DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

New Zealand Tablet, 17 June 1920, Page 21

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

(From our own correspondent.) June *l4. The St. Patrick’s Sports’ Association intends holding a reunion of members and friends in the Hibernian Hall on July 14. A good working committee has the function in hand, and patrons can look forward to an enjoyable evening. „ The devotion of the Forty Hours’ Adoration at the Cathedral was brought to a close on Tuesday evening by a procession of the Blessed Sacrament. The Mass on Monday morning was celebrated by Rev. Father Cashman, and Rev. Father CTConnor (Addington), preached an instructive and impressive sermon on the Holy Eucharist. Rev. Father Finnerty (Addington) celebrated the Mass on Tuesday, Rev. Father Fogarty (Rangiora) preaching in the evening. In spite of unfavorable weather conditions the , attendances throughout were excellent. The sodality of the Children of Mary, with the object of acquiring a library, organised a social, which took place in the Hibernian Hall, on Wednesday ev'ening. The function was well attended and capably carried out. The M. 8.0.8. Association Football Club records the loss of a respected comrade and fine player in the death of Mr. J. Francis Fahey, Little River. The teams, out of respect to the deceased, wore black bands during last Saturday’s matches. The funeral, which took place at Little River on Sunday afternoon. was one of the most numerously attended yet seen in the district, • over 50 motor cars following the hearse. Many of the old boys went out from Christchux’ch, as did also Very Rev. Dr. Kennedy, Father Bonetto, and Rev. Brother Phelan. Frank Fahey, who had seen active service, was stricken down with sickness in Egypt, and this was the beginning of his final illness. The remains were interred with military honors, the “Last Post’’ bineg sounded over the grave. The deceased was .an exemplary Catholic, and sincere and widespread sympathy is extended to his bereaved parents and relatives.R.l.P.

In football circles the Greens throughout New Zealand will be pleased to know that this season the M. 8.0.8. teams are more than holding their own. The seniors are leading for the championship, and the juniors, though suffering defeats, are so much improved that they still have a chance.. President's Cup team suffered its first defeat on Saturday against Prebbleton, and fourth and sixth grade teams are leading for honors. The following scores of the senior team may be of interest:—Against Merivale, 25 to "8; Christchurch, 46 to 3 ; Linwood, 6 to 3; 'Varsity, 17 to 5 ; Albion, 38 to 8; Old Boys', 14 to nil; thus winning all matches so far played. The school's senior and light weight teams will be found prominently placed at the end of the season. The older boys drew with Elmwood last week, whilst the light weights defeated Sydenham bv three tries to nil. At the ordinary fortnightly meeting of St. Mary's branch of the Hibernian Society, held on Monday evening, June 7, one new member was initiated and one candidate proposed for membership. The quarterly report of the U,F.S. Dispensary was presented by

the secretary (Bro. Johnson), and accepted as satisfactory. Bros. Ormandy and Taylor were elected to represent the branch on the Parish Committee of the Catholic Federation. Matters in connection with the side shows of the projected bazaar, of which the branch is to have control, were discussed, and much enthusiasm was shown in the enterprise. -

. A matter of absorbing interest to the parishioners of St. Mary's, at the present time, is the bazaar, which is to open early in. August, in the King Edward Barracks. St. Mary's Soldiers' Memorial School Bazaar is the title selected, and the promoters are hoping to bring about a very successful result. The stallholders appointed are: Tea stall (Altar Society)—Mesdames McGulloch and Learning, and Miss Keating; New Brighton Mrs. Rundle ; Papanui and Marshlands Misses O'Connor ; Choir Miss Ward ; Hornby Cooney ; Flower stall Mrs. Barnett; Children of Mary —Mrs Irwin.

A euchre social was given at Ozanam Lodge on Wednesday evening, June 9, by the members of St. Mary's Sodality of the Children of Mai-y, in aid of their stall funds in connection .with the forthcoming bazaar. The attendance was very satisfactory, and an enjoyable evening was spent. The euchre prizes Were won by Miss Cosgrove and Mr. Daly. On the previous eening, St. Mary's Choir gave a social in Ozanam Lodge, which was tastefully decorated for the occasion. The function was well attended, and proved a complete success.

