Archdiocesan news briefs
Opposing executions
Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski issued a statement in early January opposing planned executions by the federal government. “The federal executions scheduled this week do great harm to the dignity of human life. I call on the U.S. Justice Department and government leaders to stop these executions. In doing so, I echo the words of Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City and Archbishop Joseph Naumann of Kansas City, Kan., in saying that ‘We can accomplish justice without (the death penalty) and strengthen respect for the sacred dignity of every human life, which is so needed today.’” The Missouri Catholic bishops previously asked President Donald Trump to commute the death sentence of Lisa Montgomery, the only woman on federal death row, who was executed Dec. 12.
A bright success
Susan and Jay Trevisano presented a check for $26,132 to St. Patrick Center from donations they received from their annual Teddy Bear Land Christmas light display at their home in Crestwood. For 17 years, the Trevisano family has dedicated funds collected from their extravagant light display to St. Patrick Center. With this check they have now donated more than $100,000 to help people transform their lives out of homelessness. The Trevisanos said they had hoped to raise $10,000 this year, since they were featured on the ABC television show “The Great Christmas Light Fight,” but never expected to nearly triple their usual contributions. The couple said publicity they received from local television coverage and traffic from Grant’s Farm’s Holiday Fun light display, which is near their home, was a significant reason for this year’s success. They also thanked the many St. Patrick Center volunteers who helped out each night.
Joseph Challenge
The sixth annual Joseph Challenge Pilgrimage will take place May 1-2. Organized by lay Catholic men, the Joseph Challenge Pilgrimage is a walking pilgrimage of more than two dozen miles over a period of two days from St. Joseph Parish in Manchester to the Shrine of St. Joseph in Downtown St. Louis. It also incorporates time for prayer, reflection, fraternity and silence and a way to embrace challenges. The pilgrimage takes place every year on a weekend near the feast of St. Joseph the Worker, May 1, and is open to men ages 18 and older. For more information or to sign up, visit josephchallenge.com.
New president at Chaminade
Todd Guidry has been named the new president at Chaminade College Preparatory School. Guidry, who currently serves as middle school principal, will succeed Father Ralph A. Siefert, SM, who is retiring in June after more than 30 years as president. The selection of Guidry received unanimous approval by the Board of Trustees, the Marianist Provincial Council, and Chaminade’s Succession Committee. Guidry has a bachelor’s degree in theology from Xavier University, a master’s in education from Saint Louis University and a doctorate in education from Saint Louis University. He has served as middle school principal for eight years and holds prior experience in Chaminade’s Campus Ministry. He begins his new role in June.
Photography exhibit
Good Shepherd Arts Center in Ferguson is hosting an online exhibit of photography by Philip Deitch. “News from the Front” features images of essential workers during the pandemic. Also exhibited is a tribute (photographic and essay) to the late Sister Antona Ebo, FSM, a local activist who was one of the “Sisters of Selma.” The exhibit can be found at goodshepherdarts.org at the “Current Exhibit” tab. Deitch will also speak on Sunday, Jan. 17, at 4 p.m. via Zoom. Email info@goodshepherdarts.org to obtain a link. The images and written tribute to Sister Antona date to 1999 when they met and traveled together for a week as part of Freedom Ride 1999. The event commemorated the 35th anniversary of Freedom Summer and the murders of three civil rights activists. The assembly walked behind Sister Antona as she crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge for the first time, an effort she was blocked from doing several days after Bloody Sunday. For more information, contact Sister Glynis Mary McManamon, RGS, executive director at info@goodshepherdarts.org.
Night to Shine
Night to Shine, an annual prom for individuals with disabilities sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, is being held worldwide on Feb. 12. This year, Joyful House assistant Beth Ludwig is bringing Night to Shine to L’Arche St. Louis for the first time. It’s a chance to celebrate the core members and the gifts and joy that they bring. L’Arche St. Louis is a faith-based community, rooted in the Roman Catholic tradition, of people with and without disabilities who share their lives in profound ways. Ludwig is creating a COVID-safe environment where community members can celebrate. Walking the red carpet with friends cheering and cameras flashing will be a great way to kick off this new year, Ludwig explained. Contact her at bethludwig@larchestlouis.org for more information and to learn how to help.
Promotions
The Roman Catholic Foundation of Eastern Missouri has promoted Scott Welz to Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and Michael Weisbrod has been promoted to Senior Gift Planning Officer. The Roman Catholic Foundation of Eastern Missouri is an independent public charity that helps build endowed funds to support Catholic parishes, schools and ministries in the archdiocese.
Opposing executions Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski issued a statement in early January opposing planned executions by the federal government. “The federal executions scheduled this week do great harm to the dignity … Archdiocesan news briefs
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