Interreligious response to terrorist attacks

The Interfaith Partnership of Greater St. Louis and the 34 communities of religion and conscience it represents issued a statement mourning the loss of life after shootings at two mosques in the New Zealand city of Christchurch on March 15. “Those of us who pray, pray for the victims and their families, and offer our prayers of healing for the entire community wounded by this violence,” the statement noted, adding that there is a need “to work tirelessly to create a world in which attacks such as this never occur.” The statement condemned the attack and other similar attacks made on “our Muslim sisters, brothers, and friends. We stand in solidarity with our Muslim communities in St. Louis and our region and remain grateful for their presence.” David Oughton, professor of religion at Saint Louis University, is president of the board and Javier Orozco, executive director of Interreligious and Intercultural Affairs for the Archdiocese of St. Louis, is a board member. Orozco and Archbishop Robert J. Carlson serve on the partnership’s cabinet.

In memoriam

A memorial Mass for J. Kim Tucci was to be held March 29 at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis. Mr. Tucci died March 25 at the age of 78. Along with Joe Fresta and the late John Ferrara, Mr. Tucci founded The Pasta House Company in 1974. He also was a supporter of St. Patrick Center, a Catholic Charities agency serving people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Mr. Tucci was a partner in the opening of McMurphy’s Grill in 1990, then the nation’s first restaurant to provide employment and training to people experiencing homelessness. He also provided many in-kind gifts for the center’ clients, including “Tucci’s Turkeys” during the holidays. He also shared his talents for several years as an auctioneer at the center’s Irish Open. He also was a former member of the Saint Louis University Board of Trustees and chairman of the Billiken Club since its inception in 1991. He played soccer and coached teams at the former Holy Name Parish in North St. Louis and elsewhere. He also taught and coached at DeAndreis High School. He was elected to the Billiken Hall of Fame as a member of the 1960 men’s soccer team that won the NCAA championship and the 1963 championship team. He served as athletic trainer for both teams. In 2004, Mr. Tucci was presented the Catholic Youth Council Silver Boot Award. Survivors include his wife, Sharon, his daughter, Alexis Tucci, and two grandsons.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Urban planning

“Urban Planning — Why Planning Matters: The Role of Citizens in Promoting a Just Community” is the topic of the First Friday Mass, Lunch and Speaker Series hosted by Saint Louis University’s Office of Mission and Identity Friday, April 5. It begins with Mass at noon at Boileau Hall on campus at 38 N. Vandeventer Ave. The speaker is Sara L. Coffin, associate professor from the College of Public Health and Social Justice. Off-street parking is available in front of Boileau Hall. The event is complimentary, but registration is requested at www.bit.ly/2Uk2OfO.

Beatification celebration

A Mass of thanksgiving marking the beatification of Blessed Clelia Merloni, foundress of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart, will be celebrated at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 6, at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, 4431 Lindell Blvd. A reception will follow at Boland Hall. The Apostles of the Sacred Heart founded and operate Cor Jesu Academy in south St. Louis County. In addition, the Apostles established and operate Sacred Heart Villa, which offers an early childhood program serving children from age 2 through kindergarten. The sisters also have served at many other parishes and schools in the archdiocese.

Be square

L’Arche St. Louis is holding an Old Time Square Dance at 6 p.m. Saturday, April 6, in the St. Francis Xavier (College Church) Parish Ballroom, 3628 Lindell Blvd. on the campus of Saint Louis University. A donation of $5 is suggested for L’Arche communities in the developing world. Free parking is available in the Laclede garage. For information, email [email protected] or call (314) 405-8025.

Risen Jesus Party

The Daughters of St. Paul are hosting the third annual Risen Jesus Party from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 20, at Pauline Books & Media, 9804 Watson Road in Crestwood. The party, for children ages 3-7, is an opportunity to prepare them for Easter and help them to understand that Easter is about Jesus and the new life that He brings. The party includes a prayer experience in the sister’s chapel, story time, coloring, crafts, a photo shoot with Jesus in the Garden (costumes provided) and refreshments (bunny food). Admission is free. For information call (314) 965-3512.

