Archdiocesan news briefs
Newly formed Franciscan Association
Nine United States congregations of Franciscan women religious have collaborated to create a new entity — the Franciscan Association. Formally approved by the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life at the Vatican on Jan. 27, the association was formed to assist member communities in finding congregational leadership when a community can no longer provide a leader from among its own members. The process of creating the Franciscan Association has been under the direction of canon lawyer Sister Lynn Jarrell, OSU, for the past three years.
Member communities include the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, Minnesota; Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, St. Louis; Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, La Crosse, Wisconsin; Sisters of St. Francis, Clinton, Iowa; Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Family, Dubuque, Iowa; Sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg, Indiana; Sisters of St. Francis of the Congregation of Our Lady of Lourdes, Sylvania, Ohio; Sisters of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis, Congregation of Our Lady of Lourdes, Rochester, Minnesota; and Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis of Penance and Charity, Tiffin, Ohio.
Leadership in the association will be determined at its first assembly in the fall.
Carmelite novena
All are invited to the 78th annual solemn outdoor novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel from Saturday, July 11 through Sunday, July 19 at the Carmel of St. Joseph, 9150 Clayton Road in Ladue. Each evening will include 7:15 p.m. Rosary in the chapel, 7:40 p.m. Benediction and 8 p.m. Mass outside on the grounds. This year’s featured speaker is Deacon Stephen Fahrig, an associate professor of biblical theology at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, who will preach all nine nights at the novena. To learn more, visit stlouiscarmel.com.
Wanted: rosary makers
Volunteers are needed to make World Mission rosaries for the beatification of Archbishop Fulton Sheen in September. A rosary-making session will take place from 2-7 p.m. Thursday, July 16, at St. Charles Borromeo Church (in the cafe), 431 Decatur St. in St. Charles. The family-friendly event is open to ages 8 and up. All supplies will be provided. To sign up for a time slot, visit stlreview.com/3RaZeDW. For more information, email pjwagner715@gmail.com.
Annulment workshop
An annulment workshop for parish leaders will be held from 9-11 a.m. Tuesday, July 28, at Sts. Joachim and Ann Church (ministry building, upper level), 4112 McClay Road in St. Charles. Father John Brockland, judicial vicar for the Tribunal of Second Instance for the Province of St. Louis and episcopal vicar for clergy and the Western Vicariate, will guide parish leaders in learning the intricacies of annulments when working with parishioners who are seeking the sacraments. To register, visit stlreview.com/4aWpJDO.
Marriage Encounter weekend
The Worldwide Marriage Encounter Experience offers married couples the tools needed to help their marriages grow and blossom more beautifully. The next Encounter weekend will be held in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, July 31-Aug. 2. For more information or to apply, go to wwme.org, or call Terry and Eric Engholm at (314) 649-7317.
Wedding Jubilee Mass
Save the date for the annual Silver &Gold Wedding Jubilee Mass at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis. The Mass celebrates couples who have been married for 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 or over 50 years — and anything in between! A blessed anniversay certificate and missalette will be available at the vestibule of the cathedral prior to Mass. Register by Sept. 11 at marriageandfamilystl.org/gold-silver-jubilee-2026-registration.
