The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1913-06-07
CATHOLIC TRAVELLERS AID.

OuC VI CuC u1OSG 11upOIIduG WOIhS
undertaken by the Guild of Cath
Ollie Women of st. Paul is that of
meeting unattended Catholic
girls on their arrival at the Union
Depot and finding homes and en-
ployment for them. In order to
carry on this work Systematically
the Guild has secured the services
of Mrs. Margaret Connolly who
devotes all her time and attention
to this phase of Catholic charity
work.
Some months ago The Catholic
Bulletin made an announcement
of this new departure under the
auspices of the Guild of Catholic
Women. Much of the credit for
inaugurating the work is due to
the ex-President of the Guild, Mrs.
M. j. McFadden, under whose
enlightened leadership the Guild
became the largest and one
Of the most important organiza-
lions of Catholic women in
America. The good work which
she initiated is being carried on
under her no less efficient success
sor, Mrs. M. J. Donnelly, and the
corps of officers who now direct
the energies Of the Guild. The
experience of a few months has
shown how much good can be
accomplished by a matron who
knows how to secure the con-
fidence Of friendless girls COM
ing to the city in search of en-
ployment. In view of what the
Catholic Travellers Aid has al
ready accomplished for the tenn
poral and moral welfare of in
nocent and unsuspecting girls who
know nothing of the pitfalls that
beset their footsteps on coming to
a large city, it is superfuous to say
that it's sponsors have no thought
Of discontinuing so effective an
agency in preventive work.
The majority of the girls
benefited by it come from the
smaller towns and country places
for the purpose of seeking employ
ment. Some of them are driven
cityward by stress of circum-
stances-the necessity of earning
their own living. Others, wearied
with what they consider the
humdrum life of the country, are
allured from their homes by the
elusive prospects that beckon
them to the greater centers Of
population. A few, no doubt, fol-
lowing their hayward tendencies,
come to the city to "see life" and
to enjoy what, in their ignorance
Of real conditions, they imagine
to be a care-free and happy
existence. To all of these the city
presents it's varied attractions. It
is not without peril for even the
best of girls who intend to make
it their permanent home. Even
when they have relatives and
friends to meet and direct them
there is danger that, in their in
nocence, they may be led into evil
ways.
But it is the innocent and con-
fiding girl who is a stranger to
the city and it's ways who is in
direst need of a friend to advise
her and put her on her guard
against the dangers that surround
her. Catholic societies all over
the country have awakened to the
necessity of doing something to
safeguard young girls who come
to the cities in search Of employ
ment, and in many places they
have their representatives at the
depots to meet incoming trains
and direct unattended girls to
reputable boarding houses and
find suitable employment for
them.
This is the work which the
Travellers Aid has been doing
under the auspices of the Catholic
Guild. The matron in charge is
in touch with the Employment De-
partment of the Guild and is in
position to place her proteges in
homes where they are given work.
Girls who have no place to go are
sent to the Guild Hall, STA st.
Peter Street, where they are given
accommodations, either temporar-
lily or permanently, as the case
may be.
Catholic girls who are not met
by friends on their arrival at the
Union Depot should seek direc-
lions from Mrs. Connolly. She is
easily recognized as she wears
badge inscribed "Catholic Travel
ler's Aid" From her they will
receive whatever help they may
need in finding suitable boarding
houses and employment. To her
they can make their necessities
known with the assurance that
they will be assisted
The priests Throughout the
State should be aware of this pro-
vision made by the Guild of Cath
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