Cfevident*) I ft»ae/c\ A TV® oHie-r - s n c s f >1« >1* »I« >ft >t* >1' »fr »fr • 5 M ( B f t l ^ r ^ í j ^ p t^í Dramatic Sketch t ANGELA A. CLENDENIN T f f • Ì * Ü f * * * * T T T * T H E OTHER SHEEP Nihil Obstat RICHARD J. DEI Censor Librorum Imprimatur * CHRISTIAN H. WINKELMANN Episcopus Wichitensis Datum Wichitae die 23 Augusti, A.D., 1940 Copyright, 1940, Catholic Action Committee T H E O T H E R S H E E P ^A Dramatic Sketch Presenting the Organization and Objectives of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine by ANGELA A . CLENDENIN Executive Secretary of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine and of the Catholic Action Committee of the Diocese of Wichita Published by the CATHOLIC ACTION COMMITTEE 424 North Broadway W I C H I T A , KANSAS 1940 I N T R O D U C T I O N "The Other Sheep" presents a picture of a typical Executive Board of a parish Confraternity of Christian Doctrine in one of its regular monthly meetings. The members of the Board are average men and women from the various walks of life, such as one is likely to find in almost any parish. They report on the activities of their respective offices, discuss problems connected with the work of the parish unit of the Confraternity, and plan the projects which are to claim their attention in the immediate future. The purpose of the presentation is obvious—to acquaint the audience with the organization and objectives of a parish Confraternity which follows the program outlined by the National Center of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine. "The Other Sheep" was written by Angela A. Clendenin, ex- ecutive secretary of the Confraternity in the Diocese of Wichita, for presentation at a series of deanery educational meetings held in the Wichita Diocese in the fall of 1937. In October of 1938 it was presented at the National Catechetical Congress in Hartford, Connecticut. Since that time it has been staged by local casts at several of the Regional Congresses of the Confraternity. Leaders in the national field have been generous in their praise of this modest dramatic sketch, and have encouraged the author and sponsors to make it available for the field at large in a printed edi- tion. It is now published by the Catholic Action Committee of Wichita in hope that it may help make known to people the balanced structure and enriched program of the most fruitful agency of the lay apostolate in modern times. We are indebted to His Excellency, Most Reverend Christian H. Winkelmann, S. T. D., for encouragement and official approval; to Rev. Richard J. Dei, Censor Librorum of the Diocese of Wich- ita; to the author, Angela A. Clendenin, for her disinterested labor in preparing the manuscript; to many kind friends both within and without the diocese who made critical reading of copy, directed local presentations, offered suggestions for improvement of action and dialogue, or who assisted in any other manner in the develop- ment and publication of "The Other Sheep." We pray that "The Other Sheep," in God's good Providence, may render a service to apostolic minded members of the laity who wish to take an intelligent and fruitful part in the work of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine. Rev. Leon A. McNeill, M. A. Diocesan Director of Education Wichita, Kansas Feast of St. Rose of Lima August 30, 1940 5 T H E O T H E R S H E E P CHARACTERS MRS. WILSON . . The president of the parish Confraternity board, at whose home the monthly meeting ta\es place CHARLES MONTGOMERY The vice-president VIRGINIA IRVING The secretary MR. FIELDING The treasurer MRS. ARNOLD The chairman of fishers, who do the home visiting in the parish MRS. VINCENT The retiring chairman of teachers AGNES McDONALD The chairman of discussion clubs NED CARROL The chairman of helpers WILL LESTER The chairman of parent-educators DAVID HEALY The chairman of apostles to non-Catholics The price of "The Other Sheep" is 25c per copy; 10 copies postpaid for $2.00. Each order for 10 copies will be accompanied by a com- plimentary copy for the director. 6 T H E O T H E R S H E E P S C E N E The living room in the home of Mrs. Wilson. The properties consist of the usual furniture—a couch, des\, chairs, tables, lamps, telephone, etc. The lamps at the des\ and lounge chair are lighted. The telephone is on the des\. The room is in mild disorder, with papers and magazines strewn about. Children's playthings are scat- tered on the floor in front of the couch. A boy's cap and ball bat are on the lounge chair. The time is August. As the curtain rises, Mrs. Wilson enters the room with note- book,; in hand. Agnes McDonald is lounging on the couch reading the evening paper. AGNES. Have you read the paper, Loretta? MRS. W. No, not yet. Is there any particular news ? (Goes to des\.) AGNES. Charles Montgomery has been taken into his father's law firm. There's a big write-up on the front page with pictures of them both. MRS. W. (Sits on couch and reads paper with Agnes.) Mr. Montgomery has been looking forward to this day ever since Charles started to college. It must be a great satisfaction for a parent to see his dreams for his son come true. AGNES. Listen to this: (Reading.) "The Montgomerys are among the prominent pioneer families of the community and are exemplary members of Holy Angels' Catholic Church." MRS. W. Exemplary Catholics! That's the only way the Evening Tribune could refer to that family. AGNES. Yes, and the best part about it is that it's true. The Montgomerys are what I would call professional Catholics. MRS. W. Professional? Is that just the word? (Rises.) AGNES. Well, at least they are professing Catholics. Their reli- gion comes first in everything. I'm always edified when I see Charles and his father at Mass every morning. 