The Irish standard., 1900-06-16

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quick eyes are more important than
physical strength. Although the sister,
hood is noted for the fine needle work,
the dainty crocheting and knitting
which is sent out from its various
houses to supply the local demand is
So slight that the manufacture of coars-
er garments, drilling shirts, skirts, etc,
occupies most of the time in the work.
room of the House OF the Good Shep-
herd. So variable is the number OF
giils in the home at one time, so uncer-
tain is the period OF their stay that rare
ly can the little factory boast of more
than dozen skilled workers. AS soon
as d girl becomes expert with the ma
chine or the needle, her moral education
having advanced in proportion to her
mechanical skill, she becomes eager to
test her strength where she had but
lately proved her weakness. The disci-
pline, the habits of industry inculcated
in the minds of girls brought within the
influence of the Sisters, prove invaluable
safeguards after the period of probation
has expired, and they are placed again
in the way of temptation.
That the girls at the House of the
Good Shepherd are happy is convincing
ly proven by the bright faces, the CHEEKY
voices seen and heard both in the work.
room and during recreation hours. Dur
ing leisure hours many happy gather
ings are held either in the library or on
the large enclosed lawn in the rear OF
the house. A piano and many string
instruments are at the disposal of the
girls, and impromptu musicals are not
infrequent. The ground where the girls
rccreate is arranged with view to
giving the greatest enjoyment. Seats
and swings are placed about under the
trees and in recreation time they are
rarely without an occupant. Numerous
flower beds, rustic pedestals which sup
port gracefully trailing vines, are the
special care of the Sisters young pro-
tcges.
Young women are received at the
House of the Good Shepherd with the
understanding that they remain at least
six months. Those over 16 are there
OF their own volition, and are not un-
der duress. That many remain after at
tanning legal age speaks well for the
work the Sisters are doing.
Every girl in the institution under 16
years of age is required to attend the
school which is maintained in the build
ing. Only half day sessions are held
and at these the common school
branches are taught.
A recent innovation at the House OF
the Good Shepherd was the opening OF
a department for children. Children
whose parents are incompetent to give
then. proper care will be temporarily
provided for until home is found for
them elsewhere. There are now nine
children enjoying the care of the Sisters.
A two-story frame building has just
been completed for the accommodation
OF the little ones. A large school room,
where the primary branches arc taught,
a play room and a dormitory are all
neatly and suitably furnished for the
tiny folk vino occupy them. 4
The House of the Good Shepherd Of
Minneapolis is not as yet self-support-
ing institution. Although there is
much demand for the product of its
workroom, the output is inconsiderable
the price paid is small. Inmates must
be clothed, fed and cared for in sickness
Thus with large and certain expense
account, offset by an uncertain and
mcager income, the House of the Good
Shepherd is burdened with debt. Yet
the superioress looks cheerfully forward
to the ultimate payment OF mortgages
and notes, and hopes at no distant day
to discharge the troublesome obliga-
tons. Without debt the current ex-
penses of the institution could be read
lily met with its earnings.
The attendance at the reformatory
averages about forty. There are one OF
two aged invalids who find an asylum
within the walls of the home; there are
nine children, the youngest three years
old. The work of the house is carried
on by thirteen, Sisters, nine of whom
are clustered.
Visitors to the House OF the Good
Shepherd are sure to be cordially greet.
ed by the good Nuns. 1t was found i'm.
practicable to observe special hours, and
the Sisters, or those in detention, may
be seen at any time during the day.
On Thursday evening, June 28, the
annual lawn festival will be held on the
spacious grounds. Tickets are now be.
ing sold at IS cents, and the holders o.
them will be entitled to cake and ice
cream. Everyone is cordially invited
by the good Sisters.
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