The age-herald., 1900-12-24
MIDNIGHT-MASS AT
 ST. PAUL'S CHURCH
Will Mark Beginning of Christ mas Services-Annual Col
 lection for the Orphans

The Christmas masses at St. Paul's church will be celebrated as follows: One minute past midnight (tonighD, [: 30 a. m. and 1O:3c a. m The midnight service will be solemn high mass, that at half past seven will be a low mass and that at 10:30 will be a high mass The music at both high masses will be Gounod's ''Messe So- lennelle," known as the St. Cecilia, and is one of the most beautiful works ever writ ten.
 At the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows there will be a low mass and high mass. At the latter fitting music will be sung.
 The following circular was read in all the Catholic churches in Alabama yester- day:
 Mobile, Ala, Dec. 15, 1900. Dear Rev. Father.
 The annual collection for the support of the orphons will be taken, up in all the parishes of the diocese of Mobile at Christ mas time No collection of the year ap- peals more strongly to the charitable than this The helpless condition of these little ones, bereft of parents, home and friends, is sad indeed, even though Christian char ity has found a way to preserve them from the moral and physical dangers to which their unprotected youth has left them ex- posed.
 In our asylums every care and attention is given to them, in order that they may be trained to walk in the path of virtue, and become useful and self-reliant mem- bers of society. They are for the most part entirely dependent on our charity during a long course of years. When ap- peals are made to receive such, we cannot ic hpfOre God we are responsible for all, and God will require their souls at our hands. It is our duty, therefore, in the absence of parents and responsible relatives, to provide for them as well as to train and educate them. In this good work we confidently rely on the generosity of a people who are never known to fail in doing deeds of charity. We look to each member of the commun- ity to bestow his mite. Those blessed with prosperity should bear in mind that every good comes from above, and to God grate- full acknowledgment should be made No matter how prosperous a family may be now, the day of diversity may come for death and misfortune are no respecters of rank or person.
 Let all therefore, showing gratitude to God, and recalling the love of Christ for HttIe children, remember the poor orphans, and contribute willingly to their support God has given us a prosperous year, and we should, in gratitude, share His gracious bounty with the homeless.
 During the year, the orphan asylum for boys, in memory of the late Rt. Rev. Jere- miah O'Sullivan, D. D., has been erected and is now ready to be furnished and pre- pared for use. All who have seen it, con slider it a monument worthy of one who was the kind friend and protector of the orphans.
 To those who have contributed to its erection, either by their labors or by their contributions, we return sincere thanks and we know God will reward them abund- antly for their charity All who have not as yet aided us, or who have promised to do so and have not redeemed their prom ises, may still come to our assistance for several thousand dollars are needed to complete the payments and equip the build ing
 Praying God to bless you and your flock and to grant you an abundance of His graces during this holy Christmas season, I am faithfully yours in Christ.
 EDWARD P. ALLEN, J. W. SHAW, Bishop of Mobile.
 Secretary.