o m ^ q o i !D, J " . WovJ ^ o b e o, goo „ . because G o d h a s c r e a t i ® ° U S l i v e s T h i s m e a n s t h a t f o r S ° c i a I b e i n g * - m a t e r i a i ^ p r o s p e r i t y 1 « H R u p o n o n e a n o t h e r v i . ? d e P e n d e n t p e r s o n erect ^ f l E g H B ^ C ° u U a p a r i s h a l w a y s ^ b u \ f f o u P , - n i t e d as p a r e n t s able by t h e f r own 7 S e W ° m # p r o p e r C h r i s t k n t r ^ W , T * t 0 , g Ì V e a but with t h e aid 0 f T g A f l r c b i l d r e n fellow parishioner« H a n d n u n s a n d l o i r t L ; t ° v a r T n r i g a r o c h i a i tion, p e r p l e x i t v L t l m e s o f tempta- b e l p of o P t h e r 7 a n / w r r j ' - W C "J1 ( B P 5 direction 3 K g 3 9 i I t i l e of o u r pastors K M E B B F ^ i Saviour f o u n d e d it t ' a , I D a s t h e known most t r u l v ' ^ organization, C h r i s , T h e p a i h S i f t \ ^ s t i c ^ o d y of' u n i t in t h e M y s t i c a l R ^ r " » p o r t a n t « - retain so'und L d P B W ship in H i m . n e a l t h y o u r member- Your Pastor i l i I Ì h u m a n N i f e d > o u , . , , d s „ f P f f i J T n , h ° T ' § • 1 1 1 A , a w e , . ^ | 9 M H « W world years to h a r d study, discipline a n d prayer. I n t h e course of t h a t exacting preparation, h e saw m o r e t h a n two-thirds of those who started o u t with him toward t h e same goal give u p their quest. Finally, on t h e day of his ordination, h e knelt b e f o r e his bishop a n d stepped back an alter Christus ( a n o t h e r Christ) with all t h e powers of t h e priesthood. All priests are called Father& b u t it is your pastor a n d his assistant priests who pre- eminently deserve t h a t title A s much as a n a t u r a l p a r e n t has a f e a r f u l responsibility in rearing his children, so much greater is the b u r d e n of a good parish priest, because h e must answer to G o d f o r so many souls committed to his care. H e is a m a n who h a s given u p t h e delights of family life, to take u p o n his shoulders t h e worries a n d spiritual destinies of all t h e families of his parish. N o t f o r worldly f a m e or pleasure or riches did h e become a priest, f o r t h e r e is very little of these to be f o u n d in his calling. 1 h e only real reward of a good pastor in this life is t h e knowledge t h a t his parishioners are trying to be good Catholics and making their way toward heaven. T h e Sisters T o o o f t e n we take t h e n u n s in o u r parish schools f o r granted. Seldom d o we remember that, in a worldly sense, they are t h e poorest paid teachers in t h e nation, while so tre- q u e n t l y t h e y a r e u n e q u a l l e d in their pro- m m a ' U n i t e i s r r t h e r e £ a b o u t H 0 . 0 0 0 A m e r i c a n Catholic women w h o h a v e f r e e l y a n d w h o l e h e a r t e d l y b o u n d themselves to t h e sweet slavery of t h e t h r e e S r \ ° f i T t 0 f S K 3 g l e a r n t h e t r u e liberty t h a t is theirs as a d o p t e d sons a n d d a u g h t e r s of G o d N o very o f t e n d o you see t h e n u n s o u t of their school r o o m or h o m e , but their g e n t l e influence is by n o means confined to t h e convent walls: f r o m t h e cloister a n d class r o o m it radiates to t h e h e a r t s a n d h o m e s t h r o u g h o u t t h e parish. ' T h e Parishioners ifhiriSlluOUld b e , a n ( 8 f r a m e w o r k if it d i d n o t h a v e parishioners. I t is o u r g o o d people themselves who, by their devotion, sacrifice a n d zeal, create a n d m a i n t a i n o u r parishes. Because of t h e c o n s t a n t s h o r t a g e of priests a n d n u n s , almost always it is t h e aity who first carry t h e f a i t h to a given locality; a f t e r t h e m come t h e priestsf t h e parish c h u r c h a n d school. I n this c o u n t r y t h e r e a r e various kinds of parishes, which m a y r o u g h l y be classified as t h e r u r a l , t h e small town, a n d t h e l a r g e city parishes. W h i l e each t y p e m a y h a v e fts own characteristics a n d difficulties, in t h e main they are ail c o n d u c t e d in t h e same way a n d are c o n f r o n t e d with t h e same p r o b l e m s . I n each p a r i s h , priest a n d p e o p l e u n i t e t o o f f e r sacrifice a t t h e same a l t a r , t o i m p a r t t h e f a i t h to c h i l d r e n a n d converts, to receive t h e same sacraments, t o obey t h e same laws u n d e r their b i s h o p a n d t h e H o l y F a t h e r — i n a w o r d , to h e l p each o t h e r be all t h a t a Catholic s h o u l d be. M o s t t r u l y does every active, f e r v e n t parish f u l f i l l t h e promise of o u r divine L o r d : " W h e r e two or t h r e e a r e g a t h e r e d t o g e t h e r in M y n a m e , t h e r e I am in t h e midst of t h e m . " Be A Real Parishioner T h e r e is a difference between a h o m e a n d a b o a r d i n g h o u s e . I n t h e latter a p e r s o n usually obtains only his meals a n d rest, b u t in a h o m e h e receives n o t merely t h e necessities of l i f e b u t also care a n d love, a n d in t u r n h e is vitally concerned a b o u t all t h a t affects t h e stability a n d h a p p i n e s s of t h e h o m e . S o m e Catholics, it is to b e f e a r e d , a r e content , to look u p o n t h e i r parish, n o t as a h o m e , b u t as a spiritual b o a r d i n g house. T h e y a r e satisfied to look f o r t h e b a r e essentials t h e r e , such as t h e f r u i t s of t h e Mass a n d t h e sacraments, b u t at this p o i n t their interest a n d activity in their p a r i s h cease. T h e y lose, a n d so does their parish, all t h e w o n d e r f u l spiritual a n d social f r u i t s t h a t m i g h t result f r o m their f u l l participation in active parochial life. T o be a g o o d p a r i s h i o n e r y o u m u s t : Know Your Parish I t is i m p o r t a n t f o r each Catholic to know to which p a r i s h h e r i g h t f u l l y belongs • O H 1 8 B • B i 1 1 p a r i s h a n d t h e location of y o u r h o m e . T h u s f y o u r h o m e is within t h e designated terri-' tonal[ hmits of St. A n n e ' s p a r i s f , t h e „ y o u r Parish is St. A n n e ' s . T h e p a s t o r of St A n n e s is y o u r spiritual s h e p h e r d , answerable to G o d f o r y o u r a n d y o u r family's eternal i l T e S C a t t o I i c d o e s ' n o t wan to m a k e himself a n exception t o t h e universal laws of t h e C h u r c h by seeking m e m b e r s h i p in a p a r i s h o t h e r t h a n t h e o n ! m which h e lives I f his own p a r i s h is small a n d struggling, h e recognizes his d u t y to o r t e r V 0 <*<*! n o t 1 3 1 E n r ! • « t e n d a m o r e