This pamphlet was conceived in enthusiasm by men and women who are bristling with PEP to build a Beautiful Church in St. James Parish. They are impatiently waiting: they are clamoring for action. They want YOU to know what they propose doing. They hope you will be with them. Don't look for a seat in the Grand Stand-People who do things move-the disinterested sit and watch -- Our Parish Big Drum is beating a marching tune – “LET'S GO."
The resurrection of Christ. His commission to his disciples.
Dear Parishioner:
A recurrence of kindnesses and innumerable manifestations of good will over a period of years have deeply impressed me and have made me sincerely attached to the people of St. James Parish. There is no place else where I want to be or where I'd rather be. I am thankful to God that he has called me to labor in this portion of his vineyard.
The Easter collection was only another expression of your good-will and generosity. It was one hundred dollars greater than any former collection, and it is doubtful if there are four wage earners in the parish who did not contribute. I am not so conceited as to presume that it was any special qualification of mine that attracted your attention. The collection was taken for both priests of the parish and I have no doubt that the happy disposition and attractive personality of Father Pohl had a great deal to do with the big collection and the many contributions.
Presuming a continuation of your good will, I feel confident that you will take a deep interest in all those things in which I am most deeply concerned and I ask you one and all to get behind me in this effort I am making to arouse enthusiasts in the parish and to raise funds for the new church. Your presence at a meeting, your opinion on a difficult problem, a word said here and there in approval of our policy, will have a heartening effect upon me and the parishioners generally. Drop around now and then to the Rectory and show that you are interested in the affairs of the parish, even if you have no special advice to give or no special donation to make, the fact that you give your time and take trouble to make a call is an assurance that you are with us in our work, and that you may be counted upon whenever there is need of one more friend.
Yours very sincerely in Christ,
REV. PATRICK J. O'CONNOR.
HE ASKS YOUR ALMS
Labor unions rightly insist on the right of the toiler to something more than the mere necessities of life. He should be given time and opportunity to develop his finer sensibilities and wage sufficiently large to enable him to procure those aesthetic essentials which appeal to his deeper human emotions and gratify his spiritual cravings for what is beautiful and sublime.
In simpler language, a man's natural craving for the finer things of life is not lessened by the fact that he is poor, nor increased by the pressure of a fat pocketbook; the nature of human beings is identical and the aptitude to enjoy and appreciate art, music, beauty and those other things that stimulate and satisfy the emotions is not the peculiar heritage of the millionaire.
The poor toiler has a heart whose cords are as quick to respond to the magic music of the stream, the song of the bird, the beauty of the flower, as has the pompous pedant, who, with monocled eye, views with critical conceit, the art galleries of the Louvre or the Garden of the Tuilleries.
The wage earner usually is a plain man who sees and appreciates what is attractive without conscious urge to talk about it. His opportunities to enjoy the sublimer things of life are often limited. A touch of color in the draperies of his sitting room, a few unpretentious pieces of furniture in his home, the smile of innocence in the children's eyes. All week from morning till night he labors in surroundings that are irritating and depressing; when Sunday comes he craves for that assuaging peace and soothing elegance that elevates his thought and stimulates his mind to high ideals and noble purpose.
The church endeavors to accommodate herself to his need; she would lift him from his dejection and cheer his spirit by all the artifices that make a legitimate appeal to his emotions and which have a tendency to turn his thoughts from the sordid things of life to the unending bliss of heaven. The church building is the community centre for all that is spiritually helpful and consoling. It is the tabernacle of the Most High God. We are taxed for streets, sewers, roads, public school and state capitols. These are public utilities to which men gladly subscribe in the spirit of civic pride. The Parish Church should not go abegging for funds; it is an institution that was established by Christ. It is He who asks your alms.
EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS
The Illinois Central offers rates to parishioners who intend going to the Eucharistic Congress, which will be held in Chicago, from the 20th to 24th of June. A person desiring to spend only a day in Chicago, can leave St. Louis at 11 :48 P. M. and arrive at 7:43 A. M. in Chicago, returning at 11:30 P. M., and arriving in St. Louis at 7:23 A. M., at a cost of $23.12. This includes Pullman service and lower berth, which may be used by two persons. Round trip rates in coach or chair car good for one week $10.41.
