Spreading the message

St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Parish’s pastor, Father Tom Wyrsch, installed a series of signs (at right) at the entrance to the parish festival May 17-18. The idea came from the evangelization team brainstorming ways to make more connections and share the faith with people in the community. As the “Church that Prays Always,” parishioners prayed for everyone who came to the festival so that they would feel the love of Christ in people they met there.

Hard hats and more

Construction is slated to begin at the end of May on a new front entry at Bishop DuBourg High School in south St. Louis., beginning with the demolition of the current canopy on May 24. The project will include a new canopy, a reconfigured circle drive with an additional drop-off lane and visitor parking, and green space for students. Because of the construction, the front doors will be inaccessible for much of the summer. Visitors are asked to call the main office at (314) 832-3030 for access to the building. Construction won’t affect the summer sports, cooking and art camps at DuBourg. For information on the camps, visit www.campcavalier.org.

Honors for Fr. Ruhl

The University of Scranton was to bestow an honorary degree upon Jesuit Father Matthew Ruhl at its commencement ceremony in Scranton, Pa., May 26, Father Ruhl, former pastor of St. Matthew Parish in north St. Louis, is pastor of St. Peter Claver Parish in Punta Gorda, Belize. He previously was pastor of St. Martin de Porres Parish in Belize City. With support from St. Louisans and others through Belize 2020, he helped build a thriving parish despite rampant gang and drug violence. He once kayaked the length of the Mississippi River and cycled 5,000 miles to raise awareness and funding for people in need and stopping along the way to volunteer at food banks. Father Ruhl was inspired by a Catholic Charities goal of cutting poverty in half.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Financial coaching

Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County is offering free financial coaching and skills through its Homebuyer Readiness Program. The program is designed to help individuals overcome financial challenges in order to achieve their goals of home ownership. Homebuyer Readiness is open to anyone who is seeking financial help and wants to purchase a home. The program will feature monthly meetings focused on topics such as credit, debt, budgeting, setting goals, saving money and steps to getting pre-approved for a mortgage. Participants will also benefit from one-on-one coaching which will personalize the program to their specific financial needs and goals. The next workshop is from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 11, at the Spencer Road Branch Library, Community Commons, 427 Spencer Road in St. Peters. To register, call Michelle Woods at (636) 978-5712 x118 or visit www.bit.ly/2VmqZX7.

Breast cancer healing Mass

A Mass for those who have been affected by breast cancer will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, June 8, at St. Mary Magdalen Church, 2618 S. Brentwood Blvd. in Brentwood. Survivors and patients as well as family members and friends are welcome. The Mass will offer those in attendance the opportunity to join their sufferings with Christ in prayer for peace and healing of all. Father Jack Siefert, pastor of St. Mary Magdalen, will be the celebrant. A reception will be held after Mass. For more information, email [email protected] or visit STLRespectLife.org under programs and then spiritual support.