successful or m o r e f a s h i o n a b l e parish. I n r e t u r n f o r t h e m a n y m ' v o u r b e n e f i t S . f m e d m e m b e r s h i p t B f ^ a P y o u have ce»ai« B growth 3 " S m a i n t e n a i l c e h e a l t h y Know Your Pastor T h e g o o d p a r i s h i o n e r makes a n d keens himself a c q u a i n t e d with his p a s t o r n o ma er how l a r g e or small t h e p a r i s h a n d n o X f f i B ft® p e ° p l e b e I o " g to the parish. I f y o U h a p p e n to move into a new actions T ° / 7 r M a n d m o s t actions s h o u l d be to call o n y o u r new 8 pastor, h a v e your n a m e placed on the parish rolls, a n d promise your cooperation a n d s u p p o r t f o r all the activities of t h e parish. T h e C a n o n Law of t h e C h u r c h ordains t h a t t h e r e are certain religious functions t h a t only your pastor, as your spiritual f a t h e r , should p e r f o r m f o r you. T h e s e a r e : The Baptism of Your Children N o other priests t h a n your parish priests are allowed, without t h e special permission of your pastor, to baptize your children. Of course, in case of s u d d e n d a n g e r of death f o r your child, any priest, even any layman if n o priest is available, can a n d should baptize. Every parish has a regular weekly time f o r baptisms, a n d a f t e r a baby is born, t h e pastor should be i n f o r m e d a n d the baby s h o u l d be b r o u g h t to t h e church at the appointed time. T h i s should usually be within a week or two a f t e r birth, unless t h e r e be a serious reason f o r d e f e r r i n g t h e baptism. Parents who, without a reason, p u t off t h e baptism of their children f o r more t h a n a m o n t h commit a mortal sin. The First Communion of Your Children T h i s is one of t h e most important events in t h e religious life of your child, a n d the preparation f o r it is one of the most sacred a n d g r a t i f y i n g duties of the pastor. If your child is in t h e parochial school, as it should 9 be, this p r e p a r a t i o n will be timely a n d t h o r o u g h . I f f o r some very i m p o r t a n t reason your child is f o r c e d to a t t e n d a public school, you h a v e an obligation to cooperate with your pastor in seeing to it t h a t your child attends t h e instructions t h a t will p r e p a r e it f o r t h e great event of its First H o l y Com- munion. I n large city parishes it is especially important t h a t you r e p o r t to your pastor when your child, if n o t in the parochial school, is of age to receive its First Com- munion (usually about seven years). Some p a r e n t s will h a v e a f e a r f u l account to make to G o d because they neglected to provide u - u F i r S t H o l y Communion of their children until they were f a r advanced in years, with t h e result t h a t they were f o r c e d to grow u p without t h e graces t h a t this sacrament could h a v e b r o u g h t to them, and sometimes with the result t h a t they grad- ually lost their faith. The Confirmation of Your Children T h i s sacrament is necessary in o r d e r that your children may grow strong in f a i t h and virtue a n d resist the dangers a n d tempta- tions of t h e world. Again, if your child attends t h e parochial school, this will be taken care of in the o r d i n a r y course of events. If not, however, it is your obliga- tion to see that the child is b r o u g h t to the pastor f o r instruction when it is annouhced t h a t confirmation is to be administered. 10 Note for converts: According to custom, converts may be baptized in t h e c h u r c h of t h e priest who h a s instructed them, regard- less of their residence. A f t e r that, however, converts s h o u l d make themselves acquainted with their own legitimate pastors a n d begin at once* to take a n active p a r t in parochial life. If they h a v e missed confirmation in their new parish a n d would h a v e to wait f o r a considerable time f o r this sacrament, their pastor will readily a r r a n g e f o r t h e m to be confirmed in a n o t h e r parish at an earlier date, a n d will h e l p t h e m to p r e p a r e f o r t h e reception of this sacrament. Your Marriage A c c o r d i n g to the law of t h e C h u r c h , only t h e bishop, or your pastor, or his assistant priests, has t h e r i g h t to officiate a t your marriage. If two people p l a n n i n g marriage h a p p e n to be f r o m di fferent parishes, then the pastor of t h e girl is t h e one who is to officiate. If it is to be a mixed marriage, t h e pastor of the Catholic must assist at t h e marriage. T h e prospective bride a n d groom should approach the pastor at least t h r e e or f o u r m o n t h s b e f o r e t h e ceremony. Above all, they should n o t set t h e date f o r t h e marriage, a n d then a f t e r w a r d s see t h e pastor; if they do, complications may arise t h a t will be distressful to all concerned. I t is t h e pastor's duty to make sure t h a t t h e r e 11 are n o i m p e d i m e n t s to t h e prospective m a r r i a g e a n d n o g o o d Catholic ever resents t h e questions h e m a y ask t o m a k e s u r e or this. r 1 ! f- n ° n " C a t h o I i c wishes to become a Catholic b e f o r e m a r r i a g e , or is a t least interested in t a k i n g t h e f u l l course of instructions in t h e Catholic religion, t h e N I U ° f d g V ° t K e P a S t ° r a t I e a s t six • W M l £ i m p o s s i b l e , SO t h a t t h e instructions m a y be completed. Every t r u l y Catholic y o u n g m a n a n d woman want to h a v e t h e f u l l blessing of t h e C h u r c h on their m a r r i a g e , a n d will a b h o r t h e t h o u g h t of a mixed marriage, a t which n o blessing of t h e C h u r c h can be given I f 2 n V V ° \ g W Ì t h a n o n " C a t h o l i c , ' t h e y will d o all in their power, b o t h by word a n d example to win such a o n e over t o their t a i t h b e f o r e even p r o m i s i n g m a r r i a g e . T h e y wil n o t only o f f e r to introduce® a n o Z Catholic f r i e n d to a priest, b u t will accom- p a n y h i m (or h e r ) to t h e instructions A l t h o u g h t h e r e m a y be r a r e occasions wheni it w o u l d be p r o p e r f o r a Catholic to ask his p a s t o r s permission to b r i n g in an outside priest to p e r f o r m t h e m a r r i a g e ceremony (as in t h è case when o n e has a d o s e relative who is a p r i e s t ) , still it is the wish a n d c o m m a n d of t h e C h u r c h t h a t ordinarily, you g o t o y o u r parish priest to be m a r r i e d . A s y o u r spiritual f a t h e r , h e has 12 t h e responsibility f o r your spiritual welfare, a n d it is to him t h a t you