Norwich bulletin., 1916-12-26
Christmas Observance in St. Mary's
 Church-Notes.

The Feast of the Nativity was fit tinSly observed at St. Mary's church with four public masses for the day. The masses were offered at 5.30, 7.30, and 10.30 o'clock and large congre- gations were the rule at each service. The high mass at 5.30, with the choir in attendance, was offered by Rev. Father Kennedy. who also celebrated the low mass at 7.30.
 The children's mass at g. with the junior choir rendering their Christi mas carols, was offered by the rec tor, Rev. Father FitZmaurice, who al- so celebrated the high mass at 10.30. Benediction of the most blessed sac rament followed the last mass.
 The dressings of the altar and sanctuary pictured the joyousness of the feast, the work being in charge of the good sisters of the parish, and showed excellent taste.
 The flower effect was red and white carnations, Easter lilies and chry santhemums and for a background evergreen dotted With poinsetta, which with the new candelabra used and the numerous lighted candles along with the old gold vestments worn by the priests, gave the same a rich setting. Potted plants adorn- ed the sanctuary steps. The Crib of Bethlehem, portraying the scenes and parSonages present at the Birth of the Saviour, was placed at the epis- tie side of the altar and attracted much attention from the worshippers.
 After extending the greetings of the season to their congregation at the different masses the priests gave a short discourse on the solemnity of the feast and what the day meant to the human Nrace, setting forth the adoration which. should glisten in the hearts of all at the birth of the Saw four, the mercy of Almighty God, which knows no limit in that He sent His only begotten Son, the second person of the Trinity, into the world to reclaim for man the salvation of his immortal soul and the enormity forth such an act Doubling the birth of the Saviour the world today would say seeing is believing. but AL mighty God oVercOmeS that with this injunction Blessed are they who have not seen and have believed" The coldness of the people of Bethlehem fin refusing the mothers and child registration at the inn is typical of conditions in our own day in the un- settled condition of the hearts and minds of man seeking wealth and power, regardless of the many spirit ual blessings within his reach. The peace we enjoy in our country today was commented upon and prayers were requested that the sad condition of affairs amongst the country now at war might be speedily brought to an end.
 Following the annual custom for years the offerings for the day went as a Christmas remembrance to the pastor and proved to be a very gen. erous token.
 At the 5.30 and 10.30 masses the senior choir sung very acceptably, es- pecia1ly fine was the singing at the 10.30 mass when Weber's mass was rendered. The chorus of twenty four voices was well balanced and sung in good harmony. the soloists carrying the solo parts in good voice. The so- Ioists were Misses Sadie A. DriscolI, Rose Malone, Emma Portelance and Messrs. Nicholas J. Spellman. John c. Fontaine, and Horace F. Corning The Adestes F'idelis sung at all the masses added to the Christmas spirit
 The junior choir was assisted at the g o'clock mass by Miss Sadie A. Dris- coll, soprano, and Miss Emma Porte lance, contralto. The Christmas car ols were very nicely sung and enjoy ed by the large congregation present. The Christmas music for the day was in charge of Miss Lena c. Boudreau organist, and showed much care and preparation on her part.