7 T H E O T H E R S H E E P MRS. W. Attending Mass is as much a part of their day as going down to the office. AGNES. I wondered just a bit, though, when Father Dalton put Charles on the parish board of the Confraternity. MRS. W. Afraid he wouldn't take it seriously? AGNES. Well, yes. It is rather exceptional for a young profes- sional man to show the interest in parish affairs that he does. MRS. W. (Standing at des\.) Not at all. It all depends on the way a person is trained. What about David, Virginia, and Ned, and yourself? All of you are young and all of you lead busy lives, but you find the time to come to meetings and attend to the work of your offices. AGNES. Thanks for everything, Loretta, especially for calling attention to my youth. (Rises, goes to center and mattes a sweeping bow to Mrs. Wilson.) Of course, you are quite ma- ture, with a husband, a home, and a family. MRS. W. (Looking at her wrist watch) Agnes, it's ten minutes of eight. They'll be here before we know it. (Rises and crosses to light another lamp.) AGNES. (Throwing down the paper.) Is it really that late? MRS. W. Let's get these papers and magazines out of the way. Look where that Tommy left his cap and bat. I'm supposed to be a half-way good housekeeper. AGNES. ( Crosses to pic\ up the articles.) And an altogether good president of the Confraternity. MRS. W. (Sighing.) I wonder how the Recording Angel rates the two jobs! AGNES. What do you mean? MRS. W. Whether I get more good marks for being a self-sac- rificing, long-suffering wife and mother, or for what John calls, "Helping Father Dalton run the Church of God." 10 T H E O T H E R S H E E P AGNES. So that's what John says! I don't mind his saying such things—he's only teasing. (Hands Mrs. Wilson the bat and cap.) MRS. W. Yes, as usual. (Turns to right exit and disposes of ar- ticles beyond room.) AGNES. (Lifts her voice.) You know as well as I do, Loretta, that there are some folks who make remarks like that and mean them. (Begins to picl\ up papers.) MRS. W. (As she returns.) Yes, I suppose so. AGNES. (Standing at center.) There are persons right here in Holy Angels' parish who have the most absurd ideas about the Confraternity, discussion clubs, Catholic Action, and every- thing. MRS. W. We can't blame them too much, Agnes. AGNES. They seem to think the Confraternity is a closed cor- poration—that the work can be done only by a favored few. (Begins to gather up the toys in front of the couch.) MRS. W. That goes to prove— AGNES. That goes to, prove they don't know what it's all about. I do get so provoked sometimes. MRS. W. (Earnestly.) If we could only convince them that the Confraternity has work for everyone to do—work that is suited to everyone's talents. AGNES. (Standing and counting on her fingers.) Yes, there are the fishers who must be tactful and sociable—and— MRS. W. Not easily discouraged—zealous for souls— AGNES. Sort of Canadian Royal Mounted get-their-man type. MRS. W. Well, yes, but don't say that before Mrs. Arnold and Mrs. Travis. 9 T H E O T H E R S H E E P AGNES. They wouldn't care, and besides I mean it for a compli- ment. Those two women are desperately in earnest about the kingdom of God! MRS. W. Agnes! AGNES. (Laughing.) Now don't pretend you're shocked. For- tunately, the lay teachers can always be recruited from the ranks of teachers or former teachers, so that's no problem. MRS. W. (Sits on chair, with her lap and hands full of articles she has gathered up.) Nearly every one in the parish ought to be- long to one of your discussion clubs. AGNES. Yes, and all the young married couples like you and John can qualify as parent-educators, too. But few could or- ganize the apostles to non-Catholics as well as David Healy. I understand he is getting some of the college students inter- ested in street preaching. MRS. W. So Father Dalton told me. But how about the helpers division? Making project books and collecting Catholic news- papers and magazines are easy and should interest the younger girls, but the transportation part often requires genuine sacrifice. AGNES. Indeed, it does. I never will forget the summer I helped on the motor corps for the Aurora vacation school. I drove my car five days a week for the entire four weeks and nothing but the hope of salvation for my immortal soul kept me going. I happened to draw a family of children that lived fifteen miles out in the country. MRS. W. Yes, but you got your fun out of it, too. Now, does that take in everybody? AGNES. Everybody, except those who can enroll as associate members, who are willing to write us a check once in a while. Those checks are an important contribution, too. MRS. W. (Rises and spea\s earnestly.) We both agree—Don't we ?—that the Confraternity is an ideal parish organization, 1 0 T H E O T H E R S H E E P a medium, or a training school for Catholic Action, so why can't we get the board to do something about promoting a better understanding of the work? AGNES. What can we do? MRS. W. I haven't thought it out yet. I read an article in "Catholic Action" some time ago in which the author stated that the time would come when a person's attitude toward the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine would be a test of his "living Christian faith." I think he is right, too. AGNES. Maybe so, but if Father Dalton can't put the fear of God into our complacent, self-righteous congregation— MRS. W. Yes, I know. He's done his part. Now it is time for us to do ours. But what can we do? That's the question. AGNES. (Jumps to her feet and speaks recklessly.) Aren't we doing enough already? Don't we organize discussion clubs? Don't we teach in vacation schools? Don't we go fishing? Fishing for—lambs? And if we don't catch any lambs, we are supposed to bring in the SHEEP—lost sheep—black sheep— strayed sheep— MRS. W. (Laughing as she pats Agnes on the bac\.) Don't get excited, Agnes. You seem to be getting your metaphors mixed. AGNES. (Sits on the couch.) I don't care. I like my metaphors that way. But to be serious, I am not complaining about the work. I do it cheerfully and in a certain spirit of dedication. But what provokes me is the critical and unsympathetic atti- tude some people have towards it—the ones who don't