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

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D .LY HH 'IVHCI D 'IO H'I HD V 'IV Sl. r ,-'J sf: ':5-ff' A ' 1,1 2 1' ,.....:X-..' -. . Q , - 14 - ,- -, V- '- uf , , - - -Y' 11 - . f V Y f 1- 1 ' :A - X , 5 w .,.- X X THE SAINT IOHN BERCHMAN'S SOCIETY

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LIBRARY STAFF OW that you have finished envying the handsome, learned faces of the devoted librarians, you may read here to see why the staff lx is proud of its work in the library. Yes, we are proud. Proud in the Q ' same sense as an amateur carpenter admires a cabinet or book- shelf he has built. The librarians have performed praiseworthy services to the library and no one can deny them that praise. Iust as a man feels a little prouder when he drives a more than ordinary car, so the librarians are able to boast of excellence in their library. Most notable is the ever increasing reputation of the reference department. Perhaps, only one high school in fifty years in this city can claim equality with our reference sections. Before the present year, this statement may have been but a theory, but under the zealous leadership of Mr. McDermott, the chief libra- rian, it has become a fact. Few libraries, besides that of Cathedral, have in their possession the Cambridge History of English Literature with its off- spring, the Cambridge Bibliography of English Literature. Add to these, two new bibliographical dictionaries, American Authors C1600-l9UUD and British Authors of the Nineteenth Century , and you have an indication of the worth of our collection. If you still are not convinced, may we say that only recently we have acquired the Essay and General Literature Index, 1900 to date , and in addition, the Current Biography , a monthly biographical dictionary of prominent personalities in the current articles. Development, however, was not limited solely to the reference department. During the year two gifts swelled the number of non-reference books. F or these gifts we are grateful to the late Monsignor Frederick I. I-lentz and to Reverend loseph Tennant, D.D., '26, To prove the impartiality of the library, we mention here, that besides the Annual , the library uses the Gargoyle for its work. In fact, the library sponsors two features in the school magazine. In addition to the Library Notes, it suggests and has in stock the books reviewed in the Book Review Section of the Gargoyle. l think it appropriate to say here that in return for the Commendation of the student body for the work of the librarians, we librarians extend our praise for the cooperation and appreciation of the students. They have used the library extensively with its true purpose in mind, for the library is the final, the reliable source of knowledge to which all teachers and students must come. lf l say the library has advanced tremendously, it only indicates that it is keeping in stride with necessity which student use creates. In fact, as an indication of this four sets of the Catholic Encyclopedia at times are not suffi- cient to meet the demands of the students. With a prayer of thanksgiving, then, and one of request, we librarians bid you farewell. ANTHCNY I. BEVILACQUA, '43 CATHEDRAL COLLEGE ANNUAL

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THE SAINT JOHN BERCHMAN'S SOCIETY NOTHER year of important and fruitful work has ended. This society, which has representatives from every year of the College, has corn- pleted ten years of active and meritorious work. Father Kowalski, the head of this group for the past ten years. besides ably directing rl Q 4 the society in the various religious functions around the College itself, has also capably directed us in the various religious ceremonies outside the College. The requirement for membership in this society consists in one's desire to serve Mass, and to assist in whatever way possible at the different religious ceremonies. The work of every member from first year to sixth year is chiefly to serve daily Mass either at the Convent Chapel or at the school Chapel. Again the requirements for this daily, necessary work, are simple and within the power of every student. The readiness to serve Mass both on school days and holidays, and also the willingness to endure various inconveniences for this great work, are the only essential qualities. Now the rewards of this daily service are primarily spiritual. The graces and blessings received from serving daily Mass, and the inspiration to persevere along your selected course serve as ample rewards. Now the religious ceremonies outside the College, which significantly affect the members of this group. are, the Requiem Mass in November and the May Mass, which are both celebrated at the Church of Queen of All Saints, and also the ceremonies of Christmas and Holy Week, which are performed by the Bishop at St. Iarnes Pro-Cathedral. Consequently, considering the memberships and the activities of this society, it must be concluded that the Saint lohn Berchrnan's Society is one of the most important groups in the school. Furthermore it is also fitting at this time to speak further of Father Kow- alski, the director of thi.s society. At Easter time, of this year, much to our regret, he was indefinitely taken away from his work here, through illness. How- ever, the spirit of generosity and good will that he spread amongst us will continue throughout the school. l-lis advice on the use of the apparent insig- nificant things around the altars and also on the correct methods of serving Mass will not be forgotten. The present improvements in the altar equipment around the College, are indicative of his spirit. Therefore with these sentiments, we hope and pray for Father Kowalski's speedy recovery and return to Cathedral College. ' Finally, as this society completes another year of fruitful work. by most of its members, it must again be admitted that the zeal and fidelity exemplified in the past by this society, formed the basis of the fine spirit displayed this year in the carrying out of a work, close to every Prep-seminarian. WILLIAM I. PIGOTT, '42 CA'I'I-IEDRAL COLLEGE ANNUAL