ST. JOSEPH’S CHURCH, TEMUKA.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2333, 22 March 1892, Page 3

ST. JOSEPH’S CHURCH, TEMUKA.

The 19th of March, the festival of Joseph, the patron saint of the above church, is always a day of special interest to the Roman Catholics of St, Joseph’s Parish. This feast occurred on Saturday last, and, as has been the case for the last eight or nine years, the rain held off until the day’s programme had been completed. First Mass was celebrated by the Rev. Father Le Peti at half-past six. At nine o’clock High Mass was chanted by the /Avßov. Father Fauvel, S.M.,the congregation being large. There were over 300 children present, besides a large number of adults. The church presented its usual beautiful appearance, the altars being dressed out very pleasingly by the Sisters of St. Joseph, that dedicated to the patron saint being principally adorned with natural flowers. It is usual for the children to receive their first communion on this day, and during the service a large number availed themselves of this opportunity. The boys wore a broad red sash and the girls were dressed in white, elaborately veiled. Besides the first communicants about 50 other children received com- * munion. The choir had been specially P" trained for the occasion, and their portion of the service was excellently rendered, Miss Quinn presiding at the harmonium. Before Mass was sung “Te Joseph Celebrent ” (Rev. A. Police). “ Est’s Mass ” (Butler) was rendered, and at the offertory Miss Quinn played a voluntary by Mozart. VAfter Mass the hymn “Holy Joseph” 'was sung. When special prayer had been offered by the children, they were marched into the school, where a sumptuous breakfast had been prepared for them, this being the annual treat in connection with the Temuka and Kerry - town Convent Schools. The schoolroom was tastefully decorated with evergreens, while on the tables, five in number, which

well nigh quaked beneath the abundance of delicacies of all kinds, was a profusion of flowers, which imparted to the whole a very pleasant appearance. By half-past ten the children were all seated round the tables, numbering some 300, when the Rev. Father Fauvel arrived, and grace before meals was said. Then an onslaught was made by the children on the good which the Sisters had prepared for them. The good behaviour of the children reflected great credit on the Sisters. After breakfast a prayer of thanksgiving was offered, and the children adjourned into the two paddocks adjoining the school grounds—the boys in one and the girls in the other—to enjoy themselves at all kinds of sports. The tables were then relaid for the adults, and the large assemblage partook of the good things before them as heartily as the previous guests. The Sisters were assisted in getting up the spread by contributions from several ladies of the parish. Mr D, McCaskill cateredforthe remainder of the provisions. Those who assisted the Sisters at the tables were : Mrs O’Mara, Misses Demuth, Gillespie, Quinn (3), A. Brosnahan, Connolly (2), G. Wareing, M. Burke, E. Burke, Lavery (4), Fitzgerald (2), M. Brosnahan, and Clark, who were V very attentive to the wants of the guests. Jr- The sports for the girls and younger boys were supervised by the Sisters, who were untiring in creating amusement for the children. Races, etc., for the senior boys were arranged by Messrs Gillespie, / R. J. Lavery, H. Hoare, and Polaschek, jfcftnd a long list of events was gone through without a hitch, the principal ones being : —Races: St. Joseph’s Bay Handicap, a mile, J. Lavery 1, S. Coughlan 2 ; over 13, J. Moore 1, J. Connell 2; over 12 and under 13, J. Barry 1, R. Burke 2; 10 and 12, J. Flaherty 1, D. Horrigan 2 ; 9 and 11, L. Archer 1, S. Goughian 2 ; do, M. Demuth and D. McAuliffe 1; under 9, S. Connolly 1, J. Hannifin 2 ; consolations, No. 1, M. Brosnahan 1, T. Brosnahan 2 ; No. 2, P. Hamilton 1, P. McAuliffe 2 : No. 3, R. Goldstone 1, M. Connolly 2. Three-legged races: Over 11, Fleming and Brary 1, Stack and Kelly 2 ; under 11, Connell (2) 1, Hoare and Coughlan 2 ; under 10, Goldstone and Healey 1, Wareing and Melvin 2. Walking : Over 12, M. Brosnahan 1, R. Goldstone 2, J. Brosnahan 2; under 12, R. Burke 1, J. Kelly 2. Jockey races : Over 12, J. Connell (Horrigan) 1, J. Stack (Tangney) 2; under 12, J. Kelly Ifflbrrigan) 1, W. Moore (Beri) 2. Wheelloairovv race, Stack and Kelly 1, Goldstone and Burke 2. Wrestling: Over 14, J. Moore 1, Jas. Moore 2 ; under 14, Paul I, Stack 2; under 11, M, Connolly 1, M. Melvin 2; Jumping : High jump, J. Kelly 1, J. Moore 2; hop, step, and jump, M, Connolly 1, B. Horrigan 2; long jump, M. Demuth 1, J. Moore 2 ; vaulting, B. Horrigan 1, M, Demuth and J. Moore 2, The prizes consisted of toys of every description, books, etc. Refresh- . ments were plentiful throughout the day. ** Amongst the large number present was the Rev. Father Fauvel, who evinced great interest in the sports. At about a quarter to three the children ■were drawn up into line, and marched to the church to be present at the Benediction. The Benediction servile rendered by the choir was a choice one composed in three parts. The hymn « Holy Patron ” brought a very enjoyable gathering to a close. The Sisters desire to tender their hearty thanks to all who in any way assisted tc render the day successful.