The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1909-04-06
NEW CATHOLIC DEGREES
Boston Priests Forbidden to Mix in
Political Affairs.

Boston Priests Forbidden to Mix in
Political Affairs.
Pastors of the Catholic churches of
the Boston archdiocese are carrying
into effect the new DEGREES promulgat-
ed by Archbishop OConnell at the re-
cent synod in the cathedral and rati-
fed by the priests assembled. These
DEGREES are few in number, but they
make some noteworthy additions TO
the laws under which the diocese has
been governed. Previous to this last
synod the DEGREES passed by the gath
ering OF June 28, 1886, under Archbis-
hop Williams, formed the constitution
of the diocese.
The regulations of the former synod
were ratified at the recent assembly,
and among the new rules the follow
ing are of interest:
1T has been decided by the sacred
congregation of rites, not once, but
repeatedly, that the altar Should be
lighted by candles only. This means
not only the table of the altar and
the steps, but the reredos and what
ever pertains directly to the altar
Electricity is never to be used for
Theatrical effect, but merely for
| lighting the church.
High mass must be sung in every
parish church of the diocese on Sun
days and holy days of obligation
throughout the year. In summer
short and simple music will reduce
the time required.
"All expensive pomp and elaborate
floral display should be discouraged
at funerals.
Hereafter no eulogy will be preach
ed at funerals without the consent OF
the archbishop. Permission will be
given only rarely.
1T is strictly prohibited to all
priests Of this diocese to mix in poll
tical affairs. When the welfare of
the church demands it, the bishop will
not hesitate to voice the religious
rights of his flock, and no one without
his permission or approval. may take
the responsibility on himself be he
cleric or layman. Usually only harm
comes to the churcfrs from meddling
irresponsibly with parties and politi-
clans, and the priest should beware of
being led or influenced in to public
pronouncements In these matters, for
what he says will inevitably be dis
torted to merely partisan ends. Least
of all, should any priest denounce
from the pulpit or in a religious meet
ing any person running for political
office or exercising public functions
of government. There are many and
prudent ways apart from this in
which, 1t is considered really duty,
the priest may make his opinion
known. But he has no right to. com
promise his sacred Office and the
church's interest.
"All signs, including names and adj
dresses of undertakers, sections, etc.
are to be at once removed from the
church walls.
strict attention is called to the sta
tute forbidding the absence OF any
priest from his parish over Sunday
without permission. Nor DOES this
mean that any priest, pastor, or cur
ate may absent himself between Sum-
days so as to be absent notably from
his parish. Residence is a duty bind
ing in conscience and legally. Con-
tinued going about, protracted alb
sence from the parish, constant visits,
frequent vacations, all these abuses
produce visible evils.
THE prayer. Blessed be God.
should be recited after low mass and
benediction
"A short instruction rarely exceed
ing five minutes must be given at all
low masses on Sundays and holy days
of obligation The sermon at high
mass ought rarely TO exceed half an
hour, and should consume nearly
that
Pastors are particularly recon-
mended to exact from all those
preaching in the parish church a SER
mon dignified, vital, and manifesting
careful preparation, and not to pass
by without correction any exhibition
of carelessness or Indifference in so
solemn a duty"