Postpartum Medicaid coverage extended

On Nov. 14, The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced that Missouri will extend comprehensive coverage after pregnancy through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for postpartum women for a full 12 months. Previously, Medicaid coverage for low-income women would end after 60 days. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services stated that up to an additional 18,000 Missouri women would now be eligible for Medicaid coverage after the birth of their child. The approval makes Missouri the 40th state to extend postpartum Medicaid coverage.

The legislation, passed in 2023, was the result of a bipartisan effort to lower Missouri’s maternal and infant morbidity and mortality rates and was supported by the Missouri Catholic Conference, the public policy agency of the Missouri bishops.

“Cathonomics”

Anthony M. Annett, author of “Cathonomics,” will speak at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30, at the Chaifetz School of Business at Saint Louis University, 3674 Lindell Blvd. The talk will mark the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ “Joy of the Gospel” through reflection on Catholic Social Teaching and economics. Auxiliary Bishop Mark S. Rivituso will offer a welcome. For more information, contact Marie Kenyon with the archdiocesan Office of Peace and Justice at (314) 792-7062 or [email protected].

Advent reflection

The Sodality of the Most Sacred Heart will host First Friday devotions and an Advent reflection from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at St. Mary Magdalen, 2618 Brentwood Blvd. in Brentwood. Adoration, confessions and Benediction will take place at 4:30, followed by Mass at 5:30, celebrated by Father Afonso Seixas-Nunes, SJ, assistant professor at Saint Louis University’s School of Law. After Mass, a light dinner (free-will offering) will be served, followed by Father Seixas-Nunes’ reflection on “The Manger.” Activities for children will be offered during the reflection. For more information, visit www.mostsacredheart.net.

Scenes of the Nativity

St. Joseph Parish in Cottleville will host “Scenes of the Nativity,” from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, at the parish, 1355 Motherhead Road. The family-friendly event to help prepare for the birth of Christ will include more than 300 Nativity scenes from all over the world. The free event also will include music, children’s activities, a raffle and 50/50.

Naming and Commendation

A Naming & Commendation prayer service for families whose child died before birth for any reason (including miscarriage, accident, abortion or stillbirth) will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, at St. Francis Borgia Church, 115 Cedar St. in Washington. The rite offers parents and families an opportunity to name the child, bring peaceful closure to great loss and unite with our merciful God. To RSVP or for more information, text or call Jane by Nov. 30 at (636) 432-6781.

Catholic Charities new CFO

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of St. Louis has named John M. Ferrara as its new chief financial officer, effective Dec. 4. Ferrara has more than two decades of financial leadership experience. He has a master’s in business administration and a financial modeling and valuation analyst certification. Ferrara, his wife, Michelle, and their three children reside in Fenton and are parishioners at Sacred Heart in Valley Park.

Cathedral Advent Day of Recollection

All are invited to join Archbishop Mitchell T. Rozanski for an Advent Day of Recollection and Reconciliation on Saturday, Dec. 9, at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis. Archbishop Rozanski will give the opening conference at 1 p.m., and Father Patrick Hough, SJ, will give the second conference at 2 p.m., followed by eucharistic adoration, confession, sung vespers, Benediction and 5 p.m. Mass. The event is free and open to all.

Mass In Memory Of Our Children

The annual Mass in Memory of Our Children will be celebrated at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, Basilica of St Louis, King of France (Old Cathedral), 209 Walnut St. in Downtown St. Louis. Father Mitch Doyen will be the celebrant. The Mass is an annual tradition that provides families who have lost a child with a way to include them in their Christmas celebrations. All are welcome. For more information, contact Cindy Swain at (314) 313-1701.