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Serving Georgia's 88 Southern Counties DIOCESE OF SAVANNAH EDITION Published By The Catholic Laymen's Ass'n of Georgia OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF SAVANNAH Vol. 40, No. 4 MONROE, GEORGIA, SATURDAY, JULY 25, 1959 St. Stephens Chapel, Information Center Opens At Swainsboro SWAINSBORO — Saint Ste phen’s Chapel and Catholic In formation Center opened re cently here. Besides a fitting chapel for services each Sunday, the infor mation center offers an oppor- Rev. George Mathis tunity to the community to in vestigate the Catholic Church and have any questions con cerning Catholicism answered. Father George J. Mathis said “For the present the chapel and information center will be open I for services each Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and on Tuesday and Wed nesday afternoons from one un til six o’clock.” In discussing the new chapel, Father Mathis said the Catholic Church is not entirely new in Emanuel County. Since Novem ber 1957, Mass has been offered each Sunday at the John C. Coleman Hotel. A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Father Mathis was assigned to Saint Mathew’s Church in Statesboro on Sept. 21, 1958. He attended Saint Mary’s Seminary in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he majored in philosophy prior to his four-year theology course at the Glenmary Semi nary in Glendale, Ohio. He was ordained on May 19, 1955, by the Most Reverend Clarence Issenmann, Auxiliary Bishop of Cincinnati. A member of the Glenmary Home Missioners, a society of priests and brothers trained specifically for work in the areas in America where there, are no resident priests, Father Mathis was assigned to Sacred Heart Church in Russellville, Ky., immediately after ordina tion. He spent three years there before coming to Georgia. St. Vincent's, Savannah Second Phase Of Building Drive Is Progressing Well SAVANNAH — The second phase of Saint Vincent’s Acad emy Building Fund Cam- paign, the General Division, is well underway, having been suc cessfully launched on July 9. The first report meeting of this group was held on July 23 at which time captains in the Alumnae Division gave their final reports. Those , participating in. the work of the General Division (in addition to the Section Chairmen already announced) Team AAA—Thomas J. Bey- tagh, Henry Brennan, Jack, Pat and Tony Buttimer, William Dugger, Arthur T. Fleming, Joseph Fogarty, Michael Gan- nam, Tony Harty, Nelson Has- lam, James Houlihan, Jr., Rufus Howard, Eugene, Richard and Robert Powers, Vestus Ryan, James Stafford, Jack Stephens, Willard J. Teston, Paul Thomp son, Robert Cronin, Chris Wat kins, John M. Brennan and Ben Ritzert. Team AA—Mrs. William W. Shearouse, Mrs. Frank R. Cul- lum, Miss Moira Fogarty, Mrs. Joseph Pacifici, Mrs. Roy Hussey and Mrs. E. A. Leonard, Jr., cap tains, and the following workers: Mrs. Charles R. Ray, Mrs. Charles F. Wood, Mrs. William F. Hennessy, Jr., Mrs. Jack Schaaf, Mrs. Troy L. Parker, Mrs. J. Carlin Flood, Mrs. Ed ward J. Fogarty, Jr., Mrs. Wil liam Braziel. Mrs. Kathryn E. Madden, Mrs. James W. Hoynes, Mrs. C. L. McKenzie, Jr., Miss Marie Sum merlin, Mrs. W. R. Hoffman, Mrs. D. E. Gay, Mrs. F. K. But ler, Mrs. T. N, McCarthy, Mrs. J. H. McCormick, Mrs. Jack D. Lee, Mrs. Joseph Dowling, Mrs. James L. McLaughlin, Mrs. Richard McGinn, Mrs. Joseph Doolan, Mrs. William Bremer, Jr., Mrs. G. S. Richards, Mrs. William Sims, Miss Leolene Gaudry. Team A—Mrs. J. Ar thur Kearney, Mrs. R. Max But ler, Jr., and Mrs. George Chand ler, captains, and Mrs. A. J. Schano, Mrs. A. Thomas, Mrs. Gladys Griley, Mrs. Joseph F. Ciucevich, Mrs. Thomas Miles,' Mrs. Charles Donnelly, Mrs. W. F. Elmgren, Mrs. Richard Mc Guire and Mrs. Arnold J. Sey- den. Team No. 4 (Professional)— Mrs. Thomas M. Spillane, Mrs. W. Lawrence Salter, Mrs. Lee Howard, Sr., Mrs. Gabriel D’ Amato, Mrs. John J. Sullivan, Mrs. Thomas B. Gilbert, Mrs. Frank O. Downing, Mrs. Bart E. Shea, Mrs. L. M. Dunn, and Mrs. John D. Ware, Jr. Francis W. Kelley is General Chairman of this Division and Sister M. Kieran, R. S. M„ Hon orary Chairman. Sunday, July 19, the feast of St. Vincent de Paul, was ob served by the Sisters of Mercy and the Campaign Committee in honor of the saint for whom St. Vincent’s Academy was named. A paper was given by Mrs. John E. Porter, co-chair man of the Campaign, on the Savannah Catholic Program, paralleling the lives of St. Vin cent de Paul and Mother Cath erine McAuley, foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, and showing their influence on the founding and history of the Academy. A feature article about this and