1930s

Summary: Tells of a failed cooperative apartment effort. Describes the mess of moving to a new house, the dust of demolition next door, the temporary stop of the bread line, and the cost of flop housing. (The Catholic Worker, February 1959, 2, 6. DDLW #749).

Summary: Reports on the planting and variety of produce on the farm at Newburgh, NY, and the repair of two serviceable cars. Describes the plans for turning the barn into a dormitory for mothers and children who are on retreat. In the city, an unexpected death of a neighbor and bouts of measles and chickenpox among the children. (The Catholic Worker, June 1948, 1, 2, 7. DDLW #263).

Summary: Heartily recommends reading Theology and Sanity* by Frank Sheed–to study about God, “this is happiness and joy.” Notes that it is theology written by a layman, and the importance of their retreat work in learning to know and love and serve God. (The Catholic Worker, January 1947, 1, 2. DDLW #430).*

Summary: Describes their Thanksgiving feast. Despite the fact that donations were sparse, all enjoy a filling, yet sober, celebration. Notes the beginning of Advent and thoughts of feasting turn to fasting. Describes her speaking tour of New England, meditates on the virtues of manual labor, and reminds her readers that the truckmen of Burlington are suffering real privation during their strike. (The Catholic Worker, December 1939, 4. DDLW #351).

Summary: Reviews Jacques Maritain’s book, A Christian Looks at the Jewish Question. Quotes from the book extensively agreeing with his denunciation of anti-Semitism in Europe, a call for better emigration policies, and using “the real power of love and truth even over political and social relations.” Keywords: anti-Semitism, racism, truth, justice (The Catholic Worker, November 1939, 7. DDLW #349).

Summary: Reports on the growth of C.W., new houses, the newspaper’s circulation, and various projects. Assesses the employment situation and the country’s willingness to mobilize for war and the making of profit. Expresses gratitude for the people who have answered their appeal and have continued to make the C.W.’s ministry possible. Amidst talk of war and peace ” It would be hard to keep a cheerful spirit in the face of the calm acceptance of this preparation for mass slaughter and insanity if it were not for our faith.” (The Catholic Worker, November 1939, 1, 4. DDLW #350).

Summary: Writes of a time of fasts and feasts–Orthodox Jews observing the Day of Atonement while their Italian neighbors continued to celebrate the Feast of San Gennaro. Tragedy marred the celebration–a drunken fight resulted in the fatal stabbing of a participant. While visiting with her neighbors during the festa, she reflects upon the hardships in her neighbors’ lives, the acceptance with which they endured their poverty, and the enthusiasm with which they embraced the simple pleasures which came their way. (The Catholic Worker, October 1939, 1, 4, 7. DDLW #348).

Summary: Points to Christ’s example of getting away from the multitudes and the importance of finding Him for their work. Notes that a three day silent retreat attended by people from 15 Catholic Worker houses has led to a their renewed sense of strength, unity, and purpose. (The Catholic Worker, September 1939, 4. DDLW #345).

Summary: Meditates on the virtues of voluntary poverty and the difference between decent poverty and destitution. Describes their poor circumstances and appeals for money to carry on the work. Also notes that life on Mott Street provides diversion and, sometimes, real joy. (The Catholic Worker, September 1939, 1, 4. DDLW #346).

Summary: A collection of “odds and ends of things that happen around the Catholic Worker:” cleaning, weddings and births, the activities of the Mott Street office, CW’s correspondence, a day at Maryknoll, the Easton farm, and her plans for some recently donated property on Staten Island. Notes “To live with children around is good for the spirit.” (The Catholic Worker, July-August 1939, 1, 3, 4. DDLW #344).

Summary: An open letter to Peter Maurin telling him of the latest developments during one of his prolonged absences from the New York area. There were some tragedies–her father and Mr. Breen died and Charlie the bricklayer collapsed. Many members of the team fell ill. Yet there was also joy to share–progress continued on the Easton farm and interest in The Catholic Worker movement grew both at home and abroad. Most importantly, the various workers’ children brought amusement and joy into everyone’s lives. (The Catholic Worker, June 1939, 1, 4. DDLW #343).

Summary: A detailed account of the first houses of hospitality in New York where the works of mercy, prayer, work, and community intermingle. (The Catholic Worker, May 1939, 1, 3, 4. DDLW #342).

Summary: Describes a mission being preached in a nearby Church. Feels love for the poor ones in attendance seeing them as brothers of Christ. Explains why she prays for those who have committed suicide. Makes an appeal for funds. (The Catholic Worker, March 1939, 1, 4. DDLW #341).

Summary: An open letter to Peter Maurin, who is travelling, conveying the latest news from New York–visitors, news of strikes, conversations, and a needs list for the farm. Says their work is for a pluralist order, for the common good seeking concordances with others’ points of view. (The Catholic Worker, January 1939, 1, 4.  DDLW #339).

Summary: Describes the ordeal of trying to find a bed for a two and a half year old child on a cold Winter night and the indignity they faced at the hands of the police. Finally, she gives her and her daughter Tamar’s beds to the boy and his father. (The Catholic Worker, February 1939, 1, 4. DDLW #340).