Volunteers sought
St. Patrick Center, a Catholic Charities agency serving people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, is seeking volunteers for upcoming events. Help is needed with the Veterans Day 5K run/walk Friday and Saturday, Nov. 8 and 9; the donation box for the Trevisano Teddy Bear Christmas Land in November and December, a family’s display in Crestwood that includes thousands of lights, 100+ teddy bears, animations, and Christmas music; and the annual Christmas Wishes Family Sponsorship Program gift drop-off on Friday, Dec. 13, or gift distribution on Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 18 and 19. For information or to volunteer, contact Sarah Webb at spcvolunteers@stpatrickcenter.org or (314) 802-0681.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Young Adult Mass
The archdiocesan Office of Young Adult Ministry will hold its first Young Adult Mass at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5, at the Basilica of St. Louis, King of France (Old Cathedral), 209 Walnut St. Downtown. Father Jason Schumer will be the main celebrant. A social in Ballpark Village will follow, and leaders from various young adult groups will be present to share information on their apostolates.
Prayer service for healing
Archbishop Robert J. Carlson will preside at a prayer service for spiritual healing at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6, at St. Ann Church, 7530 Natural Bridge Road in Normandy. All victims/survivors of physical, sexual, emotional or verbal abuse by anyone — clergy, family, friends, co-workers or strangers — are invited to attend the prayer service. In addition, family members and friends of survivors are encouraged to participate, as well as those who are involved in helping abused people, who work to prevent abuse, and who want to pray for healing and reconciliation, and the prevention of abuse. For more information, contact Carol Brescia, victim assistance coordinator in the archdiocesan Office of Child and Youth Protection, at carolbrescia@archstl.org or (314) 378-3627.
Explore the wisdom of Thomas Merton
A retreat, “Exploring the Wisdom of Thomas Merton,” will take place Nov. 12-14 at IL Ritiro Franciscan Retreat Center in Dittmer. Father Patrick Collins, SJ, will include presentations on the journey from false self to true self, contemplation, prayer and the desert: solitude and silence. To register, call (636) 274-0554 or visit www.ilritiro.org.
Religious life book signing
Sister Amy Hereford, CSJ, will speak about her latest book, “Beyond the Crossroads: Religious Life in the 21st Century,” at a book signing from 2-3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22, at the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet motherhouse, 6400 Minnesota Ave. in St. Louis. Building on her previously-acclaimed work, “Religious Life at the Crossroads,” Sister Amy draws attention to emerging currents to reflect on the ongoing meaning of vows, formation, community and mission amidst rapid changes in the Church and society. Books available for $20 each. RSVP by Wednesday, Nov. 20, at (314) 481-8800 or motherhousersvp@csjsl.org.
Lear about the San Damiano icon
Sister Carol Beckermann, OSF, will lead two separate presentations on the San Damiano icon, one from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, and another from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24, at IL Ritiro Franciscan Retreat Center in Dittmer. This icon of Christ of San Damiano is considered a unique icon of hope that speaks a profound message, and brings others face-to-face with the mystery of God. To register, call (636) 274-0554 or visit ilritiro.org.
Naming and Commendation Rite
A Naming and Commendation Rite for infants who have died will take place at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, at St. Monica Church, 12140 Olive Blvd. in Creve Coeur. The rite is for anyone who has lost a child, especially before birth by miscarriage, accident or abortion. There will be an opportunity to name the child and bring peaceful closure to a great loss and allow each family to unite them to our merciful God. Contact Diann Bomkamp at dbomkamp@sbcglobal.net or call (314) 432-7719 if you or someone you know would like to attend.
