The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-03-25
THE PhENARY COUNCILS DEGREES.
Stringent Regulations as to Schools, Mar
riage, Secret Societies and Church Fairs.

rage, secret O0cleCleS ana CnurCn EalIS.
BALTIMORE, March 24-The DEGREES enacted
by the Plenary Council held in this city in No
vember, 1884, which were sent to Rome for ap-
proval and returned several months ago, were
given to few persons today in printed form
They extend over four hundred pages, and are
in Latin. The American will, tomorrow, pub
lish an extended summary of them, which was
prepared by one of the leading transla-
tors connected with the church in this
city. The DEGREES are contained under
eleven titles The opening decree
is On faith, followed by DEGREES on ecclesiastical
persons, divine worship. the saeraments. the
education of the clergy, the instruction of Cath
Ollie youth. Christian doctrine, zeal for souls,
church property. ecclesiastical courts and eccls-
siastical tribunals. Many Of the DEGREES under
the first three titles will be Of little interest to
the public, as they affect the inner workings of
the various dioceses, and refer to the relations
existing between the bishop and his clergy.
Special enactments made to meet all
possible contingencies, and these regu-
lations viii largely contribute to place
the dioceses on a sure footing.
Some of these regulations are very eloquent in
their expressions on the dignity of the clergy.
Sanctity and science are to be the objects OF
their labors and this is 20 insure them a lasting
influence over the focks Entrusted to their care.
1t is re commended that special house in the
charge of some religious order should be erected
for the reception of priests who have been sus-
pended from the exercise of their functions for
serious faults. yet give hopes OF correct
ing their various inclinations that they
may have an opportunity of regaining their
lost privileges Special attention is to be
paid to the music adopted in the churches to add
solemnity to the sacred services; worldly and
sensual strains are positively to be excluded from
church exercises.
One of the most important DEGREES is that cor
corning matrimony. 1t holds that, since mar
riage raised to the dignity of a sacrament,
1t belongs solely to the church. to whom the ad-
ministration of the sacrament was intrusted. TO
pass judgment on the validity, rights and oblica-
tons of marriage This being the case, and the
marriage tie being indissoiukss, it is
obvious that there is no power on earth
which can dissolve Christian marriage.
Against such as Infringe the laws severe
penalties are to be enforced. No legal divorce
has the slightest power before God to loose the
bonds of marriage and make subsequent one
valid Even adultery though it may justify
separation from bed and board, cannot loose the
marriage tie so that either of the parties may
marry again during the life of the other, nor is
the legal separation to be obtained without first
comforting with the ecclesiastical authorities.
Though the church sometimes permits the mar
rage of a Catholic with non Catholic she never
does so without the deepest regret and with the
explicit understanding that the children of those
parties must be brought up In the Catholic faith.
Regarding the instruction of the laity, the
Council DEGREES that, since religion can never be
divorced from our actions, there is need of
erecting everywhere parish schools which shall
so temper religion with science that the two may
60 hand in hand. To effect this, the Council or
ders that within two years from the promulga-
ton Of these DEGREES parish school must be
erected and started near each church, unless
the bishop for grave reasons, should defer for a
time the building of such school. Should
priest by his own negligence prevent the sue
cessful carrying on of such schools, he is to be
Judged worthy of removal. All Catholic pa
rents are bound to send their children to these
parochial schools. unless they send them TO
other Catholic academies, or are lawfully ex-
empted by those who have charge of these
affairs.
The 5000 900 of colored people in the country
are the subject of vigorous plea. for help from
all those who would place this important ele
ment of the future in place to act for the veal
of this republic. The Indian tribes have also
been considered, and arrangements have been
made for a special yearly collection to be taken
up in all churches throughout the country to
help in promoting cathollcity among both the
coored people and the Indian tribes.
Special consideration is devoted to the action
and work of the 1aity, and their combination in
associations for the better realization of their
work; but all must be mindful of the fact that
the laity are members of the body of Christ, and
that their legitimate action and work must be in
entire uniformity with their lawful head
All secret societies, which are secret as the
church understands this term, such as Masonic
lodges and other similar societies. are to be- alb
iured by Catholics. Not only are such societies
to be Stunned, but all are requested to co-ope-
rate as earnestly as possible in the work Of those
who are acting in all things according to the
spirit of the church.
The DEGREES about the collecting of money
for pious purposes will, doubtless. surprise most
people, for the decisions are explicitly condem-
natory of many methods now in vogue. The
council orders that no clergyman shall ever
prosecute layman for money due to the church.
even for pew rent. unless he has asked leave
from the bishop. Another thing done by the
council is the prohibition of picnics and excur-
sions by night on Sunday. on other feast days
or fasting days. This way of making money
for church purposes will be hereafter forbidden,
and only allowed by the bishop with necessary
reserve The sale of intoxicating liquors will
not be allowed in any case. Fairs, also. are not
to be held without special permit from the bish-
op and not on Sundays, and no intoxicating
liquors can be sold at them. Suppers and din
ners social parties and balls, given at night, for
raising money, are prohibited.
Steamship News.