McMurphy's closes
As part of a re-organization to a Housing First model, St. Patrick Center has announced the closing of McMurphy's Café at 800 North Tucker Boulevard and McMurphy's Café Express at 1520 Market Street, both in Downtown St. Louis. The restaurant and kiosk are part of the agency's employment training program being re-evaluated as part of St. Patrick Center's new Housing First organizational structure. St. Patrick Center remains committed to ending chronic homelessness in the St. Louis region, according to an agency media release. St. Patrick Center, along with partners Peter & Paul Community Services, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the St. Louis City Continuum of Care, has been providing housing coordination services through Biddle Housing Opportunities Center, with housing options and support services for people who are homeless or at risk, since August 2016. Analysis of the McMurphy's employment training program, including program staff visits to other similar operations around the country, is expected to take 12 to 18 months.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Marketing and Mission
The First Friday Mass and Speaker Series on Friday, April 7 at St. Louis University will feature James Fisher, the department chair at SLU's John Cook School of Business who will present "Marketing and Mission." The free event — at Boileau Hall, 38 N. Vandeventer Ave. — will start with Mass at noon, followed by a light lunch then Fisher's presentation. For registration, visit www.stlouisreview.com/bGs
Passion Play in Washington
The Washington Regional Passion Play Association will perform its annual production of Jesus' Passion at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 7 and 8; and at 2 and 4 p.m. Sunday, April 9, at the Father Seisl Council Knights of Columbus Hall, 1121 Columbus Lane in Washington. Admission is free, and donations are welcome. For more information, call (314) 541-3208 or (636) 742-2072.
Fine Line Studios art show
Good Shepherd Gallery in Ferguson will host an exhibit, "Inside Insight," demonstrating feelings and emotions of artists from Fine Line Studios, an arts-based day program supporting adults with developmental disabilities, in Bridgeton. The show will begin with an opening reception 4-6 p.m. Saturday, April 8, and will run through Thursday, April 27. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, and 12-4 Saturday, but the gallery will be closed for Good Friday, April 14 and Holy Saturday, April 15. The gallery is at 252 S. Florissant Road in Ferguson. For information about Fine Line Studios, visit www.finelinestudios.org
Erin Bode at Mercy Center
Jazz musician Erin Bode will perform a concert from 7-9 p.m. Saturday, April 8, at Mercy Center, 2039 Geyer Road in Frontenac. The concert benefits Mercy Conference and Retreat Ministry. Tickets are $25 for general seating and $50 for a "Friend of Mercy" ticket, which includes a wine and cheese reception with Erin from 6-6:30 p.m. and preferred seating for the concert. Tickets may be purchased in advance at www.mercycenterstl.org.
Concert
The St. Louis Chamber Chorus will present a concert, "Repentance & Regret," at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 9, at Most Holy Trinity Church, 3519 N. 14th St. in the Hyde Park neighborhood of north St. Louis. Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the door and $10 for students. To purchase tickets visit www.chamberchorus.org or call Linda Ryder at (636) 458-4343. In the fifth concert of its 61st season, the chorus will perform music written for the Lenten season and, specifically, Palm Sunday.
Risen Jesus Party
The Daughters of St. Paul will host their annual Risen Jesus Party for youngsters aged 3-7, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 15, at Pauline Books & Media in Crestwood. The free party includes prayer in the sister's chapel, story time, a photo shoot with Jesus (costumes provided) and more. For information, call (314) 965-3512.