should t u r n f o r the most i m p o r t a n t a n d holy step in your life. N o matter what fashionable society or local custom may decree as to t h e advantages of a f t e r n o o n or evening weddings, the good Catholic will always want to be married at Mass, t h e r e f o r e in t h e morning. Similarly, h e will reject all suggestions that h e seek permission f o r a h o m e or apartment house or g a r d e n wedding. Sick Calls T h e care of the sick is one of the most sacred duties of every zealous pastor. If a member of your family is dangerously ill (do n o t wait till h e is d y i n g ) , you should immediately call your parish priest. T r y to make such calls d u r i n g t h e daytime, when- ever possible; but if t h e d a n g e r should develop d u r i n g the night, then contact your pastor, regardless of t h e h o u r . A priest f r o m outside your parish may be summoned only in case of emergency, when it is impossible to reach your pastor or his assistant. Even in illness in which there is n o immediate danger, but which may mean protracted confinement, you should n o t i f y your parish priest. H e can come to bless you, h e a r your confession, a n d bring you H o l y 13 C o m m u n i o n . If you are entering a hospital t o r a n operation or a serious sickness, even t h o u g h most hospitals h a v e a Catholic chaplain, it is well to tell your pastor about it. Funerals T h o u g h a dying person, or t h e close relatives h a v e t h e privilege of designating the church of his f u n e r a l , t h e g o o d parish- loner always wishes t o be buried f r o m his own parish church, where h e p r a y e d and worshipped a n d received t h e sacraments d u r i n g life. I t is fitting that, in accord with Canon Law the same priestly h a n d that so o t t e n absolved you f r o m your sins and placed u p o n your tongue the Bread of Life should i m p a r t t h e final blessing to your earthly remains. Easter Duty T h e . best P I a c e in which to f u l f i l l the obligation of receiving H o l y Communion d u r i n g t h e Easter season is your parish church, t h o u g h this d u t y may be satisfied in any other church. F r e q u e n t communi- cants n e e d n o t worry a b o u t where they receive their Easter C o m m u n i o n ; but those who h a v e been away f r o m t h e sacraments t o r a l o n g time should, if possible, receive in their own parish church so t h a t pastor a n d fellow-parishioners will know t h a t they have a p p r o a c h e d t h e sacraments. I t may 14 be n o t e d t h a t if a Catholic deliberately misses his Easter D u t y , h e is guilty of m o r t a l sin, but h e does n o t incur t h e p e n a l t y of excommunication. The Devout Catholic T h e g o o d p a r i s h i o n e r is f a i t h f u l to his Catholic ideals. T h e t r u t h s of his f a i t h are n o t simply beliefs, b u t convictions o n which h e bases t h e c o n d u c t of his life. H i s religion is n o t a s e p a r a t e c o m p a r t m e n t in his m i n d , divorced f r o m his every d a y activity: his h o m e is Catholic, his work or business is Catholic, even his recreation is Catholic. W h e r e v e r h e goes, h e is known as a Catholic, a n d a g o o d one. S u c h a Catholic is n o s t r a n g e r t o t h e tabernacle. A m a n of p r a y e r , h e is n o t too busy to d r o p in f o r a visit t o t h e Blessed S a c r a m e n t whenever occasion p e r m i t s ; h e goes o f t e n to week-day Mass, a n d even makes a h a b i t of d o i n g so, if t h a t be possible; a n d h e is r e g u l a r in his reception of t h e s a c r a m e n t of penance. O f course h e receives H o l y C o m m u n i o n f r e q u e n t l y , surely n o t m o r e seldom t h a n once a m o n t h , a n d h e would n o t t h i n k of missing t h e exercises of a mission, r e t r e a t or F o r t y H o u r s ' A d o r a - tion h e l d in his parish. L e n t e n devotions, First F r i d a y , a n d o t h e r occasional services in his p a r i s h c h u r c h are m a d e a p a r t of his schedule. H e is n o t hesitant a b o u t 15 giving his time a n d effort, within reason, to any organization or p r o j e c t beneficial to his parish or t h e Faith. P e r h a p s t h e r e is n o tribute t h a t can be paid to a m a n t h a t is greater t h a n t h e designation: a devout Catholic. Sunday Mass F o r more t h a n 1900 years Catholics h a v e been gathering in groups to assist t h e priest while h e offers t h e H o l y Sacrifice of the Mass. W e know t h a t this is t h e most perfect way of a d o r i n g God, because in each Mass our Redeemer comes to t h e altar u n d e r the appearances of bread a n d wine to immolate H i m s e l f , t h o u g h in a bloodless way, once m o r e f o r us. W e know, too, t h a t we have need of t h e Mass, because o u r Saviour ordained t h a t t h r o u g h this mystic sacrifice a n d the various sacraments all t h a t H e won f o r us on t h e cross is to be imparted to our souls. F o r both these reasons the C h u r c h commands t h a t all Catholics assist at Mass on Sundays a n d holy days of obligation u n d e r penalty of mortal sin. O r d i n a r i l y a g o o d parishioner will go to his parish church f o r S u n d a y Mass, even t h o u g h h e can fulfill his obligation in any church or chapel officially open to the public, a n d on occasion may have a reason f o r a t t e n d i n g Mass elsewhere -than in his parish church. By going to your parish 16 c h u r c h f o r S u n d a y Mass as a general rule, you will b e m o r e certain of receiving con- t i n u o u s instruction in y o u r f a i t h ; you will give e n c o u r a g e m e n t a n d g o o d example to y o u r Catholic a n d n o n - C a t h o l i c n e i g h b o r s ; y o u will participate in t h e c o r p o r a t e worship of y o u r p a r i s h , a n d p r o b a b l y m o r e o f t e n receive t h e sacraments; a n d you will fulfill y o u r obligation of financial s u p p o r t to y o u r parish a n d keep in contact with y o u r p a r i s h priests. I n t h e l a r g e cities Catholics who " s h o p a r o u n d " f o r t h e latest a n d shortest Mass are always p o o r parishioners a n d a r e even in d a n g e r of losing their f a i t h . Y o u r C h i l d r e n in a Catholic School T h e existence of o u r extensive Catholic school system is a miracle of accomplish- m e n t . T r u l y we can say t h a t this h a s been built u p a t a cost of " b l o o d , sweat a n d t e a r s " . Y e t , sad to say, t h e r e a r e very m a n y parishes in which it has been impossible as yet t o erect a p a r o c h i a l school. S a d d e r still it is, in regions where t h e r e a r e Catholic