The New York herald., 1871-12-11
ST. PATRICK,s CATHEDRAL.

The Necessity Of Being Practical Member
Of the ChurcIi-sermon by the Rev. Father
Kearney.
The Cathedral was crowded yesterday, as usual.
Last mass was commenced at half-past ten O'Clock.
the Rev. Father McNamee onlciatIng celebrant.
Archbisnop McCloskey and the Very Rev. DR.. STAIRS
were present during the ceremonies. At the con.
clus.on OF the frs, gospel the Rev. Father Kearney
preached sermon. taxing MS text from Sc
Matthew XII, 2-10-'N0w when John had heard in
PRISON the works of Christ sending OF his disci-
pies he said 10 him. Art Thou he that art to or
look we for another And Jesus making answer said
to them Go and relate to John what you have heard
and seem" The reverend gentleman said that the
Gospel presented to them, the divine Lord going
from city TO city preaching HIS doctrine and
working His miracles. John sent to inquire
whether He was the one expected and the
Lord, when he was asked the question, still con-
unued TO teach and to work. and afterwards telling
the disciples TO 60 to John and relate
to him what they had heard and what
they had seen. "The blind see, the lame walk, the
lepers ere clcansed, the deaf hear the dead rise
again. the poor have the Gospel preached to them."
And the Lord added, blessed Is he tnat shall not
be scandaized IN Me.n lie would impress upon
those assembled that lie was Their God-a fact
which he had proveh
rue LESSON TAUGHT FROM THE GOSPEL
was highly 1mportan: to CHRISTIANS as II urged the
necessity Of practising good works earnestly and
faithfully throughout lite. IT was not enough TO
beiieve IS5 mric os. hut the teachings OF Christ
must be obeyed. The preacher commented at length
on the scandal alluded 10 In the Gospel. Christ was
the great stumbling block 10 the ncredulons Jews,
lust as tne Church was to-day TO her enemies, who
now waged such war against her. He dllated
low the precepis OF the CHURCH and practice her
teachings should not call themselves Catholics, as
by dong SO they gave scandal to Others. who might
be encouraged to sin by Their apparent indifference.
Bal example mad the most runous effects, and
scandal even attended ny dangerous results,
while the scandal given brought upon himself
TERRIBLE RESPONSIBILITY.
Christians must show 10y their actions and Also by
their principles that tncy obey the commandments
OF the Church Of God and there should be no indir-
religious duties. People might say II and say it
| often, yet 1t was not the truth that thev
were Catholics, unless they practised what
| the Catholic church taught them TO practice
| and what the Catholic Church desiren them
! uDuaiy TO practice. During the season the Church
wished the faithful TO keep before their minds tho
! fact tnat the time was approaching wnen they
| would DC called upon 10 celebrate the anniversary
| way 10 celebrate
THE IRRITABLE MYSTERY
was, by gathering around the altar, AMI with hearts
purified and cleansed from sin receive In her
In conclusion the reverend gentleman urged with
much .0aueHce the necessity aud advantageous
results OF an earnest and appropriate preparation
oi The treat Festival OF the Navitty.
Dietschs Mass 40. II, IN dat was performed
the pest portion being the "gredor In which occurs
q fine oo With chorus. "El incarnalus est a
lerzciio. was vel rendered, as was also Et Vitam.
la facf the Inter- relation OF The sacred music was
unexcepiionaDy good. Nine. Chomd sang the beau.
tIful "Ave Mara by Gustayus Schmitz at the Oner-
tory. Mr. Schmitz presided as usual at the organ.
Extensive preparations are making for an Impressive
musical display on the Feast of the Nativity.