The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-12-24
MASSES AT ST. PETERS
SPECIAL SERVICES IN THE CATH
 OLIC CHURCH.
Feast of the Nativity of the Redeemer to Re Celebrated-a Circsiaf
 Letter from BfshOp Allen.

Sunday the feast of the nativity of the Redeemer will be characterized by | special services at St. Peters Catn- ollie Church.
 Privileges of unusual solemnity are attached to this Christmas festival. Among others may be noticed the spe- cial permission accorded to the minis ters of the Catholic Church of celebrat- ing three masses to commemorate re- srectively the eternal birth of Jesus Christ in the bosom of His Father. His temporal birth some nineteen hundred years ago, and His spiritual birth In the hearts of the faithful regenerated by works of faith and penance. Accordingly tomorrow there Will De nine masses offered on the altars or St. Peter's Church in view of this prerog- alive. The first mass will be cele- brated at a. m. by Rev. Father Saw age. It will be a high mass and mass of general communion. Other masses will be said at the following hours: 6 a. m, a. m.. 7:30 a. m.. a. nn, a. m, s:30 a. m. and 10:30 a. m. Last mass will be high mass. and will in- clude a special sermon, and will De fol- lowed by benediction of the most holy sacrament. Rev. Father Eaton will of- flciate.
 Special musical programs have been arranged to meet the requirements of the high masses. The children's choir will sing the early mass. Berges mass has been selected. During this service Porf. E. L. Merriam will preside at the organ, and to his accompaniment Miss Nora Courtney will render special violin selection as an offertory piece. The ladies' choir will sing the late mass. The mass decided on Is that of the Holy Innocents." Miss A. F. Mer- riam will preside at the organ and solos will be rendered by Mrs. L. Rob- inson. Misses Emily Semple. Josephine Hinderer and Alice O'Connell. At the offertory the "Adeste Fidels'' will be sung alternately by Mrs. L. Robinson. Misses Josephine Hinderer and Alice O'Connen.
 A departure from the ordinary acci- dental elements of the holy mass will be the Processional and Recessional, sung by a large number of the Sanc- tuary Boys Society vested in red sou tame and surplice. as they proceed to and from the sacristy.
 Today from 3 p. m. to p. m. confess sions will be heard by Fathers Savage and Eaton and visiting priest. They will be resumed at D. m. and will con- tinue until the members of the congre- s ation have been afforded the opportun- ity of corfessipg.
 The visiting father will occupy tho confessional on the Gospel side of the church.
 The following circular has been sent to the Rev. Catholic clergy of the Dio- cese of Mobile:
 Mobile, Ala, Dec. 8, 1904. Dear Rev. Father:
 The Christmas season reminds us of the duty we owe to the orphans. whom God has entrusted to our care In ref1ecting upor their needs and depend ont condition, We are reminded of our Savior words The rGor you have always with you.' (Matt. xvi, 11.)
 Thanks be to God. your charity has never failed in the past to supply their pressing wants, and we look to you with confidence to come to their aid in the same generous spirit this year. The inspired Word of God tells us: It is more blessed to give than to receive. and He that showeth mercy to the poor shall be blessed. They shall have their reward laid up for them in the Kingdom of Heaven.
 The noble work which the two asy- lums in Mobile, and the one in Birm- ingham, are doing for the waif and the orphan should elicit not only your sym pathy but what Is more practical, your generous support. These helpless chill |
 
 and if they are lost through our wilful neglect, we will be held accountable for them before the judgment seat of God. It Is not the will of your Father, who Is in Heaven, that one of these little ones should perish, (Matt. xviii, 14.) God has blessed many with pros perity this year, and as an act of grat- itude they should cheerfully share His gracious bounty with our homeless children.
 'The giving of aims Is a duty inn posed by God. and therefore not to be neglected. There will not be wanting poor in the land of thy habitation; therefore, I command thee to open thy hand to thy needy and poor brother that liveth in the land,' (Deut. XIV, II ) This command does not refer merely to those who enjoy a superabundance of riches. but to all in a greater or less degree. Those who have an abundance should give in abundance; those who have less should give in proportion to membering the love of Jesus Christ for little children. contribute generously this year.
 May the peace of Christ and all his blessings be with you and your flock during this holy season. I am, dear Rev. Father.
 'Sipcerely yours, 'Edw. P. Allen, Bishop of Mobile. "J. W. Shaw, Sec
 The circular letter has been read in all of the churches of the diocese.