The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1912-07-13
CONTINUED froan page ID
THE DIOCESE or BISMARCK.

TIE DtOCESE Or BlSMAHCN.
Catholic population. Of these Catho-
lie immigrants the greater number are
Germans from Russia and Hungary.
They were followed by Bohemians
and Ruthenians. The Bohemian con-
gregation OF New Hradec is in a very
fourishing condition. The Ruthen-
ians have two churches and number
more than two hundred families-a1l
farmers.
The Diocese of Bismarck.
In the year 1893 we had but four re-
sident priests within the present do
cese of Bismarck. In the year 1912
we have fifty-one resident priests in
the diocese. In the year 1898 we had
but nine churches for the white po-
pulation, and for the Indian popula-
ton. The diocese had but one paro-
chial school. In the year 1912 the
the white population, and eight
churches for the Indian population,
with nine parochial schools.
Then there is large number of
places where people have settled only
lately, and the population is entirely
new. They are badly in need of
churches. II we get a fair crop this
year, at least some eighteen churches
will have to be built in new settle
ments, each one with congregation
| of from eighteen to forty-five Catholic
| families. l have visited every one
of these places and I know their
needs. To do justice to my Catholics
I should have at least eight priests
more than I have at present. Priests
who speak only the English language,
however, can hardly do justice to
our congregations.
Future Prospects.
The material prospects of these
missions are good. While western
North Dakota has many drawbacks
to contend with, yet I consider it a
very good country for people with
slender means to come into. Our
Catholics from Russia, Hungary, b.
hemia and Galicia came here with
hardly anything save two hands and
a willingness to work, and the older
settlers among them have become in.
dependent and we'll to do. When PEG.
pie in the Eastern States read about
the hardships of the new settlements
in the Northwest they should not
draw false conclusions. Only those
who have had the experience know
how much labor and money must GO
into the necessary improvements be-
fore one can have comfortable home
in these new regions. 1t is, indeed
grand to receive hundred and sixty
acres homestead land from Uncle
Sam, but only hard work and persever
ance will make it real home.
The Catholic Church Extension So
ciety has indeed been great help to
our missions during the last few years
It is the new settlements that need
help. The old ones can manage. 1t
is most important that in the new
districts to which immigrants flock
that churches be built and priests
attend the people regularly. Good
Catholics, of course, hate to build
their homes where they have nc
churches. On the other hand, Catho
lies who seek new homes do the work
of true apostles when they help to
build up the Church in a new country
Too much timidity on this point has
hindered the building up of many a
settlement of Catholic farmers, and
has led Catholics to the cities where
they are exposed to so many dangers
of soul and body.
Catholics in the East, and in fact
in any prosperous community, could
greatly help us, not by donations
alone, but by loaning money to
churches at low rate of interest
This is indeed work of charity, for
the rates of interest in a new country
are always high, and they bring heavy
burdens upon our people when build
ing churches and other Catholic in
stitutions. Catholics, who wish to
help spread the Kingdom of Christ
on earth, and yet can not afford to
give much, would do a true mission.
airy work if they would but lend us
money at low rate of interest. We
must have more churches, and in
building up new missions we need
much help. We ask help from you
for this work so dear to the Heart
of Jesus.
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