THE MOTHERS' CLUB BREAKFAST
The Mothers' Club members were given a breakfast by Father O'Connor, Sunday, May 2nd. Fifty ladies were present. They went to communion at the 7:30 Mass and for the first time wore their badges, which had printed upon them, "St. James Mothers' Club." They were very proud of this special decoration and many of them wore it with the conscious conceit of a lady who has on for the first time, a pretty Easter bonnet.
The men who cooked breakfast for St. Ann's Sodality on a previous Sunday, again volunteered their services and the ladies remarked how much their efficiency had improved from practice. On this occasion the coffee did not seem to be an after-thought, it came at the very beginning of the meal and was very delightful, in fact, everything about the breakfast was satisfactory and the entertainers were as numerous and as interesting as they had been at the breakfast given by the Holy Name Society.
At the close of the meal, big Mike presented to each lady a finger bowl and towel and later a powder puff. This provoked a good deal of laughter and Mike would have perfected his performance, but he could find no lady to lend him a lip stick and a mirror.
BAPTISMS IN APRIL
THE PARISH MEETING
Free Barbecue and Entertainment
At the Parish Meeting which was held a week earlier than usual, there was a large attendance. Some old timers who have not been seen at previous meetings were present and there was also a sprinkling of new parishioners. It was evident from the debate, that questions pertaining to the size, shape and cost of the proposed church are arousing tremendous interest. Everyone has an opinion and the meeting is an open forum for discussion. Some are conservative and are endeavoring to solidify sentiment in favor of a plain, cheap, commodious church, whereas others, whose aesthetic tastes are more developed, are clamoring for something that shall be beautiful regardless of the cost. It would be intensely interesting to have a full gathering of parishioners and a vote taken as to whether the plans should be designed for a plain brick, substantial church, or for one that will be of stone and of much artistic worth. This question has been discussed at almost every parish meeting, and presumably decided, but with the sudden flare of a smoldering fire it bursts out anew at every gathering of parishioners, and until the parish as a whole vote on the matter, it would be impossible to say which group is most likely to prevail.
Your Party
Father O'Connor seems to have come to a clean-cut decision which leaves freedom of action to wage earners. He says he will not permit the parish to go in debt more than $50,000, and the church that shall be erected will entirely depend on the willingness of the parishioners to open up their pocket-books and pay the .price. "I will," he says, "get all I can for your money but remember, this is your party."
A Difference of Opinion
Since the Boosters' Club began their investigation of the cost of churches that have been erected or are now under construction in the city their ideas are crystallizing, and an honest, earnest difference of opinion is evident amongst them. They have come to the conclusion that no useful purpose could longer be served by discussion behind closed doors. They have decided to come out in the open and let the parish as a whole decide by vote on the merits of their opinions.
A Free Barbecue and Entertainment
To bring the congregation together, it was decided to give a Free Barbecue and Entertainment on Ascension Thursday night in the Airdome. Admission to the grounds will be through tickets and Fathers Pohl and O'Connor were authorized to send invitations to those parishioners and others whom they consider benefactors of the Parish and who are sufficiently interested in parochial affairs to honor the occasion by their presence. A large crowd is expected and committees were appointed by Chairman Mr. Crotty to attend to the preliminary arrangements. Children will not be invited.
A Professional Cook
Mr. Chas Heil said he knew a professional cook who was accustomed to barbecue meat at picnics and supply the necessary frame or spit, and that his services could probably be had for fifteen dollars. He dilated on barbecues that he attended, and from his description of hundreds of hams and haunches of beef sizzling over charcoal fires in the open air with the orchestra playing a cabaret selection, one felt he had not been anywhere if he had not been to a barbecue.
Mr. Crotty approved of Mr. Heil's suggestion and the meeting instructed him to employ the cook.
Father O'Connor, whose skill at prediction is established, was asked how many people might be expected. He estimated the number to be about 450. "When I invite people to dine with me," he jocularly remarked, "they do not refuse." The committee were accordingly instructed and arrangements are to be made to entertain and serve a light lunch to between four and five hundred.
Father O'Connor, on request of the chair, appointed the following committee to take charge of the affair.
Barbecue Programme
The guests are expected to assemble on the grounds at 7:30 P. M. Invitations with admission cards will be mailed to each wage earner. Those who cannot come are requested to mail back their admission cards in time, so that the committee may know how many to make arrangements for.
MARRIAGES
There has been an unusual number of pretty weddings at St. James during the month of April. Five of the young couples were Catholic and four of them were married from Nuptial Mass. There were two mixed marriages.