St. Vincent’s were carried in THE SAVANNAH MORNING NEWS of that date. The observance was brought to a close with Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament given in the new chapel in St. Vincent’s Convent. Attend Workshops SAVANNAH — The National Council of Catholic Women sponsored a leadership training institute at the Williamsburg Lodge, Williamsburg, Va. from June 26th to the 28th. Mrs. Nor man Boatwright, of Augusta, Diocesan President attended, together with the Deanery Pres idents, Mrs. Arnold Seyden, Savannah, Mrs. L. J. Ward, Au gusta, and Mrs. Clark Davis, Macon. This was a third of a series of workshops being conducted during the summer months, and held in various parts of the country enabling all potential leaders to avail themselves of an opportunity for training. The highlights of the Wil liamsburg session were the plan ning of a community action pro- Crave Consequences Involved 10c Per Copy — $3 a Year Is Catholic Stake In West Berlin Conflict? Free Sector Is Beacon For Religious Education ' A : -■ ' . ' - A - V' lX '> > , ' , „ ■ V. ' - LA. V’ -.-sj ST. STEPHEN'S CHAPEL Semi-Annual Board Meeting Committee Chairmen Appointed By Diocesan Catholic Women MACON — Mrs. Norman I Boatwright, president of the Savannah Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, announced at the semi-annual board meeting of the council, which was held on July 8, diocesan committee chairmen, as follows: Legislation, Mrs. Elmore Thrash, of Valdosta; Cooperat ing with Catholic Charities, Miss Mary Meadowcroft, of Augusta; Civil Defense, Mrs. B. C. Guild, of Savannah; Coope rating with Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Mrs. Samuel F. Ledlie, Jr., of Savannah; Family and Parent Education, Mrs. Peter Vivenzio, of Bruns wick; Foreign Relief, Mrs. Mat thew J. McCoy, of Albany; His torian, Mrs. John T. Buckley, of Augusta; Home and School Assn., Mrs. Jos. J. O’Connell, of Augusta. International Relations, Mrs. Albert B. Roesel, of Statesboro; Libraries and Literature, Mrs. John Barry, of Macon; Organi zation and Development, Mrs. Jack Johannsen, of Augusta; Public Relations, Mrs. Julian Halligan, of Savannah; Spirit ual Development, Mrs. Jos. K. Benedetto, of Macon; St. Mary’s Guild, Mrs. Arthur Fleming, of Savannah; Youth, Miss Marilyn Fleming, of Columbus; Wo man’s Editor, The SAVANNAH BULLETIN, Mrs. Ernest Dink ins, of Augusta. Other officers and board members are Mrs. R. E. McCor mack, Albany, past president; Mrs. A. J. Schano, Savannah, past president; Mrs. A. J. Sey den, of Savannah Beach, 1st vice president; Mrs. Clark Dav is, Macon, 2nd vice president; Mrs. L. J. Ward, Augusta, 3rd vice president; Miss Margaret Collins, Savannah, recording secretary; Mrs. H. S. Buckley, of Augusta, corresponding sec retary; Mrs. E. H. Buck, Macon, treasurer; and Mrs. Roy Rich ardson, Warner Robins, parlia mentarian. Mrs. Boatwright told the la dies that it was an honor to serve as a member of the board of directors, but also reminded them that each office or chair manship carries many duties. She asked the diocesan chair men to contact, early, the dean ery chairmen and to encourage and explain the work of her particular committee. The Very Rev. John D. Toomey, M.A., S.T.L., Spiritual Moderator of the diocesan coun cil, stated that the “Altar, Sac- gram and the studying of child and youth welfare. The remaining workshops will be held on August 3rd in New Orleans, August 10th at ,Milwaukee, August 17th in At- chinson, Kansas and August 24th in Oakland, California. raments and Mass are functions of the priesthood,” but there is much work that the priests can not accomplish alone, and they must rely upon the assistance of the laity. Father Toomey told the ladies that their work in “development of spiritual life, education and charity help to extend the teachings and graces of Our Lord Jesus Christ to His people.” Mrs. Guild stated that the recent Meldrim tragedy showed the value of civil defense train ing. She asked the women’s or ganizations to take advantage of the training films that may be secured through the American Red Cross. Mrs. H. S. Buckley stressed the importance of meeting the deadline for reports and stated that these reports give encou ragement to the ladies to con tinue with their work and in centive to begin new projects. Mrs. Ledlie and Mrs. Barry referred to the resolutions of the twentieth annual conven tion in regard to the work of their communities, and it was decided to send a copy of these resolutions to each deanery and parish president. Mrs. McCoy announced that her committee would continue with the Feed-a-Family, China Doll, Madonna Plan, and Cloth ing Drive