do anything. MRS. W. (Seriously and with particular emphasis.) Shall we say rather tenderly,—"They are the other sheep that we must bring into the Confraternity fold?" AGNES. (Admiringly.) You do have such a disarming way, Loretta. But, after all, why should we worry about them? 11 T H E O T H E R S H E E P MRS. W. (Earnestly and emphatically.) Simply because the Con- fraternity is a spiritual society—it offers spiritual rewards to its members. It gives them an opportunity to practice the spiritual and some of the corporal works of mercy. AGNES. (Rising.) There you go— MRS. W. And what is more, it give its members a chance to be- come lay apostles—to take part in the Church's program of Catholic Action. AGNES. Just try calling yourself a lay apostle sometime— MRS. W. As long as the Holy Father calls us lay apostles, we shouldn't be disturbed by what any one else says. AGNES. I've always thought Father Dalton traced this apostolic succession rather cleverly. MRS. W. "Apostolic succession!" Now you are having your little joke. AGNES. Well, that's what it is, isn't it? How does it go? MRS. W. Something like this: (Both stand in center and recite as if the definition had been learned by rote.) The Confraternity is a voluntary society of the faithful—- AGNES. Organized and functioning in the diocese under the direction of the bishop— MRS. W. The bishop is a successor of the apostles— AGNES. Father Dalton is a fellow-laborer with the bishop— MRS. W. We are fellow-laborers with Father Dalton in the work of winning and saving souls— AGNES. Whereby we participate in the "Apostolate of the Hierarchy." MRS. W. And that makes us lay apostles. AGNES. (Mischievously.) Believe-it-or-not. 1 2 T H E O T H E R S H E E P MRS. W. But to get back to the other sheep. After all, they have very little chance to observe the Confraternity in action. (Goes to desk and straightens papers.) AGNES. I suppose they don't consider it as seriously as we do. MRS. W. Of course not. Take these board meetings for example. They keep us in touch with things, not only with the activi- ties of one or two divisions, but with all the good work which is being done in the parish. I wish that everyone could attend a meeting occasionally— AGNES. (Gathering up an armful of papers.) That's it, Loretta.— I believe you've really got something there. Why can't we have an open board meeting? Invite everybody—serve refreshments —make a real party of it? MRS. W. That's a grand idea, Agnes. I know it can be arranged. Why don't you suggest it at the meeting tonight? (She picks up a stacks of magazines at the left.) AGNES. I will if you think it would be all right. (During the preceding conversation, the two women have been arranging chairs, lighting lamps, picking Up papers and maga- zines, toys, etc. All at once they find themselves standing in the middle of the room facing each other with their arms full of various articles. Mrs. Wilson is the first to notice the humor of the situation.) MRS. W. (Laughing.) Agnes, I wish you could see yourself. AGNES. (Surprised.) What's the matter with me? MRS. W. You look so funny standing there with your arms full' of miscellaneous articles you have picked up in this disorderly room. AGNES. Take a look at yourself, my dear. I can't be much more ridiculous than you are, and you know where to put them. MRS. W. Don't be too sure. If I ever build another house— 13 T H E O T H E R S H E E P AGNES. (Looking at the couch.) If this were my apartment, I'd pile them back of the studio couch. My house is like Mrs. Wiggs' of the Cabbage Patch: "One place is just as good as another." MRS. W. Here, give them to me. (She ta\es all the articles and exits. Agnes gives a few hurried touches to the room, goes to the des\ and pic\s up a magazine and calls to Mrs. Wilson.) AGNES. Here's a new "Catholic Action" magazine. Have you read it? Do you mind if I take it when you are finished? MRS. W. (Answering from the hall.) Yes, I read it last evening. (Enters with several cigars in her hand.) It's a very interesting number. There are some items about the Catechetical Congress in it that I want the secretary to read tonight. Be sure and take the magazine with you and then pass it on to some one else. (She puts the cigars in a humidor on a stand beside a comfort- able chair.) AGNES. The spiritual director's cigars? MRS. W. Yes, John brought some extra special ones this time. At the last meeting I forgot to offer Father cigars and the poor man had to smoke his own. My husband took it as a personal affront. So to keep peace in the family, don't let me forget tonight. (The telephone rings.) MRS. W. Some one can't come, I suppose. (Goes to des\ and pic\s up the receiver.) Yes! Yes, Father. . . . I'm sorry . . . . You want us to go on with the meeting. You'll be here just as soon as you can . . . Very well, Father. AGNES. What's the matter? A sick call? MRS. W. Yes, but he didn't tell me where. He seemed to be in a great hurry. AGNES. Too bad he has to be late tonight. It's the last time Mrs. Vincent will be with us. She will be disappointed. 1 4 T H E O T H E R S H E E P MRS. W. He'll not be very late. I'm sure he'll be here in time to give her the book. By the way, where is the book. AGNES. It's in my brief case. Where shall I put it? MRS. W. Put it into the drawer of the desk. (The doorbell rings. While Mrs. Wilson exits to answer it, Agnes takes a g ft- wrapped package from her brief case and places it in the des\ drawer. There are sounds of laughter, and snatches of conver- sation are heard. Virginia, Charles, and Ned enter the room with Mrs. Wilson.) AGNES. Hello, everybody. Congratulations, Charles! (They shake hands.) VIRGINIA. Congratulations for what? NED. Don't tell us you haven't read the paper, Virginia. VIRGINIA. Of course, I have, but I didn't see anything about Charles. Is he engaged or something? CHARLES. Heaven forbid! NED. No, he hasn't made the society column and that's why you missed the news. AGNES. It was front page news with pictures and headlines. (Thè doorbell rings. Mrs. Wilson exits.) NED. He's gone into business with his Dad and from now on it's "Montgomery & Montgomery, Attorneys at Law." (Struts about with hands under his lapels.) VIRGINIA. Oh, so that's it. Well, Charles, you have my good wishes and any business I can turn your way. (There is a sound of voices. Commotion. Mrs. Arnold, Mrs. "Vincent, Mr. Field- ing, Will Lester and David Healy enter. Greetings are ex- changed.) MRS. V. If we are late, it's my fault. With all the packing there is to be done, I really gave up the idea of coming. 