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

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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

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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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012.1 Elmira Catholic High School ,Ainnual No MAD CHEMIST RTON AND A ..LU CKY Q f , SUMMERf1936