St Josephs High School - Crest / Signet Yearbook (Garrett, IN)

Page 5 text:

We are fortunate The pupils of a Catholic school are, indeed, fortunate. An experiment has been made in the public school system and has been found wanting. About a generation ago a new policy was inaugurated in the school system. According to this policy the child was to be permitted to develop his character and to express himself in his vari- ous moods without hindrance on the part of the teacher. Guidance was restricted to the subjects of the curriculum but was not to be intruded into the child's moral char- acter, nor was it to be used in developing his ideals. Unhappily this manner of educa- tion failed to impress upon the child a respect for authority whether human or devine. If he chose to be radical in his views he was permitted to retain these views even though it disrupted the peace and order of the classroom. If he wished: to apply him- self to secure the best education possible he could do so, but he was not to be per- suaded too much, while he could choose to waste his time as much as he wished. The results of this system of education are not so good. When he emerged from the high school he had no well formed character and by this time his inclinations were strong, and in too many instances were directed toward evil. Without respect for authority and no understanding of virtue many of these graduates soon began to run counter to law and order. The hysteria of war offered him an occasion and he took it. The result is the present wave of juvenile delinquency which has caused deep concern to everyone. As | write this message | have before me the words of an American hero of World War | and Il. Captain Rickenbacker, speaking to the National Education Association, said these words, ''For the most part our education in the public schools and colleges proceeds ds if there were no God, and leaves it to the youngster to find out whether there is or not.’ How fortunate are the children in our parochial schools. As they make progress in the secular sciences they also learn that there is a God Who has created them for the eternal union with Himself. They learn how to serve their Crea- tor. They learn respect for their Creator and for all authority that is derived from God. -They learn the difference between vice and virtue and know the ugliness of the one and the beauty of the other. And all through this process of learning they are led to the practice of virtue so their lives portray their noble estate as children of God. Their characters are formed, their wills strengthened and ideals elevated. They have learned the source of strength and have gained strength at that source. Again | say we are fortunate and you young men and young women who are leaving school this year should count as one of God's choice blessing the opportunity you have had in completing your high school education under religious auspices. You are equipped to meet life. You know what you must do to be successful children of God and you have learned by practice the way of virtue and happiness. RIGHT REVEREND MONSIGNOR J. G. BENNETT, | PRINCIPAL © thax Page 3

Page 4 text:

TO OUR MONSIGNOR For ardent work and dauntless effort ; In giving God's children spiritual comfort | The Bishop John Francis did confer | On our Pastor the title of Monsignor. Not only Monsignor but Right Reverend was he Made on that day of September 16, in 1943 We wish to you, Monsignor blest, Sincere joy and happiness. To our pastor, Right Reverend Monsignor Bennett, we, the Class of '44, dedicate this annual, to show our appreciation for the guidance and care he has given us during our school years. Page 2

Page 6 text:

Our Church As a symbol she stands before us Clothed in her scenic attire Ever willing and ready to impart Her grace To those who have the desire. It's only a house composed of brick But has Life inspired by God. Through her it is we mend our ways And prepare for dying days. When the close of time draws near And we're called before Our Lord No need for us to fear For if we follow her through Life's ways We'll end within Heaven's doors. Richard Riedhart Page 4