The ceremony at the Church was very impressive and the Nuptial Mass and Blessing has only to be understood to be appreciated. On entering the Church the bride and best man lead the procession, followed by the groom and the bridesmaid. They advance, keeping step to the music of the wedding march.
Arriving at the sanctuary they genuflect to the Blessed. Sacrament and silently ask the Lord of Hosts to sanctify their love and bless their union. The white robed priest, the veiled bride, the neatly dressed bridesmaid, the earnest manly groom and the sprightly groomsman make a pretty picture as they stand before the illuminated altar.
The groom takes the bride's hand and they pledge themselves to each other in marriage 'till death do them part. The contract being perfected, the groom puts a ring on the finger of the bride saying, "with this ring I thee wed and plight to thee my troth," and when they kneel whilst still holding one another's hand, it is customary at St. James to have the choir sing "Promise Me!"
The prayers of the Nuptial Mass begin with the words, "May the God of Israel be with you and may He join you together and fulfill his blessing in you. Blessed are all who fear the Lord and walk, in his ways."
The following are the couples who were married at St. James during the past month.
There was a capacity crowd in church at the O'Shaughnessy -- Brady marriage, and Miss Helen Cullen's neighbors and admirers gave her a big send off.
Mrs. Helen Dolan Walsh, Mrs. Sam Gittins and Miss Genevieve Mahon made up the choir and sang at all the Masses. Their singing was very delightful and it is understood that arrangements have been made that they will sing at all Nuptial Masses in the future.
THE SOUL OF A LITTLE LOST SHEEP
They weren't all lost in the back woods, there are Murphys, Spigardis and Lemkes who lost their faith and their Catholic tradition under the shadow of the spires of city churches, the reason being their parents didn't give them a fair chance, they weren't instructed in the faith and they were swept from the shelter of the church by the first storm that blew their way.
It is estimated that there are over two million Catholic children attending the public schools in the United States. The haphazard instruction that they have been receiving through Sunday School classes has been, to say the least, meager and in many parishes the child who does not attend the parochial school is considered an item of loss of such little consequence that nobody should bother about it. But scientific study has convinced the Jesuit Fathers that there is here a leak through which millions of children are departing from the church and becoming a part of that vast army of Americans who have no religious affiliation. They say it must be stopped or the church will suffer. The plan proposed by Father Lyons, S. J., of Chicago, is to establish in every city, Catholic instruction Centers to which teachers will endeavor to attract the children by means of picture shows, prizes, picnics, etc.
One of these classes has been working under the direction of Father Henry, S. J., in St.. James Parish during the past year. He has been self-sacrificing, untiring and zealous. Before he took up the work the parish priests had a class of 76 children, since the Catholic Center has been established over thirty have been added to the register and it may be presumed that they will continue to attend until they are confirmed. This means that through the efforts of the Catholic Instruction Center, there will be thirty children instructed who in all probability, would be lost to the church if there was not a Catholic Center in this locality. It is a great cause, a splendid purpose and an undertaking that requires effort, energy and self-sacrifice. Fattier Henry and the teachers -- who have been giving their Sundays to these children deserve greater notoriety and wider co-operation. Almost everyone can and should render them assistance. We hear of the Big Brothers taking little folk to summer, camps and social functions, how beautiful it would be to see a Catholic lady or gentleman becoming interested in the little neglected tot at his door and taking it in his machine to one of those Catholic Instruction Centers.
To defray the expense of the Center in St. James, Father Henry, in another article, modestly pleads for sufficient funds to continue his work. He intends presenting Lantern Slides of the mass and a lecture by a distinguished associate in the Airdome for which he will charge a moderate admission fee.
Tickets will be sold for the benefit of this worthy cause. It is to be hoped that there will be proper appreciation shown to Father Henry for his work and that a large attendance of parishioners will be present when the Lecture is given and the slides presented.
Note -- The date set for this big event is Wednesday, May 19th. The public school children attending the class are the big boosters for this affair and will be given charge of the sale of tickets.
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Rev. Gerald Paunovich, 0. F. M., son of Mrs. Mary Paunovich of 2011 Schaeffer Place, will be ordained on Pentecost Sunday, at the Franciscan Church, St. Louis, by His Grace Most Reverend John J. Glennon.
Father Paunovich intended saying his first mass at St. James Church, but as his mother is in poor health, the family feared that the burden of entertaining the number of visitors that might be expected on this occasion 'would be too much for her. It was finally decided that he would say his first mass at the Franciscan Church.