Fasching Sonntag at Our Lady of the Holy Cross

Our Lady of the Holy Cross Parish, 8115 Church Road in the Baden neighborhood of north St. Louis, will host its annual Fasching Sonntag dinner Sunday, April 28, from 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. The celebration of the parish’s German heritage will include ham, sausage and meatloaf dinners, with sauerkraut, mashed potatoes and other sides. For sausage orders, call the rectory at (314) 381-0323 by Friday, April 12. Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 5-12, and children under 5 are free.

Ignatian Spirituality Project

Jesuit Father Bill Creed, co-founder of the Ignatian Spirituality Project, will give the Tony McDonald Memorial Capstone Lecture from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 30, at at St. Francis Xavier College Church, 3620 Lindell Blvd. Father Creed will speak on the work of the Ignatian Spirituality Project in 30 cities across the U.S., including St. Louis. He will also talk about the inspiration for helping homeless individuals recovering from alcohol and drug additions, integrating St. Ignatius Loyola’s Spiritual Exercises with 12-step recovery programs. For more information on the Ignatian Spirituality Project, see www.ispretreats.org.

Man of the Year

Application forms and guidelines to nominate a man of outstanding volunteer service for the Catholic Man of the Year are now available. The nominees and awardees will be honored at St. Joseph Radio’s annual dinner and awards ceremony Sunday, May 5, at the Hilton Frontenac, 1335 S. Lindbergh Blvd. in Frontenac. The event will be held from 5-10 p.m. For information about nominations or the dinner, visit www.saintjosephradio.net, call (636) 447-6000. The deadline for the nominations has been extended.

Miracle hunter coming to St. Louis

Michael O’Neill, the “Miracle Hunter” will visit St. Gianna Parish, 450 East Hwy N in Wentzville Sunday, May 5, for a presentation on miracles and how the Catholic Church investigates the supernatural. O’Neill’s website, www.miraclehunter.com, includes information on the investigation, documentation of miracles and alleged phenomena. His presentation will take place at 9:15 a.m, between regularly scheduled Masses at 8 and 11 a.m. The event is free, but RSVPs are appreciated by emailing [email protected].

St. Padre Pio relic

A St. Padre Pio testimony and first-class relic is coming to St. Louis May 2-4. Adolfo Affatato of Foggia Italy, a friend of St. Padre Pio will bring personal stories, wisdom and spiritual life lessons from St. Padre Pio as well as the relic, a glove worn by the saint. The events in St. Louis are Thursday, May 2, at 10 a.m. at St. Ambrose Parish, 5130 Wilson Ave. in south St. Louis, and 7 p.m. at St. Clement of Rome Parish, 1510 Bopp Road in Des Peres; Friday, May 3, at 10 a.m. at Incarnate Word Parish, 13416 Olive Blvd. in Chesterfield, and 7 p.m. at St. Ferdinand Parish, 1765 Charbonier Road in Florissant; and Saturday, May 4, at 10 a.m. at St. Richard Parish, 11223 Schuetz Road in Creve Coeur, and 7 p.m. at Assumption Parish, 4725 Mattis Road in south St. Louis County.

Hospice volunteers

Heartland Hospice is seeking volunteers to provide one-on-one attention to people in the final phase of terminal illness who are in need of companionship. Heartland volunteers offer support and practical, caring help, staying with a patient so family members can take a break, reading Scripture to patients or holding their hand. All assignments are in close proximity to a volunteer’s home, work or school. For information about the next training class, call Virginia at (314) 453-0990.

Volunteers sought

Room at the Inn is seeking volunteers for its Breakfast with the Inn Crowd event on Friday, May 10. Contact Mary at (314) 209-9181 or [email protected]. Doorways also is seeking volunteers. The interfaith nonprofit organization supported by the Annual Catholic Appeal provides housing and related supportive services to improve quality of life and health outcomes for people affected by HIV/AIDS. Help is needed with fundraisers, spring cleaning, companionship for residents, crafting, activity assistance, administrative functions and more. Contact Patrick Young at [email protected].