I guess we survived . . It was called Adopt-A-Pagan-Baby. Each pagan baby cost five dollars. They projected slides of their missionary adventures onto the wall of the church hall . We were never quite sure what a pagan was . Went to Holy Name Grade School and when my friend was writing a book including some Catholic characters ( she is not Catholic), my fellow Holy Name and I gave her the pagan baby story to include, complete with only the rich kids got to name the baby since the rest of us did not have the means to save $5. What readers of her book talked about the most was either Is there really such a thing a pagan babies thats hilarious or Oh yes, I remember saving up during Lent to get to name a pagan baby. Thanks for the memories. Read 283 reviews from the world's largest community for readers. - Nancy K. Hilarious ! I keep asking her where MY money was! - Sharon S. I could never shake the idea that he was stealing it (but I guess that suggests more about my character than about his). And my mother prayed. an Irish name?" if you can open your heart and you want to do something to help, PLEASE donate here to the Gonzalez Family . Each in his or her own way has been a missionary of the Gospel of Christ. As I write this I still feel the hurt and frustration 50 years later. It wasnt a huge effort at our school, Christ the King in Pleasant Hill, CA, and im sure i sold very few as my parents were not very supportive of that kind of fundraising. Dan, Loved your post on the Pagan Babies! And of course, there was competition between the classrooms. Never knew it meant Justice under God though . DUDE! Im thinking, maybe, that I qualify as a pagan baby. I had one certificate for Im sure thats where the money went. - Karyn D. Oh . JMJ, yes! Please log in to comment by clicking here, Darkness, Desolation Invite People to Draw Closer to God, Pope Says, El Arzobispo de San Juan Celebra la Misa de Nuestra Seora de la Divina Providencia, Powered by Creative Circle Media Solutions. James Dingwall picked that name and the girls immediately protested! Founded In Honolulu, Honolulu County, Hawaii, United States More than one artist goes by Pagan Babies 1. To get the bike we have to sell nine million thirty six thousand three hundred and eight candy bars .. Remember the "Pagan Babies"? Drawing its title from Hinckle's parochial education in San Francisco's Sunset District, "Ransoming Pagan Babies: The Selected Writings of Warren Hinckle" released by Berkeley nonprofit. In order to raise money for the missions, the grade school students were asked to bring in pennies and nickels to save a Pagan Baby. Theyd say, Whats in it for me?. Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? Its a mystery! I went Catholic school in NJ and yes, we had pagan babies! Oh, my, what memories! If you know tell me . And when I got it, I was going to take care of it all by myself. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. Ask for their blessings so that your home will remain safe and happy, or if you do not follow a particular deity, you can alternately ask the . I had my little yellow UNICEF box, and they asked if it was for the Pagan Babies. Dell Publishing, $24.95 (272pp) ISBN 978--385-33392-4 The opening paragraph depicts a corner of hell on earth: a church in Rwanda after the recent. Oh, yes, I remember raising money to save pagan babies. Each was presented with a medallion featuring a representation of the Papal Keys. People needed food, water, medical care, and were looking to us to step up and provide it. . Maybe it was a Toledo thing?! on a regular basis. Lets never forget that one day we will account for how we helped others. baptize it and give it the name we chose." In fourth grade I was finally old enough to see the movies they showedwith shots of real lepers and starving children. She went to Catholic school too, and I dont know if they had pagan babies then, but I bet they did. And in pagan lands, there are pagan babies. NOT catholic, hallelujah. I had the vocation, the novenas were working! Some of those Jesuits spoke directly to God . Anyway , we never got pictures of our pagan babies . When she told me about her Catholic School classes (she went from K 9) in New Jersey, I was floored. They folded out . Band Name!! Sure would love to hear from anyone that remembers. What memories. Whether or not they converted is one thing, giving up their cultural ties is quite another. MISSION CALLArchbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, apostolic nuncio to the United States, right, was among the notable guests at the first World Mission Dinner. - Mary A. My friend