Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1886-08-21
THE CATHOLIC SYNOD.

THE CATHOLIC SYNOD.
The Catholic Synod which has been in
session in Richmond concluded its work on
Thursday, and yesterday morning Pontifcal
Mass was sung at the cathedral, Rt. Rev.
John J. Keane, celebrant.
In the synod the object was not only to
adapt the DEGREES and laws Of the recent
Plenary Council of Baltimore to the good of
the diocese of Richmond, but to revise the
whole body of laws governing the clergy of
the State. The DEGREES of the Plenary Coun.
Gil held in Baltimore in 1885 are formally
accepted and adhered to. The second chap.
ter regards the government OF the diocese
of Richmond. 1t names the various officials
who helped the Bishop in his work. Six
priests, one-hslf selected by the Bishop, the
other half voted for by the priests, are
known as consutors, who form the Bishops
senate, and enjoy deliberative vote in the
election of a new bishop. Three other cler-
gymen form commission whose duty it is
to examine candidates for the position Of
teachers in Catholic schools. Affiliated to
this is another commission who, four 10
number, examine the various schools of tho
diocese. Minor officials are named, like
wise the duty OF the rectors of the churches,
and special words of commentator of the
colored race close this chapter. The duties
of the clergy are pointed out. Their inter-
course with one another; the manner in
which strangers who are priests are 10 be
received in regard to church services and
divine worship; the duty Of living in their
parishes; the strict obligation of preaching
the spirit that should animate preachers of
Christ's word, the need of assiduous study
are one and all points seriously inculcated.
In connection with study the clergy are adj
monished of the two yearly meetings, where
papers on philosophic doctrinal and script
ural subjects are read.
The divine worship and it's sacred sur
roundings are dealt with most fully. The
words of the Plcnary Council forbidding
Catholics to sell liquor on Sundays, while
reprobating sale by them at all, have q
prominent place. The clergy are admon-
ished to watch over such of their ilocks who
are engaged in this business.
After naming the various festal days of
the holy Church. the chapter ends by pro-
viGing for prayer and sacrifices for the de.
ceased bishops and clergy.
The Roman Ritual, the approved method
of administering the sacraments and the
use of the Latin tongue, which, no matter
how much other languages may change,
always retains the same meaning for its
words, are prescribed. The sacraments Of
baptism, confirmation, Holy Eucharist, the
mass, confession, the last amounting, and
marriage are respectively disposed of; how
they should be administered, how they who
are about to receive them, especially the
young, should be prepared, and how the
faithful should be strenuously and faithful
instructed in regard to receiving into their
souls the precious blood of Jesus Christ.
In regard to marriages, those between
Catholics and Protestants, known as "mix-
cd" are not to be encouraged, but as far as
possible prevented, and only to be granted
when the requisite promises of non-inter-
ference with the Catholic party in regard
to religion and of the baptzn2 and bring
ing up the offspring as Catholics are given.
The sixth chapter treats Of the eduction Of
youth. Catholic schools nuat be establish
ed wherever possible, together with Sunday
schools. The catechisms complied by com
mand of the Plenary Council of Baltimore
ore to be used in all Catholic schools In
the work in the Vineyard, the Masters
blessed example is held up before the
clergy, who are to initiate Him. The many
dangers OF the faithful occasoned by
dangerous surroundings are pointed out
Az an antdote to secret societies, Catholic
societies and clubs are to be encouraged.
Temperance socities, arc most zoalously to
be fostered and encouraged. The religious
Confraternites and Soldarties Of the Holy
Church are particularly to be advanced,
while for the good CT the faithful, at a reg
ular time, mission services are to be held in
the churches.
Christian burial, and the danger Of being
deprived of it is the punishment to which
negligent Catholics expose themselves.
All ecclesiastical property must be in the
bishops name. The various collections for
the orphans, the colored missions, etc, are
all arranged.
1t is eDjoined upon every pastor TO pick
out two gentlemen of his parish, who are
of tried virtue, sterling honesty and sound
business qualities, who will be always con-
suited by him in regard to temperatures.
A