ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH. TEMUKA.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1713, 20 March 1888, Page 2

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH. TEMUKA.

Yesterday, the festival of St. Joseph, the patron Saint of the parish of Temuka, wna observed in a special manner. The fnast was announced by the ringing of the bells on the previous evening. Th church whb beutifully decorated for the occasion, and the general appearance was most effective. The Rev. Father F'tuvel celebrated High Mass at nine o'clock, when 20 children—the girls adorned with white veils, presenting an imposing spectacle —received their first Communion. la addition to these about 80 others received. The choir, which had been practicing for some time past for the occasion, sang with much vigour and geod effect, and it was evident that the Sister in charge of it had taken much pains with her task of teaching. Miss Gaff.mey presided at the barmoaiun, and rendered the musical portion of the programme, which was ai follows: Bafore Mass, "Holy Tatrori;" at Miss, "Kyrie," "Gloria," and " Agnus Dei" from Est'* Mass, " Credo " from Webb's Mass, " Sanctus" and " Benedictus " from Dr Newshara's Mass; offertory, " Ave Joseph 1" after Mass, " Hail Holy Joseph 1" After Mass an adjournment was made to the school, which presented <n every respect a scene pleasing to the eye. The interior of the building was artistically decorated with evergreens, wbila the table portion of the decorations consisted of lovely bunches of flower?. The eatables on this occasion were by no means less tempting or less in abundance than on former ones, an was evident from the hearty manner in which the good things were partaken of, and the fact that over 200 children sat down to breakfast. The table prepared for those who had received their first Comrauuion was of special merit, the most conspicuous feature of which was a large cake, similar to those ffhich mark wedding feasts. When all had entered the school, the Rev. Father Fauvel read the following telegram from the Right Rev. Dr Grimes, Bishop ef the diocese : " Christchurch, 10.3 a.m.—Rev. Father Fauvel. Temuka,—Wishing you and your flock—especially first communicants — every blessing, with many returns of this great festival.—Bishop Grimes." At about half-past ten grace was said by the Rev. Father Fauvel, and, after full justice had been done to the good things, and prayer again offered, a move was made to the two adjoining paddocks— the boys to one and the girls to. the other—where the children enjoyed themselves in racing for toys, marbles, etc., and indulged in the usual games on such occasions. Refreshments were also plentiful throughout the day. The boya' races weie cani«d on under the superintendence of the Rev, Father Fauvol, and Messrs W. Fitzgarald, jun., and J. Quinn, and others present also insisted. The girls were in charge of the Sisters, and they were kindly assisted by various ladies. Everybody present did all in their power to uiuke the day an enjoyable one for the children, and there was every evidence chat their endeavors were crowned with success.

At half-p vat two the children were drawn into line in the ichool ground, and marched into c'-nirch to attend Bene* diction. The altar was brilliantly lit up, and the ceremony was most impress've. The choir rendered " Holy Patron," Dv Newsham'a "0 Salutaris " and " Tantum Ergo " (St. Joseph's Service), Haydu'a u Adonttnus," and, at the conclusion of the service, •' Hail, Holy Joseph," with good effect-. The crowd then began to wind their way homeward, all seeming lo have enjoyed themselves to their hearts' content.