Bishops issue new statement on Amendment 3
Missouri’s bishops issued a statement Oct. 5 in support of Amendment 3, noting their duty to defend the dignity of every person and to stand for those whose lives and well-being are most vulnerable, including pregnant women, unborn babies and children.
Amendment 3 would restore meaningful protections for women and unborn babies that were stripped away after a voter-approved amendment passed in 2024. The new amendment would allow Missouri once again to require basic health and safety standards for clinics, safeguard parental rights and substantially limit abortion in the state, while also ensuring that women continue to have access to medical care for emergencies, ectopic pregnancies and miscarriages.
“Although Amendment 3 is not perfect, it would be a significant step toward restoring protections for women and children in Missouri,” the bishops said. “We cannot be indifferent when our own state constitution fails to safeguard those who most need its protection. We urge you to pray and fast, to speak with your family and friends, and to continue working to pass Amendment 3. Stand with the unborn child who cannot speak for himself or herself. Stand with the woman who deserves accompaniment and care, not an unregulated abortion at an unsafe clinic. Stand with the child who deserves the freedom to grow and mature without being subjected to harmful life-altering procedures.” To read the full statement, visit mocatholic.org/bishops-statements.
Ursuline Sisters restructure
The Roman Union Ursulines of the United States have restructured from three provinces to become one USA region. The new structure became official on Oct. 1. “In joining together as one region in the USA, we are not only simplifying our governance, but we also are strengthening our ministerial outreach,” said Sister Dianne Baumunk, OSU, the new regional leader. She lives in Windsor, California, and previously was provincial leader of the former Western Province. “At a time when our country and world are divided, we are choosing unity and inclusion. We are committing ourselves anew to be a transforming presence of God’s love.” Joining Sister Dianne on the four-member leadership team are Sister Peggy Moore, OSU, of St. Louis, Central Area councilor; Sister Patricia Schifini, OSU, of New Rochelle, New York, Eastern Area councilor; and Sister Margaret Johnson, OSU, of Moscow, Idaho, Western area councilor.
Young adult Theology on Tap
St. Louis Young Adult Salt + Light ministry and Catholic Charities Young Professionals will host Theology on Tap on Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 4 Hands at The District, 17081 N. Outer Forty Road in Chesterfield. Sister Amanda Marie Detry, FSP, will give a talk on “Having the mind of Christ in an age of AI.” Copies of Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical, “Magnifica Humanitas,” and related reading will be available for purchase. Happy hour will be from 6-7 p.m., with the talk at 7:15 p.m.
Amendment 3 info night
An Amendment 3 information night will take place at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, at St. John the Baptist Church (part of St. Stephen Protomartyr Parish), 4200 Delor St. in St. Louis. Deacon Sam Lee of Campaign Life Missouri and Dr. David Stansfield of the Catholic Medical Association will walk participants through the key points of the amendment, answer questions and equip those present with the knowledge and resources they need to inform their families, parishes and community. For more information, contact the Respect Life Apostolate at prolife@archstl.org or call (314) 792-7555.
Naming and Commendation
St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Parish will host the Rite of Naming and Commendation for an Infant Who Has Died Before Birth at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, in the church, 4900 Ringer Road in Oakville. The rite memorializes children who have died before birth, including miscarriage, stillbirth, abortion or accident. It also offers parents and families an opportunity to name the child and unite with our merciful God, which can help bring peaceful closure to great loss. Parishes interested in hosting a future Rite of Naming and Commendation, or for more information, contact the Respect Life Apostolate at prolife@archstl.org or (314) 792-7555.
Candlelight Mass of Hope
The Our Lady of Guadalupe Pro-Life Ministry at St. Anselm Parish will host a Candlelight Mass at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, at St. Louis Abbey Church, 530 S. Mason Road in Creve Coeur, to commemorate Respect Life Month. Prayers will be offered for a culture that supports human life from the moment of conception until natural death. The Rosary will be prayed immediately after Mass and will include a special intention for the passage of Amendment 3.
Vocation Day
A Vocation Day will be hosted from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at St. Gianna Church in Wentzville. Young people ages 10-19 are invited to a deeper relationship with God, including tips on discerning a vocation. The day will include talks by priests and religious, fun activities, breakfast and lunch, eucharistic adoration, Rosary, Mass, prayer and a Q&A session to better hear God’s voice. Cost is $5 per person. Register by Oct. 14 for a free t-shirt. For more information or to register, visit vocationday2026.eventbrite.com/.