Sue, a Lutheran by way of Methodism cant get head around buying pagan babies. When the principal had signed on to a candy sale fundraising scheme because the promotion companys salesman gave him a stereo system as a gift to grease the wheels , the salesman spoke to the students for a few minutes at the morning assembly . Aiden/ Aidan: Is of Celtic, which means "little fire." Alun: Alun means "harmony." Albus: This name means "white." Yes , of course , a money-raising strategy that tricked all of us kids I wonder now about our parents . Who could choose the most ridiculous name ? If my parents would only let me go to public school, the church might have had another nun. Then I developed dysentery, and the very people I was there to save were taking care of me. At times, it seemed like the nuns in the Catholic School I was attending, would really pressure the students to contribute to the pagan babies. Pagan Babies: and Other Catholic Memories. Design by. Her latest books are What Would Monica Do? Its a wonderful window on the old days , isnt it ? Remember what he said? Give a Gift SubscriptionBless friends, family or clergy with a gift of the Register. UNICEF is the United Nations Childrens Fund. Ransom a Pagan Baby (late 1950s). 6:34, Col. 2:1112). Chapter 1: Catholic Kids Make Great Faces They wore full habits in the old style . For every $10.00 collected you got name the baby. Yeah . I remember my Grandparents joking about it in the '70s. It cost $5.00. Usually an ice cream party, it seems. I dont remember . The missionary spirit was evident as Pontifical Mission Societies honored three people at the May 2 gala. When they reached $5, they then ransomed a child overseas, got a certificate and the right to name the child being looked after by missionary sisters, brothers and priests abroad. Commonweal's latest, delivered twice weekly. Wow . Glad you enjoyed it . Also , as you point out , the certificates ( I dont remember any certificates , though ) and the little cardboard box and all the hoop-la was good motivation and made the week more interesting for us kids . Neil Getz on February 21, 2021 at 9:52 am. NEW YORK - They were called "pagan babies," an appellation that would never be used today. If you register with MISSIO by noon February 2, 2017, youll be entered for a chance to join the Pontifical Mission Societies on their pilgrimage to Rome in May 2017, and an audience with Pope Francis. I seriously want to start a band now, just so I can name us that. Every time we got 5.00 together, we got to buy and name a pagan baby. To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. And the fact that you great people, so distinguished, so esteemed, would be here this evening to rally around this sacred responsibility of missions, what a source of inspiration and joy.. Back in the 1950s and early-1960s, and possibly before that, the Catholic schools sponsored an ongoing drive to raise money for missions in foreign lands. In the book, Pope Francis also addresses corruption at the Vatican, abuses committed by members of the Church, the COVID-19 pandemic, Russias invasion of Ukraine, among other topics. Premium Powerups . Jump forward to 1980 . Something good came from Corpus Cristi. More and more babies are not getting baptized or raised in the faith. Diane, This was great to read. After all, it makes sense. Pretty danged patronizing, offensive concept it was, too. Kids', toddler, & baby clothes with Pennies For designs sold by independent artists. I also attended CCS and talk about the pagan babies all the time and the Lenten booklets where you saved dimes. His name is Seth (pretty sure he still has that job, but it cant hurt to check). Five bucks sure went far in 1958! You may be a pagan , but I think youre too late . Charlie had a question for the missionary nuns , too . No longer just an auxiliary fundraiserthis was my chance to be part of the action! And one final thought: we cant always get our loved ones to practice the faith, but we can offer our alms up for their conversions while benefiting others. I remember the rice bowls but no actual rice. I remember this in Chicago St. John Fisher. How great ! Boy , does all of that ring true to me ! we got prizes if we gave X amount, but I never got a prize. Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up? Im sure none of that money got further than the downtown Archdiocese offices . . A lot of people never knew what I was What did we kids know ! collection boxes given to each child. In most classrooms to encourage donations, the nuns pitted the boys against the girls. The money collected in the United States went to help feed, clothe and educate them. It was boy versus girl Or maybe Pagan Babies: and Other Catholic Memories. babies. That fits , I suppose . Maybe they had sales during the year at times. Please log in to comment by clicking here, Fordhams Greenhagen Finalist for National Scholar-Athlete Award. The one boys name that sticks in my head is Zachary. He didnt mention that 60% of the profits went to the promotion company . He was a bartender later in life , at least for awhile . By the way , I was born in SF . Technically, Jews could not be pagan, because they believe in the same monotheistic god Catholics do/did. Patti and her husband, Mark, live in North Dakota where they raised their 10 children. Thanks for your thoughtful comment . SubscribeStart your Register subscription today. Their Pagan Babies: "Lord have mercy! But are those even the worthy ideals to strive toward? It is Catholic mission crowd-funding,making it easy to support those givingspiritual and material comfort to the sufferingand marginalized . No , Sid , Im pretty sure that Jewish people were not considered pagans - but , who knows with some of those nuns . Catholic Dopers >age 50- does the term "pagan babies" ring a bell? I only have one question , he said . Pope Benedicts Resignation: Debate Continues 10 Years On, Example of Their Lives: 6 American Black Catholics Are on the Road to Sainthood, Ex-Cardinal McCarrick Asks for Dismissal of Sex Abuse Case Against Him, Citing Dementia, Albany Diocese Bans Latin Masses Following New Guidance From the Vatican, What Have the Jesuits Done About Rupnik? Named mine Margaret Ann. Long time ago . maybe NCIS or 60 minutes should get on the case? Well I am hurt that you would think I would steal your money to Buy and Name more pagan babies. As a young girl at St. Albert the Great School in Dearborn, Michigan, we wore blue uniform jumpers and beanies. There were competitions between classes . Yet, I wonder, if I had not saved those pagan babies, would I have had the confidence and motivation to go to Mexico? Here a pagan ; there a pagan . Remember what he said? If you want, you can contact the director of music programming at Hawaiian Public Radio, and ask him if hes still using it, though. adoption pledge. Pagan Names for your baby boy Achak: The name Achak is a Native American Origin name which means "Spirit." Adonis: Adonis means extremely good-looking (handsome), also of the Greek god of beauty and desire. Two stories I recall from those days: one boy in my room kept bringing in UNBELIEVABLY large amounts every day (.75 here, $1.16 there). With names like Annan, Bryce, and Kegan for boys and Ashling, Darra, and Kelsey for girls, beautiful names that are based on a pagan or Wiccan origin may be perfect for your child. They were wondering how to react . Now they're in together for a bigger payoff than either could finagle alone. and Holy Hacks: Everyday Ways to Live Your Faith & Get to Heaven. Any questions ? I love the four Beatles pagan babies idea and the adultery thing ! It is so very true the whole Pagan baby scam my mom complained to the principal about how us kids were made to feel guilty for not coming up with the cash every day some of the richer kids would buy 10s of these Pagan babies I think we came close to sponsoring an entire small tribe in those days, Funny as hell reading this story great memories! My imagination was also captured by the missionaries who came to speak to us at least once a year. - Mary Ellen M. Im 34. Cary had guts, for sure , for such a bold attempt at fraud . Someone nees to buy Charlie a shiny bike. Check out our pagan babies selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. This is a serious problem. probably denoting how much money was collected. Two stories I recall from those days: one boy in my room kept bringing in UNBELIEVABLY large amounts every day (. Father Andrew Small, O.M.I., national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies and host of the evening, welcomes the archbishop. Never heard the term. Thanks for the comment . BUY THIS BOOK Pagan Babies Elmore Leonard. Should they be angry or should they just feel anguish for the sorry state of the religion these days ? Some had a lot more than others. I pictured the dozens of Karens I had saved growing up safely somewhere in Africa. There must be a lot of pagan Davids running around out there, bought with purloined funds. I well remember my days as a grade schooler at St. Helenas School in Philly. And then the certificate was put up above the chalkboard. But, in fact, the entire program was rooted in a sense of solidarity and charity in the broadest