Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-12-18
WATERBURY EVENING DEMOCRAT. DECEMBER

not received merely for our own glory. but also for the spiritual help and well being of those placed In our charge. When called by other. parents to intro duce into the church other children, the pastor is there to serve God and the people. When he irnparts his bless ing at the altar and says, Go in peace, thy sins are forgiven the, then, too, he is with his people as a servant of God. as Gods minister. Again, when two souls plight their troth at the altar, in sight of God, he Is there to hear their expressions of fidelity and mutual love and support. When also the Chris tian's remains are brought to the church for that last sweet rest, the pastor is there to dismiss them. so to speak, and bless them for the last time. But over and above all these there is one grand act which the pas tor is called upon to perform. When I have asked myself, in the words of the psalmist, What shall I return to the Lord for all he has given me? What shall 1 render unto the Lord for all he has rendered unto me? 1 will take the chalice of the Lord and 1 will
 
 comforting it is in the presence of my youthful companions and spiritual children and in the presence of God himself, to take the chalice and pro nounce those words which bring about the great change. How gratifying to be able to glorify in this manner. That was the object of our presence this morning, and the presence of these priests and people to join together to glorify God in this grand sacrifice. Truly there is great reason for thanks giving.
 Tn singing the Pater Noster this morning thoughts came to me telling me of the beautiful manner in which priest and people should constantly praise and give glory to God. What beautiful way to let your petitions be known to God. Jesus Christ tells us his name he will give it to you. He not only told us to ask, but taught us how to call on him. Not as Moses and the people at the base of the noun tain, calling on God to strike terror into their hearts, but by the sweetest of all names, Our Father How sweet a manner in which to express our de sires! 'Hallowed by thy name. Thy kingdom come expressing the desire to live in his Kingdom and under his glorious reign. And so on through that beautiful prayer.
 Almighty God has given the pastor one privilege different from those of other Christians. When he told him to go forth and teach all nations, he told him whom he will bless, he will bless. It is the greatest pleasure to em this morning, my dear people, to give you my blessing, which is the blessing of God himself. administered by me. When you kneel down in a few minutes to receive the last bless ing of the mass, may God bless you and all your generation. forever" In the evening the Holy Name soci- ety. the Washington Hill Athletic club and the Children of Mary made public their plan to tender Father Curtin suitable testimonial by display Of red fire. music by the American bard. and a reception in the old church. which attracted almost every soul in the district to the place. It was a brilliant affair and those who had the matter in hand deserve great credit. This came in the nature of surprise 10 the pastor, but as soon as he real ized what was up he entered into the spirit of the occasion. He was escort ed to the hall, where the stage was ar- fistically adorned with American flags and bunting in red, white and blue. Across the front in large silver figures appeared the dates 1880 and 1905" On the stage were seated thirteen lit- tie girls. each holding letter which together made up the words, "Ad Mul- tos Annos" May you live for many yearsl.
 The full program was as fellows: Overture-''Il Guarany," Gomez.
 ...... ..... American band Gloria .... .... .... ...... Cn0tr Address. Rev Joseph Hanselman, s. J. Quartet-Misses Lillian Loughlin. Sa-
 die Dunn. Messrs J. M. Daly. T. Ma
 her.
 Presentation of Chaliee John F. Curtin Cornet solo-"Stabat Mater" Ros-
 sin0 ...... ........ Louis Bovine Assisted by the following: Mary Ca
 beys MdF! DdAAe. Mdig Re.HOtuH.
 Margaret Curley. Mary Gaffney.
 Marguerite Bowen. Belle Shea, Ger
 trnde Hartnett. Frances Donahue,
 Catherine Mcfarland. Loretta
 Bowes. Loretta Shugrue
 Chorus ......... ....... Choir Parish testimonial. William ]. Phelan Response . Rev Jeremiah J. Curtin '-Te Deum' ~ ... ... .. Choir Selection-"Woodland z Luders ..