schools, to find careless Catholic p a r e n t s w h o a r e content to send their c h i l d r e n to a public school, while n o n - C a t h o l i c p a r e n t s o f t e n beg permission t o send their children to " t h e Sisters". T h e public school, even a t its best, is b o t h a negative a n d positive d a n g e r t o t h e religion a n d morality of y o u r child. I n those 17 areas where it is still impossible to m a i n t a i n a p a r o c h i a l school, p a r e n t s a r e b o u n d t o cooperate closely with t h e p a s t o r in giving instructions t o their c h i l d r e n a t h o m e a n d especially in seeing to it t h a t t h e y a t t e n d every catechism class h e l d f o r t h e m . A n d in every p a r i s h where t h e r e is n o Catholic school it s h o u l d be t h e desire a n d goal of every Catholic f a m i l y t h a t some d a y a Catholic school m a y be erected. T h e r e are parishes in which t h e r e is n o parochial school t o d a y only because of t h e opposition to such a p r o j e c t carried o n by some of t h e m e m b e r s of t h e parish in t h e l o n g ago. i>uch Catholics will h a v e a s t e r n reckoning to m a k e b e f o r e G o d ! T h e Catholic p a r e n t who wilfully neglects or r e f u s e s to send his child t o a Catholic school is o p e n i n g t h e d o o r to g r e a t sorrow a n d worry in t h e f u t u r e . H o w o f t e n h a v e n o t m o s t priests h e a r d careless p a r e n t s l a m e n t their f o l l y too late, when t h e f e w years of schooling were past, t h e poison sown, a n d t h e d a m a g e to t h e souls of their c h i l d r e n a l r e a d y d o n e ! S o g r e a t is t h e possib e h a r m to y o u r c h i l d r e n f r o m a non- C a t h o h c education t h a t t h e H o l y See has decreed t h a t Catholic p a r e n t s w h o deliber- ately a n d needlessly expose their c h i l d r e n to a d a n g e r o u s , irreligious school a r e to be r e f u s e d t h e sacraments. T h e g o o d Catholic also recognizes t h a t , u n d e r o r d i n a r y circum- 18 stances, t h e only k i n d of h i g h school o r college f o r his c h i l d r e n is o n e t h a t is Catholic. If h e feels h e h a s a g o o d reason f o r s e n d i n g a son or d a u g h t e r to a n o n - sectarian h i g h school or college, h e consults his p a s t o r b e f o r e d o i n g so. J o i n Y o u r P a r i s h O r g a n i z a t i o n A parish is n o t only a center of worship; it is also a n agency f o r saving souls. F o r t h a t reason t h e r e m u s t b e active organiza- tions in every p a r i s h t h a t fill t h e needs of various g r o u p s , m e n a n d women, y o u n g a n d o l d . S o m e of these organizations limit their activities to t h e p u r e l y spiritual; o t h e r s h a v e a m i x e d spiritual a n d recreational or social p r o g r a m , t h e latter to counteract t h e b a n e f u l influence of d a n g e r o u s associations a n d amusements in t h e w o r l d t o d a y . T h u s a p a s t o r a n d his assistants in a large p a r i s h h a v e n o t only t o p r o v i d e f o r t h e spiritual needs of their people, b u t t o supervise t h e activities of m a n y organizations: t o a t t e n d meetings, to sponsor athletic teams f o r y o u n g people, to a r r a n g e social g a t h e r i n g s a n d outings, a n d , if possible, t o p r o v i d e club r o o m s or recreational facilities f o r t h e d i f f e r e n t classes of p e o p l e in t h e parish. A priest's work w o u l d b e f a r easier if h e could limit himself to t h e p u r e l y spiritual, or even to directing t h e p u r e l y spiritual organiza- tions in his p a r i s h ; b u t h e recognizes t h e 19 i m p o r t a n c e of these o t h e r things f o r t h e w e l f a r e of h i s people. T h e sad t h i n g is, however, t h a t t h e r e are so relatively few who cooper at e with t h e p a r i s h organizations t h a t m e a n so m u c h t o t h e work of t h e p a r i s h . " W h e n I was at S t 's p a r i s h , " said a zealous priest recently, " w h e r e t h e r e were 400 families, t h e n u m b e r of m e n who w o u l d a p p e a r f o r H o l y N a m e C o m m u n i o n s a n d meetings would be a b o u t 70. T h e n , when I was t r a n s f e r r e d t o S t 's p a r i s h , where t h e r e a r e 2000 families, I f o u n d t h e n u m b e r of m e n t a k i n g p a r t in H o l y N a m e affairs to be a b o u t 70. T h e n a f t e r weeks of e f f o r t to build u p m e m b e r s h i p a n d enthusiasm, a t o u r next meeting t h e r e were j u s t a b o u t 70 m e n ! " S o o f t e n pastors h a v e t h e same c o m p l a i n t : it is only a f a i t h f u l f e w who can be c o u n t e d on. I t is t r u e t h a t active m e m b e r s h i p in p a r i s h organizations is n o t obligatory a n d t h a t a t t e n d a n c e a t meetings o r even spiritual f u n c t i o n s m a y m e a n m a k i n g sacrifices. But you can h a r d l y be energetic in a n y p a r o c h i a l g r o u p w i t h o u t being a better Catholic f o r it, a n d besides—and this is o f t e n f o r g o t t e n —if you d o y o u r bit in t h e H o l y N a m e Society or t h e St. V i n c e n t d e P a u l or t h e A l t a r Society, you can be sure t h a t y o u are t a k i n g a n effective p a r t in t h e salvation 20 of souls. T o o m a n y p e o p l e say, when t h e question of j o i n i n g a p a r i s h organization arises, " I d o n ' t n e e d i t , " or " D o n ' t get a n y t h i n g o u t of it," or " I p r e f e r to practice my religion by m y s e l f , " f o r g e t t i n g t h a t , even if these statements were t r u e , t h e i m p o r t a n t p o i n t is w h a t they can d o f o r o t h e r s by uniting with their fellow-Catholics. W i t h o u t his p e o p l e ' s c o o p e r a t i o n a p a s t o r can d o little to extend Christ's k i n g d o m o n e a r t h ; with their c o o p e r a t i o n — a n d t h a t means l a r g e a n d active m e m b e r s h i p in each p a r i s h o r g a n i z a t i o n — h e can p l a n improvements, win back l a p s e d Catholics, m a k e converts, know his p e o p l e a n d inspire t h e m t o greater sanctity. I t is t h e holiness of p a s t o r a n d p e o p l e t h a t measures t h e d e g r e e of g o o d t h a t a parish will p e r f o r m , b u t it m u s t b e a n active holiness, one t h a t will m a k e use of all n a t u r a l means t o accomplish its p u r p o s e . I n this m o d e r n age a p a r i s h will grow s t a g n a n t unless it operates as a strongly knit organization. F o r this it n e e d s parish- ioners firm in f a i t h a n d g r e a t - h e a r t e d in generosity, w h o a r e willing t o give their time a n d energy t o p r o m o t e t h e cause of G o d in every way possible. H o w o f t e n h a v e n o t t h e P o p e s of recent times t o l d t h e Catholic world t h a t t h e only answer to paganism a n d C o m m u n i s m is Catholic Action, which m e a n s t h e organized activity of t h e laity u n d e r their bishops a n d pastors. 