15 T H E O T H E R S H E E P MRS. A. We actually dragged the poor dear away, but we could not let her miss this meeting could we? ALL. No. (With an exchange of knowing glances.) MRS. V. The furniture truck is supposed to leave at five o'clock in the morning. MR. F. Paul and the boys will have everything packed by the time you get back. They were doing a good job of taking charge when we left. MRS. V. "Taking charge"—yes. But who's to tell them what to do? A woman's place is in her home, especially when it is being crammed into a moving van. (General chatter.) MRS. W. (Clapping hands for silence.) Listen everybody. Father Dalton has just telephoned that he had to make a sick call and would be late. Mrs. Vincent wants to leave early. We are all here, so if you will find some chairs we can start the meeting at once. (One chair is reserved for Father Dalton. Mr. Fielding takes a chair at right. Mrs. Wilson and Virginia seat themselves near the des\ or table. Virginia, the secretary, should face the audience and members of the board. Agnes occupies the lounge chair. Ned and David go out left and bring in extra chairs. Others sit on the couch.) VIRGINIA. The president should remember that the vice-presi- dent has just passed his bar exams and is liable to rise to a point . of order or something. CHARLES. (Rises.) Madam President, I move— MRS. W. (Smilingly.) Sorry, Charles, but you are out of order. The meeting is not yet in session, but if everyone is ready, we shall come to order at once. Let us rise for the opening prayer. (All rise and ma\e the sign of the cross aloud. The prayer is led by Mrs. Wilson.) MRS. W. Come, Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of the faithful, and enkindle in them the fire of Thy love. Send forth Thy spirit and they shall be created. 1 6 T H E O T H E R S H E E P ALL. And Thou shalt renew the face of the earth. MRS. W. Let us pray. O God, Who hast taught the hearts of the faithful by the light of the Holy Ghost, give us by the same Spirit a love and relish of what is right and just, and the constant enjoyment of His comforts. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. (After making the sign of the cross all sit down except Mrs. Wilson.) MRS. W. We shall dispense with the roll call and proceed to the reading of the minutes of the previous meeting. Miss Irving. VIRGINIA. (Rises, addresses the president, and reads from minutes boo\.) The parish board of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine of Holy Angels' parish met in regular ses- sion on Monday evening, July 25, 19 , at 8 o'clock in the home of the president, Mrs. John Wilson. All members responded to roll call except the vice-president, Mr. Montgomery, who was absent from the city. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. The secretary read a letter from Mrs. Paul Vincent, chairman of teachers, announcing her resignation from the board, due to the removal of her family from the city. On motion of Mr. Fielding the board voted to accept Mrs. Vincent's resignation with regret. The treasurer, Mr. Fielding, made the following financial report: Balance from June 27, 19 . Proceeds from associate memberships Proceeds from money-making projects sponsored by $28.97 3.00 the helpers division 52.63 Making a total of $84.60 On motion of Mrs. Vincent, the treasurer's report was accepted as read. 17 T H E O T H E R S H E E P Bills were presented for the following items: Salaries for two Sisters who taught in the Aurora vacation school $40.00 1 copy of "Little Pictorial Lives of the Saints" for Confraternity library 2.00 Postage 10 Net and lace for First Communion veils 3.45 Total $45.55 Leaving a balance in the treasury of $39.05 On motion of Miss McDonald these bills were allowed. Mrs. Arnold, chairman of fishers, reported that she and her companion, Mrs. Travis, had called on three families who have recently moved into the parish. Arrangements were made for four children of one family to enter the parochial school this fall. The father is a non-Catholic but is well disposed toward the Church. The father and mother were invited to join a discussion club. In another family they found a crippled boy of about twelve who is in need of a wheel chair. After discussion, Mrs. Arnold was instructed to bring the matter to the attention of the Knights of Columbus charity committee. Since the family cannot afford to subscribe for the diocesan paper, their name was placed on the mailing list to receive Catholic literature. The third family consists of an elderly couple and their grand- son, a young man of nineteen, who intends to enroll in the local college. His name and address were given to the secretary of the Newman Club at the college. Mrs. Vincent, the chairman of teachers, reported that this year's enrollment in the vacation school was the largest in the history of the Aurora mission. Fifty-seven children were enrolled in grades I to VIII. Two Sisters and two lay teachers taught the four weeks' course as outlined in the Manual of Religious Vacation Schools. Nine children made their First Holy Communion. 