programs. Mrs. O’Connell urged the use of the Monthly Message in the plans for the Home and School Associations. The Diocesan Es say Contest program has been transferred from the Spiritual Development Committee to the H and S Committee. Mrs. Boatwright gave the highlights of the N.C.C.W. Leadership Institute which was held in June, in Williamsburg, Virginia. Mrs. Jos. E. Kelly, Sr., and Mrs. Ralph Collins were extend ed best wishes and many pray ers by the diocesan council dur ing their illness. Father Toomey asked the council for the continued sup port of St. Mary’s Home Guild, and urged all to pray for the success of the Diocesan Junior Seminary. The council expresses its ap preciation to Mrs. Buck, for making all arrangements for the board meetings which are held in Macon. The Rt. Rev. Msgr. Thos. I. Sheehan, pastor of St. Joseph’s Church, in Macon, was an honor guest at the luncheon meeting. Observers at the luncheon were Mrs. Joseph Hutton, of Savannah Beach; Mrs. Donald McLendon, of Port Wentworth; Mrs. Joseph Dembowski, of Warner Robins; Mrs. Dennis Thompson, of Columbus, and Mrs. W. H. Holmes, Jr., and Mrs. James Hegarty, of Augusta. (By Frank A. Hall) (N. C. W. C. NEWS SERVICE) WEST BERLIN—What is the stake of the Catholic Church— indeed, in the broader sense, of religion—in the continued inter national battle over West Berlin? The contest, as the world knows, is over whether the largest part of this city of two and a quarter millions, entirely surrounded by a Red-controlled area, remains free or is turned over to the certain blight of atheistic communism. The question is clearly grave and important. It must be realized that it ex tends beyond Berlin itself—to Red-controlled East Berlin, to Free Germany itself, and to the free world everywhere else. While foreign ministers meet, the world’s “summit” figures make pronouncements and the West Germans resolutely have a democratic election defying communist might, many con fusedly believe that the West Berlin struggle, though linked with the international conflict SCHLESWIG HOLSTEIN MECktfNBt/RG’ JL BREMEN"-, ;• --.J VfcL HAMBURG**!”' lower saxony • < • / IER — >S^**»»* NQRTH-RHINE •. FEDERAL' WESTPHALIA «Rtii SftANDfNB-U LIA jF’Cv \ 7 V ** 1 ■** Wf ) tlYAi.1V Ml '. 1 HESSE ( merublk BONN «... /•***•* f mum J SAX0N¥ ..RHINELAND-. PALATINATE"'-. : ...... r-'C-’ ■> CZECH OF GERMANY INCE 7 BADEN f f WURTTEMBERG ’• MYARiA J V-.-/ NC GERMANY —- Germany, like Caesar’s Gaul, is divided into three parts — West Germany, East (communist) Germany, and the City of Berlin, itself divided into West (Free) Berlin and East (communist) Berlin. (NC Photos) Vacation School Of Christian Doctrine At Holy Family, Columbus COLUMBUS — Following the injunction of Christ to “Suffer the little children to come unto Me —”, the Sisters of Mercy of Baltimore opened the doors of Holy Family School, on June 15th, to approximately : eighty eager children from Kindergar ten through the ninth grade. The purpose of the Vacation School was to draw these little ones closer to the Heart of Christ through Religious Instructions, prayers, Liturgical Art and Mu sic, and Visual Aids. The day commenced with the recitation of the Rosary and the singing of a hymn in the school Chapel. The older children took turns in giving out the prayers which are answered devoutly by the younger group. Following the Rosary, the children attended Religious classes in their respective rooms. These children who have not had the privilege of attend ing the Catholic School during the year, were anxious to learn about their Religion and the life of Christ. All work and no play would certainly make things monoto nous. Therefore, each day time was taken out for recreation in the spacious playground provid ed by the school. A most fitting climax of each day was Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament given by Monsignor Herman J. Dei- mel and sung by the children. \ \ » SOVIET TONE W between communism and free dom, is after all just one inci dent, although an important one. It is far more than that. Cath olics may understand this better if they realize first what it means to the Church and their fellow Catholics. They then may realize the other deep implica tions. I have just been given evi dence, at first hand here, of the situation of the Church and what it means. I saw much with the little group of my confreres of the Catholic Press of several countries, I was told much, on the ground itself. It was not a mere government propaganda show. The young and remarkably vigorous Julius Cardinal Doepf- ner is the Bishop of Berlin. His Church jurisdiction extends wierdly from areas of entire freedom for religion