21 Pull Together I n t h e early centuries t h e p a g a n s used to say of t h e Christians: "See h o w t h e y love o n e a n o t h e r . " I t is to be f e a r e d t h a t m o d e r n p a g a n s m i g h t n o t be able to say t h e same of Catholics in m a n y Parishes t o d a y . T h e p a r i s h , like t h e g o o d Christian h o m e , s h o u l d be a little bit of h e a v e n h e r e o n e a r t h , m a d e so by charity, w h e r e t h e r e s h o u l d be n o r e f u s a l to serve, n o seeking of self, n o distinction of class, race or color, n o j e a l o u s factionalism, n o d a m a g i n g cliques, n o s t u b b o r n p r i d e , n o h a t r e d . " P u l l i n g t o g e t h e r " in a p a r i s h m e a n s n o t h i n g m o r e t h a n p u t t i n g into practice y o u r h o l y religion, loving all with a love like Christ's in t h e w o n d r o u s Mystical B o d y of which H e is t h e h e a d a n d we are t h e members, giving all to t h e work because t h e work is Christ's. T h u s t h e Catholic girl w h o declares " I w o n ' t j o i n t h e Y o u n g Ladies Sodality as l o n g as so-and-so is p r e s i d e n t , " is n o t being t r u e t o h e r Catholic ideals. T h e m a n who r e f u s e s to a t t e n d H o l y N a m e C o m m u n o n s a n d b r e a k f a s t s because t h e r e a r e too m a n y present " f r o m across t h e tracks," or t h e l a d y w h o r e f u s e s t o h e l p at t h e b a z a a r because she h a s n o t " b e e n r e c o g n i z e d , " is h a r d l y displaying t h e humility of t h e h u m b l e Christ. A b o v e all, a n y o n e w h o would d e n y t o any baptized child of G o d 22 f u l l o p p o r t u n i t y of worship, Catholic edu- cation, a n d p a r o c h i a l m e m b e r s h i p because t h e latter h a p p e n s t o b e a Mexican, N e g r o or H u n g a r i a n , is n o t d o i n g t h e work of C h r i s t b u t of t h e devil. H a p p y is t h a t p a s t o r a n d p a r i s h whose p e o p l e t r u l y love o n e a n o t h e r with a charity t h a t knows only t h e generosity of t h e Saviour. T h e y will " p u l l t o g e t h e r . " S u p p o r t Y o u r P a r i s h M o s t p a s t o r s d o n o t find i t pleasant or easy t o talk a b o u t m o n e y f o r t h e i r p a r i s h n e e d s . T h e y were o r d a i n e d to minister t o p e o p l e spiritually, b u t in m a n y cases cir- cumstances h a v e f o r c e d t h e m t o become builders, p r o p e r t y a d m i n i s t r a t o r s a n d fin- ancial wizards. M a n y a g o o d p a s t o r h a s w o u n d u p with his h e a l t h r u i n e d a n d his nerves s h a t t e r e d u n d e r t h e c o n s t a n t b u r d e n of a p a r i s h d e b t or t h e taxing responsibility of m a i n t a i n i n g a p a r i s h p l a n t . N o o n e b u t t h e p a s t o r does m u c h w o r r y i n g a b o u t these problems. T h e fifth p r e c e p t of t h e C h u r c h com- m a n d s all Catholics t o h e l p s u p p o r t their p a s t o r , parish c h u r c h a n d school. T h e law does n o t state how m u c h each o n e s h o u l d contribute. W e d o know t h a t in t h e old Jewish Law, u n d e r t h e direct c o m m a n d of G o d , p e o p l e were to give tithes, i. e., o n e t e n t h of their income, t o t h e s u p p o r t of t h e temple. Y o u never h e a r such a figure men- 23 tioned today, except among some small and very devout Protestant sects, where t h e O l d T e s t a m e n t n o r m is still accepted. T h e a m o u n t of each Catholic's contribution to his c h u r c h is l e f t to his own conscience a n d j u d g m e n t . T h i s much is certain, t h a t if each member of any parish did his share, accord- ing to his means, t h e r e would be little cause f o r financial worry on the p a r t of t h e pastor. I n t h e matter of supporting your parish, it is of t h e utmost importance t h a t you use the system t h a t is in .vogue in your parish. D o n ' t be am ong t h e few in every parish who insist on the right to support the church in their own way—standing out against t h e system t h a t has been a d o p t e d . If S u n d a y envelopes are the o r d i n a r y means of church s u p p o r t in your parish, use the envelopes, a n d see t h a t yours is h a n d e d in every Sunday. If y o u r parish is supported mainly by pew rent, h a n d in your own share promptly a n d d o n o t make it necessary f o r the pastor to announce S u n d a y a f t e r S u n d a y t h a t "some are in a r r e a r s . " A n d if straightened cir- cumstances m a k e it impossible f o r you to contribute anything a t certain times, d o n o t be a f r a i d or ashamed to tell your pastor j u s t t h a t ; h e will deeply appreciate t h e willingness a n d interest t h a t will be evident in your coming to him. I n most cases h e may be able to help you, in some way, to get over t h e r o u g h spots. 24 I t is well t o r e m e m b e r t h a t y o u r con- tributions directly p r o v i d e f o r t h e main- tenance a n d i m p r o v e m e n t of y o u r parish a n d can t r u l y be called "giving to G o d . " T h e salaries of pastors a n d assistant priests a r e fixed a n d very small, as salaries of pro- fessional m e n go, a n d you s h o u l d flatly c o n t r a d i c t a n y o n e who suggests t h a t con- tributions to y o u r parish go to m a k e y o u r p a s t o r rich. M o s t parishes n e e d t h e h e l p of special drives, c a r d parties, social affairs, etc., n o t only to m a k e improvements, but j u s t to maintain p a r o c h i a l p r o p e r t y a n d activities. T a k e t h e p a r o c h i a l school f o r example; small as t h e Sisters' salaries are, they are seldom m o r e t h a n covered by whatever tuition is c h a r g e d . Besides t h a t , t h e r e is t h e cost of light, heat, j a n i t o r ' s service, etc. A g o o d p a r i s h o n e r recognizes these n e e d s a n d is always r e a d y t o d o his s h a r e in a n y f u n d - r a i s i n g drive. A n d h e is never a m o n g those w h o complain t h a t " t h e priests talk t o o m u c h a b o u t m o n e y , " even t h o u g h t h e subject m a y h a v e to be b r o u g h t u p q u i t e of ten h e knows t h a t if h e is d o i n g his share, t h e talk is n o t m e a n t f o r h i m ; if h e is