1 8 T H E O T H E R S H E E P Plans were discussed for the continuation of the Saturday in- struction classes for those children in Holy Angels' parish and Aurora mission who are not attending the parochial school. Mr. Carroll reported that the helpers division made the pro- ject books for the vacation school and, with the aid of an effi- cient motor corps, furnished transportation for the Sisters and for a number of children who live at some distance from the mission house where the school was held. They provided break- fast for the first communicants and their parents, and a picnic for the children at the close of the school. Mr. Carroll called attention to the help which Mr. Fielding, as chairman of the finance committee, gave them in raising funds for their various vacation-school projects, including the $40 salary for the Sisters. Since the discussion clubs have disbanded for the summer months, Miss McDonald had no report to make. Mr. Healy stated that he intends to bring the work of the apostles to non-Catholics to the attention of some of the students of Aurora college. Father Kennedy, the moderator of the New- man Club, has offered to train the speakers who decide to enroll in this new division of the Confraternity. Father Dalton stressed the need for cooperation in every phase of the Confraternity work. He requested the officers and chair- men of the board to continue their efforts to interest the members of every family in the parish in one or more of the Confraternity activities. He also reminded the group that members may gain a plenary indulgence on the feast of the Assumption, August 15, by complying with the usual conditions. He gave his customary five minute discourse on Catholic Ac- tion. His subject was the "Spiritual Qualifications of Lay Apostles." He stressed three essential qualities: a lively faith, an exemplary life, and an ardent zeal. 19 T H E O T H E R S H E E P On motion of Mr. Fielding, the meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m. Virginia Irving, Secretary MRS. W. (Rises.) You have heard the reading of the minutes. Are there any corrections? MRS. V. I am quite sure, Madam President, there were 67 chil- dren in the vacation school instead of 57 as the minutes now read. MRS. W. That is evidently an error. Will you please make the correction, Virginia? VIRGINIA. Yes, Madam President. (She corrects the minutes.) MRS. W. Are there any other corrections? (Waits.) If not, the minutes will stand approved as corrected. We shall now listen to the report of the treasurer, Mr. Fielding. MR. F. (Rises and reads from the treasurer's boo\.) Madam President: Our last financial statement showed a balance of $39.05. During the month I have collected $4.00 in associate memberships, which gives us a total balance of $43.05 now in the bank. I have mailed cards to 17 persons whose pledges for the year are still unpaid. Since these pledges range all the way from $1.00 to $5.00, we shall have sufficient funds when they are collected, to carry us through until the first of the year. That is the extent of my report at this time. (Sits.) MRS. W. You have heard the treasurer's report. MRS. A. I move that the report be accepted. CHARLES. I second the motion. MRS. W. Is there any discussion or question about this report? CHARLES. I should like to ask Mr. Fielding if there is a time limit for the payment of these associate-member pledges. MR. F. No, unfortunately, there is not. The members pay these pledges if, when, and how they choose. However, the cards I sent-out ought to bring a fair response. 2 0 T H E O T H E R S H E E P CHARLES. It would be a pretty good plan to collect on all of these old pledges just as soon as possible. It won't be very long until time to sign up again. MR. F. That's a good suggestion. MRS. W. There's a motion before the house. Are you ready for the question? VOICES. Question. MRS. W. All in favor of accepting the treasurer's report say, "Aye." ALL. Aye. MRS. W. Contrary, "No." (Waits.) The motion is carried. MR. F. Madam President, Ned has just given me a bill from the Tracy Book Shop for $5.85 for materials used in the va- cation school. I move that this bill be allowed. MRS. W. You have heard the motion. WILL. I second it. MRS. W. You checked the bill, did you Ned? NED. The bill is itemized, and I found it correct. MRS. W. All in favor of the motion please signify by the usual sign. ALL. Aye. MRS. W. Contrary, "No." The motion is carried. We are now ready for your report, Mrs. Arnold. MRS. A. (Rises.) Madam President. Mrs. Travis and I made our confidential report to Father Dalton on Wednesday. He gave us the names of some families on whom he wishes us to call before the opening of school. I am sure that you are all interested in learning how we came out with the wheel chair for the crippled lad. The Knights of Columbus had one for him within the week. It was a gift from a generous mem- 21 T H E O T H E R S H E E P ber who does not wish his name to be known. The child is being brought to Mass every Sunday now. He has never been strong enough to attend school, but his mother has taught him at home. He seems to be very well instructed in his religion. He has not yet been confirmed, but if the family remains here, the boy can enter the instruction class next spring. His parents are very appreciative of our interest in the child. (Sits.) MRS. W. Thank you, Mrs. Arnold. It is interesting to learn that our fishers are so successful—even to bringing in a wheel chair when they let down their nets for a draught. I shall ask the secretary to write a note of appreciation to the Knights of Columbus. CHARLES. As a member of the Knights, I would like to say that we are grateful to the Confraternity for giving us a chance to help that youngster. We might not have found out about him otherwise. He's a great kid and some of us intend to see that he gets his chance. MRS. W. Thank you, Charles. VIRGINIA. You have some very interesting experiences, don't you, Mrs. Arnold? MRS. A. Well, yes. Some of them are interesting and edifying— others are quite disheartening. VIRGINIA. But you still have a great enthusiasm for the work. MRS. A. I wouldn't trade places with any of you. AGNES. I remember how discouraged you were when you first began the home visiting. MRS. A. I wonder myself how we ever kept it up. At first we didn't make any progress. We were received kindly as a rule, but often persons seemed to think that we were trying to pry into their affairs. Even Father Dalton began to doubt the value of the work until Mr. Morrison came back to the church. 