Introduction. The second annual meeting of the Catholic Educational Association was held in New York, on July 11, 12, 13, 1905. There were present many representatives of the universities, colleges, academies, seminaries, and schools of the country. The general sessions and the sessions of the departments were well attended, the papers and discussions were profitable, and the general results were beneficial to the cause of religious education in the United States. The proceedings came to a close with an inspiring public demonstration in favor of Catholic education, in Carnegie Hall. The value and the need of the Catholic Educational Association are more apparent at the present time than ever before. It has already brought about a common understanding and sympathy among our educators, and unity of purpose and action on many points. It has brought strongly to the attention of all interested the truth that the university, the college, the high school and the parish school are not separate entities, but parts of a system, and the wellbeing of one is inseparably bound up with the welfare of the whole. College men are directing their attention to the parish schools and considering its needs; and those in charge of the schools are recognizing more generally and clearly the importance and the worth of Catholic higher education for our people and the necessity of encouraging our youth to pursue higher studies. These annual gatherings are looked forward to as events of great interest, and there is reason to believe that this Association will bring about a strong sense of the community of interest which all Catholic educators. have and will stimulate and encourage all who labor in this vocation. The Association is one of a purely voluntary character and its decisions have no binding effect even on those who participate in the proceedings. The fact that it can have no power to legislate is, at times, urged as a serious defect. The student of American institutions realizes the immense part which the voluntary association plays in our social, political and educational life. The educational policies of the United States and of the several states have been virtually shaped by voluntary educational associations. They form and they express public opinion, and they have powerful influence on legislation. Catholics have not been as active as others in making use of this powerful agency for affecting public opinion-the voluntary association. It may be said, that if Catholic educational interests are to exert their due and proper influence for the welfare of the whole country, it will probably be only through the medium of such an association which unites the great and varied Catholic educational interests, and which shall impress the mind of the whole people with the solid worth of Catholic educational ideals and the seriousness of purpose of those whose lives are given to Catholic educational work. The improvement of our educational system has been promoted by these gatherings of educators, and much can be done in the future. The influence of Catholic education is extended not so much by the number of our institutions as by their efficiency. Mutual observation has stimulated enterprise, and comparison of experience has led to better adaptation. Our institutions, from the school to the university, offer a quality of educational training that is not sur passed. We have an educational body of great ability and we compete with others in all lines of educational work, except in special technical courses which demand large equipment and unusual facilities. The vast resources of nonCatholic schools are met by a splendid spirit of sacrifice and devotion, and it is the men and not money that constitute the worth of a system of education. Our Catholic men of wealth are coming to see that there is no cause so essential to religion, so necessary to the welfare of our country and so worthy of charitable remembrance, as the cause of Christian education. These annual meetings of the Catholic Educational Association give evidence that our Catholic educators are making the most earnest efforts to adopt the best methods of educational work and to realize the best and highest ideals of Christian education. Annual Meeting of the Catholic Educational Association, Cathedral College, New and of College, School and Seminary Depart= ment Meetings. MONDAY, JULY 10. 3 P. M. Meeting of the Executive Board of the Association, Buckingham Hotel. TUESDAY, JULY 11. 9 A. M.-Pontifical Mass, St. Patrick's Cathedral. 11 A. M.-General Meeting in Assembly Hall, Cathedral College. Address, Rt. Rev, Mgr. D. J. O'Connell, D. D. Committees. Registration. 11:30 A. M.-Department meetings. COLLEGE-History of Philosophy. Paper by Rev. E. L. SCHOOL-Catholic View of Moral and Religious Training in Elementary Education. Paper by Rev. M. J. Con sidine. SEMINARY-The Teaching of Holy Scripture in the Seminary, Rev. Simon Lebl, D. D., Very Rev. James F. Driscoll, S. S., D. D. 8 P. M.-Meetings of Committees. WEDNESDAY, JULY 12. 9:30 A. M.-Department meetings. |