Great Preacher Award

The Aquinas Institute of Theology Great Preacher Award this year will honor two Dominican priests, Father Harry Byrne, OP, and Father Jude Siciliano, OP. The virtual celebration will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18. All proceeds benefit the Aquinas Scholarship Fund, which enables Aquinas Institute to offer financial aid to future preachers, teachers and Church leaders, many of whom would be otherwise unable to pursue theological studies. Established in 1995, the Great Preacher Award is presented to individuals who embody the “Holy Preaching” which Dominicans understand as a comprehensive and dynamic response to God’s presence in our lives and in the world. The honor goes to preachers who proclaim, in word and deed, the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the coming and presence of the reign of God. Father Byrne is professor emeritus at Aquinas Institute of Theology where he taught for 34 years. Father Siciliano is an itinerant

preacher and founder of the Preacher Exchange. For information on the virtual event, visit bit.ly/38odrEN or contact Erin Hammond at [email protected] or (314) 256-8808.

Children’s book by local author

Author Kelly Peach partnered with her mother, artist Mary Rae Reese, during the pandemic to bring to life a fun story for children of friendship that gives glory to God. “The Kitchen Bowl Gang” is a story about friendship and is inspired by the Bible. There are some surprises and life lessons, grounded in faith. Peach is senior director of communications at St. Patrick Center, a Catholic Charities agency. For information or to purchase the book, visit piccadillypeach.com or email [email protected].

Christmas card

Sacred Heart Villa on the Hill in St. Louis is selling Christmas cards for $15 for 10 cards and envelopes. The card may be purchased from the Villa website at www.sacredheartvilla.org, the Facebook page, www.facebook/SHVillaSTL/, or by calling the Villa at (314)-771-2224. All money raised from the sale of the cards will go to the Tuition Assistance Fund that helps

struggling young families with tuition payments. Sacred Heart Villa is a Catholic early learning center that is a mission of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Virtual Chrismas concert

“Home for Christmas: A Virtual Concert with the Daughters of St. Paul,” will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3. It is offered at no charge. Every December, the Daughters of Saint Paul Choir goes on tour to bring the Christmas message to people around the country. The virtual concert that will be streamed on the Daughters of St. Paul Youtube page at bit.ly/3n9Dofz.

St. Nicholas celebration

The Daughters of St. Paul at Pauline Books & Media will host a virtual celebration for the Feast of St. Nicholas at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5. Children will meet St. Nick and learn about the saint who became Santa. To register, email [email protected]. Call (314) 965-3512 for more information.