Vets for pets
The Criminal Justice Ministry has announced the return of Vets 4 Pets at local farmers’ markets. Starting April 10, the handmade treats, scarves, dog beds and more produced and sold by veterans served by the ministry will be available at Tower Grove Park in St. Louis on Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Young adult cancer program
Adolescent and young adult cancer patients, typically ranging in age from 15-30, now have a dedicated treatment space at Mercy Hospital St. Louis. The Mercy Cardinals Young Adult Cancer Program includes a multifaceted, team-based approach providing state-of-the-art medical care while addressing the emotional, financial, education and career disruptions that a cancer diagnosis entails. “Adolescent and young adult patients diagnosed with cancer face a unique struggle as they are forced to confront their own mortality at a time when their peers are discovering independence and feeling invincible,” said Dr. Rob Hanson, Mercy Clinic pediatric hematologist-oncologist and director of the Cardinals Young Adult Cancer Program.
No more divide
“The Great Divide: Race in Our Region” is a series of virtual conversations involving the interfaith community in St. Louis. The sessions present background from experts on the topics, stories of people directly impacted and ways to take action. Each session begins at noon and will last an hour. All are welcome to stay for a half hour of questions and discussion. Topics are: environmental justice, Wednesday, April 14; and court systems, Wednesday, May 12. Program partners include the Peace and Justice Commission of the Archdiocese of St. Louis. For information or to register, visit https://bit.ly/3up4Pp9.
No to violence, hatred
The Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, USA, decry recent events of violence and hatred against the Asian American/Pacific Islander community. In their statement, they write that “each act of hate and discrimination is abhorrent in a country built by immigrants and founded on the principle that all people are created equal. Incidences of violence against any person based on their race, faith or way of life diminishes our society as a whole.” In 2020, the Daughters of Charity took a stand affirming the dignity and human rights of all persons and pledged to eradicate racism in themselves, the communities they serve and the country. See the full statement at https://bit.ly/3dCVyDd.
Living Rosary
Our Lady of Guadalupe for Life will host a Living Rosary for Life at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 18, at Assumption Church, 4725 Mattis Road in south St. Louis County. The group will pray the Rosary and honor St. John Paul II and his devotion to the Rosary. Our Lady of Guadalupe for Life is a nonprofit group that sponsors pro-life billboards along St. Louis area highways.
Volunteers for gala
Volunteers are needed for St. Patrick Center’s Irish Open Gala on Saturday, June 5, at the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station in Downtown St. Louis. More than 60 volunteers are sought to help with event set-up, gala registration, silent auction crew, live auction raffle sales and live-auction spotter. Excluding set-up, all volunteers will be asked to adhere to a semi-formal dress code. Groups are welcome. All volunteers must be 18 years or older and must wear masks, social distance and follow our other safety measures. To register, visit
stpatrickcenter.org/
volunteer-opportunities.
Praying for Myanmar
Families from the Burmese community across the area attended a Mass on Easter at St. Pius V Church in St. Louis celebrated by Father Stephen En Suan Lian with prayers for democracy in Myanmar (the former Burma). At the Vatican on the Easter Vigil, Pope Francis expressed closeness to the young people of Myanmar committed to supporting democracy and making their voices heard peacefully, “in the knowledge that hatred can be dispelled only by love.” At least 114 people were killed by security forces March 27, the bloodiest day since the military seized power Feb. 1, reported ucanews.com. Dozens of victims were bystanders, including children, who were not taking part in anti-coup demonstrations.
Go deep, Cards
SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Foundation has begun its 10th season of Homers for Health, which raises funds for the children served by SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. Thanks to the generosity of thousands of Cardinals fans from across the nation and around the world, this program contributes to exceptional, state-of-the-art health care and the creation of child-friendly, family-centered environments within the hospital. Homers for Health was founded by former St. Louis Cardinal Matt Holliday and his wife Leslee. For information or to make a pledge, visit www.glennon.org.
Monthly prayer at Marianist Retreat
The Marianist Retreat and Conference Center will begin hosting a monthly prayer meeting on first Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the welcome and opening prayer beginning at 6:30. The evening will include praise and worship, a Marianist Moment, talk and teaching and group discussion. The first prayer meeting will be held May 6 and will include Carrie Bajzath as worship leader, Marianist Moment by Paul Masek, and teaching by Larry Decker. The Marianist Retreat and Conference Center is located at 4000 Highway 109 in Eureka.
Project Rachael
Project Rachel, an abortion healing ministry program of the Archdiocese of St. Louis, is holding a day of spiritual reflection for women wounded by abortion. The day, which includes Mass, the Sacrament of Reconciliation and a light lunch, will be held in a confidential, prayerful setting in the St. Louis area on Saturday, May 8 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Marisol Pfaff, Project Rachel coordinator and certified spiritual director, will help participants realize the hope, love, and mercy of Jesus Christ. For information or to participate, call (314) 277-5057 or email [email protected].
St. Joseph men’s retreat
The Marianist Retreat and Conference Center in Eureka will host a St. Joseph Retreat for men on Saturday, May 8 from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. The theme of the retreat is: “Becoming a Man Like St. Joseph.” Presenters include Jared Bryson, Larry Decker and Paul Masek. The day will include time for reflective listening, group discussion, personal prayer, all-day coffee service, continental breakfast and lunch. Due to COVID regulations, spots are limited, but a minimum of 22 attendees are needed to make this retreat happen. Cost is $60 per person. For more information or to register, call (636) 938-5390.