Page:Withgodbookofpra00las.djvu/580

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keep them practical Catholics, men of clean speech, who are willing in a sensible, prudent way to suppress as far as they can in others every form of unbecoming speech. The Holy Name Society is not merely a society made up of Catholic men; it is a part of the very life of the parish. Each Society must be interested in its own parish church. Instruct the men that whatever affiliations they have to religious confraternities or sodalities, the Holy Name Society requires them to be an example and an apostle for the good of religion in their own parish. The members must make their pastors and spiritual directors feel that they will have their co-operation in every way for the good of religion when sought. Every Holy Name Society is as independent as each parish is independent. When the Societies unite in a diocesan union, this independence is not lost. The union depends strictly upon the authority of the bishop and the diocesan director to whom the bishop delegates his authority. As the bishop may make a regulation for all the parishes, so he may command through his diocesan director all the Holy Name Societies. Our diocesan unions do not frame laws; they simply counsel, inviting the co-operation of all the local spiritual directors.

6. It is left to each local director to say how often the Society should approach the sacraments in a body. In some sections of the country it is customary for the Holy Name Society to receive Holy Communion once every three months, but in most places the members go once a month in a body. Individual members should be encouraged to go as often as they can. The second Sunday of the month is the regular Communion Sunday for the Society. This was determined by Gregory XIII in 1580. Holy Name men can gain a plenary indulgence by going to Communion on every second Sunday.

7. The meetings can be held at any time during the month, on Sunday, or week day evenings, that will suit the convenience of the greater number.

8. Great good has been accomplished by Holy Name demonstrations. They are at once a public profession of