NEW HEADFORD, LINCOLN.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXI, Issue 24, 13 October 1893, Page 20

NEW HEADFORD, LINCOLN.

(From an occasional Correspondent.)

Thb Feast of the Holy Rosary was celebrated here last Sunday in a very impressive manner and on much the same lines as last year. Preparations were ma4e dnring the week by a seven days' mission conducted by our esteemed pastor, The weather was not everything that could be desired, which means a lot in a country district, yet the mission was well attended and brought to a fitting conclusion on Rosary Sunday. The children to the number of forty, who were preparing for tbeir first Communion, received at first Mass at 9 o'clock, being followed by a general Communion of the whole congregation. I have witnessed a gcod many edifying ceremonies in tbe Church of the Reparation, but never anything to approach what took place last Sunday morning. To see bench after bench file out and approach the rails is a sight seen in few cburchei. Tbe Rev Father delivered an imposing address to the children on tbe awful majesty of the sacrament they were abont to receive. The ladies of the Altar Society provided a bountiful spread for all and sundry after each Mass. At 11.30 a missa cantata was celebrated, in tbe rendering of which tbe choir excelled themselves. Tbe members of the Hibernian Society, who, conspicuous by their gay regalia ( occupied the first street, made their quarterly Communion at this Mass. The Rev Father invited all present to remain for the concluding ceremony in the afternoon, 'i his was commenced at 3.30 p.m. by a procession of the Blessed Sacrament. Preceded by tbe crossbearer and acolytec, it weeded its way out by tbe wes'ern door in the following order — girls in white, ladies of the Altar Society, boys with white sashes, men of the congregation, Hibernians marshalled by P.P. Bro McVeigh, choir, altar boyp, and finally Rev Father Foley, bearing the Blessed Sacrament, in front of whom were four little angels strewing flowers, The procession passed along tbe footpath in front of the church into the presbytery grounds and back into the church by tbe eastern entrance. After the first communicants bad received souvenirs ot the memorable epoch in their lifes marked by that day's proceedings, they made a renewal of their baptismal vows, as did also tbe congregation present. Tbe Rev Father then delivered an eloquent sermon on " Perseverance," the day being brought to a close by Benediction of the Blesßed Sacrament.

During the week the Rev Father Goutenoire of Mount Magdala assisted tin hearing confessions, the confessionals being of ea t'll close on midnight.

Since my last wiitiog to the Tablet, a great change baa taken place in the church and surroundings. The tottering old turret and belfry have been pulled down to make room for a more substantial tower. Tbe main building has been roofed and generally repaired both inside and ou\ added to which an ornamental fence has been put up along tbe frontage to the main road, along which a footpath has been laid down. A new coach-hoase and stable have been built and the lower part of the presbjtery re-roofed. Tbe grounds too, have been subjected to a new laying out and planted with shrubs. To one who has been absent for a few months the renovation is very striking) giving the pace a very pleasing appearance.

Next to the mission the chief topic of interest has been the Female Franchise.

Tbe executive of the election committee formed here some time ago by the direction of the bishop of the diocese, have btea busj enrolling tbe fair electors. The thought has occurred what a marked difference it would make were the registrars to demand the ages of of the claimants for enrolment. As it stands it is a rather delicate matter for thoße who remained in their teens beyond the stipulated period allowed by Old Father Time.

The church committee have, through their chairman, petitioned the Right Rev Dr Grimes to deliver a lecture here In aid of the school fund, somt time this month. I hope hi? Lordship will favour this appeal.