The American Paulist priests working in Johannesburg, South Africa, have been concerned over the problem of mixed marriages, which, they say. is resulting in a constant " watering " of Catholicism.
The problem is complicated by the difficulties in the way of young Catholic men meeting young Catholic women. Recently they undertook a plan for overcoming this obstacle, which was quite successful.
The priests of Springs, Brakpan, Benoni, Boksburg, Germistou, and Malvern, sent invitations to 205 Catholic young men in scattered areas asking them to attend a social and dance in the hall of the Catholic church in Malvern and to bring Catholic partners. Ninety-five acceptances were received. Some of those invited declined, because they could not find Catholic girls and in certain cases the priests went to the rescue and arranged things, often with the co-operation of Catholic mothers.
It is planned within a few months to hold a similar social to be known as " Catholic Leap Year." Catholic girls will be invited to this affair and will be asked to bring Catholic escorts.