2 2 T H E O T H E R S H E E P MR. F. I'm curious about Morrison. I've known him for a long time—years before he located here. You say he came bac\ to the Church. I had no idea that he ever was a Catholic. MRS. A. He has told me since that he belongs to a large family— all his brothers and sisters are practical Catholics. MR. F. And Mrs. Morrison? She certainly makes no secret of her disregard and hatred for religion. How do you get along with her? MRS. A. She's really a fine woman and we are good friends. MR. F. Madam President, there's one point about this work of the fishers I'd like to bring up for discussion. I appre- ciate the excellent work that Mrs. Arnold and Mrs. Travis are doing. Their report shows that its worthwhile and being done in the proper manner. I'm inclined to think, however, that the pastor himself should make such calls on his parish- ioners. Don't you believe most people would feel better about the entire situation if they could tell their troubles to Father Dalton himself, instead of having them—What shall I say?— relayed ? MRS. A. You've got the wrong idea, Mr. Fielding. Our visits do not take the place of the pastor's calls. They are merely supplementary. His calls are pastoral and social.. Ours are more like a survey or a canvass. We confine our inquiries to questions which relate to the education of the children— especially their religious education. We give information in regard to the parochial school, week-day instruction classes, and vacation schools. We invite the adults of the family to join discussion clubs and suggest that they subscribe to the diocesan paper, if they are not already doing so. We work under Father Dalton's direction, first, last, and always. MR. F. I understand all of that, and perhaps it works out in this parish, but— MRS. A. Take the case of the Morrisons for instance. Mrs. Travis and I called at the house as a matter of routine. Father 23 T H E O T H E R S H E E P learned in some way that Mr. Morrison was a fallen-away Catholic and that there were children in the family who should be in the parochial school. I admit that Mrs. Morrison did resent our visits, but she was very courteous and invited us to come again. We called at the house twice after that. One evening Mr. Morrison came to our home and explained to Mr. Arnold and me just how matters stood in his family. He was worried that his children were not attending the Catholic school. My husband was so impressed with the man's ear- nestness and with his evident desire to come back to the Church and still keep peace in his home, that he decided then and there to take a personal interest in the Morrison family. That all happened two years ago. Last Easter, as you all know, Mr. Morrison made his Easter duty and has attended Mass and received Holy Communion every Sunday since. AGNES. There isn't any doubt that you and Mr. Arnold are directly responsible for his return to the Church. MRS. A. Well, yes, but it all came about through the home visiting. There is one case where Father Dalton was help- ldss. If he had gone to the house, he would not have been received. There is still work to be done in that family. Mrs. Morrison herself should be a Catholic. She came into the Church when she was married. The children have all been baptized. MR. F. I still question whether this home visiting is a wise pro- cedure. It has its value, to be sure, as in the case of Mr. Morri- son. I wonder if Mrs. Morrison does not regard it as an in- trusion into her private affairs. Will it be the means of bringing her and the children back to the Church, or will it make them still more bitter and resentful? I'm just think- ing out loud. I don't expect an answer. MRS. W. I intend to give you an answer, just the same. If the home visiting is done under the direction of the pastor, if the visitors are prayerful, and tactful, and discreet, as Mrs. Arnold and Mrs. Travis are, if it is the means of saving one soul, the 2 4 T H E O T H E R S H E E P work undoubtedly has a place in the program of the Con- fraternity. MR. F. Ladies, I surrender. I really had in mind those other parishes in which it might be rather difficult to find two tact- ful and discreet women—(Laughter.) DAVID. It looks as if you are hopping from the celebrated fry- ing-pan into a pretty kettle of fish—or should I say fishers? MRS. W. We have had some valuable discussion and a little fun, but we must get on with the meeting. Agnes, may we have your report at this time? AGNES. (Rising.) I have no further report concerning our parish discussion clubs. However, I do have a letter from the deanery chairman which contains some interesting information. (She ta\es a letter from her brief case and refers to it occasionally.) Last year there were 307 clubs in the diocese with a total mem- bership of 3389. In our own deanery there were 93 clubs with a membership of 1026. Six of these clubs are right here in Holy Angels' parish. WILL. How many are in the diocese? AGNES. (With emphasis). 