Bishop Buddy Scrapbook 1938-1940

Pastoral Letter

We thoroughly understand and sympathize with the financial strain of these times, but those who zealously cooperate with their pastor will be blessed accordingly. It is most important that the parish debt be reduced so that the payment of interest will not prove too great a burden. Let those then, in the words of Holy Scripture, "who have much give abundantly and those who have little take care, even so, to bestow a little of what they have" remember- ing that the all seeing Eye of God searches hearts and that everyone will be required, sooner or later, to give an account of his stewardship. We heartily commend the use of the Sunday envelopes as a systematic and fair method of church support. All Catholics should be buried in the Catholic Cemetery where one is available. The first step to- wards arranging for a funeral is to notify your pas- tor and receive from him a certificate entitling the deceased to the honors of Christian burial. This document should be presented when purchasing a grave and again at the Cemetery where it will be filed. Those who have pledged to the LITTLE FLOWER FUND are earnestly .requested to keep their pledge active and thus help to carry on the work of religion. · The faithful are again respectfully warned to beware of all unauthorized solicitors. Those at- tempting to solicit should be challenged for a letter bearing Chancery seal and signature. When any illness occurs in the family, please notify your pastor without delay. Where a parish has a parochial school, Catholics have the solemn obligation, before God, to enroll their children in the parish school so as not to de- prive them of the religious instruction so necessary to preserve the faith. Where there is no school con- nected with the parish, parents are obliged to see that their children attend the religious Catechism classes conducted by the Sisters and the Catechists. Invoking upon you and your families the bless- ing of Almighty God and begging a remembrance in your fervent prayers, believe me to be, Your devoted servant in Christ, + CHARLES BUDDY, Bishop of San Diego.

November 13, 1939 To Our Beloved People of the Diocese of San Diego: Greetings and peace in the Lord! It is now three years since the four southern counties of California were erected into the new Diocese of San Diego. By reason of your generous and wholehearted cooperation some progress may be noted both along spiritual and material lines. With you we offer heartfelt thanks to the Di- vine Giver of every good and perfect gift for the graces and blessings that have come to us. We beg to express our deepest gratitude to the priests of the Diocese who continue to make every sacrifice and expend every energy for the salvation of souls. Daily at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass we thank God for the Ambassadors of Christ who minister unto you. They are, in truth, the light of the world and the salt of the earth. For over a year commissions of Pastors have been working to fix the boundary lines of each par- ish. Now that these are completed and fully ap• proved, we hereby promulgate the same. (Printed in The Southern Cross, issue of Nov. 10) All Catholics living within these parochial limits have the obligation, binding in conscience, to sup- port their church and pastor. The duty always re- mains of giving a reasonable support to the parish in which you live. Moreover, weddings, baptisms and funerals are to be arranged for by the pastor of your parish church. No Qne is permitted to pro- mote church benefits outside the parish boundaries. This system will insure the proper order and respect for every parish.