The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1913-02-22
Continued from page ~
THE CHRIST CHILD SOCIETY,".

THE CHRIST CHILD SOCIETY.
two months ago the residence adjoin-
ing the Church of st. Ambrose was
rented, and settlement work began in
earnest. In the beginning, the pro-
moters were doubtful about receiving
sufficient financial support, but their
fears we're soon dispelled and they
found themselves in position to carry
out their plans. The house which they
rented was decorated and given a
home-like air. Though the work had
been carried on for some weeks, Tues
day, February 18th, was chosen for
the opening day. Many members of
the Christ Child Society and of the
Guild of Catholic Women gathered
to spend a happy time and make
plans to accomplish more in the near
future. Those who visited the settle
ment house for the first time voiced
their appreciation of the work at the
Christ Child Society. The knowledge
gained regarding the opportunities for
doing good will probably mean greater
help in carrying on this good work.
If special mention were made of
individuals it would be seen that this
society is not experimenting or under
taking work for which it's members
are not qualified Some of them have
had the training that fits them to be
successful settlement workers. The
sewing and cooking classes have COM
petent heads. The library is in charge
of one who has made a success of
teaching in the public schools. A COM
petent music teacher will be engaged
and whatever is done by way of enter
tainment will have in view the better
ment, as well as the enjoyment, of
the boys and girls.
The only handicap is lack of suf-
mendable efforts in building suffi-
GENTLY large and well enough equipped
to properly conduct the classes. Many
a fervent prayer is being offered up
that the necessary means may be sup
piled in the near future. 1t is not un-
reasonable to expect that those who
are able to give will not pass this de
serving charity by and contribute iber-
ally elsewhere. Let Catholics show
their appreciation of the excellent
work of the Christ Child Society and
the Guild of Catholic Women in sub
stantial way.
Instruction of Crippled Children.
The members of the Christ Child
Society have taken upon themselves
the task of properly instructing these
of our faith who are at the State
Home for Crippled Children at Phalen
Park. The work of teaching catech.
Il ism to those bed-ridden and educa
tionally-handicapped boys and girls is
not easy. Special attention is being
given to these who have not made
their First Holy Communion. The
sacrifice of the Mass was offered UP
for the first time at this institution on
June %, 1911, by the Spiritual Direc
tor of the Christ Child Society. The
sight was very touching one. Two
of the communicates were unable to
rise from their beds which were
wheeled into the hall so that they
could assist at Mass and receive oul
Blessed Lord for the first time.
Besides the advantage accruing tc
the children from the instruction and
moral training they receive, there il
a social benefit that must not be
underestimated The warmest friend
ships are engendered and the mem
bers of the catechism class look for
ward to the visits of the young womeI
who bring sunshine to them and fos
ter love of God in their hearts The
teaching the Christian Doctrine is not
in itself, sufficient to develop a love
for the Church Insistence on thor
ough preparation for the reception Of
the sacraments could, in some cases
repel instead of attract the child Il
the altar We should not make il
difficult for them to approach the
channels of divine grace Though
earnest efforts are made to give then
an understanding of the true worship
of God, by teaching them how to pre-
pare for the worthy reception of the
sacraments, care is taken that no one
becomes discouraged or has reason
to look upon the practice of religion
as irksome. We know that thorough
religious training does not necessarily
make one an ideal teacher for the
inmates of the State Home for Grip
pied Children The teacher should
have bright mind it is true, but
she must likewise have soft heart
, Fortunately, the teachers who min
lister to these helpless ones combine
intelligence, tact, tenderness, gener
: osity, and strong faith, and we are
: confident that under their tutelage
J and influence the bond uniting the
i crippled children to the Church viii
grow stronger as the months go by
] Special thanks are due Miss Agnes
( Kelly and Miss Anna Walsh who tool
Iup the work when regular instructors
: we're most needed. A few weeks age
Miss Mildred Murphy, Miss Ada Con
nell and Miss Jewel Cahoon plunged