The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1913-02-15
t(Written for The Catholic Bulletin by
Rev. James Donahoe9

Marked progress has been made in
Catholic charity work during the last
decade. The total amount of relief
given to the poor has steadily in
creased New fields of charitable en-
deavor have been cultivated. Capable
priests and Jealous lay apostles are
now engaged in the work of reform OF
public sinners and the direction of
wayward youth who have come under
the authority of the courts. Proven
tive work is now receiving the atten-
ton it deserves. Il has made such
rapid strides of late that it has taken
a front place in charitable endeavor
This may be truly said to be the age
of prevention, or rather the era when
we are making the most successful
efforts to establish and strengthen pre-
ventive agencies.
During the past two years more
homes for working girls have been
founded than any other kind OF Cath
oIic institutions This is as it should
be. It shows that deep thought has
been given to the very important ques-
ton of how best to prevent the inno-
cent from being led into sin with its
resultant sorrow and ofttimes dire
need. 1t is we'll that the great ma
jority of people live in ignorance OF
the subtle influences that incline the
unsuspecting to take the wrong path.
The peace of mind of pure and sensi-
tive mothers would be disturbed If
3el tI1u
workers and superintendent OF
refugees for fallen girls. 1t is not we'll
however, to be in ignorance of the
fact that snares are set for the young;
and parents should be informed of the
conditions III large cities that undo
gentle home training and lead to trans
gressions of the moral law.
OF late years people of brains and
character, men and women eager tc
protect virtue and check vice, have
gone deeply into the study of the
primary causes of the misfortunes
which have made many persons oh
jects of charity Facts have beer
cleaned that have awakened many tt
realize the crying need of well
directed efforts in behalf of innocen
and unguarded girls. The helpful in
terest manifested in adult transgres
sors has informed active workers o
the steps taken towards the precipic,
and, in consequence, they have pro
ceeded intelligent1y to build up tht
proper safeguards, and institute Ell
fective means of helping where charit
able endeavors secure best results. Tht
attention of the readers Of The Cath
olic Bulletin has already been calle'
to some of the commendable worl
done in the city of st. Paul by zealou
lay workers. Some know of the estat
lishment last year of home for work
ing girls, but few are aware hoy
necessary it has become.
Catholic Guild Hall.
The Catholic Guild Hall was plaT
ned by the Guild of Catholic Womer
After due consideration of the projec
it's board of directors, at meetin
held at the Commercial Club rooms
January IS, 1912, took the first defnit
step had led to the selection of
building which would temporarily pre-
vide them with the space needed to bt
gin this good work. On February 20tl
it was decided to lease the Meal
home, STA st. Peter Street, and o
March 1st carpenters, plumbers an
decorators began to make the nece:
sary changes, and put it in prope
shape for the opening day, March 20tl
Leading society women spent freel
of time and money to make this res
dence a real home for homeless girls
and seemed to consider it a privileg
to labor at the difficult task of gettin
it ready in so short a time We cal
not forget the joy that overspread su
prised faces as group after group il
spected the new home on the openin
day. The active workers received th
hearty congratulations of all who sa
it for the first time. The promoter
of the project we're happy over tn
outcome of their earnest efforts. Mis-
Isabelle Henneberry was appointe
matron and time has shown the wi
dom of the choice.
The executive board of the Gull
under their capable chairman, Mr.
Thomas Foley, did not leave anythin
to chance or cease their labors whe
the home was opened. Provision wa
made for daily visitor from th
board, who inspected every part {
the house and saw to the proper mai
agement of everything that concerne
the comfort and health of the girl
Due attention is paid to the desiI
for wholesome diversion; and effort
have been made to provide high clas
entertainment for the roomers an
their friends. Added to the usu;
means of passing the time pleasant
there is an cat home" evening whic
is held once a week. At these g;
homes" some of the leading artists I
the city have given gladly the best
their repertoires to appreciative aud
ences On those occasions the wor
ing girl has an oTs~anity to me-
men and women of social standiT
who are frequently invited to enjc
the hospitality at the Guild Hall c
those pleasant occasions.