The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1918-02-02
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Camp Dodge, Iowa.
January 9th, 1918.
To the Editor.


To the Editor. ~ .4sa@
Commenting on the work of the
Knights of Columbus at the various
Camps, an old Army Officer, who had
seen service notably in the Spanish
American War, contrasted life in the
army, past and present. The most
notable point of difference was the OPP
portunity now offered in the pursuit
of things spiritual. The War Office
always recognized the value of relig-
ion and consequently sanctioned the
appointment of Chaplains. Frequent
ly. the Chaplain's duties in the past
we're varied. He not only looked after
the spiritual needs of all the men in
the regiment, but also acted in various
and varied capacities, such as Post
Master, Officer of the Mess, and such
kindred duties. He was bone and
sinew of the Army and was vitality in
terested in all its concerns, spiritual
as we'll as material His scope was
limited, confined to his regiment, -un-
less he happened to be the only Chap
lain at the post. Under past condi-
lions too the men were somewhat re-
stricted in their religious duties.
They usually congregated for divine
service, whether of their own denomi-
nation or not, under orders. Then the
church parade was in vogue. A spir-
itual environment did not exist, as it
were, making doubly difficult the ardu-
GUS duties of the Chaplain. The army
heretofore was not place where re-
ligion was attractive, where oppor-
tunities we're conducive to the free
and easy discharge of ones religious
obligations.
"And here" said the old Amy Off
Ger, lis where the work of the
Knights of Columbus is most appar-
ent." Buildings are set aside at stat
ed times and definite hours for men
to assemble for divine worship with
out external compulsion. They have
full opportunity to seek spirituality
and to enjoy the same blessings of
religion which they experienced at
home. They are privileged to attend
Mass, receive the Sacramento and
participate at religious services I'M
ual realm there is no change for the
men from what they had at home.
The ordinary routine of Catholic wor-
ship-Mass, Sacramento, Sermons, etc.
is at their disposal. The practice
Of religion is as much a part of sol
n Ieu drill fRrn| nn1t
work or gunnery. "And from person
al observation" continued the old
Army officer, "the average soldier, es-
pecially the Catholic, seems to realize
it."
This change has been brought
about, speaking humanity, through the
efforts of the knights of Columbus
Officially recognized by the Govern
ment, it has become the agent of
Mother Church which rejoices to the
full in the opportunity afforded to
equip our soldier-boys spiritually. Co
operating in this work undertaken by
the Knights of Columbus the regular
Army Chaplains are not restricted to
activity in their respective regiments
Satisfying the ordinary regimental
demands they are free, thanks to the
courtesy of their commanding Off
GERS, to assist in all the Catholic work
being undertaken at the camps. A
much wider scope is theirs under
present conditions to administer
things spiritual, and zealously and
genially they have taken up the work
"Tell the Knights of Columbus from
me-" concluded the old Army officer,
that the organization is doing a
great work and that it has been ac-
cepted as a potent factor in making
real men of our soldiers, and in shap-
ing them splendidly for the battle on
behalf of Democracy, and we hope
also for the future battle of life when
normal conditions are restored in the
world" a.
Fraternally Yours in Christ,
PATRICK N. McDERMOTT,