DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

New Zealand Tablet, 23 July 1914, Page 24

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

(From our own correspondent.) July 20. The congregation at the Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea were afforded an unexpected privilege on last Sunday at Mass celebrated by the Rev. Father Long, when the Rev. Father O’Sullivan, C.SS.R., after reading the Epistle and Gospel of the day, gave a comparatively brief, but impressive discourse on ‘ the duty we owe to Almighty God.’ s To help in acquiring the necessaries for furnishing her stall at the projected bazaar in aid of the Cathedral parochial schools fund, a successful social gathering promoted by Mrs. F. Green, was held on last Monday evening in the Oddfellows’ Hall, St. Asaph street, which was crowded on the occasion. Progressive euchre formed the principal attraction, the first prize-winners being Miss Ryan and Mr. Duggan. The following pupils of the Sister’s of the Missions were successful in passing the rudiments of music examination; Kitty Murphy, Gertie Clarkson. By advice received from Home by the last mail, the following pupils oi the Sacred Heart High School received certificates for shorthand from Isaac Pitman and Sons, Ltd. —B. Hannigan, R. Bradford, M. O’Donoghue, N. MeGurk, N. Murphy, A. O’Donoghue. Considerable activity is being displayed by the committee, and lady friends, in promoting the grand national fair, with the- results of which it is hoped -to place the parochial schools of the Cathedral, on a sound financial basis. The fair is to open in the large parochial girls’ school, Lower High street, on the evening

of Saturday, August 8, and will continue for a fortnight. Several features unique in connection with such events are to be introduced, and so far as attractions are concerned the nightly programme will leave little to be desired. Considerable time has elapsed since a,l y general attempt was made to better the conditions of our schools, and it only remains for the energetic committee to be backed up by all those who have a right to helj) to ensure' an outstanding success, and provide what is so sorely needed. '. . week’s retreat in the Cathedral to the two divisions of the Arch-confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament proved a splendid success, and assumed almost the projiortions of a general mission. Very large congregations attended each morning’s Masses, whilst at the evening devotions and retreat sermon the Cathedral was quite crowded. Towards the end of the week the Very Rev. Father Roche, C.SS.R. (Superior), had to return to Wellington, and was replaced by the Rev. lather O Sullivan, C.SS.R., who concluded the retreat on Sunday evening. There was Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament from the eleven o’clock Mass. During the retreat appeals were made for all, without except tion, qualified for membership of the arch-confraternity, to become associated therewith, the response being satisfactory. Ever-increasing numbers approached the Holy Table each morning, and at a special Mass celebrated at 8 o’clock on Sunday morning the great numbers participating in the general Communion was a sight cheering to the devoted missioners and most edifying to all. ' Christchurch North July 20. On Sunday there was Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament from the last Mass till evening devotions, when the usual procession took place. A much-needed improvement has been made in the sacristy at St. Mary’s, which provides better accommodation for the altar boys. Attention has been given to all necessary requirements and will fill a long-felt want. According to custom, the Children of Mary approached the Holy Table in a body at the 7 o’clock Mass yesterday. The members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society also received Holy Communion in a body, it being the feast of St. Vincent de Paul. St. Mary’s branch of the H.A.C.B. Society' held their half-yearly meeting in Ozanam ’Lodge on Monday, July 13, Bro. J. H. Johnston (president) presiding. Among those present were the Rev. Father Hoare, S.M. (chaplain), and the District Deputy Bro. R. P. O’Shaughnessy. There was a good attendance of members. The usual business correspondence was dealt with. The election of officers for the ensuing term took place—the following were unanimously re-elected ; President, Bro. J. H. Johnston; vice-president, Bro. T. Y. Wagstaff; secretary, Bro. J. Crosbery ; treasurer, Bro. P. Cosgrove; guardian, Bro. Leo Gray; warden, Bro. J. V. Kaveney; sick visitor, Bro. T. Gardner. The installation was performed by the district deputy. The various officers returned thanks. During the meeting five were nominated for membership. The Rev. Father Hoare, S.M., congratulated the branch on its steady progress, and remarked on the great pleasure it gave him to see the members faithful to the practice of receiving Holy Communion in a body every month. He exhorted them to lose no opportunity to secure new members, and said that anything to further the interests of the society would have his whole-hearted support. The district deputy also congratulated the members on their progress during their first half year, and saw no reason why their numbers should not be more than doubled at the end of the year. The next of the series of social evenings will be held in the Alexandra Hall on Monday evening, August 3. St. Mary’s Collegiate High School, conducted by the Sisters of Mercy, Colombo street, Christchurch, was examined on June 22 and 23 by Mr. Mayne, Govern-

ment inspector. The following is an extract from his report: —‘This school makes a very pleasing appearance at examination. The average standard of attainment in the different classes is highly satisfactory, while the intelligent answers to written and oral tests give evidence of zealous and capable teaching. The discipline and tone arc very commendable, while the pleasing manners of the pupils and their purposeful attitude towards work bear testimony to sound systematic training in good habits. Sewing and singing are both well taught, and handwork in all classes receives due attention.’ The inspector reports that the work of Standards V. and VI. is exceptionally well advanced in all subjects; that good work has been done in Standards J LI. and IV. ; that the creditable performance made by Standards 1. and 11. is the result of capable and skilful teaching; and that the preparatory classes are under capable and sympathetic management. St. Mary’s Primary School, conducted by the Sisters of Mercy, Colombo street, Christchurch, was examined on June 22 and 23 by Messrs. Hardie and Mayne, Government inspectors. The following is an extract from their report;—‘This school as a whole makes a very pleasing appearance under examination. Not only are the various members of the staff zealous, hardworking, and anxious to achieve as high a standard of excellence as possible, but the pupils themselves evince a keen interest in their work, and show by their courteous manners and bright responsiveness under oral questioning that the general control, though firm, is kind and sympathetic, and that the best interests of those under instruction arc kept steadily in view. Special credit is due for the neatness with which all written exercises arc presented, and it is satisfactory to note that the suggestions made at the recent inspection visit with regard to improving the heating arrangements and affording facilities fdr the senior boys and girls attending woodwork and cooking classes have been acted upon.’ The inspectors report that the work of Standards V. and VI. is of a dis-. tinctly high order of merit ; that the work of Standards 111. and IV. shows good all round merit, and reflects the greatest credit on the Sister in charge; that Standard 11. is an excellent little class and thoroughly well taught. Standard I. and infant classes show satisfactory results.