ST. JAMES ALUMNI
DRAMATIC CLUB PLAY
The performance attracted unusual attention, because it was the first play staged by the Alumni. The audience was noticeably a gathering of young folks and Alumni who have not been seen for years at parish affairs, were present. The players were watched with keen interest and their performance won repeated applause and general approval. Catherine Moran Hefele and Arthur Pahl, representing Molly and the Country Hick Jim, developed the humorous scene with a good deal of cleverness, especially on the second night, when Arthur went on his knees proposing to Molly and received a doubtful reply. His face expressed admirably bewilderment, anxiety, trepidation and ridiculousness. Helen Bawn was given the most unattractive part, she was expected to look ugly and to act silly in her love affairs. This was very unnatural for Helen, as she happens to be clever and pretty, but she certainly looked the part of the most horrible young lady that could possibly be dressed even for the stage. Her face was repulsive and her conduct pathetic, as she amorously followed John Dolan, who, as Charley, had a leading part and whose attention was taken the greater part of the time by another admirer. They both developed incidents that were singularly humorous and won repeated applause.
The development of the plot fell upon Marie Kelly and Eleanor Bannon as Betty and Susie, and on Festus Signaigo and John Dolan, as Randy and Charley. The play which had for its climax a marriage, unraveled itself with a lack of forceful expression. It is difficult to point out just what caused this insufficiency. It appeared to the critic that the play did not lend itself to vivid impressions and fanciful situations because the players, though showing unusual skill and a range of ability well above the average, could not bring out the big idea of "What Happened in June."
Fred McKenna, as Jarvis, took the part of the villain and the severity of his manner and the clear-cut annunciation gave a prominence to his performance.
The director is to be complimented on the modesty of conduct which was preserved by the lovers in scenes that were romantic. There was no mush as was proper for a play under Catholic auspices.
The attendance the first night, did not quite fill Yale Hall, but on the second night, there was not a vacant seat. It is believed that the play will be a financial success. A report is at this time impossible as complete returns have not been made. There was $70 taken in on reserve seats, $86 on the program and $30 in the cloak room. The expenses are expected to reach about $150 and the surplus receipts are to be deposited in a fund for the purchase of 2 stained glass windows in the new church to the memory of Father Casey and Sisters Catherine and Lewis.
Lunch In Honor of the Cast
The Alumni, in appreciation of the honor that came to the society through the brilliant performance of those who staged the play, tendered a banquet at one of the hotels to the cast. This they did not accept as they said they preferred to have a less expensive affair in the school hall to which all the alumni who are members of the dramatic club could be invited. The officers agreed to this suggestion and have made arrangements to serve a lunch at the next regular meeting which will be held May 20th. It was expected to hold the meeting at the usual time which is the Thursday after "Let's Go" is published, but owing to the Barbecue, the Alumni meeting was deferred.
ATTENTION ALUMNUS
There are 77 registered members in the dramatic club. You must make reservations with one of the following officers at least two days before the date set if you intend being present at the supper, otherwise there will be unnecessary expense and much dissatisfaction.
LANTERN SLIDE LECTURE
BY THE JESUITS
Father George Keith, many years ago, conceived the idea of having colored slides made for an illustrated lecture on the Mass. After some twenty years, through an enormous expenditure of time and energy, he finally succeeded. The result surpassed the highest expectations of himself or his friends, and from time the slides were available, they have been in constant use throughout the country. A lawsuit was necessary last year to prevent a second lantern slide company infringing on the original copyright.
The last edition to this set is a beautiful colored slide of the art poster of the 28th International Eucharistic Congress, one of which posters adorns the entrance to St. James Church. This slide in itself, rich in symbolism and depth of meaning, would furnish material for a complete lecture. It will be treated in a briefer form in the lecture of the Mass, given at St. James Hall, Wednesday, May 19th. The lecture will be given in the afternoon, and again in the evening.