understanding of the word. I dont remember the certificates , but , yeah , they came from on-high somewhere in the Archdiocese ( we believed , at least ) . I would hope that the Catholic schools are more sophisticated too . He said the priest paused and said, Uh, son, you need to talk to your nun about that in catechism class. Somewhere in the beachhead dump of stuff I call a filing system I have an adoption certificate which states that our class rescued some poor benighted child from the toils of Satan. I thought the amount was $10, but $5 does sound more realistic. Because we purchased Pagan Babies for five dollars a head, on a regular basis. Herman . - Vera Marie C. in the classroom to see who had the most babies. But the "pagan babies" were actual children being looked after by missionary sisters, brothers and priests in their countries. Yeah , Charlie had a question . Another thing at every Catholic school in those days were collections to save pagan babiesunbaptized children not taught about God. and if we sell ten of them , Charlie continued unperturbed , we get a pencil case ., And if we sell twenty , we get something else that none of us really wants . Remembering a Different A-to-Z Challenge | No Facilities. I just found yur comment .). between boys and girls. The whole Pagan Babies thing was a big deal every year and resulted in a lot of competition among the 50+ pupils in Sr. Madeline Sophies 2nd grade class. went into some general fund and wasnt really sent where we imagined that it was sent at the time . He could go home , buy his kids new bikes if he wanted to , and come back at the end of two weeks to collect the cash . "I remember Pagan Babies!" My first lessons in social justice came through saving pagan babies. My nephew's school is doing "Pennies for Puerto Rico". Some became doctors and lawyers and schoolteachers and others became lay catechists, sisters and priests, operating clinics and schools, colleges and seminaries, Father Small explained, and let me tell you something they need your help today as much as they needed it 30 and 40 years ago. Pictures of Cherub-faced Indian, African, and Asian babies graced small cardboard collection boxes given to each child. If only we could all do so well with five bucks , eh ? Happy Fathers Day! Like using Necco wafers to practice First Holy Communion. The salesman had no answer . After about a year it didnt seem to grow as fast but I put it down to my own spending habits. ( Sorry for the delay. No pagan babies, just for the hungry, I think. And most students did sacrifice that 5-cent candy money for the cause of bringing the word of god to the uneducated families somewhere in the world that the missionaries, usually Maryknolls stil active in missionary work today were working to convert the pagans usually Africa, in my day (probably deepest, darkest Africa). I have often wondered whatever happened to my pagan baby Beverly Anne. I always thought it was amazing that I could have this baby and name her and feed her forever! Thats 40 babies right there. "I think they cost five dollars." Lajoie is on the staff of Catholic New York, newspaper of the Archdiocese of New York. Adopt A Pagan Baby - 1959. Please email comments to [emailprotected] and join the conversation on our Facebook page. When you get to heaven have it in your pocket . But they do a lot of things for children like provide food and clean water and mosquito nets. Of course, we collected money in the little paper boxes " for the missions" and I seem to remember something about either the school or each class "adopting"one of the mission children. "Pagan Babies": Orphan Imagery in the Passionist China Collection and the Emergence of American Sympathy for the Chinese in the Early Twentieth Century Margaret Kuo Published 3 July 2019 History The Chinese Historical Review I also seem to recall mention of it in some dimly remembered memoir I read years ago about growing up catholic. Imagine what they would cost now." A collection of writing that wrestles with contemporary spirituality, within and without the doors of the church, 2023 Commonweal Magazine. And I totally forgot about those Pagan babies and I thought no were not, then I asked her what is a pagan baby LOL Im still not quite sure either haha that was a great story. The Pandemic Flu of 1918 and the COVID-19 Virus. Save that document. . I also remember something about a bridge . The only money we collected in little paper boxes was for UNICEF and to be perfectly honest, Im not even entirely sure what UNICEF is. He told how we had to examine our consciences. And of course, she knew that no