DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

New Zealand Tablet, 23 May 1918, Page 30

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

(From our own correspondent.) May 19. Rev. Father Seymour, S.M., St. Mary's, has returned from his holiday very much benefited in health. A successful social in aid of the new Papanui church building fund was held, at Mfarshlands on Thursday evening last, and great credit is due to the energetic secretary (Miss M. O'Connor) and the committee for the enthusiasm shown.

Very Rev. Dean Regnault, S.M., and Rev. Fathers Seymour, S.M., and Roche, S.M., were in attendance. Dean Regnault sincerely thanked the people of Marshlands for the good spirit shown, and for the support given to their fellow-parishioners of another district, his appreciative remarks eliciting hearty cheers from those of the audience representing Papanui. The need of a new church building in the suburban district of Papanui has long been felt, and in all probability a function to augment the building fund will be organised by the congregation of St. Mary's Church, Manchester Street, at an early date.

The weekly meetings of the Catholic branch of the Red Cross Society are now held in the Catholic Club rooms, Wiltshire buildings, which have been kindly lent free of charge, and where any new members will be cordially welcomed. The following articles have been forwarded to the main depot for the quarter ending March 31 : —126 pairs of socks, 35 sets of pyjamas, 21 day shirts, 10 underpants, 8 undervests, 71 handkerchiefs, 21 scarves, 103 knitted washers, 22 treasure bags, 20 bottle covers, 12 pillow cases, 11 limb pillows, 4 bed jackets, 8 diet cloths, 14 capelines, 3 body belts, 7 pairs of mittens, 3 balaclavas, 2 pairs of operation socks, 173 plugs, 140 square swabs, 700 swabs, and a quantity of old linen. The branch has also donated during the past month £lO to the honey fund. The Hibernian Hall was crowded on Wednesday evening last on the occasion of a social given under the auspices of St. Patrick's branch of the Hibernian Society. The prizes in connection with the euchre contest were won by Miss A. Christie, and Mrs. Lafferty, Messrs. Matthews and Ryan. Pianoforte music was provided by Mrs. Baxter, and the evening was passed most enjoyably.

The ordinary meeting of St. Patrick's branch H.A.C.B. Society was held on Monday evening, May 6. B.P. J. Jacques presided. Rev. Father Long (chaplain) and all the officers were present. The sick visitorsßros. McCormick and O'Toole—gave their periodical report, and the sum of £l2 13s 4d sick allowance was passed for payment, as was also an amount of £4 (maternity allowance). Three candidates were nominated for membership and one clearance granted.

The fortnightly meeting of St. Matthew's (ladies') branch of the H.A.C.B. Society was held in the Hibernian Hall on Monday evening, May 13. Sister E. Brophy, 8.P., presided, and all the officers and a large number of members were present. The Rev. Fathers Long and Fogarty, and several members of St. Patrick's branch were in attendance. Father Long congratulated the members on their fine gathering, and expressed the hope that they would be regular in their attendance at meetings. During the evening five new members were initiatedthree full benefit and two life honorary—and three candidates were nominated. It was decided to accede to the request of the Sisters of Nazareth, forwarded through Bro. Grimes, that the members should, in conjunction with St. Patrick's branch, visit Nazareth House on Sunday afternoon, May 26, as guests of the Rev. Mother and her devoted community. At the conclusion of busi-

ness-an enjoyable euchre social was held and refreshments were served.

- The annual meeting of the Christchurch Celtic Club was held on Tuesday evening, May 14. Rev. Fathers Long and Fogarty were present, together with a full attendance of officers and members. The efforts of the club in promoting dramatic performances during the past year has enabled it to assist various Catholic funds and charities; and leaves it with a small balance to commence the fourth year of its activities. At the conclusion of the business a most enjoyable and entertaining programme was contributed to by Rev. Father Fogarty, Messrs. W. Brittenden and C. Fottrell, and the Misses M. O'Connor, Rodgers, Greenlees, McManaway, and Egan, Miss K. O'Connor being accompanist. Rev. Father Fogarty has consented to give an address at the meeting of the Celtic Club in the Hibernian Hall on Tuesday, May 28, when a large attendance of members and their friends is expected. On Sunday, May 12, Rev. Father Fogarty, spiritual director of the Cathedral branch of the Sodality of the Children of Mary, received into the sodality about thirty members and thirty-five aspirants. The ceremony took place in the convent chapel, and was followed by an instruction given by the rev. director and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. The Sisters' choir supplied the music for the occasion.

A social under the auspices of the Children of Mary will be held in the Hibernian Hall on May 29. Tickets are being freely disposed of, and with the promise of a pleasant evening to patrons a good attendance is looked forward to.