n o t d o i n g his share, t h e talk is a n e e d e d r e m i n d e r f o r him. I t is customary, a n d sanctioned by C a n o n Law, t h a t p a r i s h i o n e r s m a k e a d o n a t i o n to t h e p a r i s h priest a t baptisms, weddings a n d f u n e r a l s . I n m a n y dioceses t h e a m o u n t is 25 m o r e or less fixed by custom. H o w e v e r , a p e r s o n w h o is p o o r h a s a f u l l r i g h t t o t h e services of his priests even t h o u g h h e is u n a b l e t o m a k e a n o f f e r i n g of any k i n d . I t is t o t h e p o o r t h a t every priest, like his divine M a s t e r , is especially sent, a n d n o prest would expect o r accept a n o f f e r i n g f r o m these favorites of O u r L o r d . Stick t o Y o u r P a r i s h " D r i f t e r s " seldom d o well in any walk of l i f e ; they lack a stable h o m e a n d a steady j o b , f r o m which t h e y m i g h t concentrate their energies o n worthwhile accomplish- ments. I n o u r l a r g e cities especially, some Catholics become "spiritual d r i f t e r s " . T h e y h a v e n o real affiliation with a n y p a r i s h ; t h e y a r e n o t in close contact with a n y priest; t h e y a r e in g r e a t d a n g e r of slipping away f r o m t h e f a i t h . W h a t e v e r b e t h e necessity of merits of centralized h i g h schools, as o p p o s e d to p a r o c h i a l h i g h schools, o n e t h i n g is c e r t a i n : very o f t e n y o u n g p e o p l e in a central h i g h school lose all interest in a n d contact with their own p a r i s h activities a n d organiza- tions. T h i s is n o t h e a l t h y , either f o r t h e y o u n g p e o p l e or f o r t h e p a r i s h , since t h e habits a n d associations of t h e " t e e n s " usually c a r r y o n t h r o u g h o u t life. Extra-par- ochial clubs, movements, societies, etc., are beneficial a n d o f t e n necessary, b u t if they 26 take you o u t of all p a r i s h activity, t h e y are n o t g o o d . T h e Catholic w h o lives in one p a r i s h a n d is a synthetic p a r i s h i o n e r of a n o t h e r , is likely to r u n into t r o u b l e when it comes to sick calls, baptisms, marriages, f u n e r a l s ; besides, h e is p r o b a b l y neglecting his obligation t o s u p p o r t his own parish. Stick to y o u r p a r i s h ; be interested a n d active in all its p r o j e c t s ; know y o u r priests p e r s o n a l l y ; all this will h e l p you to be a real Catholic. O r d i n a r i l y , if y o u r pastor meets y o u o n t h e street a n d does n o t recognize you as o n e of his parishioners, t h e r e is s o m e t h i n g radically wrong. Above All, Be Catholic O n t h e o t h e r h a n d , some well-meaning parishioners m a k e t h e mistake of becoming so p a r o c h i a l - m i n d e d t h a t t h e y a r e in d a n g e r of ceasing to b e Catholic. T h e interest a n d zeal of every Catholic m u s t reach b e y o n d his p a r i s h b o u n d a r i e s . T h e r e a r e a t least five non-Catholics in this c o u n t r y f o r every Catholic, a n d t h e y d e p e n d o n Catholics if t h e y a r e ever t o know t h e t r u t h . A s a result of t h e last war, E u r o p e a n Catholics can n o l o n g e r give their customary s u p p o r t to t h e f o r e i g n missions, a n d t h e H o l y F a t h e r is looking to A m e r i c a n Catholics to assume a l a r g e p a r t of t h e b u r d e n . A t h o m e a n d a b r o a d , t h e r e a r e t h e needy, t h e afflicted, 27 the unenlightened, the persecuted a n d the sorely t e m p t e d ; while one's first d u t y is toward his parish, still Christian charity a n d zeal know n o parochial bounds. A good parishioner, as a member of t h e Mystical Body of Christ, will be interested in everything that h a s any bearing on his holy religion. H e will take a n d r e a d his diocesan newspaper, a n d at least one or t h e other g o o d Catholic magazine, so as to keep abreast of affairs in the C h u r c h at large. H e will have a copy of the Bible a n d other Catholic books in his home. H e will d e f e n d his f a i t h in t h e presence of unbe- lievers, a n d will d e f e n d his priests in t h e midst of t h e anti-clericalism t h a t is so r a m p a n t today. H e will gladly advise a n d enlighten others who are g r o p i n g f o r t h e t r u t h , a n d will p r a y daily, n o t only f o r those of his own household, b u t also f o r those n o t blessed with the g i f t of f a i t h . H i s life will manifest his dedication to t h e cause of Christ, a n d all who know him will say of him in their hearts: " T h e r e is a real Catholic." 28 2)a'd and ^ban't'l If you move f r o m one parish into another, go to t h e rectory a n d make yourself known to your new pastor as soon as possible. Likewise, if a new pastor is appointed to your parish, make yourself acquainted with him at t h e first opportunity. Make it a point to be on time f o r Mass <*nd other services in church, also f o r parish meetings. If you have an appointment with one of t h e priests of your parish, t r y to be on h a n d a h e a d of time r a t h e r t h a n late. H e probably has other appointments scheduled a f t e r yours. Except in case of emergency, d o n o t call your pastor by telephone d u r i n g ordinary meal times. W h e n you d o call, it is good to ask: " I s F a t h e r busy n o w ? " T r y to be fore- sighted e n o u g h to make routine calls, e. g., concerning t h e hours of Masses, d u r i n g t h e day a n d n o t late at night. D o n ' t be a parish gossip. I t is true, every priest has his faults a n d p e r h a p s idiosyn- crasies, b u t b e f o r e G o d h e is trying to d o his best f o r you. M u c h of t h e gossip passed a r o u n d about priests is based on misin- f o r m a t i o n or ignorance of t h e facts. Accept it as a personal obligation to take p a r t in special events in parish life, such as 29 missions, retreats, novenas, F o r t y H o u r s D e v o t i o n , etc. Be a r e g u l a r a n d f r e q u e n t c o m m u n i c a n t . O n e can usually g a u g e t h e spirituality of a p a r i s h by t h e n u m b e r of p e o p l e who a t t e n d daily Mass a n d receive H o l y C o m m u n i o n , a n d who a r e present f o r week-day devotions. A g o o d Catholic knows t h a t h e c a n n o t o u t d o G o d in generosity. R e m e m b e r : you o f f e r t h e Mass with t h e P£i e SL' A c c o m P a n y t h e P " e s t in t h e p r a y e r s of t h e H o l y Sacrifice with y o u r missal or P l a y e r book. Y o u will t h u s gain m o r e f r o m t h e Mass a n d be less distracted. Build u p t h e h a b i t of receiving H o l y C o m m u n i o n each time y