Gift to create Dill Center

St. Louis University High School broke ground on the J. Anthony ’57 and Donna M. Dill Center for Academic Success on March 3. It will be the new home for School Counseling, College Counseling and School Administration, funded by a $3 million gift from the Dills. The 6,300-square-foot space is on the first floor of the main building in an area previously occupied by the cafeteria. It will includes 14 offices, three reception lounges, three storage rooms, two conference rooms, one large work room/kitchenette and one reprieve room. SLUH’s Go Forth bicentennial campaign has received commitments of more than $57 million toward the goal of $70 million. Go Forth also will renovate and restore the chapel and install the David J. and Kelly E. Laughlin Campus Ministry Center; re-open and transform the old auditorium into a library, research and world learning center; and make the school’s annual commitment to financial aid permanent by adding $10 million to the endowment.

REAP Team review

The Archdiocese of St. Louis has paused the operations of the REAP Team while the archdiocesan leadership team and the Office of Catholic Education and Formation conducts a comprehensive review of the program. The REAP Team is a retreat ministry of the Archdiocese of St. Louis that provides youth of all ages with a positive experience of Christ and His Church. The goal of the review will be to ensure that the ministry’s mission and purpose continue to be aligned with those of the archbishop and Archdiocese of St. Louis, according to Deacon Christopher M. Ast, interim director of the Department of Evangelization and Parish Ministry Support. “Together, we will consider the best way forward to ensure our youth are provided with opportunities for fun retreats that form and guide them more deeply in their Catholic faith,” he stated.

New football coach

Ken Turner is the new head football coach at St. Mary’s High School in St. Louis. Turner was head football coach for Althoff Catholic High School in Belleville, Ill., for 11 years. He led the team to 10 winning seasons and nine playoff appearances with an overall record of 82-51. He won three consecutive conference championships and guided his team to Illinois High School Association State championship title games in 2012 and 2015. “Ken brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to St. Mary’s High School not only as a coach but as a teacher and mentor. He understands the balance between winning games and education excellence. I believe that Ken’s desire to develop the character of our young players will be a great attribute for our Dragons. His commitment to instilling good sportsmanship skills is an example for all high schools,” stated Tony Dattoli, St. Mary’s athletic director. St. Mary’s President Michael England said Turner “is a successful football coach and a man of God. He will be an excellent leader on and off the field and a positive role model for our young men.” He replaces Corey Bethany, who resigned in February to join the Lindenwood University football staff.

EVENTS

Justice, advocacy efforts

“Sowing Seeds: A Gathering to Cultivate Catholic Justice Discipleship” will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at Fontbonne University, 6800 Wydown Blvd. in Clayton. The Seeds of Justice Network and the Archdiocese of St. Louis Peace and Justice Commission are holding the event to cultivate regional Catholic social justice initiatives and share ideas. The event will support parish-based and collaborative social justice and advocacy efforts, and highlight issues facing the community (including the 2020 election, immigration, health care, and the environment) and their connection to Catholic social teaching. Register at fontbonne.edu/seeds2020. Registration is $20 and includes parking, a light breakfast and lunch. Scholarships and volunteer opportunities (complimentary registration extended to volunteers) are available. Contact Pat at (314) 504-3669 or Michelle at [email protected].

Let it go, let the Holy Spirit flow

Il Ritiro Franciscan Retreat Center in Dittmer, will offer a retreat focused on the Holy Spirit in Biblical times and in our daily lives. Learn how this often forgotten member of the Holy Trinity has been active in your life and to share those experiences with others. Sister Cecilia Loomer, SFCC, will present the retreat on Saturday, March 14, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and again on Tuesday, March 17, from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. To register, call (636) 274-0554, email at [email protected] or see Ilritiro.org.