307 clubs with a membership of 3389. And here is something else. We must all try to remember to call our study groups discussion clubs. The National Center of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine made a definite decision regarding this change in name, but it seems difficult for us to break the habit of calling them study clubs. (Murmur of conversation.) The idea, of course, is to put the emphasis on the discussion. That is really the practical application of the reading and studying which we are supposed to do. MRS. V. I think that's a splendid step forward. VIRGINIA. The very word study seemed to scare some people away. At least, they can't use it as an excuse for not joining a discussion club. 25 T H E O T H E R S H E E P AGNES. The autumn semester will begin the latter part of Sep- tember as usual. I believe this finishes my report, Madam President. (Agnes sits. Mrs. Wilson starts to rise, but Agnes ta\es the floor again.) I almost forgot. I'm supposed to remind every one that the National Catechetical Congress of the Con- fraternity will be held in this year. (Insert place.) The dates are from the to the (Insert dates.) MRS. W. (Rises.) I am glad you reminded us of the Congress. It's not too early to make plans to attend. Our parish Con- fraternity ought to be represented. NED. What are the dates? MRS. W. (Gives dates of current Congress.) NED. If things shape up in the office as I hope they will, I may be driving to about that time. (Insert place.) Any one is welcome to come with me. MRS. W. Thank you, Ned. We shall remember your offer. Since you are the chairman of helpers, how would you like to act as a committee of one on transportation? Perhaps you can interest a number of persons in the trip. NED. I seem to have talked myself into a job, but I'll be glad to accept the appointment. Agnes, you give me all the informa- tion on the Congress and I'll see if I can't organize a Confra- ternity caravan. MRS. W. In the meantime, Ned, let us have your report. NED. (Rises.) Now that the vacation school is over, the helpers are taking a vacation like the teachers and pupils. We shall be ready to report for duty when the Saturday instruction classes begin in the fall. MRS. W. The new chairman of teachers, whoever he or she may be, will be glad to hear you say that. Father Dalton in- tends to announce this appointment tonight. Do you know who your successor is, Mrs. Vincent? 2 6 T H E O T H E R S H E E P MRS. V. No, I don't. But I hope my successor may have as much happiness in the office as I have had. I have told Ned how much his help was appreciated. I received letters from Sister Josephine and Sister Mary Clare only last week. They sent their good wishes to every member of the parish board who helped to make their work at the mission so pleasant and successful. They hope that they can come back to Aurora next summer. MRS. W. David, Father Dalton tells me that you and Father Ken- nedy have succeeded in interesting a group in street preaching. DAVID. (Rises.) Madam President. The "other sheep" have been mentioned two or three times during this meeting. I admit that the name may be applied to persons who are not members of the Confraternity, in as much as it seems to be the inten- tion of this board to go out and bring them in. Our group, however, is being organized to preach the Gospel to those "that are not of this fold," the "other sheep" of whom our Lord said, "And they shall hear My voice, and there shall be one fold and one Shepherd." There are six other persons enrolled in the class that Father Kennedy is training, three college boys, one college girl, one saleswoman, and an older man who is employed at the flour mills. So far we have only attended the meetings that Father Kennedy has addressed. We help with the singing, pass out literature, and take the names and addresses of those who wish to have pamphlets mailed to them. It will be some.time before we can do actual street preaching, but we are working toward that end. MRS. W. We are all very proud of the apostolic work you are doing, David. DAVID. Thank you, Madam President. (Sits.) MRS. W. Charles, I left a plate of fudge on the buffet about an hour ago. If it is still there, will you please bring it in and pass it around? 27 T H E O T H E R S H E E P CHARLES. Gladly. (Exits and returns with the candy which, is passed quietly.) MRS. W. How are you and the parent-educators progressing, Will? WILL. (Rises.) This business of being a parent-educator is cer- tainly a new venture for me. You know the situation better than I do, Madam President, but it's my job, so here goes. We have only one group organized in the parish so far. It's made up of six pairs of parents including Loretta, I mean our presi- dent, and her husband. We are specializing on the study of prayer and I admit we are all pretty dumb about the subject. We are trying to learn how to teach our children to pray, but first we have to learn to pray ourselves. We think we know all about prayer, but there is more to it than you imagine, believe me! But every one is enthusiastic, and talk about discussion! There's never a dull moment! We invited Father Dalton in last week to put us straight on a few points. When I was trying out my newly acquired knowledge on Mary Jo this evening, she asked me if God always answered her prayers. When I assured her that He did, she said: "He didn't answer mine last night, Daddy. I prayed to Him to make me a good girl." "Well, aren't you a good girl?" I questioned. "No Daddy, I guess not. Mother had to spank me today." (Laughter and comment.) DAVID. She examined her conscience and made her confession all in the same breath. (Laughter.) MRS. W. That is only the beginning, Will. She'll think up harder questions than that. (Turning to Mrs. Vincent.) And now, Mrs. Vincent, we are ready for your report. MRS. V. (Rises.) I have nothing to add to the report that I made last month, except to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your kindness and friendship. (With evident emotion.) You know how sorry I am to leave. 