most representative parish gathering we have seen in the hall for years and augurs well for the enthusiasm that there is for a new church. Father Pohl directed the committee who were responsible for the arrangement. He gives Mrs. Nixon credit for selling one-third of all the tickets. Other active members of the committee were: Mrs. McCauley, Mrs. Wm. Schmitz, Mrs. Marshall was chairman. The proceeds will be applied to a fund to purchase something special for the new church.
THE BARBECUE SUBSCRIPTIONS
Every week brings in substantial donations on the subscriptions made at the barbecue. Many parishioners have already paid their subscriptions and some are making monthly contributions. About one-third of the amount subscribed is paid. The parishioners are suiting their convenience. They were given twenty months in which to pay, but it was understood that one-half the amount promised be paid in the year 1926.
Statements will be mailed again this month and each subscriber is requested to note if he is credited with payments, and those who so far have made none, are urged to do so at their earliest convenience.
THE JUBILEE
On Sunday, October 3rd, Father O'Connor, and a number of parishioners, made visits to the churches which are designated for the Jubilee, viz.: The Old Cathedral, St. Johns, College Church and the New Cathedral. Five visits are to be made to each church. This is the second round of visits made by parishioners. There were about twenty-five machines in the parade. Those who are fortunate enough to have machines gave seats to their less fortunate neighbors.
The next visit will be made October 17th. Parishioners will assemble at the church at 2 o'clock. Those who haven't machines are invited to forward their names to the Rectory before Saturday, October 16th, so that if a large number signify their willingness to make a visit, a bus or busses can be secured. On Sundays, parish after parish can be seen with their groups of pilgrims visiting the churches. On the occasion of the last visit, Father O'Rourke of St. Marks had seven busses; St. Ann's, three; The Nativity, four; and pilgrims who were making private visits were keeping the churches filled.
Other conditions for gaining the Jubilee Indulgence are confession and communion before the end of the year.
MRS. B. WEAVER’S DEATH
When Miss Aurelia Weaver arrived home on Wednesday, September 22nd, she found her mother dead in bed. In the morning, when she was leaving home, her mother seemed to be quite well. An inquest was held and it was found that in all probability she died of heart disease.
Mrs. Weaver was a very pious catholic woman. Only a few weeks before her death, she was at confession and communion. She and her daughters were enthusiastic supporters of the Dominican Sisters during their first year's teaching in St. James School, and were very close friends of Sisters Catherine and Louis.
Mrs. Weaver's funeral was held in St. Luke's Church because it is not, permissible to have a corpse brought into church during the Forty Hours Devotion. May she rest in peace.
MISS CROTTY'S WIT
When pilgrims from St. James Parish were leaving St. John's Church, Father Sessnon approached Father O'Connor to greet him. Seeing Mr. Crotty in the distance, he said, "There is one of your parishioners that I know very well." Father O'Connor said, "Do you know the young lady by his side, she is Miss Anna Crotty, his daughter, and we expect her to get married very soon." "Is that so, Miss Crotty?" said Father Sessnon. "No," she replied, "but whilst there's life there's hope."
EDDIE RYAN, A GRANDFATHER
Mr. Ryan usually agreeable, smiling and optimistic, has become universally philanthropic. His smile has widened beyond the limits of his face and his hope has run into another generation of better Ryans and Guerichs than any that belonged to the generations that have passed. Eddie Ryan has become a grandfather. A boy was born to his daughter, Mrs. Katherine Guerich, September 29th. "Fine combination of blood," said Mr. Ryan, "not much quantity to Tony, the father, or to myself, but there sure is quality."
When Eddie went to St. Mary's Hospital, he forgot to ask for the mother, and said, "where is that young one?" "Nine pounds weight," he said "boy you sure must cut down on your food or you won't long be allowed to sit on your grandfather's knee." "My! what a hand, a miniature Babe Ruth's and Gene Tunney's, one advice I give you right now, never decide to become a cop, you have too much space exposed." He then got a piece of card board on which he wrote, "No parking here, this space is reserved for `gasoline Eddie"' and he placed it on the nursery door where his youthful grandson was confined with several young hopefuls, and then he walked up and down the corridor with a military stride of the Little Colonel, pausing from time to time to peep through the aperture at the boy in the cradle.
When Tony, the father, arrived, Mr. Ryan said to him, Mr. Guerich, there is an advice I would give you, never strike that boy in my presence, for if you do, there will sure be a scrap, and you'll find two against one, and a man will not feel any the better for a licking which he gets from his own son and his father-in-law."
A BIRTHDAY PARTY
Much to the delight of the girls of the 6th grade, artistically painted invitations were sent to each, inviting them to a party at Eileen Houlihan's, 6744 Oakland Ave., Sunday, Sept. 19, 1926, 3 to 6.
