Archdiocesan news briefs
World Day of Migrants and Refugees
Archbishop Mitchell T. Rozanski conveyed his blessings and prayers on “all who have fled poverty and violence to secure a better life for their families” in a statement for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees.
Pope Leo’s chosen theme for the day, marked on Sept. 27 this year, was “Even Just One of These Children.”
The archdiocese is “committed to walking with migrants, refugees and their loved ones, regardless of their legal status, and supporting them in their quest for justice and dignity,” Archbishop Rozanski said in his statement.
“As people of faith, we call upon our leaders to end the program of indiscriminate detention and mass deportation and establish a path to legal status for those currently without documentation,” he said. “We ask that undocumented children living in the United States and adults who were brought by their parents to this country as children be provided a means of attaining citizenship. We pray that avenues be provided so mixed-status families who have long contributed to our communities and our country can remain together.”
The archbishop also called for prayers for law enforcement officers and for conversion of hearts, transformed by God’s mercy.
“As a Church, we are called to follow the words of Pope Leo and regard every child in such circumstances as our own sons and daughters,” he said. “Anything less is a betrayal of the Gospel.”
Read Archbishop Rozanski’s full statement in English at stlreview.com/46MjqQS and in Spanish at stlreview.com/4rLuG9S.
Day of Service
In recognition of the archdiocese’s Bicentennial Jubilee, Holy Infant Parish in Ballwin will offer a family Day of Service on Saturday, Oct. 10, at numerous organizations throughout the St. Louis area. Mass will be celebrated at the parish at 8 a.m., with volunteer opportunities for all ages at various locations throughout the day. To view the list of locations and sign up, visit stlreview.com/4hobsSE. To see more details about the service projects, visit stlreview.com/4rFboTl.
Sustainable Fish Fry Workshop
The archdiocesan Laudato Si Commission will host a Sustainable Fish Fry Workshop from 9-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Cardinal Rigali Center in Shrewsbury. Participants will learn how to care for our common home and why using plastic is bad for human and Earth health. Organizers will share how composting is a strong step in addressing greenhouse gas reduction and discuss tactics to reduce waste, learn best practices from low-waste fish fry practitioners and help take the next steps to hosting a “green” fish fry. To register, visit stlreview.com/4z2fnM6. For more information, contact the Laudato Si Commission at (314) 472-3141 or LaudatoSiCommission@archstl.org.
Respect Life Mass
In honor of Respect Life Month in October, the archdiocesan Respect Life Apostolate will host a Celebrate Life Mass at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis. Father Carl Scheble, vicar general, will be the main celebrant and Respect Life Apostolate chaplain Father Mark Madden will be the homilist. The Mass will include a collection to benefit the archdiocesan Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Fund, which gives direct assistance to local mothers and children, with a Rosary and reception to follow.
Prayer before the election
“Lord, Give Us Wisdom,” a prayer service for the coming election, will take place at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, at St. Justin Martyr Church, 11910 Eddie & Park Road in Sunset Hills. Father Chris Schroeder will be the homilist. Join others for prayers, Scripture and hymns to prepare ourselves, our hearts and our souls for the upcoming November election.
Witness to Hope
A regional gathering, “Witness to Hope: Pastoral Care of Immigrant Communities from a Catholic Perspective,” will take place from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at St. Louis University High School, 4970 Oakland Ave. in St. Louis. The event is part of a national series in which priests, bishops, parish leaders and immigration rights advocates gather to discuss what the Church can do at the parish and diocesan levels to accompany immigrant communities. Discussion topics include the Church’s teachings on immigration, enforcement and the dignity of the human person; “know your rights” guidance; the status of sensitive locations such as parishes, schools and hospitals; strategies for accompanying and supporting immigrant families; thoughtful approaches to public events and public witness; and effective communications strategies. The event is sponsored by the Archdiocese of St. Louis, the Center for Migration Studies of New York and the Hope Border Institute, along with other co-sponsors. Cost is $10 per person, which includes light breakfast and lunch. To register, visit tinyurl.com/YFHZJBAP or email Marie Kenyon at mariekenyon@archstl.org.