The annual meeting of St. Mary’s branch of the Catholic Federation was held on Sunday last, Father Seymour presiding in the absence of Very Rev. Dean Regnault. Very Rev. Dean Holley, S.M., Provincial, was present and addressed the meeting. The previous year’s committee was re-elected. Mr. F. J. Doolan, diocesan secretary, gave an account of the activities of the Federation during the past year. Rangiora (From our own correspondent.) June 14. On Friday evening, June 11, a farewell social was tendered to Mrs. and Mr. J. Catherwood, at the Fernside School. The guests of the evening were presented with a beautiful tea set and a silver tray. The influenza germ, that nerve-racking and usually aggressive visitor, has been lurking around the locality for some time past. Having taken in both young and old during his unwelcome stay, he at length, reluctantly enough, is forced to depart. It was noticed that he seemed to have taken a special liking to one or two favored individuals, and kept on holding their hands after he had bidden adieu lo all the rest. At length he has disappeared, accompanied in some cases by his enemy “Ammoniated Quinine.” Mr. W. Fahey, who has been spending a few on id days with his friends, looks real well and appears lo be the happiest of mortals. A large and representative meeting of the parishioners was held at the schoolroom after the last Mass on Sunday to elect a working committee and make arrangements for a Catholic social, to be held in the nearfuture. ■

Tlmaru (From our own correspondent. Juno 13. Very Rev. Dean Regnault, S.M., of St. Mary’s, Christchurch, is at present on a short visit to Timaru. I regret to have to record the death of Mrs. M. F. Dennehy, a very highly esteemed member of the Catholic congregation, who passed away at her residence, North Street, on Wednesday, June 9. Being only in her sixty-second year, it was naturally hoped that she might be spared for many years to come ; but

unfortunately a few months , ago she was overtaken by a’ serious illness, from which she never, rallied. Be sides her husband, she leaves four daughters and one son, two other sons having given their lives in the Great War. Deceased was an exemplary Catholic, and the bereaved family will have the sympathy of a large circle of friends in their sad loss.— R.l.P. In Timaru, as in the other centres where' it has been established, the Catholic Girls’ Hostel is filling a long-felt want. From the very beginning of the holiday season accommodation there has been taxed to the utmost, all visitors realising that a comfortable home and congenial surroundings are to be had at the hostel. On Friday, the Feast ,of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, the old pupils held their annual reunion at the Convent of the Sacred Heart. Besides his Lordship the Bishop, there were • present the Very Rev. Dean Regnault, S.M., Rev. Father Peoples, S.M., and about 50 ex-pupils. At the conclusion of a delightful musical entertainment given by present pupils, his Lordship the Bishop, in a brief but appropriate ad' dress, expressed his pleasure at seeing so many of the old pupils returning to renew the happy associations of their school-days. He reminded those present of the deep debt of gratitude that every Catholic communitv owes to its various Sisterhoods, members of which labor so earnestly and devotedly in the cause of Catholic education. Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament was then given in the Convent chapel, the sanctuary being beautifully adorned for the occasion. Following afternoon tea, the remaining hours were spent in social intercourse. The mid-year Retreat for ladies is being given attire Convent of the Sacred Heart in the first week of August.

The Celtic Club is to be congratulated on its successful showing on Thursday last, when the senior team had a decisive victory over Zingari, the third grade team meeting with similar success at Temuka.

Hokitika (From our own correspondent.) June 11. Our bazaar lias proved a complete success. It terminated last Saturday night, and on Monday evening the treasurer (Mr P. J. McCarthy) read the balance sheet to a large assembly of the parishioners in the club rooms. The balance sheet showed a gross profit of .£785 11s 4d, contributed as follows:—No. 1 stall (Mrs Keller), £326 Os 6d ; No. 2 stall (Children of Mary), £306 13s 9d : Sweets stall (Misses Keller and Foster), £27 15s 9d ; Produce stall (Messrs. McGavin, Shine, and Groufsky), £79 12s 3d ; Tea rooms (Mesdamcs Cameron and Groufsky), £l9 15s Id; Fish pond (Miss Stevens), £25 14s. The net profit is - roughly £760. The success is due largely to the whole-hearted manner in which the various stallholders and their assistants worked, and to the generosity of the parishioners generally. The stallholders are to be congratulated on their untiring and consistent work, and sincere thanks are due to the secretaries (Mesdames Heenan and McCarthy) for the capable manner in which they discharged their onerous duties, and also Mr. J. P. Ward, for his invaluable assistance. The money thus raised will go a long way to liquidating the existent church debt, and with a similar success next year the parishioners should be in a position to finish the church, which is, as yet, but the nucleus of a magnificent building.