o u assist a t Mass. T h i s is t h e p e r f e c t way of s h a r i n g in t h e H o l y Sacrifice. I n v i t e y o u r n o n - C a t h o l i c f r i e n d s to come to Mass with you, a n d to o t h e r c h u r c h services. Give t h e m simple explanations of what t h e services m e a n . M o s t of t h e m will be g r a t e f u l f o r this kindness. Remember t h a t it is easy f o r Catholics to scandalize non-Catholics a n d converts by u n b e c o m i n g c o n d u c t a t Mass a n d in c h u r c h . T a l k i n g , giggling, hasty genuflecting, a n d r u s h i n g o u t of c h u r c h b e f o r e t h e e n d of t h e services, give g r e a t disedification. Receive H o l y C o m m u n i o n regularly with t h e p a r i s h organization to which y o u belong. A p a r t f r o m t h a t , m a k e use of t h e b e a u t i f u i 30 custom of having your entire family receive together at certain times. Be on the alert to offer your services as a baby-sitter f o r y o u n g couples, so t h a t once in a while they can attend Mass together. U r g e Catholics who are in a b a d marriage to a t t e n d Mass. If they cling to t h e Mass, t h e r e is great h o p e f o r their ultimate con- version. Besides, even t h o u g h they may be excommunicated, they are still obliged to attend Mass on Sundays a n d holy days. If you know how to serve Mass, a n d you see a priest beginning Mass without a server, offer yourself f o r t h e task. A d u l t servers are becoming more a n d more common; men who have served in their y o u t h s h o u l d keep u p their knowledge of t h e prayers a n d rubrics of t h e Mass, a n d be p r o u d to make use of opportunities to serve. F o r t h e baptism of your children, choose god-parents who are good. Catholics. If you know a fallen-away Catholic in your n e i g h b o r h o o d , i n f o r m your pastor about t h e m . A word or visit f r o m him may be all t h a t is n e e d e d to bring t h e m back to t h e f a i t h . If a non-Catholic shows interest in t h e Catholic f a i t h , offer to accompany him on a visit to a priest. D o n ' t j u s t send him. 31 T r y to show y o u r appreciation of t h e g r e a t g i f t of f a i t h by s p r e a d i n g it in any way you can. Catholics a r e sometimes f a r less zealous t h a n a r e t h e Communists* or t h e Witnesses of J e h o v a h . T h e s e h a v e n o t h i n g to o f f e r , while you h a v e everything. D o n o t look u p o n y o u r p a s t o r as a m a n with j u s t " a n o t h e r j o b " . Y o u c o u l d n o t pay h i m f o r what h e does f o r you with all t h e m o n e y in t h e world. But h e does n e e d y o u r prayers, o f t e n . I f you are r e s p e c t f u l toward priests a n d n u n s , you m a y be very s u r e t h a t you h a v e a d e e p respect f o r y o u r f a i t h . W h e n you meet priests or Sisters o n t h e street, be t h e one to give t h e first greeting. T h e y themselves m u s t be p r u d e n t a b o u t whom t h e y a d d r e s s . I f you h a v e even o r d i n a r y ability as a singer, offer to h e l p o u t in the choir of y o u r parish. M e n a r e especially n e e d e d a n d welcome. D o n o t deprive y o u r child of t h e necessary benefits of Catholic school training because you f e a r you c a n n o t a f f o r d it. H a v e a talk with y o u r p a s t o r a b o u t it. Y o u r child must n o t be h a r m e d by a secular education, a n d it is t h e d u t y of y o u r p a s t o r a n d parish to see t o it t h a t it receives a f u l l Catholic education. 32 D o n o t take sides against t h e Sister in school in questions involving t h e dis- ciplining of y o u r child. G o to t h e Sister a n d talk t h e m a t t e r over. I n d o u b t f u l situations, you m a y h a v e recourse to t h e p a s t o r . But d o n ' t talk against t h e Sisters to y o u r neighbors, a n d above all, d o n ' t encourage any opposition to t h e Sisters in y o u r child. If y o u r p a r i s h priest p r e a c h e s a sermon t h a t is particularly h e l p f u l to you, tell h i m a b o u t it when a n o p p o r t u n i t y offers itself. I f h e does s o m e t h i n g t h a t you feel is n o t beneficial to t h e p a r i s h , d o n ' t express y o u r views t o y o u r neighbors, b u t tell t h e p a s t o r , in a kindly a n d h u m b l e way. D o n ' t be ' a n Easter l a m b " by going to confession a n d receiving H o l y C o m m u n i o n only once a year. I f y o u receive only once a year, t h e chances a r e t h a t y o u will live most of each year in t h e state of sin, a n d also t h a t you m a y die in t h a t state. D o n ' t " s h o p a r o u n d " f o r a d i f f e r e n t confessor every t i m e y o u go to confession. A l t h o u g h every Catholic h a s f u l l liberty t o confess to a n y a u t h o r i z e d priest, it is most beneficial t o h a v e a r e g u l a r confessor. T h i s h o l d s especially f o r those w h o m a y be battling with some great t e m p t a t i o n or p r o b l e m , a n d f o r those w h o wish to m a k e some progress in holiness. 33 T r y to h a v e a r e g u l a r time f o r g o i n g to confession, a n d g o o f t e n . Remember t h a t confession is n o t only a means of h a v i n g sins f o r g i v e n , but also of g a i n i n g s t r e n g t h against f u t u r e temptations. If you h a v e n o t h i n g else to tell t h e priest at y o u r r e g u l a r confession, j u s t m e n t i o n again some sin of y o u r past life. W h e n it is necessary to call t h e priest f o r o n e who is sick, t r y to send someone to t h e rectory who can tell h i m t h e circumstances of t h e illness, w h a t sacraments can be received, h o w m u c h in d a n g e r t h e p a t i e n t m a y be, etc. I f you m u s t t e l e p h o n e f o r a priest because t h e r e is n o one a b o u t to act as messenger, be sure to tell h i m t h e con- dition of t h e p a t i e n t a n d what sacraments can be received. Keep o n h a n d in y o u r h o m e a t all times blessed candles, a crucifix, a n d h o l y water, f o r use in case of a n emergency sick call. W h e n t h e priest is called, p r e p a r e a table by t h e bedside of t h e p a t i e n t with a white cloth, t h e crucifix a n d blessed candles, h o l y water, a n d a glass of o r d i n a r y water a n d a spoon. W h e n a m e m b e r of y o u r f a m i l y dies, m a k e t h e f u n e r a l a r r a n g e m e n t s with t h e p a s t o r yourself. D o n ' t leave this t o t h e u n d e r t a k e r . . H a v e a smile a n d g r e e t i n g f o r y o u r fellow- Catholics on t h e steps of y o u r parish c h u r c h . 