The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1917-07-14
Future of that Boy
or Girls of Yours

AS Bishop of Hildesheim, Germany.
the present Prince Bishop Bertram of
Breslau, issued a pastoral letter in.
which he discussed the matter of
choosing an occupation for children
quitting the elementary schools. We
translatea portion of this pastoral:
Little children, little cares; big
children, big cares" a provcrb runs.
These are words the truth of which
strikes parents when they are obliged
to choose some vocation for the boy
or the girl.
The. choice of a vocation is seri-
Gus matter. The temporal well-being
depends upon it in large measure.
The veal and woe of a world voca-
ton, however, also affects the nobler
interests of the soul, of the family, of
eternal salvation. Hence the choice of.
vocation is not worldly matter
pure and simple. Religion, the Church
and the family are interested in the
proper solution of this problem.
How many parents take the proper
course in aiding in the choice of a
vocation?
The solution of the problem pro-
ceeds along different lines, as apti-
tudes, inclinations and social condi-
tons are manifold. A great degree of
freedom of action is left to personal
liberty and the influences of exterior
circumstances, S 50
Reason and religion teach that in
the choice of vocation the aptitudes
his physical and mental energies, must
be studied, so as to ascertain if the
latter are comparable with his in
clinations. These qualifications in the
aggregate together with the, situation
of the family, are natural guides for
the proper choice.
A boy will be happy in his vocation
only if he is equal to the task. A
competent mechanic is happier than
an incompetent official. The choice of
a vocation in disregard of personal
aptitudes, capabilities, inclinations and
circumstances, is generally a source
of permanent discomfort and misfor-
tune.
Therefore, no trade should be Sc
lected which tends to gradually under
mine the health of young man. Not
every one is fitted for eXacting BRAIN
work or office tasks. Not every one
has the physical endurance which is
indispensable in some factories.
Repeatedly experienced pastors have
complained to me that imprudent
who showed unmistakable signs of del
icate health, to certain factories in
which a rugged constitution is re-
qurired; and that mothers have acted
thus solely so as to have their daugh
tets come home Saturday nights with
their pay-envelope. Although the
health Of the daughter suffered by de-
grees, the factory was more enticing
to the mother than domestic position
in which the health of the girl could
have undergone Improvement.
Parents should prefer skilled to I'M
skilled occupations; for in every po-
sition thorough training and schooling
is indispensable. Also of the mechanic
and factory worker a clear eye, a
skilled hand, is demanded. That is a
prerequisite for the whole worldly
course of life, for the future progress
of the family.
For this reason it is not wise to ask
at the close of the school term: I'm
what occupation can the boy or girl
earn the most money in the quickest
time?' Health and thorough training
are by far more valuable assets. *
The preliminary training for a vo-
cation should begin in good season at
home. Even in the nursery one finds
thousands of opportunities to induce
children to help themselves and others
so as to become resourceful and prac-
teal. And it will do youth no harm if
it occasionally has to toe the mark.
That guards against caprice and SEN