Three Jesuits have been working in the parish since the first of the year, organizing a Center of the CATHOLIC INSTRUCTION LEAGUE, and have been present every Sunday afternoon for several hours, working with the children. They have, besides this, spent much time during the week arranging for the Sunday program, sending out notices to the children, and other such work. These Jesuits have expressed themselves time and again as being well pleased with the members of the parish who have been on hand faithfully Sunday after Sunday and without whose co-operation the work would be impossible. Following is the teaching staff: Miss Cecilia Badendieck, Miss Vera Bersch, Mr. James Coppinger, Miss Mary Devanney, Miss Frances Doering, Miss Genevieve Mahon, Mr. Francis Gerst, Miss Mary Harris, Mrs. W. H. Henkel, Miss Virginia Jones, Miss Lorain Lutz, Mr. Maher, S. J., Mrs. C. K. Stiff, Mr. Charles Walweg, Mr. Herbert Winterer, Mr. Zerker, S. J. In addition to these, Mr. Henkel and Mr. Stiff have been with us Sunday after Sunday from the first, have taken an active interest in the whole Center, and have rendered invaluable service with their autos and in many other ways. The Center could hardly have gotten even a start and could scarcely have kept going without Mr. George Wiber, the "man on the job" for the moving picture machines. His secret middle initials are "E. F." -- Efficient, Faithful. When Mr. Wiber could not be present, his place was ably taken by Mr. Bersch, who has also given his time and services generously from the first. The uniformed baseball team representing the Center is in charge of Mr. James Coppinger, a Boy Scout Master, who has had considerable experience and much success in dealing with boys. He and the other young men teachers are from St: Louis University.
This CATHOLIC INSTRUCTION LEAGUE has for its purpose the instruction and training of children and young people not attending the Catholic schools. This League has been in operation for the last fourteen years and has Centers in all quarters of the United States. It is evident that the purpose of these Centers is not merely to provide entertainment, or a place to go on Sundays, but to assist the pastors in providing means to satisfy the obligation which all parents and guardians have to give those under their charge an adequate instruction in the Catholic religion. The Church Law (Canon Law) and the natural law demand this instruction.
The Jesuits are not asking anything for their work out here, except that the work started, be continued. There have been some expenses, however, connected with the operation of this Center, for games, movies and prizes have been furnished to make the Center attractive to the children. The proceeds of this lecture are to defray the expenses already incurred. and to provide a fund for the future of the Center.
This illustrated lecture on the Mass, the central object of our worship, should not be missed. By attending it, you will not only be richer to the extent of an interesting and instructive talk and the deepening of your faith, but you will be helping a cause which needs your support, and which is vital to the future of this as well as every parish -- the religious and moral training of our young people. An ignorant Catholic is a dangerous Catholic.
Many Protestants have come to see these beautiful slides and hear this lecture when given elsewhere, and you may be assured that they will find it interesting and that nothing will be said that will offend them. Bring any of your friends.
Two or three reels of some popular film will conclude the program.
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The Mothers' Club has established a sewing circle with the idea of helping to make costumes at a minimum cost for the children who will take part in the school entertainment. They meet every Friday evening in the cafeteria at 8 o'clock. All the ladies of the parish are invited. It has also been decided to hold the regular monthly meeting at night on the first Friday of each month.
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Mrs. Irvin, 6815 Wise Ave., and her daughter, Margaret, recently drove to St. James, Mo., where they spent a few days with relatives.
FUNERAL
Miss Anna Milenslayer, 6308 Oakland Ave., formerly of St, Mary’s, St. Louis, and mother of Mrs. George Kletzker, 1041 Fairmount Ave., died at the Josephine Hospital on April 23rd, where she underwent a major operation from which she did not rally. The night before she disposed herself to be reconciled to God's will and received from Father O'Connor, the Last Sacraments.
She has been a widow over thirty years and lived for her three children. They were all very devoted to her and Helen, her youngest daughter who has been ill for some time, was deeply afflicted because she could not attend the funeral.
The remains were taken to St. James Church, April 26th, and after mass, conveyed to Calvary Cemetery. May she rest in peace.
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James C. Foley, 1046 Forest Ave., who has been a fireman at the engine house at Clayton and Central Aves., was recently, to the great delight of his companions, promoted to be Captain in Engine House 22.
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Mr. E, Loyet, 6906 Bruno Ave., father of Mrs. Bovard, has been suffering for some time from the infirmities of old age and is now a patient in the Alexian Brothers Hospital. Mary Hester Bovard, who had the measles, is convalescing and the quarantine sign has been removed.
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Mrs. Dennis Harris, 1033 Fairmount Ave., was taken with a hemorrhage recently. She was alone at the time. Her neighbor, Mrs. Kletzker, fortunately came to her assistance and called her husband and father from their work also Father O'Connor and Dr. R. Brent Murphy. The amount of blood lost was not considerable.