and devout appreciation of it, to two other areas where the rulers hate re ligion and vow to stamp it out. He talked with us. Other Cath olic leaders—priests and laymen long experienced with the parti- 5 0VI ET ZONE BERLIN — The divided city of Berlin (above) is of vital, interest to Catholics as (Free) West Berlin serves as a beacon of freedom of religion against the bitter animosity of the com munist rulers of East Berlin. (NC Photos) cular problem—also gave us in formation. The indefatigable Dr. Karl Bringmann, veteran and dis tinguished Catholic Press leader, of the Rheinischer Post of Dues- seldorf, and Dr. Arthur Janssen KNA Berlin correspondent and a Catholic Press hero, served to smooth out our questions. What, then, is the situation in relation to the Church in this crucial time here? FIRST: (RED-CONTROLLED) EAST BERLIN: Definitely, it would be lamen table to abandon East Berlin, Soviet-controlled, to communist hate of religion. The Church— and all religion—there is being throttled with a deadly and sys tematic squeeze. At present, there isn’t much to be done directly, except to rely on, and encourage, the dogged heroism of the German believers in God. While the percentage of Cath olics is comparatively not large (11.8 per cent, but for this area it doubled between 1939 and 1946), there were some 81 per cent of Evangelical churchgoers not so long ago. Lend encouragement to these churchgoers? Free West Berlin, with its robust freedom of reli gion, is just across the street. East Berliners, who may still pass the border, can and do have their hopes constantly replenish ed by the fact. They are steadily reminded of the freedom—and this includes freedom of religion—which they do not possess but for which they ardently long. Their reli gious leaders have been intrepid in their defense of the rights of religion and freedom of con science. East Berlin actually has 130,- 000 Catholics, out of 1,100,000 inhabitants; 35 parishes and many other places where Mass is said, and 66 priests. This seg ment of the Church has been un shaken in its Catholic loyalty and has evidenced a remarkably tough determination not to give up in the teeth of continued and vigorous atheist propaganda. Public religious activity has been made impossible. Exit by Catholics to West Germany to attend conventions or retreats is obstructed. Prelates from West Germany are forbidden to enter the Red area to attend ecclesias tical ceremonies or to deliver addresses. The Catholic Press has been stifled ruthlessly. Catholic associations have been plainly forbidden. SECOND, (FREE) WEST BERLIN: This sector has bravely scored a remarkable success story, cul turally, economically and politi cally—and religiously—despite its difficulties of being entirely surrounded by Red-controlled areas. Dedicated to democracy, it has encouraged religion with full (Continued on Page 3) Latest Communist-Sponsored 'Peace Meeting' Of East German Catholics Reported A Failure By Participant BONN, Germany (Radio, NC) -—The East German Reds’ most recent “peace meeting” of Cath olics in Erfurt was a failure, it was reported here by a partici pant in that communist propa ganda effort. The communist National Front organization had invited some 400 East German Catholics to Erfurt, he said. Only 20 showed up, and they refused to sign the new “peace call” pro posed by the Reds. The Erfurt gathering was the most recent of a number of so- called “peace-meetings” held since April in Germany’s Soviet Zone. At the first meeting in Baut zen 300 Catholics issued a “peace call” which Petrusblatt, Berlin diocesan organ, said was prepared “long in advance” by the Reds and designed to serve as communist propaganda. In June, according to the East German communist press, 100 Soviet zone Catholics met at Chorin and denounced the “un- Christian” actions and aggress ive intentions of the West Get- man government. Catholic observers have pointed out that by means of these “peace meetings,” and the resolutions passed at them, the Reds hope to make the world believe that East German Cath olics are not suppressed and that they support the aims of the communist government. These meetings are also a Red tool, observers noted, to separate the laity from their clergy and bishops. At Erfurt a man who calls himself a Catholic journalist, Viktor Thiel, urged participants in the meeting to back the com munist regime’s polices because “it is a real Christian mission to support the Communist party in its struggle for peace.” In discussions after the speech, Catholic participants said the faithful cannot join that “struggle for peace” while the Red government preaches hatred instead of Christian love.