DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

New Zealand Tablet, 9 August 1917, Page 21

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

(From our own correspondent.) August 6. His Lordship the Bishop is to administer the Sacrament of Confirmation to adults in the Cathedral on Sunday afternoon, August 19. The Rev. Father Cooney, diocesan examiner of Catholic schools in religious knowledge, intends this week to visit the schools of the city, beginning with the girls' college and parish schools conducted. by the Sisters of the Missions. The Cathedral School Committee and others interested in the social being promoted in aid of the schools' fund, met on last Sunday evening in the episcopal residence. Mr. W. Rodgers presided, and satisfactory progress was reported by the secretary (Mr. V. O'Connell), and on behalf of the ladies' committee by Mrs. G. Dobbs.

The additions to and renovation of St. Mary’s Church, Manchester street, are now completed, and the appearance and accommodation of the sacred edifice has been vastly improved. The devoted pastor (Very Rev. Dean Regnault) is deservedly beloved of his flock, and the fine work he has just had carried out wall earn the gratitude of a congregation noted for its patriotism and loyalty. So greatly has the number of parishioners increased that few, if any, seats are vacant at the various Masses on Sunday. 11 is Lordship the Bishop is to preside at St. Mary’s Church on next Sunday, both at the 11 o’clock Mass and at evening devotions. This visit of his Lordship is to mark the ceremonial opening of the church in its altered form.

Having gained the permission of the Minister of Internal Affairs, a bazaar, with its attendant competitions, is being promoted in connection with St. Mary’s parish, to be held at the beginning of November. A “Queen of the Carnival” will be amongst the attractions, and this will be under the management of Mrs. F. C. Delany, assisted by Miss Byrne and Miss Stevenson. The various stalls have been allotted as under:—Art Hall No. I—Mrs Garrigan and Mrs. Dennehy ; Art Hall No. 2 —Mrs. Kingan, Miss Marlow ; fancy —Mrs. Bown, assisted by choir: toy stall— Mrs. B. B. Wood, Mrs. Cyril Ward ; sweet stall Mrs. Holley : tea stall—Mrs. Prendergast: flower stall—Mrs. Barnett; produce stall—Mrs. Kain and Miss O’Connor. A professional danseuse has been engaged to train the children for a grand display of fancy dancing, evolutions, etc.

A general meeting of the M. 8.0.8. Association was held after Mass on last Sunday. Rev. Brother Palladius presided, and there was a good attendance. Accounts amounting to if 4 were passed for payment. The chairman, reporting on the visit of one of the teams to Little River, said that owing to adverse weather conditions it was impossible to carry out their engagement. The local club members, however, liberally entertained the Marists, and it was resolved that a letter expressive of the association’s thanks be sent to the secretary of the Little River Club (Mr. Breitmeyer). Brother Palladius also specially referred j.o

the kindness of Mrs. F. J. Birdling, of. Little River district, who, observing the plight the visitors were in 'owing to'the bad weather, treated the - boys most hospitably, and gave them the use of a barn for their

shelter and comfort. The secretary was instructed to convey to Mrs. Birdling the association’s keen appreciation of her thoughtful generosity.. One new member was elected.

There was a reunion on Saturday, July 28, of the Sacred Heart Girls’ College Ex-pupils’ Association, which was largely attended. Two basket-ball matches were played, after which those present were entertained to tea by the Sisters of the Missions. His Lordship the Bishop, who kindly attended, expressed the pleasure it gave him at seeing so many of the ex-pupils of the college visiting their former teachers, and thus showing their appreciation and gratitude for all that the Sisters had done on their behalf. The Sisters too were always glad to see their former pupils, as the interest they (the Sisters) took in them during their school days followed them in after life. An election of officers for the ensuing year resulted as follows;-—-President, Miss E. Gill ; vice-presidents, Misses K. O’Brien and K. Goulding; secretary and treasurer. Miss G. Jarman honorary members, Misses I. Grange and V. Hanna ; basket-ball captains, Misses M. Whelan (Reds) and K. Goulding (Green). At the conclusion of the business all assembled in the large class-room, where games were enjoyed, together with a musical and elocutionary programme contributed to by Misses K. O’Brien and K. Goulding (songs), Miss V. Hanna (recitation). Misses G. Baker and E. Ives (musical numbers).