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Private light of these closings, state aid "is the most economical method" of 'averting greater financial problems for the state while proViding equal educational opportunities for all students in Illinois. "This is a baseless argument," Howlett opined as he referred to the constitutionality question.' "If it were true, then you could effectively argue that Catholics
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answers to the Qluestions facing non-public, as well as 9ublic education, is nearing reality. He said such a "task force" should be formed now and "should be drawn from throughout the state and all walks of 'life. It should be inade up of men and women with ability to see and solve a problem." Queried about possible criticism of his state aid endorsement because he is a Catholic, Howlett said: "I believe I have to first be n man before being a politician." He said the biggest roadblock in the way of granting state aid is the competition in Illinois !for the tax dollar. "However, I believe," he said, "that education should receive priority and I believe the people of Illinois' feel the same way. We can't solve problems or fulfill the dreams of democracy without a· continuance of good education." , Howlett asserted: "Never before in history has Illinois needed private education more. Were non-public schools f,orced to close their doors, the Turn to Page Six
© 1969 The Anchor
should not have been entitled to the GI Bill of Rights after World War II. "It would also mean that we should remove all the publicly f)nanced sidewalks and driveways in front of private· and parochial schools." Among requests being made by proponents of state aid to non - public schools - tuition grants, loan of secular textbooks, auxiliary services, busing~How lett favors straight financial grants to students and their parents to be used for payment. to the school of their choice for education costs. State aid advocates currently are seeking $50 grants for 'grade school students and $100 grants for high school students. Among advocates are the Catholic Bish<Jps of Illinois, Citizens for Education Freedom, and the National Association for Personal Rights in Education. Howlett feels granting such aid would be in "the best in-
terests of the community" because it would create a healthy competition, would help parents afford education in a time of continually rising educational costs ,and would be cheaper for the state in light of the eventual costs to Illinois if parochial schools continue to close in the future at the same high rate that they are now. "It would also help the poor to afford better education," he said. Howlett believes the chances of the Illinois Legislature approving some form of state aid this year are "excellent." He contends if no state aid is approved, it will mean sharply increased costs to the state to take care of students who enroll in public schools as more parochial schools' close down. Howlett, recently elected to a third consecutive term as state ~uditor, said his proposal for a "task force" that would seek out both immediate and long:'range
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NABSOlUTELY NECESSARY NOW' SAYS ILLINOIS STATE AUDITOR
CHICAGO (NC) - Michael J. Howlett, Illinois Auditor of Public Accounts, favors granting state aid to !ltudents of private and parochial schools in the state and he specifically endorses the proposal of giving finandal aid to parents and students for use in paying educational costs. Howlett says state aid to nonpublic school students "is absolutely necessary now." He cited the growIng number of non-public schools closing thoughout the state and said, In
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Urge State Aid For Schools In Michigan LANSING (NC)-A special Michigan legislative Committee has recommended passage of a bill to ,provide up to $40 million in indirect state aid for nearly 1 000 nonpublic schools. The. study committee anticipat~s it will cost the state less money to rovide aid now th t d- tion~l services provided by nonP . an 0 e public schools. ucate non-publIc school stuThe committee recommended dents in public schools later. that no state funds be given diHere and elsewhere in the rectly to a non-publi~ school. nation financial hardships have Instead, the commIttee urged, forced' non-public school clos- ' ~unds should be appropriated to Ings with a resulting influx of Int~rmediate school districts students into the public system. whIch WOUld. use the~ to purchase educatIonal servIces perIn addition to recommending formed by state-certified nonaid, the committee outlined ele- public school personnel-teachments which should be included ers, librarians and other inin legislation that will allow the structlonal personnel. state to purchase certain educaTurn to Page Six
Names New CCA Director; Parish Administrator
Update Diocesan Guidelines For Ecumenical Relations The Roman Catholic Diqcese of Fall River is releasing today its new DIrectory on Ecumenism which abrogates the former "Interim Directives for Ecumenical Activities", promulgated three years ago. This directory was prepared by the Ecumenical Commission of the Diocese under the chairman, R t. Rev. Henri Hamel, pastor of St. Jean the Baptiste Church, Fall River, The permission granted, in and approved by the Most and appreciating our points of Rev. James L. Connolly, difference in a clear and unmis- certain instances, for Catholics Turn to Page Si" Bishop of the Diocese. The takable manner. Diref:tory incorporates the most recent Decrees of the Holy See .and the Directives issued by the American Bishops. It also grants new permissions by the local Ordinary. Stress is placed on the Catholic Sacramental System that God can use the simplest of things, even' ourselves, to communicate His Grace and Love to the world. Emphasis is also placed on the need for our constant effort at mutual unders.tanding and love, by knowing
An important addition to the former "Interim Guidelines" is section five, namely "Guidelines for Catholic-Jewish Relations." Eleven noteworthy changes ",ill be· found in this new Directory when compared to the Interim Guidelines issued a few years ago. They are: The permission to use church buildings for ecumenical services. The possibility of exchange of pulpits at non-liturgical services.
The Chancery Office announced today two assignments affecting a Diocesan Office and the filling of a vacancy in a Fall River parish. Rt. Rev. Msgr. Anthony M. Gomes, pastor of Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Fall River, has been named to the office of the Catholic Charities Ap- nr:.fi'iim1::miiliIi~ill~11~1:1mm~Im~mmm;mm~m1$mIT1m:~m~m~11111;ililli111111ili1~li~~~i~ili1i~i~i1mmi1i£I;r@~~~i~i~iml1i11j~~fll9 peal, succeeding Rt. Rev. IT'S SUBSCRiPTION TIMIl: Msgr. Raymond T. Consin;; dine, P.A. who has held the position from its inception in 1937 when a· campaign was conducted for the building of the Turn to Page Two
February Is Catholic Press Month THE ANCHOR IN EVERY HOME
Religious !Leaders Meet at CeD A day-long ecumenical conference of religious educators is taking place today at the Diocesan Confraternity of Christian Doctrine Center in Fall ,River. Representatives of several Protestant denominations, including Lutherans, Baptists and Methodists, are meeting to explore joint problems in education 'and are, also seeking to arrange programs that will be of common interest to workers of diverse denominations. Arrangements for the day have been made by Edward McDonagh, Diocesan lay coordinator for CCD.