Kudos to Gov. Greitens
The Missouri Catholic Conference (MCC) applauded Gov. Eric Greitens' decision Aug. 22 to stay the execution of Marcellus Williams and appoint a board of inquiry to evaluate DNA evidence in the case. "Mr. Williams' case exposes the inherent problems with capital murder trials," said Rita Linhardt, MCC senior staff associate and chair of the board of Missourians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty. "We appreciate the governor's willingness to allow further deliberation on the DNA evidence, and are grateful that he stayed the execution." An MCC newsletter later stated that the case highlights the brokenness of the death penalty system, especially since the courts had not examined the new DNA evidence. The MCC asked people to contact Greitens at www.stlouisreview.com/jjC or by calling his office at (751) 573-3222.
English tutoring advocates
The English Tutoring Project is entering its 20th academic year with four new board members. The program is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing on-site assistance to children from refugee and immigrant families to acquire English language skills in an environment where all children experience respect for themselves and their culture. The new board members are Sister Clare Bass, a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet who is pursuing a master's degree in social work; Cathy Johns, director of curriculum for the Catholic Education Office of the archdiocese; Barbara Teng, vice president at C Rallo Contracting; and Iggy Yuan, the child of refugees from the Chinese Revolution and the only member of his family born in America. Yuan is the associate general counsel for First Bank and serves on the boards of the Asian Bar Association the Alumni Board of St. Louis Priory School and is active with the Asian American Chamber of Commerce. The new members are serving three-year terms. Founded in 1998, the English Tutoring Project is an initiative of the St. Louis Area Women Religious Collaborative Ministries comprised of sisters from 17 different congregations.
Get ready for World Youth Day 2019
The archdiocesan Office of Young Adult Ministry, along with the Office of Hispanic Ministry are sponsoring a trip to Panama for World Youth Day 2019. Young adults ages 18-35 will travel to Panama Jan. 20-28, 2019, for the event, featuring cultural festivities, daily catechesis, a day trip to the rainforests of Soberania National Park and a pilgrimage walk to an overnight prayer vigil and morning Mass with the pope. Cost is $2,349 per person. Participants must be 18 by Jan. 20, 2019 and have a valid passport. To register or for more information, visit stlyoungadults.com or email [email protected].
UPCOMING EVENTS
Race relations pilgrimage
The North City Deanery Interracial Relations Committee is hosting its second annual pilgrimage on Saturday, Sept. 9, to draw attention to the history and reality of racism and witness to hope for reconciliation and transformation. The pilgrimage will begin at 9:30 a.m. at St. Louis University's Clock Tower and end with lunch at St. Alphonsus "Rock" Church.
How Can I Keep from Singing?
St. Louis artist Mary Martin will be featured in the next exhibit at Good Shepherd Gallery, "How Can I Keep from Singing?" The show will run Saturday, Sept. 9 through Saturday, Sept. 30, with the opening reception 4-6 p.m. Sept. 9. In the exhibit, Martin brings to life the lyrics of the traditional hymn, in colorful collages and mixed media paintings. The images and lyrics proclaim that despite the trials and tribulations of this life we can keep an unshakable calm in our hearts and a song on our lips when we cling to the Lord of heaven and earth. The gallery is at 252 S. Florissant Road in Ferguson. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 2-8 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and by appointment on Tuesday. The gallery is closed Sunday and Monday.
Clowns needed
The Knights of Columbus Clown Club is seeking new members for its ministry. The mission of the group is "Spreading God's Love and Joy through Clown Ministry." The group will host a meeting Monday, Sept. 11, at Most Sacred Heart in Eureka. For more information, contact Joseph "PaPaJo" Moses at (636) 274-2927 or email [email protected].
Hibernians' country fair
The Ancient Order of Hibernians will hold its 26th annual "Irish Country Fair" from noon- 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11, at St. James the Greater Church, 6401 Wade at Tamm, in the Dogtown neighborhood of south St. Louis. The event includes Irish music and dance, children's activities, an Irish Market, food, beverages, booths and games. A portion of the proceeds from this year's event will be donated to St. James the Greater School and other local charities. For more information, visit www.stlhibernians.com.