Cathedral College of the Immaculate Conception - Annual Yearbook (Brooklyn, NY)

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Y HSHTIOD 'IYHCIHI-ILYD ZL 'IV THE LITERATURE COMMITTEE

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CONFRATERNITY OF CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE 'Ri 4 M NUMBER of years ago, the Achille Ratti Society was formed at Cathedral, Its purpose was to allow the students to fulfill Christ's fkfklgb admonition: Going therefore, teach ye all nations . . . Those Llc, whom it attempted to reach were the unfortunate children of the diocese who were deprived of a parochial school, who were being brought up without a knowledge of God. Cathedral students went out once or twice a week to the various parishes, situated in less favored sections of the borough, and there aided the priests and sisters in giving these unfortunate children the fundamentals of their faith. ti L if 'A i n Y ln 1937, as a part of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, the work was undertaken on an even larger scale, under the direction of Father Pfundstein. ln l94l, Father Kowalski, succeeded to this position, and during his recent ill- ness, has been represented by Father Kelly. At present the entire College and the members of Fourth Year participate in this work and a course in teaching methods has been added to the curricula of these classes. The parishes aided are included in the area stretching from Richmond l-fill, to the Navy Yard District of Brooklyn. It is appalling to think of these little children being brought up away from God, outside of all religious training. They are growing up in the midst of a war-torn world, a world indifferent to religion, a world full of all sorts of isms , a world whose only hope is to return to God and the true religion. And how are these children to learn of God and of His religion? Certainly not from their parents, for most often it is the neglect of religious duties on the part of the parents that accounts for the lack of religious training in the child. The Confraternity of Christian Doctrine. therefore, is endeavoring to place in the hearts of these unfortunate little ones a foundation of faith in God, to instill a love for Him in them, and at least, attempt to teach them the funda- mentals of their religion. At times this work seems useless, and the task hope- less. These children, brought up in an atmosphere inconducive to their spiritual development, often fail to react as we would have them. But we must remember that in most cases the results cannot be seen at once. The only thing that can be done is to pray that the seed of faith that we have planted in them shall flourish under our guidance. This is a work which is dear to the heart of every Cathedralite. Aside from the fact that it can be an abundant source of graces for the student, it is the means of placing on the road to salvation many who would otherwise be lost, and a chance to labor in the vineyard of the Lord. It is, therefore, a work especially appropriate for Cathedral students, since it provides a training which will later be useful in their chosen life. ADOLPH C. KLEIN, '43 CATI-IEDRAL COLLEGE ANNUAL

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THE LITERATURE COMMITTEE Director .,... .. .......,.,.,, Rev. IOHN I. FEE, M.A. Chairman.. ..,,....,..,..,... WILLIAM F. HUGHES Ass't Chairman.. ,,., . ..,.,. . ,.., .. .,,.,,.......... ,,,.. . ,... . .EDWARD C. GARVEY HE Literature Committee of Cathedral College was organized six ll' years ago. At that time it was known as the Library Committee and was organized in order to supply Public Libraries with much Wm - needed Catholic periodicals and magazines. Since that time it has changed and expanded a great deal. During the past year the Committee met with some difficulties in supplying the Libraries with certain magazines. This was due to the fact that the paper shortage interfered with the Committee's supply of periodicals. However, Light, Truth and The Field Atar are still being supplied to eighty-tive libraries throughout the diocese. The periodic check up on whether or not Catholic magazines were on dis- play in Public Libraries was continued this year. This work was done by various students of the High School department who reported regularly to the Committee. These men do a necessary and important work. Their reports enable us to advise other students where to create a demand for Catholic magazines. lf constant requests are made by students ot Cathedral tor our magazines, they Will be promptly displayed on the public racks where they will do a great deal more good than if stored away in some desk or closet. The Committee again took charge ot selling the Catholic Digest, at a reduced rate to the students. This work was conducted by Frank De Masi, '42, aided by his individual class representatives. We are happy to say that the number of Digests sold this year has increased. We hope that the students will show even greater cooperation in the future, so that we may raise our list of subscribers considerably. We feel sure that the Catholic Digest can be a source ot enjoyment, education and editication to every student. The Pamphlet Rack has now become an integral part of the Literature Committee. lt is a source of easy yet beneficial, quick yet lingering reading. The pamphlets are carefully selected in order to serve the interests of each and every student, freshman as well as senior. lt is hoped that next year will see even greater interest in, and usetullness of the pamphlet rack. The work of the Literature Committee does not stop at pamphlets and magazines. ln accordance with its title of Literature, it is concerned also with Catholic books. Consequently, each month a list is made from the Public Library Bulletins, of new books in the Library, of interest to Catholics. This list is then supplemented by satisfactory book reviews, and sent to the Tablet for publication. Thus, Catholics can know just what Catholic works the Libraries contain among their new books. Finally we wish to thank Father Fee, our faculty adviser, for his generous aid and helpful advice. He is ever ready to lend a helping hand in order that our work may be easier and our results more efficient. WILLIAM F. HUGHES, '42 CATHEDRAL COLLEGE ANNUAL