Games were played and the clamor was at its height when the dining room was thrown open to their amazed eyes. The beautiful decorations, elaborate place cards and favors, with delicious cake and ice cream left nothing to be desired. It could easily be seen that the party was a tremendous success.
HALLOWEEN PARTY
The annual Halloween party under the auspices of St. James branch of the Holy Name Society will be given in the Parish Hall, Sunday evening, October 31st.
A feature of the evening's entertainment will be a raffle of fowl. The rest of the programme has not been arranged but in all probability there will be the usual high class vaudeville and picture.
Members of the Holy Name Society who have not yet made returns for tickets used at the "Treasures of the Vatican" picture are requested to do so immediately to the district captain.
The proceeds of the affairs given Halloween and Shrove Tuesday go into the treasury of the Society and make it possible to have necessary funds, as no dues are asked of members. It is expected each member will patronize these shows and invite his friends.
HOLY NAME PARADE TODAY
Rogers Hornsby and his victorious Cardinal crew were, upon their return to St. Louis, given a demonstration that lasted till midnight. It was the greatest triumphal procession in the history of the city.
Why?
Because St. Louis fans have been great baseball enthusiasts and Rogers brought to the pennant winning team and the hope of the highest distinction there is in the baseball world. The fans are hero worshippers, they could not sit still, they gave a demonstration, they went on parade.
Behind all parades there must be enthusiasm and worship of an ideal or a hero. The Holy Name Society hope to have both in their parade today. The ideal is clean speech, clean living and the promotion of Christianity.
The Hero Is Jesus, The Saviour Why So?
Because Christianity is the basic principle of our civilization, our prosperity and our liberty. Should we neglect to emphasize from time to time our adherence to Christian principles, our thoughts and the thoughts of our country men will gradually drift away into principles that have made the red flames of Bolshevism rage in Russia and have banished from Mexico the rights of free speech and freedom of worship.
You Should?
Crowds are made up of individuals. You, Sir, have a place in this world of thought, this world of action. If you believe in Christ, if you believe in his principles today
Be A Fan
And be with the boys and men who think that our liberties must be protected and our ideals promoted by men who are ready to parade with enthusiasm for the Name of Christ.
Influence Your Neighbor
When your neighbor hears your words and sees your enthusiasm he too will be aroused to action, sparks set the world afire.
2 O'clock
The men and boys of the Holy Name will step off from St. James Church to lead the Arch-Diocesan Union of Holy Name Societies of St. Louis. St. James has this unique honor because ours was the first branch of the Holy Name Society in St. Louis.
Lindell and Vandeventer
Where the branches will assemble to march to the New Cathedral lawn, where the Archbishop will address the demonstration at 3:30 P. M. -
Wear Badge
And be prompt and don't make excuses. It is your duty to parade today with your parish.
A HIKE FOR YOUNG LADIES AND BASKETBALL
At a meeting of the Virgin Mother Sodality in the Parish Hall, October 4th, the young ladies decided to give a Hike, Sunday morning, October 10th, when members will make final arrangements for a Basket Ball Team.
Young ladies who desire to participate are requested to assemble in the school hall, at 9:30 in the morning.
Margaret Signaigo has been selected to lead the hike and Misses McDonnell, Estelle Sensenbrenner, Rosemary Wiss, Frances Doering, Virginia Jones, Aurelia Aydt, Margaret Irvin have signified their willingness to be members of the Basket Ball Team.
Girls who intend hiking should have suitable shoes, etc. They expect to be home for lunch.
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Mr. William Hense, Sr., donated to the Sanctuary a gold-laced embroidery which decorated the front of the altar during the Forty Hours The Sister Sacristan wishes to thank all who sent her donations for flowers, etc.
CATHOLIC INSTRUCTION LEAGUE
Instructions for Catholic children who attend the Public Schools will be continued in the Parochial School, each Sunday, at 1:30 P.M. under the direction of Father Barton, S. J., and on Fridays at 4 o'clock under the priests of the parish.
Miss Loretta Tully, 4611 Kennerly Ave., a public school teacher has been appointed district superintendent; Miss Genevieve Mahon, local director, assisted by Miss Vera Bersch.
Other teachers include Robert Pate and two St. Louis University scholastics, also Miss Frances Doering, Cecelia Badendieck, Mary Devaney, Mary Harris, Virginia Jones.
The Virgin Mother's Sodality are auxiliaries and field workers. Advance courses in catechism will be given to children who have been confirmed and all the parishioners are requested to lend their moral support to this movement which gives to every Catholic child a fine opportunity of acquiring a complete knowledge of salvation.
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