HOLY NAME SOCIETY, ST. JAMES
BRANCH No. 1
List of Stores That Closed On Good Friday From 12 to 3
MIKE MOLONEY SPILLS THE DISHES AT ST. ANN'S SODALITY BREAKFAST
On Sunday, April 18th, St. Ann's Sodality proved to Father O'Connor it is a married ladies' sodality. The Holy Name men cooked and served breakfast in the school hall to the members who went to communion at the 6 o'clock mass. No damage was done to the crockery, though Mike Maloney, when cleaning off the table, spilled a tray of dishes. Eighty two ladies were at the table and they watched the cooks serve with a curiosity unusual to women. Considering the fact that the cooks were amateurs and mere men, they did not do so badly. There was on the table when the ladies entered, the usual number of cups, dishes, spoons and sugar bowls; half an orange, bread, rolls and butter, and a neat paper napkin, suggested the efficiency man brings to a problem when he wants to eliminate work.
When the fruit was eaten, a force of ten men and their foreman, Michael Oates, appeared. They bowed to the ladies and blushed, and impressed one as being about as awkward a squad as ever attempted so delicate an undertaking. They wore over their male attire, the official female kitchen garb, commonly called an apron, and they apparently selected these articles with an ambition to catch the eye of the ladies.
One that attracted most attention was pink crepe-de-chine, with orange piping and valenciennes lace rosettes, set with lilies-of-the valley. It was worn by big Mike Maloney, and it neatly decorated a tiny patch of his vast anatomy, leaving unmeasured distances exposed. Mike was undoubtedly designed by nature and intended by the foreman to be the big surprise of the morning. He entered the dining room after the others, bearing on his shoulders a vast tray of bacon and eggs. His face was red and indicated he was laboring under unusual strain, or that he had come from a warm fire. His brow had beads of perspiration upon it, he advanced with uncertain step between the rows of tables; the ladies arose and cheered, and Mike appeared to be doubtful for a second or two as to whether he would throw the tray at someone and beat it, or join in the merriment that his presence evoked. Fortunately for the company, he decided to the latter course and his inimitable and mirth provoking laugh uncorked the bottled up humor that the ladies had up to the moment been keeping in cold storage.
Mike's laugh is so out of the ordinary, and so contagious, it is worthy of description and deserves a place in this catalogue of important parish events. It begins with a low chuckle and a high blood pressure; this is a signal for everyone to tune up for the big chorus that is to follow, consequently everyone begins to chuckle; Mike appears to drive down into his ribs, air-tubes and conduits, and accompanies the action with a variety of spasms and contortions and extricates himself finally from an apoplectic condition by a conclusive burst of Irish melody that is a combination of all the notes peculiar to the vast harmonies of the woodlands, the orchestra, the ocean and the disquieted elements,
When Michael was almost through his first explosion, he endeavored to set the tray on the table, it was impossible to guess which side was likely to come down first. The ladies sitting closest to where he stood, moved back their chairs. One of them exclaimed excitedly, "For land's sakes! Mike don't spill it on me." This caused him to give an encore into which he shoved a few thrills and contortions that had not appeared on his previous effort.
The breakfast was already a success, everyone was happy, the bacon and eggs were remarkably well cooked and the men were delighted with the zest the ladies showed for the eats. Mrs. Cullen and Mrs. John Houlihan were noticeably behind the rest toward the end of the meal. They apparently were in a contest. Mrs. Cullen thinks she won. She says she ate six cuts of bacon and two eggs. She was so full she could not take part in the Irish jig contest that followed, she remained so quiet for the rest of the morning there is a suspicion she went to sleep, but her neighbors say her mind was on her daughter Helen's wedding, which was scheduled for Thursday.
Members of the Mothers' Club were prominent among the entertainers. Mrs. Sam Gittins sang "Paddlin' Maddlin'," Mrs. Oates "Sleepy Time Gal;" Loretta Bisso, "Just Around the Corner;" Mrs. Nixon, "The Christening;" Mrs. LaGarce played a mouth organ, Mrs. Foley danced the Coon Jig to the music of "Turkey in the Straw;" Mrs. B. Quinn gave an exhibition of the Charleston; Mrs. Bessie Gallagher, a fancy dance and Mrs. Manion tripped around like a kid in an Irish break down, and Benny Conklin and Jerry Corbett were her side-kicks. Mrs. W. Hefele sang a romantic ditty to an Irish air, which suggested to Mike Maloney the possibility of his being able to sing "My Wild Irish Rose," but after a few unavailing efforts he was given a place in the Croaker's Club.
