Bishops against Amendment 3
The Catholic bishops of Missouri issued a statement opposing Amendment 3, which would legalize the recreational use of marijuana in the state. “We believe that marijuana legalization will negatively impact Missouri families, health outcomes, communities, and workers,” according to the statement. “While some are focused on the increased state revenues that will be generated by a taxable marijuana industry, we are concerned with the social costs of increased marijuana usage. Although usage will be restricted to age 21 and older, legalization sends the message that marijuana is safe and socially acceptable. Many states that have legalized marijuana have the highest teen usage rates. We know that regular marijuana use has been connected to respiratory problems; mental health issues (including increased anxiety and suicidal thoughts); and learning, memory, and attention loss.”
The bishops also expressed concerns about how legalization could impact the state’s workforce, and hinder a person’s ability to find and keep meaningful employment, especially in jobs that require drug testing. “Instead, we must address those underlying social and economic issues that can lead to substance abuse,” the bishops stated. Read the full statement at stlreview.com/3CNFNqN.
WINE for women
Immaculate Conception Parish and the archdiocesan Office of Evangelization and Family Life will host the “WINE: Women in the New Evangelization,” a women’s conference on Saturday, Nov. 5, from 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 7717 Town Square Ave. in Dardenne Prairie.
The theme of this year’s conference, inspired by John 20:16, is “Called by Name.” The day begins with 8 a.m. Mass celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Mark Rivituso, and includes inspirational talks and music. Conference speakers include Joelle Maryn, LeAnn Thieman, Sister Margaret Michael, Alyssa Bomes and Kelly Wahlquist, who is a Catholic evangelist, author and founder of WINE: Women In the New Evangelization.
There will be opportunities for adoration, special prayer opportunities, confession and lunch and shopping. Cost is $55.
A special Gathering in the Vineyard will be held from 6:30-9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4, in the parish hall, for anyone feeling called to lead women to Christ. The evening includes a social hour, dinner, networking and fun. Cost for the Friday gathering and Saturday conference is $100. For more information and to register, visit www.CatholicVineyard.com, and select the events tab.
Explore religious life with the SSNDs
The North American Vocation Team of the School Sisters of Notre Dame is hosting an online “Joyful & Alive Conversation” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20. Single women ages 18-45 interested in discovering God’s will for their life and those who are curious about religious life are invited to attend and ask questions. More information and registration for the Zoom link is available at ssnd.org/events/10-20-22/.
MCC Citizen Recognition Award
Maureen Zink, executive director of Birthright Counseling St. Louis, is one of several recipients of the Missouri Catholic Conference Citizen Recognition Award. Zink, a licensed counselor, has been recognized for her commitment to protecting life from conception until natural death, including providing programming and services to women facing an untimely or crisis pregnancy. Zink also was instrumental in starting the Melissa’s Smile program, which provides counseling and supportive resources for parents whose baby has been diagnosed prenatally with a genetic abnormality or whose baby has been born with a disability or serious medical condition.
Each year, the MCC recognizes a Catholic citizen, couple or group from each of the four Missouri dioceses who strive toward the same goal, giving of themselves to better the lives of others. Award recipients exemplify good citizenship in promoting Catholic values in the public policy arena and in their local communities and parishes.
MCC virtual annual assembly
The 2022 Missouri Catholic Conference annual assembly is now available in virtual format online. Five podcast episodes explore faithful citizenship, a consistent life ethic, immigration and the Church, the history of Catholic education and biodiesel’s impact on climate change. To listen to the episodes and opening remarks from Archbishop Mitchell T. Rozanski, visit mocatholic.org/news-and-events/annual-assembly-2022 or search “MCC from the Capitol” in any podcast listening app.
Great Preacher Award
Msgr. James Ramacciotti of St. Louis and Father Edward Foley, OFM Cap, of Chicago are this year’s recipients of Aquinas Institute of Theology’s Great Preacher Award. The 28th annual celebration will be held Nov. 10 at the Marriott St. Louis West. Festivities begin at 5:45 p.m. Tickets begin at $125 and sponsorships start at $1250. For more information, visit ai.edu/gpa2022.
Established in 1995, the Great Preacher Award is presented to individuals who, in word and deed, embody the “Holy Preaching” which Dominicans understand as a comprehensive and dynamic response to God’s presence in our lives and in the world.
Msgr. Ramacciotti is the pastor of St. Clement of Rome in Des Peres and the Cardinal Burke Chair of Canon Law at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary. He teaches canon law at Aquinas Institute. A native St. Louisan and priest since 1985, Msgr. Ramacciotti earned his bachelor of arts from Cardinal Glennon College in 1981, his master’s in divinity from Kenrick Seminary in 1986, and his licentiate in canon law from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome in 1995. He has lectured as adjunct professor of Canon Law at Saint Louis University’s School of Law since 2005 and is also a faculty member of the Office of the Permanent Diaconate. Msgr. Ramacciotti has served as a judge in the metropolitan tribunal of first instance for the Archdiocese of St. Louis. He presently holds the office of Defender of the Bond in the appellate tribunal for the Province of St. Louis.
Father Foley is the Duns Scotus Professor Emeritus of Spirituality and retired Professor of Liturgy and Music at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, where he was the founding director of the Ecumenical Doctor of Ministry Program. A member of the Province of St. Joseph of the Capuchin Order since 1966, he was ordained to the priesthood in 1975. Among his many degrees, Father Foley earned a master of divinity in 1975 from St. Francis School of Pastoral Ministry in Milwaukee and a doctorate in theology from the University of Notre Dame in 1987.
New Society of St. Vincent de Paul Council president
Carole Johnson has been elected the council president of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Archdiocesan Council of St. Louis. Johnson began her three-year term on Oct. 1, coinciding with the launch of the council’s new three-year strategic plan. Johnson has served with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul at St. Nicholas Parish since 2010, including time as pantry coordinator and treasurer. She also previously served as North Central District president and interim board president.
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Tribute to the Troops
St. Louis Tribute to the Troops, will host a military veterans’ concert Sunday, Nov. 13, at St. Matthias, 796 Buckley Road in Lemay, in the church gymnasium. Doors open at 1 p.m., and the concert begins at 2 p.m. The Mehlville High School Choir will perform. Reservations are required by Nov. 1. For more information or to register, call (314) 939-5574 or visit stltributetothetroops.com.
