Jubilarian: Father Michel anniversary
Jesuit Father Thomas Michel celebrated the 50th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood earlier this year. Father Michel, together with his classmates from Kenrick Seminary in St. Louis, was ordained by Cardinal Joseph Ritter in the St. Louis Cathedral on March 11, 1967. After ordination, Father Michel worked as assistant pastor of Most Precious Blood Parish in Lemay until he entered the Society of Jesus and took vows as a Jesuit in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, on Aug. 15, 1970. After teaching at Sanata Dharma University in Indonesia, Father Michel worked in the Vatican's Council for Interreligious Dialogue as head of the Office for Relations with Muslims from 1981-94, then as ecumenical and interreligious secretary for the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences, and as interreligious secretary for the Society of Jesus from 1996 to 2008. From 2008-16, he taught courses on Christian theology in Turkey, in Doha, Qatar and at the Pontifical Institute for Arabic and Islamic Studies (PISAI) in Rome. He will teach at Jesuit University in Chaing Saen, Thailand.
Bishop Hermann named Man of the Year
Bishop-emeritus Robert J. Hermann was named 2017 St. Paul Man of the Year at the Daughters of St. Paul 41st annual benefit dinner Sept. 24 at The Cedars at St. Raymond's. The award is presented to a man, woman or couple who has given meritorious service to the Catholic community in St. Louis. Bishop Hermann was recognized for his 54 years of service to the archdiocese.
Additionally, Gregory and Anna Maria Usselmann of Assumption Parish in Mattese received the Mother Paula Memorial of Gratitude. The award is presented to an individual or couple who have provided special service and support to the Daughters over the years.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Wealth disparities and race
William Emmons, assistant vice-president at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, will give a presentation for "The Future In Black and White" speaker series and reception noon-3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1 at St. Louis Catholic Academy School Gym, 4720 Carter Ave. in St. Louis. The series examines the social justice issue of the wealth disparity between races. Emmons' presentation is entitled, "What Does the Future Hold & How Can We Make it Better?" The event is sponsored by St. Elizabeth Mother of John the Baptist Parish, St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Parish and the archdiocesan Peace & Justice Commission. With limited space, reservations are required. For information or registration, contact Dorothy Dempsey at [email protected] or call St. Elizabeth parish at (314) 381-4145.
St. John's Bible inspires arts, crafts fair
St. Ann Parish in Normandy will host an arts and crafts fair with a different spin — "The Importance of Sacred Art to Our Faith" — on Saturday, Oct. 7, 10 a.m to 3 p.m. Inspired by the St. John's Bible, St. Ann's Arts and Crafts Festival will include a presentation about praying with art by Sister Glynis Mary McManamon, RGS, of event co-sponsor Good Shepherd Gallery. In addition, the festival will feature raffles, children's activities, music and dancing. Proceeds will support St. Ann's St. Vincent DePaul conference in helping neighbors in need.
Family festival
The Marianist Retreat Retreat and Conference Center in Eureka will host a free family festival 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8, in celebration of its 50th anniversary. The rain or shine event features the "Smash" band and musician Kyle HueIsing, plus a Budweiser Clydesdale, a digital scavenger hunt, God "rocks," bounce houses and more among about 30 family friendly activities. The event is free, but attendees are asked to bring canned goods to benefit the St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry at St. Alban Roe Parish. On 120 acres along the Meramec River, the retreat center is located at 4000 Highway 109 in Eureka, about 2.3 miles north of Interstate 44. For more information, visit Mretreat.org or call (636) 938-5390.