Albots compete at world robotics competition
The Albots Robotics Team at Sacred Heart School in Valley Park recently competed in the FIRST World Festival April 17-20 in Houston, Texas. The team’s robot placed fifth in the United States and 18th internationally. The Albots competed against more than 100 robotics teams in their age group from all over the world. The team includes Eleanor Hilton, Adam Garcia, Rory Luina, Dominic Novotny, Maura Toney, Summer Fugate, Audrey Hilton, Jason Wetter and Eric Pudlo. They are led by fifth-grade teacher/moderator Fran Hanson, and parent/grandparent volunteer coaches Beth and John Hilton and Art Woodward.
New principal
Visitation Academy selected Terence Murray as its upper school principal effective July 2019. The process began last November after current principal, Barb McMullen, announced her retirement at the end of the 2018-19 school year. “Terry is an experienced administrator who understands independent and Catholic schools both here in St. Louis and nationally,” said David Colón, Visitation Academy head of school. Murray has served as head of Upper School at The Hockaday School in Dallas since 2015. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history/education and a master’s degree in urban affairs from Saint Louis University. His experience in education also includes positions at Mary Institute Country Day School (MICDS) in St. Louis and St. Louis University High School. Visitation Academy is an independent, Catholic school offering a co-educational Montessori program in grades toddler through kindergarten and all all-girls environment in grades 1 through 12.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Fatima events
The World Apostolate of Fatima is sponsoring two events for the month of May. On Sunday May 5, the Apostolate will join with
St. Mary of Victories Parish, 744 S. Third St. in St. Louis, for the
9 a.m. Mass, followed by a pot-luck brunch. After brunch will be the biannual Rosary procession through the streets surrounding the church. The procession begins at noon. The annual novena in honor of Our Lady of Fatima will be held from May 5-13 at St. John Paul II Church, 4980 Heege Road in Affton. Each evening, the Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. followed by Mass at 7:30 p.m. For information, call (314) 562-5927.
Child’s Play art exhibit
Good Shepherd Arts Center will present, “Child’s Play: Creative Act as Contemplation,” May 5-25 at the arts center, 252 S. Florissant Road in Ferguson. A reception will be held from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, May 5. A special sneak preview will be held from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, May 4, for families with children. Young artists and art critics ages 2-12 are being sought to share their views and make art to enhance the exhibit. The Good Shepherd Arts Center is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays, or by appointment. Visit www.goodshepherdarts.org for more information.
Perfection
The Daughters of St. Paul are hosting Colleen Carroll Campbell for a pre-publication talk and book signing at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, at Pauline Books & Media, 9804 Watson Road in Crestwood. Campbell, award-winning author of “My Sisters the Saints,” journalist and former presidential speechwriter, will be introducing her newest book, “The Heart of Perfection: How the Saints Taught Me to Trade My Dream of Perfect for God’s.” Drawing upon the wisdom of the saints, the book points out that true satisfaction, peace, and joy are not the results of efforts to live a perfect life, but come as a gift of God’s love. For information and to register, call (314) 965-3512.
Walking with Purpose
Walking with Purpose, a women’s Catholic Bible study offering a Scripture-based program, invites women and parish leaders from throughout the Archdiocese of St. Louis to attend a Learn About Walking with Purpose Event at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, at St. Gerard Majella Parish, 1969 Dougherty Ferry Road in Kirkwood. Walking with Purpose offers at-home study and weekly small group discussions that link women’s everyday challenges with the solutions found in the teachings of Christ and the Catholic Church. Programs are currently offered in the Archdiocese of St. Louis at two parishes. To register for the event, contact Peg Petralia at [email protected] or register online at www.goo.gl/uxYdHu. For more information, contact Emily Thengvall, at [email protected].
Ecumenical prayer service
An ecumenical prayer service, “The Power of the Holy Spirit,” featuring the Michael Latchison Singing Ministry, will take place at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 19, at Christ Prince of Peace Church, 415 Weidman Road in Manchester. The event is being presented by the Knights of Columbus Council 12986 in partnership with Christ Prince of Peace Church, the archdiocesan Peace and Justice Commission and Solomon Temple Missionary Baptist Church.
Poverty simulation
The Incarnate Word Peace and Justice Ministry and the St. Vincent de Paul Voice of the Poor Committee will host a Poverty Simulation from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 4, in the gymnasium at Incarnate Word Church, 13416 Olive Blvd. in Chesterfield. Facilitated by the Community Action Agency of St. Louis County, the simulation will help participants understand what it is like to live in poverty. Adults and high school-age teens are welcome. To RSVP, contact Beth Cagle at (314) 651-6507 or [email protected] by May 28.
Borgia building turns 150
St. Francis Borgia Parish in Washington is celebrating 150 years of its current church building. Archbishop Robert J. Carlson will celebrate Mass at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, June 8, at the church, 115 Cedar St. A celebration will take place after Mass, including food and drink provided by parishioners who have area restaurants and food businesses. The Loehnig German Band will provide music, and there will be activities for children. This year also marks the 185th anniversary of the founding of St. Francis Borgia Parish.
Rosary River Run
The second annual St. Charles Rosary River Run/Walk will take place Saturday, June 8, in Frontier Park along Main Street in St. Charles. The event publicly celebrates the Rosary while raising funds for SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital in conjunction with the archdiocesan Glennon Sunday appeal. Participants may walk or run the 5K route lined in the form of rosary beads, which includes signs from supporters who’ve donated at least $50 or more. There also will be a one-mile walk. Those who choose to do their morning devotion without participating in the 5K may bring a chair and sit for free in the Magnificat section. For cost and registration information, visit tinyurl.com/StCharlesRiverRun Or visit stcharlesrosaryrun on Facebook.