Archdiocesan news briefs

New president at SLUH

Father Matthew C. Stewart, SJ, has been named the next president of St. Louis University High School, effective July 1, 2026. This concluded a comprehensive national search for the successor of Alan R. Carruthers, who has served as president since 2018.

Father Stewart is a 1998 SLUH graduate and has served as principal at the school since 2023. He is the first Jesuit to assume the role of president since Father Paul G. Sheridan, SJ (1997-2005) and the first Jesuit alumnus since Father Robert T. Costello, SJ ’47 (1992-97).

After entering the Society of Jesus in 2009, Father Stewart served in a variety of roles in Jesuit schools, including adjunct professor at Saint Louis University, associate director of the Alum Service Corps, chaplain and teacher at Loyola Academy, board member of Arrupe Jesuit High and associate university minister and faculty member at Regis University. He serves on the board of trustees at Rockhurst University and on the SLUH board of members. He has a licentiate in sacred theology from Boston College, a master of music in choral conducting from the University of Denver, a master’s in philosophical resources from Fordham University and a master’s in theology from Saint Louis University.

JustFaith Advent series

The Northern Vicariate of the Archdiocese of St. Louis will host a JustFaith Advent series “Through the Wilderness: Healing for a Weary World” from 9:30-11 a.m. on Tuesdays in Advent, Dec. 2, 9, 16 and 23, at the Northern Vicariate office, 6052 Waterman Blvd. in St. Louis. All are welcome for small group reflection, prayer and conversation as we prepare for Christ’s coming. To register (no cost), visit qrco.de/NVAdventTuesdays.

Seminary Advent mission

Kenrick-Glennon Seminary will host a three-night Advent Mission from Dec. 4-6 at the seminary, 5200 Glennon Drive in Shrewsbury. The mission, which will be held in place of the traditional Advent Novena, will help participants to enter more deeply into the mystery of Christ’s Incarnation. President-rector Father Paul Hoesing will be the speaker each night. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the event is from 7-8 p.m. each night in the St. Joseph Chapel.

Las Posadas

A reenactment of the Spanish tradition of “Las Posadas” will take place at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, in Main Street in St. Charles. The procession begins at Boone’s Lick and South Main and proceeds to the corner of First Capitol and Riverside Drive. Participants carry candles while following Mary and Joseph as they seek shelter prior to arriving at Bethlehem. It will end at a live nativity scene on the riverfront with singing Christmas carols around Jesus in a manger. To learn more, visit www.stcharleslasposadas.com.

National Night of Prayer for Life

Catholics across the nation will petition the Blessed Mother to protect life and the family, establish peace and renew the Church on Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 8 and 9, for the National Night of Prayer for Life. Originating in the Diocese of Rockville Centre, New York, in 1989, what started as a local parish prayer initiative has now grown into a coast-to-coast event involving hundreds of parishes, Knights of Columbus chapters and other pro-life and Catholic organizations. The founders credit Mary’s intercession for its growth, specifically under her titles of the Immaculate Conception and Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Catholics are asked to pray for the unborn, an end to abortion and for protection of the sanctity of human life. The annual evening of prayer spans the feast of the Immaculate Conception on Dec. 8 and the anniversary of Our Lady of Guadalupe’s first apparition to St. Juan Diego on Dec. 9. For an up-to-date listing of parishes in the Archdiocese of St. Louis participating in the National Night of Prayer for life, visit stlrespectlife.org.

Rorate Caeli Mass and potluck

Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in New Melle will celebrate a Rorate Caeli votive Mass at 6:45 a.m. Monday, Dec. 15, at the church, 8 West Highway D. The Rorate Caeli Mass is a candlelit Mass in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary, offered just before dawn. A breakfast potluck will follow in the Grand Hall. Immaculate Heart of Mary Church is a designated pilgrimage site for the Jubilee Year of Hope 2025. Visit ihm-newmelle.org for more information.