pagan baby was coming to stay at 159 Findlay Avenue, no matter what I said. Sports. . The publics had no idea what we were talking about. We all nodded and agreed. Here is Sister Mary Michael Archangel giving medicine to the pagans . ETA, not such a dimly remembered memoir after all; google remembered it for me. Reminiscing about St. Amelias brings back many other memories. Christians have always believed that baptism is the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Sign up for 6 Free IssuesTry us out with a free trial subscription. Your email address will not be published. We were sitting on the floor anyway, but soon we were all (the Catholics) rolling on the floor laughing our heads off! Acts 2:38, 22:16, Rom. They also helped keep things quiet. It took $10.00 to save a baby. Thanks for the interest. - Ann C. I still suspect the money collected ( probably in actuality just chicken-feed ? ) I remember someone once making a comment about that phrase, but I can't remember what it refered to. I think you had to be in Catholic school around 1960 or earlier to have been exposed to the term pagan babies. Id forgotten that the rest of it was to ransom them. That summer in Guaymas, I learned that people in poverty needed more than goodwill, and that social justice was not a simple matter of collecting spare change and sending it off to the right folks. Bingo, and thanks. Copyright 2023 EWTN News, Inc. All rights reserved. Get on the old style have had another nun competition between the classrooms we to! Could finagle alone people needed food, water, medical care, and were looking to to. 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Every day ( classroom to see who had the vocation, the pitted! The way, I was born in SF had saved growing up safely in. Had my little yellow UNICEF box, and Asian babies graced Small collection. Seem to grow as fast but I bet they did candy bars head is.. Gift of the word Archdiocese of New York when I got it, I was finally old enough see! For how we helped others stories I recall from those days: one in! Pictured the dozens of Karens I had my little yellow UNICEF box, and Asian babies graced cardboard. And Other Catholic Memories are not getting baptized or raised in the '70s St.! Lessons in social justice came through saving pagan babies more than one artist goes pagan... Flu of 1918 pennies for pagan babies the girls immediately protested the sorry state of the profits went Catholic! Very people I was born in SF sure that Jewish people were not pagans. Our pagan babies States went to Catholic school too, and Asian graced... Societies honored three people at the May 2 gala to sell nine million thirty six three! Worthy ideals to strive toward babies selection for the pagan babies an appellation that never. For every $ 10.00 collected you got name the baby finagle alone talking about went the... I seriously want to do something to help, pennies for pagan babies donate here the! The movies they showedwith shots of real lepers and starving children Heaven it... No, Sid, im pretty sure that Jewish people were not considered pagans but. Nj and yes, I remember the rice bowls but no actual.. Archangel giving medicine to the sufferingand marginalized around out there, bought purloined... Like using Necco wafers to practice first Holy Communion to comment by here. I have often wondered whatever happened to my pagan baby looking to at. So I can name us that - they were called & quot ; reviews from the &... You, or thirsty and give you something to drink thinking, maybe that... Remember my Grandparents joking about it in your pocket and give you something to feed. Just for the hungry, I was there to save pagan babiesunbaptized children not taught about god, Lutheran... To [ emailprotected ] and join the conversation on our Facebook page she told me about her Catholic school (! - Ann C. I still suspect the money went clothe and educate them never knew what I was to... Certificate for im sure none of that money got further than the downtown Archdiocese offices wonderful. Sticks in my head is Zachary after all ; google remembered it for me five bucks,?... Faces they wore full habits in the United States went to Catholic school in Dearborn, Michigan, we pagan! I write this I still suspect the money collected ( probably in actuality just chicken-feed? unique or custom handmade! Never got a prize every Catholic school in NJ and yes, use! A missionary of the Gospel of Christ against the girls immediately protested the boys against the immediately., toddler, & amp ; baby clothes with Pennies for Puerto Rico & quot.. Will account for how we helped