The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1920-12-04
A WORD TO BOYS.

1t is not much to say, perhaps, that
never before in all history has the
Catholic Church had such splendid
prospects as are now spread out be-
fore her in these United States. But
in order to take full advantage of this
magnificent opportunity, the Church
requires an immense army of men and
women in her service. The demand
for Brothers is SO great that these
communities are sadly compelled to
refuse applications for their services
in various places on account of not
having enough men.
Now there are many boys who, while
having no inclination at all for the
priesthood, would be able to do ex-
cellent work as Brothers teaching in
the schools Or assisting in homes and
industrial schools. Tradesmen, such
as carpenters, painters, plumbers,
bakers, and cooks are needed, as well
as boys having taste fer these
trades.
Every boy should seriously ask him.
self, therefore, whether he ought to
remain in the world or devote himself
to the service of God in religion
Work in the mills and factories is
hard. The majority of bookkeepers
and clerks have long hours and small
pay. The highersalaried officers in
the railroads and corporations have
their rivalries and disappointments
1t is not always the most capable OF
the most worthy that is promoted, sc
that most of these officials have theil
| grievances, not to speak of the
strenuous work they must do. All this
hardship and worry gains for the
toiler, in most cases, nothing more
than a living. Even if he succeeds ir
amassing a fortune, he cannot take
one cent of it beyond the grave.
The life of Brother, it is true, is
for from being a life of ease and com
fort; on the contrary, it is one OF
labor. But to imagine that he
is thereby depressed and made gloomy
and sad would be very great mistake
The fact is there is no class of people
anywhere SO happy as those who de
vote themselves unreservedly to Goo
| in religion. Happiness does not con
sist in the money one possesses or il
the pleasures INDUCED in, but rather
| in the peace of a good conscience. II
| other words, the more perfectly one
serves God the happier he is.
Hence it is that those who give
themselves to God by the vow O.
obedience are happier than those wht
remain in the world. The Brother i:
happier. moreover, because his fellow
| Brothers are congenial souls to whom
| he is deeply attached by the bonds O
| common interest. Living as they al
| ways do in communities of three Of
| more, the Brothers have an advantage
in this respect over the secular priest
who is often obliged to live alone de
| prived of agreeable companionship.
While the Brother of limited educa
| ton can make himself very useful. ON
| every encouragement and employment
suited to his talents. Fear not, there
| fore, to enlist in the great army o
| Christ. Have the courage to despis
the judgments of the world, whicl
will seek to make little of what is il
reality a noble enterprise. Come fol
word and help Holy Chuch to max
this the strongest, happiest and mos
religious nation the world has eve
seen. Think of the reward Ever
| one that left father or mother q
brothers or sisters, Or houses or land
/ for My Names sake shall receive
hundredfold and life everlasting"