34 O n e of the growing evils of city life and large parishes is t h e unfriendliness and unneighborliness of Catholics, even at t h e door of the church. Parish gatherings are excellent oppor- tunities f o r Catholics to find suitable partners f o r marriage. Some people com- plain that they never h a v e a chance to go out with g o o d Catholics, a n d yet they never attend Catholic gatherings. Choose only a good Catholic f o r steady company-keeping. Above all, keep away f r o m divorced persons. M a r r i a g e is too important a step to be trifled with. T h e general rule is t h a t a Catholic can be truly h a p p y a n d successful in marriage only with a Catholic p a r t n e r . T h e r e f o r e keep company only with such a Catholic or with a person who shows a sincere interest in your f a i t h . T a l k over a contemplated marriage with your parents, your pastor or your confessor. T h e i r experience a n d wisdom will help you b e f o r e h a n d ; it will n o t help you m u c h to come crying on their shoulders a f t e r you have entered an unwise marriage. Remember t h a t as a Catholic you can be validly m a r r i e d only b e f o r e a priest and two witnesses. If a Catholic attempts marriage in any other way, h e is n o t married a n d is t h e r e f o r e entering u p o n a life of sin. If h e attempts marriage b e f o r e a 35 non-Catholic minister of religion, h e also incurs excommunication. D o n o t let yourself be t a l k e d into a f a s h i o n a b l e " h o m e " or " e v e n i n g " wedding. T h e p r o p e r way f o r Catholics to be m a r r i e d is in t h e sanctuary, at a n u p t i a l Mass, with b o t h b r i d e a n d g r o o m sealing their sacra- m e n t a l love with t h e reception of H o l y C o m m u n i o n . H a v e a t r u l y Catholic h o m e , , w i t h crucifix a n d h o l y pictures, especially o n e of t h e Blessed M o t h e r , in p r o m i n e n t places. Establish t h e custom of h a v i n g c o m m o n , family p r a y e r s in y o u r h o m e . C h i l d r e n who a r e t a u g h t to p r a y t h u s in their homes, d o n o t usually a b a n d o n t h e h a b i t of p r a y e r in their later lives. C h i l d r e n learn m o r e f r o m their p a r e n t s t h a n f r o m a n y o n e else in t h e world. T h e r e - f o r e y o u r example is supremely i m p o r t a n t . If you want y o u r c h i l d r e n to b e g o o d , try to be a saint yourself. I t is f r o m d e v o u t Catholic h o m e s t h a t most vocations to t h e p r i e s t h o o d a n d t h e religious l i f e p r o c e e d . Be r e a d y t o f o s t e r such vocations in y o u r children, a n d g r a t e f u l f o r t h e h o n o r of giving a child to G o d . H a v e plenty of g o o d Catholic l i t e r a t u r e a b o u t y o u r h o m e , a n d b a n any books or magazines t h a t could be even slightly h a r m - f u l to yourself or your c h i l d r e n . 36 K e e p a supply of h o l y water in y o u r h o m e a t all times. P r o v i d e yourself with a decent c o n t a i n e r ; you can always obtain holy water at y o u r p a r i s h c h u r c h . If y o u r h o m e h a s never been blessed, ask y o u r parish priest to bless it f o r you. W e a r a scapular or a scapular m e d a l , a n d carry y o u r rosary o n y o u r person. T h e s e things a r e tokens of y o u r love of G o d ; they b r i n g you extra graces, a n d t h e y r e m i n d you o f t e n to p r a y . Besides, t h e y p r o v e t h a t you a r e a Catholic, a n d in case of a n acci- d e n t show t h a t y o u a r e entitled to all t h e ministrations of a priest. If you are considering a vocation t o t h e p r i e s t h o o d or t h e religious state, place your- self u n d e r t h e g u i d a n c e of y o u r p a s t o r or y o u r confessor. T h e y are t h e only persons qualified a n d commissioned t o direct you in so i m p o r t a n t a decision. D o n o t t r y to be " a big s h o t " in parish activities. S u b o r d i n a t e all p e r s o n a l ambition to t h e g o o d of t h e cause, a n d be content to be j u s t " a g o o d w o r k e r " . W h a t e v e r y o u d o s h o u l d be f o r G o d , n o t f o r yourself. If y o u find yourself a perennial officer in any p a r i s h organization, be willing a n d even eager to step down a n d give others a chance. O r d i n a r i l y it is h a r m f u l to t h e spirit of parish organizations to h a v e t h e same officials year a f t e r year. 37 D o n o t let either jealousy or laziness keep you f r o m serving y o u r p a r i s h when t h e occasion offers itself. T h i s m a y m e a n sacri- fice a n d overcoming y o u r feelings at times, b u t it is worthwhile in behalf of t h e s p r e a d of t h e f a i t h a n d t h e salvation of souls. A f a i t h f u l a n d zealous worker s h o u l d n o t f e e l h u r t if t h e p a s t o r sometimes passes him over a n d assigns tasks t o o t h e r s in o r d e r to s p r e a d o u t t h e work. If you are a t t e n d i n g a n o n - p a r o c h i a l h i g h school or college, k e e p u p y o u r m e m b e r s h i p in y o u r p a r i s h a n d y o u r participation in p a r i s h activities. T o o o f t e n when y o u n g p e o p l e leave their p a r i s h school, t h e y lose all contact with their p a r i s h , t o t h e g r e a t d e t r i m e n t of their spiritual welfare. Remember t h a t , as a Catholic, y o u are " o n t h e s p o t " . T h e world will be quick t o criticize y o u if you d o n o t live a t r u l y Catholic life, even t h o u g h it h a s little use f o r t h e Catholic C h u r c h . If ,you a r e a g e n u i n e Catholic, d o n o t expect m u c h praise, except f r o m G o d . Y o u m a y be sure, however, t h a t by giving t h e example of a d e v o u t Catholic l i f e you will be influencing a countless n u m b e r of souls. O n t h e con- trary, n o o n e does so m u c h h a r m to h i m s e l f , to t h e C h u r c h , a n d to t h e w o r l d , as a b a d Catholic or a f a l l e n away Catholic. F e a r n o t h i n g so m u c h as t h e loss of sanctifying grace a n d y o u r f a i t h . 38 wmM A P A M P H L E T For Your N O N - C A T H O L I C N E I G H B O R S A s i m p l e e x p l a n a t i o n of t h e steps to be t a k e n by a N o n - C a t h o l i c w h o wishes t o e n t e r t h e C a t h o l i c C h u r c h , a n d a n a n s w e r t o t h e o b j e c t i o n s of m a n y a g a i n s t t h e C a t h o l i c C h u r c h . 10c E a c h , d i s c o u n t f o r q u a n t i t i e s . P o s t a g e E x t r a P u b l i s h e d b y T h e L i g u o r i a n P a m p h l e t O f f i c e L i g u o r i , M i s s o u r i w To Become A Catholic B Y D. J. Corrigan, C. Ss. R. W E L L I N G T O N P R I N T I N G C O .