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16 THE BULLETIN OF THE CATHOLIC LAYMEN’S ASSOCIATION OF GEORGIA and defend the faith in the face of unreasonable and traditional hatred. And the Church in that Southern state is growing stronger, owing chiefly to the initia tive and vigor manifested by the Laymen’s Associa tion. THE FIELD OF LAY ACTIVITY. (Among recent letters was one from an Atlanta lady that contains so much food for thought, so many suggestions of merit that the editors of The Bulletin have obtained permission to print it here. With that clarity of vision so characteristically feminine that we refer to is as “woman’s intuition,’’ she has outlined a field of endeavor that is nothing short of inspirational. We commend it to Georgia Catholics.) I would like to compliment the Association over its splendid work in Georgia, and over The Bulletin, which is full of the most interesting thought. “The Catholic Laymen’s Duties” is an inspirational article of high merit. I have long been restless and uneasy over the ma licious slanders given our Church by Georgia writers, and have felt it gave an impression that such slanders were the truth where not answered. Do you notice the tremendous activity among the Protestant Churches, their close co-operation in the Inter-Church World Movement, their social work for the poor and illiterate, etc., which is just in its in fancy? Do you notice the vast amounts of money given by them for France, Belgium and Italy for charitable and religious purposes? That means the taking away from us of some of our Catholic members. Evidently such union among Protestants that is in the distant future—means a coming back to the fold of the Catholic Church. It is the beginning of the unity of Churches. But in the meantime it means danger for the Catholic Church, to which our well- meaning, but separated, brethren will return. It means danger for us if our own household is not well united. Our laymen need to organize into strong societies, which will hold their own members together in social and educational ways, then in order to show as a body what the Catholic Church stands for, in my humble opinion we might use our Catholic societies to co-operate with their agencies like the Federation of Women’s Clubs, and similar men’s or ganizations while preserving our own individuality with the guidance of our spiritual directors, would strengthen our positions in the world. Such work as the Knights of Columbus have done in the war has already brought about a kinder feel ing and more understanding of the Catholic spirit. We need free entertainments, social affairs of all sorts to bring our young people together, so that they may marry in the Church. Mixed marriages in the United States have caused a big loss to us in the children raised as Protestants. Our converts most certainly need attention, for their faith is not born in them as ours would seem to be, and they need to be strengthened with Catholic companionship. Boy Scout organizations encouraging out-of-door life and high principle, would keep many young boys out of mischief and safe in clinging to the sacraments perhaps. These have lately been approved by the Pope. Societies of business women in large cities allied in the Federation of Business and Professional Women would give companionship and entertainment to them, find them good boarding houses, if strangers, etc. Isolated Catholics in country districts often lose their faith. We should reach out to them a consoling and helping hand. Organization and social work is the order of the day and to meet the great dangers of Socialism, Atheism, Spiritualism and other isms sweeping the country. The Catholic Laymen should rise up in all their great strength, Catholic schools should be helped and financed most liberally. Scholarships should be established, as many as possible, so as to give our Catholic boys and girls educational advan tages in colleges, Catholic colleges, wherever possible. We can not do too much in this direction, for so few of our boys and girls attend universities where lead ers of thought are bred. Whenever our societies make an extra ten dollars, say, why not put it aside for a scholarship fund for a boy or girl in the parish? It is a good that will last, an investment for the future. The Catholic Lay men’s Association is the beginning of such work and I hope its work will broaden out and include all these activities if it is found practicable. C. M. R. THE AUGUSTA CAMPAIGN. The last of the big cities of the state to put on its campaign for funds for the Association was Augusta, which completed its work the middle of January. Mr. T. S. Gray, chosen drive leader, followed the Haverty Plan, as it is generally called, and went over the top most gloriously. The Sunday previous to the drive a mass meeting of Catholics, announced in all the churches, was held at which the Flying Squadron made its customary appearance and talks. Several days later a letter was sent to every Catholic enclos ing pledge cards. In the middle of the week the drive leaders and parish chairmen held a dinner meeting at one of the hotels, and the list was started with nearly seven thousand. The following Sunday the drive was had through the warmest co-operation of all the pastors. Seemingly they vied with each other in commending the work of the Association and urg- ing its generous support. The result was that when the lists were compiled early in the afternoon, it was found that Augustans had pledged over $24,000, which was increased several hundreds within the week when a few absentees were heard from. When it is considered that there are but 2,400 Catholics in Au gusta and that the largest individual subscription was $300, the wonder of the result can be understood.