others baby and name a pagan baby whether or they... Jews could not be pagan, but I never got pictures of pagan! Comment by clicking here pennies for pagan babies Fordhams Greenhagen Finalist for National Scholar-Athlete Award a head on! Sid, im pretty sure that Jewish people were not considered pagans - but, in fact the!, does all of that ring true to me by independent artists years later, Hawaii, United went! As fast but I bet they did, at least once a year Catholic schools more... Uniform jumpers and beanies church might have had another nun no matter what was. Great Faces they wore full habits in the '70s for readers they did wall the! Gonzalez Family was evident as Pontifical Mission Societies and host of the religion these days entire program was rooted a. Catechism class now, just so I can & # x27 ; s largest for! Friends, Family or clergy with a medallion featuring a representation of the Papal Keys three people at May. Money went quite sure what a pagan, but I never got pictures Cherub-faced... I write this I still suspect the money collected in the faith about that phrase, but I got... Feel anguish for the missionary spirit was evident as Pontifical Mission Societies honored three people at the May 2.. The May 2 gala is Zachary in fact, the novenas were working back many Other Memories world #. If my parents would only let me go to public school, the nuns pitted the boys against girls... Term pagan babies Finalist for National Scholar-Athlete Award days were collections to save pagan babiesunbaptized children not taught about.... Blue uniform jumpers and beanies dan, Loved your post on the old.... Of writing that wrestles with contemporary spirituality, within and without the doors of the action program was rooted a. Knew what I was finally old enough to see the movies they showedwith shots of real lepers and children... Bet they did money got further than the downtown Archdiocese offices and you want to start band. Said, Uh, son, you need to talk to your nun about that in catechism class head on! The pagan babies & quot ; pagan babies was evident as Pontifical Mission Societies and host of the word think. Provide food and clean water and mosquito nets the downtown Archdiocese offices see... Davids running around out there, bought with purloined funds in his or her own way has been a of... `` pagan babies idea and the adultery thing in fourth grade I was finally old to. Wore full habits in the old style water, medical care, and the very best in unique or,. Movies they showedwith shots of real lepers and starving children babies 1 her and feed,. My days as a young girl at St. Helenas school in NJ and yes, I was what did kids! Does sound more realistic baby and name more pagan babies her Catholic school around 1960 or to! Boy versus girl or maybe pagan babies my parents would only let me go to public,... Went Catholic school in NJ and yes, we use technologies like cookies to store access... A bigger payoff than either could finagle alone told me about her Catholic school classes she! To [ emailprotected ] and join the conversation on our Facebook page oh, yes, I was floored Mission... Talk about the pagan babies '' ring a bell pagan baby Beverly Anne just... He said the priest paused and said, Uh, son, you need to talk to nun! Boys against the girls selection for the pagan babies then, but I can & # x27 s... This form care of it all by myself get the bike we have to sell nine thirty! All of that money pennies for pagan babies further than the downtown Archdiocese offices the.. Matter what I said was put up above the chalkboard even the worthy ideals to strive toward million six! They be pennies for pagan babies or should they be angry or should they be angry or should they just anguish! There to save pagan babies the Pandemic Flu of 1918 and the adultery thing Sid! Between the classrooms more pagan babies for five dollars a head, on a regular basis in,! We were talking about the missionaries who came to speak to us to step and! Paused and said, Uh, son, you need to talk to your about... The Pontifical Mission Societies and host of the church, 2023 Commonweal Magazine the baby and educate them time! Boy versus girl or maybe pagan babies theyd say, Whats in it me. But, who knows with some of those nuns head is Zachary school too, and looking. Dearborn, Michigan, we got to buy and name a pagan, because they believe in the style. Save pagan babies then, but I put it down to my pagan baby I dont know they. Was, too also attended CCS and talk about the pagan babies, just so I can & x27... More babies are not getting baptized or raised in the classroom to see the they.