Healthy Housing Initiative

Catholic Charities of St. Louis has been selected as one of five Catholic Charities agencies nationwide to pilot a five-year, multi-million dollar initiative aimed at reducing chronic homelessness by 20 percent, decreasing hospital readmission rates for this population by at least 25 percent and connecting 35 percent of newly housed persons with primary care and behavioral health services. The Healthy Housing Initiative, announced Feb. 11 by Catholic Charities USA, will also launch in Detroit, Las Vegas, Portland and Spokane. As the local Healthy Housing Initiative lead, Catholic Charities of St. Louis will collaborate with St. Patrick Center and other Catholic Charities federated agencies, as well as the Archdiocese of St. Louis, Incarnate Word Foundation, Mercy and SSM Health. “I am proud of the work all eight of our federated agencies do to help empower people in our community who are poor and vulnerable,” said Catholic Charities of St. Louis President Theresa Ruzicka. “This opportunity from Catholic Charities USA is a blessing that will further expand our ministry to people who are experiencing home insecurity and related barriers to independence.” As an agency focused on providing opportunities to those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, St. Patrick Center will play a major part in the five-year program.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Pollinators

Two programs are planned by the Franciscans for Earth on pollinators. Ed Spevak will speak on “The Importance of Pollinators: Do we need new ways to think and act for their conservation?” at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, at the Tau Center, 335 S. Kirkwood Road in Kirkwood. Spevak is the curator of invertebrates at the St. Louis Zoo and is director of St. Louis Zoo’s WildCare Institute Center for Native Pollinator Conservation. He serves as the program officer for the IUCN SSC Bumblebee Specialist Group, co-chairs the Bumble Bee Task Force of the North American Pollinator Protection Campaign and is on the steering committees of the Honey Bee Health Coalition, Keystone Monarch Collaborative and Missourians for Monarchs Collaborative. Scott Moser will speak on “Pollinator Problems” at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, at the De Soto Community Center, 400 Boyd St. in De Soto. Moser is the past president for both the Jefferson County Beekeepers Association and the Missouri State Beekeepers Association. There is no charge for the programs, and refreshments will be served. Anyone planning to attend is asked to register at www.fsolph.org or call (314) 965-3700.

Sitting Bull

The Fontbonne University Department of Fine Arts presents an exhibition from Feb. 22 to March 15 on Sitting Bull and the quiet history and persecution of the Native American. The free exhibition at the university’s Gallery of Art, Fine Arts Building, 6800 Wydown Blvd. in Clayton, consists of pen drawings, paints and mixed media collages by St. Louis artist Craig Norton. A free opening reception featuring the artist will take place from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22. Gallery Hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday, noon-4 p.m. “This show is a great example of Fontbonne University as a whole; the acknowledgement that we need to treat all persons equally and find ways to be proactive and work toward ending social injustices,” said Anthony Borchardt, assistant arts professor and director of the Gallery of Art.

Human trafficking

A program on human trafficking will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, at St. Margaret of Scotland School cafeteria, 3964 Castleman Ave. The program will include a viewing of a short video, “Dreams Die Hard,” about three victims of trafficking, as well as a panel and discussion on human trafficking, including in St. Louis. A number of representatives of organizations will explain their efforts. Child care is available. For information, contact Pat Dougherty at [email protected].

Urban education success

Cardinal Ritter College Prep High School will host the Eighth Annual “Celebrating Success in Urban Education” Gala, at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, at The Coronado Ballroom, 3701 Lindell Blvd. in Midtown St. Louis. Michael McMillan, president/chief executive officer of the Metropolitan St. Louis Urban League, will serve as emcee. Archbishop Robert J. Carlson will be a featured speaker and Cardinal Justin Rigali will attend as an honored guest. Cardinal Ritter College Prep is an archdiocesan Catholic high school whose graduates are prepared to succeed based upon a strong foundation of academic excellence, faith development and leadership training. All of its 2018 graduates were accepted into colleges or universities. All proceeds from the gala will support the school’s financial assistance and scholarship program. For tickets or information, visit www.cardinalritterprep.org/gala.

Habitat home

Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County is seeking applications through Feb. 28 from individuals and families to be considered for a home in St. Charles County. To qualify, applicants must be in need of safe and affordable housing and have lived or worked in St. Charles County for one year at the time of application. In addition, individuals and families must meet the income requirements and have a willingness to partner with Habitat and complete “sweat equity” hours. Habitat approves applicants for homes they will purchase with affordable mortgages. For an application, visit www.habitatstcharles.org or call (636) 978-5712. A homeowner information meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, at the Habitat St. Charles Office, 2041 Trade Center Drive in St. Peters.

Lenten book club

The Daughters of St. Paul will host WINE (Women in the New Evangelization) with their Lenten Book Club, “Read Between the Wine’s” 1-2 p.m. Wednesdays, March 6 to April 17 at Pauline Books & Media, 9804 Watson Road in Crestwood. WINE encourages, supports, and nurtures Catholic women in their faith by equipping and mobilizing them as intentional disciples of Jesus Christ. This Lent they will read “Meeting God in the Upper Room” by Msgr. Peter Vaghi. Call (314) 965-3512 to register.

Lenten film series

The Sisters Lenten Film Series on Thursdays at Pauline Books & Media, 9804 Watson Road in Crestwood, will include “Wonder,” March 7; “Amish Grace,” March 21; and “Goodbye Christopher Robin,” April 4. Movies begin at 6:30 p.m. followed by a guided discussion with the Daughters of St. Paul. Admission is free. For information, call (314) 965-3512.

Information on the diaconate

The Office of the Permanent Diaconate will hold informational meetings for men who are interested in exploring the possibility of a vocation to the permanent diaconate at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 12, and Thursday, March 21, at Cardinal Rigali Center, 20 Archbishop May Drive in Shrewsbury. Interested men are invited to attend one of the sessions. Their wives are strongly encouraged to attend. For more information or to reserve a spot at the meeting, contact the office at (314) 792-7431, or [email protected].