Father O'Connor dropped into the hall before going to say the late masses and an impromptu performance designed to make him smile, was at once introduced. Among the features was a parody by Mrs. B. Quinn
"Does he pay his four percent?
Yes he pays his four percent.
Does he live in Cheltenham?
No, he lives at Wade and Tamm,
And another poetic effusion which Mrs. LaGarce had prepared for his reception on his return from Ireland and which she then omitted because she feared it might make him lonesome, was introduced:
He Was Lonesome For Home
He wasn't satisfied, he did not sleep at night; home was worrying him, yes his home across the sea. He had a sneaky feeling 'round his heart that he wanted to take a trip home, and he packed his grip and took the trip back to old Ireland's Home Sweet Home, where there wasn't any high born airs. He got his three squares of corn and 'lasses served by Rastus He was tickled to death when he got home and he did not like to leave there any more. You can take it from me his folks were all glad to see Father O'Connor coming back home.
But he was not satisfied, he did not sleep at night; why? we were worrying him. He had sneaky feeling 'round his heart that he ought to come back to us, so he packed his grip and took the trip back to St. James. We are tickled to death that he came back home and we don't want him to leave us any more. You can take it from me St. James' people were all glad to see Father O'Connor, the night he came back home.
Father Pohl, Spiritual Director of the Sodality was glad to see so many present and hoped that this breakfast would stimulate them to greater activity and attract all the young mothers of the parish to St: Ann’s,
Mrs. Irvin, President of St. Ann’s, in behalf of the organization thanked the Holy Name Society for the excellent treat which they gave the ladies.
Mr. Michael Oates, President of the Holy Name Society, said it was indeed a privilege to entertain the ladies, and as he understood from Father O'Connor, that, heretofore the Sodality had not felt themselves part of parish activities, he hoped this breakfast would assure them they need no longer feel isolated.
Mrs. Boyer donated a cake with the name of the Sodality and date iced thereon, which was not distributed at the breakfast. Some of the ladies who are wondering what became of it will probably be given information if they consult Father Pohl.
In answer to the query, "who cooked the bacon so well?" information has been received that Benny Conklin turned the trick. The unassigned members of the Kitchen Troupe were, Mike Maloney, Boyer, Wiber, Corbett, Harris, Connors, Hugeback, Oates and Frank Strathman.
Special Drive For Members
St. Ann's Sodality intends having a reception of new members at the 6 o'clock mass, May 16th, when the members will go to Holy Communion. Father Pohl requests all the married ladies of the parish, even those who are not members of the sodality, to go to communion that morning and witness the reception. Quite a number of young mothers in the parish have signified their willingness to join the society, and it is expected that the attendance will be large and the occasion edifying.
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Mr. Shepherd Rose and son-in-law, Mr. Apron, with their families, have returned to the parish and now reside at 1111 Forest Ave. Other new parishioners are: Charles A. Holster, 1206 Graham, Bernard Apprill, 6135 West Park Ave.; E. O. Echor, 2102 Clifton Ave.; Mr. Classic, 6212 Victoria Ave.
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On the Eve of Good Friday, Holy Name Society members kept an all night vigil in church, before the Blessed Sacrament. The Guard of Honor consisted of seven members.
The Holy Name Branch have arranged to make a drive for members and intend having a reception the second Sunday of May. Breakfast will be served in the school hall in honor of the new members, after 6 o'clock Mass, to which all the members have been invited. Mr. Michael Oates, President, expects at least 150 for breakfast and hopes to have the officers of the Diocesan Union, honorary guests.
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The First Communion Class which will include children from the public schools, will make their first communion on Ascension Thursday, at the 7:30 Mass. As many of the parents as can do so are requested to approach the altar with the children.
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The annual event of crowning the statue of the Blessed Virgin will take place at St, James Church, on Sunday, May 23rd, at 4:30 P. M. This beautiful devotion has attracted a great deal of interest in the past, it is a public profession of loyalty to the Blessed Mother. The young ladies of the parish will join in the procession and hymns. A number of clergy are to be present.
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Mr. John A. Murphy of Lloyd Ave., was taken to St. John's Hospital, last Saturday. He was suffering from a severe attack of grippe.
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