#iGiveCatholic
Advanced giving for #iGiveCatholic is now open. #iGiveCatholic is a giving event for the faithful from participating dioceses across the nation and the world to unite and donate — both online and offline — to their favorite participating Catholic parishes, schools and ministries. #iGiveCatholic presents an opportunity for Catholics to support the organizations they are most passionate about on Giving Tuesday, Nov. 28. Find a parish, school or nonprofit ministry within the Archdiocese of St. Louis to donate to at stl.igivecatholic.org.
Baby Jesus Party
The Daughters of St. Paul will host their annual Baby Jesus Birthday Party, Saturday, Dec. 2, at Pauline Books & Media, 9804 Watson Road in Crestwood. A Christmas program, “Twas the Day Before Christmas in Bethlehem Town,” based on the book by Leslie Diggins, will take place at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Picture taking at the Nativity (costumes provided) will be available from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2-4 p.m. For more information, call (314) 965-3512.
Blue Christmas
prayer service
The Ascension Bereavement Community will host a Blue Christmas prayer service on Tuesday, Dec. 5, at Ascension Church, 230 Santa Maria Drive in Chesterfield. The prayer service is for anyone who has lost a loved one, feels overwhelmed with changes in the world, has broken relationships, health concerns or a heavy heart. For more information or to request a ride to the prayer service, call Cindy Huger with Ascension’s Bereavement and Grief Ministry at (314) 369-8052.
Longest Night
prayer service
The Christ the King Parish Respect Life Committee will host “The Longest Night” prayer service at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21, at St. Rita Church, 8240 Washington St. in Vinita Park. For many, the holidays can be a time filled with burdens, grief, fear and pain, and this prayer service will be an opportunity to gather as a hurting people and bring pain to the Lord. All are welcome to join to pray for strength, courage and acceptance; a reception will follow. For more information, contact Jamie at 618-806-2809.
Advent retreat
An Advent retreat, “Coming Home to Christ: The Journey Together,” will be offered Dec. 8-10 at the Marianist Retreat and Conference Center in Eureka. The retreat, led by Father Tom Santen, Lucia Signorelli and Steve Givens, will focus on a personal relationship with Christ, the still point in an ever-turning world that often leaves us feeling confused, disconnected, lonely and lost.
Through Scripture-opening teaching, experiences of various kinds of contemplative prayer, quiet reflection and small group sharing, the retreat will encourage those present to consider what it means to embrace Jesus as their center and true home. The weekend will include time and space for both silence and fellowship.
For more information or to register, visit marianistretreat.com/events/advent-retreat-2023/ or call Jennifer Duncan at (636) 938-5390.