Elmira Catholic High School - Victorian Yearbook (Elmira, NY)

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Elmira Catholic High School Annual ELMIRA As a town it is small, with its wee city hall, And its wide and winding streets stretching all Through the town, up and down, like a catacomb mall, Through Elmira. There are streets crossing streets in a haphazard way, Like the channels of a river while they are at play. They're mapped out in a fashion of taste and pique In Elmira XYe've our stores and our homes that are stately and grand, XYe've our slums of small homes, but yet a glad hand Is put forth to a stranger in our little land Called Elmira. You'll find envy and hate tit's a human old placej, 'l'here's no other on earth that has scenes with such grace. Stately churches and church yards and willows like lace In Elmira You'll like the blue skies and the air that's so pure, And you'll lind in your mind you've a feeling secure And somehow or other there'll soon be a lure To Elmira. Not our thoughts nor our minds are kept jammed up in boundries. Far off from our people are factories and foundries, Even the dogs are all free from the hampering boundries In Elmira Xvhy, each street has the shade of a cool everglade, 'Neath the elm and the oak and the green trees God made, Youlll rind there's a wee bit of heaven Here in Elmira. - Frank K. Kessing '38 . OUR JUNIOR JAMBOREE After much consideration, discussion, and due deliberation, the class of '38 decided to hold its second carnival which would masquerade under the title of Junior Jamboree. Days upon days were spent in preparation, the homeroom rang with questions: How much pop shall we order? Has anybody ordered the flowers P XVho'll donate some cakes for my booth ? During all the preparations, there wasn't one minute in which we doubted that we would have a large attendance. XVe weren't disappointed. The number of people who patronized our Jamboree certainly shows that the pupils and friends of our school are not lacking in loyalty. During the eve- ning, laughter and gay spirits were all in vogue. VVhen the orchestra began playing the latest danceable tunes the booths were deserted for the dance floor and a tired but happy committee set to the task of cleaning up. Everyone had done his best and we can proudly announce that the Junior Jamboree was more successful than the most optimistic member of our class had ever hoped. Margaret Mary Shannon '38 l59l

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Elmira Catholic High School Annual iield of study. He is not educated if he is unable to explain Catholic doctrine a11d Catholic teaching on social questions. The years of school life offer innumerable opportunities for a Catholic youth to obtain the necessary study of religion. In failing to give the right proportion of his time to religion, he is hampering himself for life. In the years of manhood he will realize that he is seriously handicapped and unable to engage in many opportunities for Catholic Action. It is only with difficulty that one will develop efficient habits of study later in life if he does not learn to study during high school. Those who are given the opportunity to attend a Catholic school are in a position to prepare for the finest type of Catholic Action. No where else but in the Catholic school is there such occasion to study Catholic doctrine and principle. The Catholic study club is a form of training in which a Catholic may better know his religion. It is a club, composed of members who are interested in Catholic teachings on social questions. In practicing Catholic Action it is necessary to be able to translate the Faith in terms- of every day acts and relationships with fellowmen. Religion is a subject that enters all phases of life. It is not something that may be thoroughly learned from one book. The study of religion should be a life work. To continue an intelligent study of our religion is a most worthy work of Catholic Action. The third type of training for Catholic Action is the various activities in which the laity may engage while assisting the poor, the ignorant and the needy. In cooperating with the activities, the laity will be furthering the training for Catholic Action. There is a parish society named the Confra- ternity, made up of zealous members of the laity who volunteer a definite time every week to discover children in need of religious instruction and to conduct Christian Doctrine classes. Another activity in which thousands of high schools boys and girls are interested is the Catholic Student's Mission Crusade. Participating in mission programs, praying and sacrificing for the missions, studying the needs of our missions both at home and abroad, mak- ing money for these missions are means that boys and girls in Catholic schools have to manifest active Catholicity. Shirley Gilroy '38 . TO A GOLDFISH Oh, slithering, slippery, slimy creatures, lYhat an aimless life you lead , Darting hither and thither in water, Never working for your needs. 'Round and 'round in your glassy house You wend your ceaseless way, lVith beady, staring, unseeing eyes And fins in rhythmic sway. Your shiny scales reflect The sunshine's yellow gold: The fountain of youth belongs to youg You never will grow old. But I wish not to be a beauty like you- I'd rather be-just me. 'Cause I can roam wherever I please- But you-you'll never be free. Florence Hughes '38 l 5 3 l

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Elmira Catholic High School Annual CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICE As a result of this modern society in which we live, there have arisen many grave social problems. A number of remedies have suggested them- selves for the correction of these evils. But of all these, the Catholic method is the wisest, for it is based on the teachings of Christ and the revelations of Almighty God. Catholic social service means helping to improve the con- ditions of the times, with the ultimate purpose of saving souls. Rendering Catholic social service to a family follows a definite plan. First, all know- ledge gainable about the family is gathered into a case history, and then, using all resources on hand, aid is given in a Catholic way. In formulating a case history, extreme tact and resourcefulness are necessary. Every individual, and every family will present a different pro- blem, due to the difference in character, temperament, and training. The case history is based on knowledge gathered from contacts with parish priest, family physician, and with the family itself. This information, to- gether with any resources on hand, such as pensions which may be obtained, or help from other relief agencies, is put on file for future reference. Then the machinery is set into motion. Catholic social service goes a little deeper than just rendering temporary help to the suffering. It tries to prevent the causes of this distress. Feeding a hungry man for the sake of Christ is a very moving act of mercy. However, if this relief is made per- manent for this person, it may be the means of destroying him, for he may take the attitude why should I work, when someone else will feed me? So Catholic social service gives relief, but at the same time shows the poor how to make use of their personal resources, and to guard against a future recurrence of this distress. I have summarized briefly the method followed by Catholic relief agencies in relieving poverty. In order to continue this work of helping the poor, social agencies require the asssitance of paid, professional and volun- tary workers. Relieving distress is a particularly Christ-like task. The worker who brings help to his neighbor is acting in the role of Christ. By serving others, we grow in spiritual perfection. Catholic social service is genuine Catholic Action, for it spreads Christ's kingdom in our own hearts, and advances it in our neighbor's. YVilliam Reed '38 'i,.iT .. MY LOVE My love is made of joyous things- Of children's laughter, blithe and gay, A fountain's tinkling music sweet, The patter of two tiny feet, A garden where the breezes play. My love is made of peaceful things- Of twilight shadows, soft and blue, Of moonlight kissing placid streams Of roses, steeped in perfumed dreams, Of early sunshine on the dew. My love is made of holy things- Of reverent heads bowed down in prayer, An organ playing, soft and low, A flickering candle's rosy glow, Of Christ upon the Altar there. Ellen B. Moxley '38 l60l