2 8 T H E O T H E R S H E E P MRS. W. Indeed, we do. (Ta\es the gift-wrapped package from the drawer of the des\.) I did not anticipate having a part in this ceremony, so I have no speech prepared, but words are rather futile at a time like this. You wouldn't remember them anyway. But you will remember the story that is told in this book and the friends who selected it for you. (She hands Mrs. Vincent the package.) MRS. V. (Surprised.) Oh thank you—thank you very much. It is such a surprise. May I open it now? MRS. W. Yes, do. MRS. V. (Quickly removing wrappings.) Oh. (Reading the title.) "The Secret of St. John Bosco," by Gheon. What a lovely gift! St. John Bosco is one of the newer saints, isn't he? AGNES. Yes, he was canonized only a few years ago, and what is more, he was a personal friend of the late Holy Father. MRS. V. Really? How interesting! AGNES. (Excitedly.) Madam President, I've just thought of something. MRS. W. There's nothing surprising about that. AGNES. I think it's a good idea but I'm afraid we won't have time to talk about it now. MRS. W. (Glances at her wrist watch.) We still have a few moments— AGNES. I would like to propose the name of St. John Bosco as a special patron of our Confraternity board. MRS. W. But Agnes, we have hosts of patrons already. There is the Christ Child among the Doctors, and the Holy Angels, you know. AGNES. Yes, but the Angels never did what St. John Bosco did. MRS. W. Supposing they didn't, why St. John Bosco? 29 T H E O T H E R S H E E P AGNES. Since I've read this book, I've been impressed with the way in which his life and ideas fit into the Confraternity plan. He devoted himself to the education of youth. At first he carried on the work alone, but it grew so rapidly he had to call on other priests to help him. Most of them were already overburdened with parochial duties and could not be of much assistance. So he turned to the laity. MR. F. So that's where we come into the picture. CHARLES. A break for the laity! AGNES. It's all that and more. At first Don Bosco had to plead with the people to help him, but in time they responded by the hundreds. When he saw these men and women-^many of them members of noble families—teaching catechism to the street urchins in the worst slums in the city of Turin, he began to understand the importance of the lay apostolate.—I wonder if Pope Pius XI remembered those scenes when he invited the laity to labor with him for the salvation of souls. CHARLES. Or, in other words, when he launched his program of Catholic Action. AGNES. Yes. NED. It's an interesting speculation, anyway. MRS. V. No matter what the board decides, Agnes, I intend to adopt St. John Bosco as a special patron of mine. (To the group.) Won't you all write your names in my book, please? (The boo\ is passed around for signatures.) MR. F. (To Mrs. Vincent.) Of course your boys are taking their dog with them. What's his name? Scotch, Cocktail, Brandy, or what? MRS. V. (Smiling.) We call him Brandy. The poor pup doesn't see anything funny in the name. Yes, Brandy goes in the family car with the rest of us. He's probably asleep in it now, for fear we'll leave without him. 3 0 T H E O T H E R S H E E P MR. F. One of the characters in the book we have just given you is St. John Bosco's dog, Grigio. The boys will like Grigio. MRS. W. I'm sorry to break into this conversation but we must proceed with the business. Are there any other reports? Any new business? How about your plan for an open board meet- ing, Agnes? AGNES. I really haven't decided on any particular plan. Per- haps we should let it go until next month. MRS. W. No, I think it would be better to discuss it tonight. AGNES. Very well. (Speaking to the group.) You all know that there are any number of persons in the parish who do not belong to the Confraternity, possibly because they know little or nothing about it. The president and I have been trying to devise some plan to arouse a wider interest in the organiza- tion—give it some publicity, as the men say. MRS. W. We want to do something that will dramatize the work—explain the purpose and aim—make it attractive so that every one will want to have some share in it. AGNES. Mrs. Wilson calls those who are not in, "the other sheep." MRS. V. (Seriously.) The other sheep whom we must bring into the Confraternity fold. MRS. A. That's a wonderful idea! AGNES. What would you think of inviting everyone to an open board meeting—say, something like the one we have had this evening ? VIRGINIA. Splendid! AGNES. We could serve simple refreshments, and enjoy a social hour afterwards. There is nothing like food and conversation to put people in a genial frame of mind. MRS. W. Think about it—all of you—and come prepared to discuss this plan or some other at the next meeting. (The 31 T H E O T H E R S H E E P telephone rings.) That's probably Father Dalton. Pardon me, please. (Ta{es the receiver.) Yes | . . Yes, Father, the meet- ing is nearly finished, but we shall be glad to wait for you if you can come . . . What did you say, please? An accident? . . . Are they badly injured? . . . Yes . . . I'm so sorry . . . I'll tell her . . . Yes . . . Goodnight, Father. (Turns to the listening group.) What do you think has happened? ALL. (Rising to their feet.) What?—Tell us.—I can't imagine, etc. MRS. W. (Bewildered.) It's the strangest coincidence. We were talking about them only a few moments ago. MRS. V. (Addressing the group,) It must be something very serious. MRS. W. (Speaks slowly.) Mr. and Mrs. Morrison have been in- jured in an automobile accident. They're both in St. Raphael's Hospital. Father telephoned from there. (Exclamations of surprise.) MRS. A. Are they seriously hurt? MRS. W. Mr. Morrison seems to be. He has just received the Last Sacraments. MRS. A. And Mrs. Morrison? MRS. W. She is asking for you, Mrs. Arnold. She wants you to bring the children up to the hospital. MRS. A. The poor woman! And to think, she asked for me! I must go to her at once. MR. F. Let me take you, Mrs. Arnold. I have my car. ^Ve'll bundle the kiddies up and have them at the hospital in no time. OTHERS. Is there anything we can do ? Talk about coincidences. Can't we help? 3 2 T H E O T H E R S H E E P MRS. A. (Speaking slowly and with feeling.) Yes, we can all help, God seems to be intrusting the members of this family to our care. We can pray that He brings them all back to His fold—the lambs with the sheep. MRS. W. (Waiting.) Let us begin by offering our closing prayer. (The curtain starts to fall as the group ma\es the sign of the cross and begins the "Our Father" in unison. The voices gradually grow less distinct, and become inaudible after the curtain falls.) 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