Archdiocese, Incarnate Word Foundation partner to pay medical debt for those in need
The Archdiocese of St. Louis and Incarnate Word Foundation have partnered to pay off medical debt for 13,117 people in need. Each organization committed a $31,250 donation to the nonprofit RIP Medical Debt.
The combined $62,500 donation funded more than $11.5 million in purchased debt for families and individuals living in 99 Missouri counties and 13 Illinois counties who earn less than four times the federal poverty level or whose medical debts total more than five percent of their annual income, a report from RIP Medical Debt said.
“We are called by Christ and His Church to support human life at all stages,” Archbishop Mitchell T. Rozanski said. “This is one small way of answering that call, by offering relief to neighbors who are struggling to address insurmountable medical debt.”
“The Incarnate Word Foundation welcomed this opportunity to partner with the archdiocese,” said Bridget Flood, executive director of the Incarnate Word Foundation. “Relieving the persistent anxiety caused by the burden of debt not only changes someone’s financial situation but also improves mental health and offers hope for a better future.”
Cathedral Basilica Gala
More than $700,000 was raised at the annual Cathedral Basilica Gala, held Aug. 20 at Old Warson Country Club. Funding goes toward preservation and restoration efforts at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis. Future projects include a second phase of replacing interior lighting; cleaning of the baldacchino and mosaics in the sanctuary; and restoration of the exterior facade of the cathedral basilica. A donor has made a $2 million gift toward the facade restoration.
Additional contributions are still needed for the cause. The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis Parish is considered the mother church of the archdiocese and has a mission of hospitality to the rest of the archdiocese and other visitors. It is well known all over the world because of its mosaics, which are designed to remind all that God reaches into earthly lives. For details on making a contribution, visit cathedralstl.org/fund-a-need.
Blue Mass
Archbishop Mitchell T. Rozanski will celebrate the annual archdiocesan Blue Mass for first responders and their families at 10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 11 at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis. A reception will follow Mass.
Rachel’s Vineyard
Men, women and couples wounded by abortion are invited to attend the third archdiocesan Rachel’s Vineyard weekend retreat, Sept. 16-18. Rachel’s Vineyard, offered through the Archdiocese of St. Louis’ Abortion Healing Ministry, has helped more than 320,000 women and men globally since its founding in 1993 by psychologist Theresa Burke. (Learn more at rachelsvineyard.org.)
The retreat will be held in a comfortable and prayerful setting in the St. Louis area, with the exact location shared at registration. The cost is $100 to attend, which includes two nights of lodging, all meals and materials. To register by Sept. 6 or for more information, contact (314) 406-0815, [email protected] or visit archstl.org/hope-healing. All information and inquiries are kept confidential.
Jubilee Mass
The annual Marriage Jubilee Mass honors couples with 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, or over 50 years of marriage. The Mass will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9 at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis. Family and friends are welcome and encouraged to attend. For more details or to register by Sept. 9, call (314) 792-7171 or visit archstl.org/jubilee.
Academy of the Sacred Heart names new head of school
Tim Horner has been named the 46th Head of School at the Academy of the Sacred Heart in St. Charles. He began his role July 1. Horner is the first male head of school in the academy’s 204-year history. The Academy of the Sacred Heart is an independent Catholic school founded in 1818 by St. Rose Philippine Duchesne, the first of many Sacred Heart schools established in the United States.