The roving reporter of the Georgia Bulletin went from delegation to delegation on last Saturday afternoon getting capsule impressions of the Lay Congress from elected delegates, observers and guests.

In an atmosphere which might be likened to a political convention in one respect, various delegations were seated together and their respective places marked off by placards telling what parish they represented.

Stalls were erected for the Protestant observers so that they might be able to get a panoramic view of the whole proceedings. Members of the Young Catholic Adults were on hand like “page boys” ready to deliver messages, bring coffee to the tired delegates and answer the call of a delegate whenever he wished to use the microphone.

A note of seriousness and dedication prevailed. It was obvious to even the cursory observer that much time and study had been done by the delegates before the Congress took place.

Lawyer delegates gave their special flavor, while doctors showed interest in another aspect and housewives displayed a keen interest. It was truly an amalgamation of ideas crystallized into one concerted effort to improve the image of the Church in North Georgia.

It was another “first” for Georgians for it is believed that this Lay Congress was not only the first of its kind in the nation but in the world. Laymen’s interest, however, is nothing new for Georgians for nearly a half century ago the Georgia Laymen’s Association came to the forefront and laymen and clergy “joined hands” in a joint venture to aid an infant church in a land sparsely populated by Catholics.

Going from delegate to delegate the roving report first interviewed Mrs. Kit Keisler from LaGrange. She was short in her summation but most emphatic when she said “Its fabulous!”

A Gainesville delegate, Bob Hiler commented, “Lots of action. People are participating more here than they usually do in their own parish.” “Marvelous. Glad to be a part of it!,” said LaGrange delegate Miss Helen Jabaley.

Mrs. Clarence James from Cathedral of Christ the King commented, “Willingness to exchange, willingness to listen to others and yet let the decisions be the decisions of all impressed me most. It surely teaches humility in that our own ideas are not the most important.”

When asked how he thought the Congress was going, Leon Kaniecki of St. Thomas More Church in Decatur said that he was “...of the opinion that the Congress was going well, truly expressing the sentiments of the laity in the spirit of Vatican II.” Milledgeville delegate, William Carey said, “It’s exciting.

Sort of thing we hoped would happen for so long.” Felix Commagere of Atlanta Sacred Heart parish said the “...Congress seems to be accomplishing a whole lot. It will bring out more good than some of us anticipated.” “Great,” said Ann Huber of Holy Spirit parish. Then she added, “I think so many people in the past who had nothing to say now feel a sense of participation.” Mrs. Maria Digby one of the delegates from West End’s St. Anthony’s parish, told us “It’s very stimulating. The next Congress should be even better. In this one we are like children, learning to walk.”

Cedartown’s Richard Machan told us that “It will accomplish its purpose, but I think that there could have been better liaison between the committees.”

Mrs. VaVuchetich of Hapeville joined Cedartown’s delegate with a constructive criticism by saying, “To much time is being spent on unimportant things.” From the eastern part of the archdiocese, Mr. William Knowles of Toccoa added, “Very good. Very interesting, lots of good things from every parish regardless of size are coming out which will affect us all.”

Sts. Peter and Paul delegate, Art Ceconi, emoted cautiously, “Wonderful. I don’t agree with everything but at least all the ideas have been expressed.”

Felmer L. Cummings, delegate from St. Joseph’s parish, Marietta and the vice president of the Congress said, “Things are going along as well as we anticipated. We expected a lively discussion in the area of education...truly we have had a lot of lay participation.” “I am impressed,” added John Stier of Washington, Ga., “with the time and effort that have been put into the Congress. But, I do think we are spending too much time on details.”

President of the Congress, James W. Callison, of Blessed Sacrament, was weary but enthusiastic. “Just great! This is a marvelous opportunity for lay men and women to express their opinions about the entire organizational structure of the archdiocese.” Harry Cashin of Christ the King mused about the long-term effects: “Great. The stimulation will have long range effects on our archdiocese and its full impact will not be felt for many years.”

Un-annexed Sandy Springs delegate, John Howley of St. Jude’s found the proceedings, “Exciting. It’s going to be profitable, it makes you proud to be a layman in the present time.”