Bishops’ statement on abortion initiative petitions

The Catholic Bishops of Missouri issued a statement on several proposals that seek to amend Missouri’s constitution to allow abortions. “In Missouri, the dignity of life in its earliest stages is being threatened by proposed amendments to the state constitution that would remove legal protections for women and preborn children,” they said.

Although none of the initiatives have been finalized for the November 2024 ballot, the bishops encouraged everyone to safeguard the right to life. The bishops also reiterated their support of efforts that seek to reduce or eliminate underlying social causes that lead to abortion, including expanding care and resources available to mothers.

The Missouri Catholic Conference will continue to collaborate with diocesan pro-life offices and other pro-life groups to protect the health and safety of women and their children, they said. “As we stated after Roe v. Wade was overturned, the Catholic Church stands ready to continue providing spiritual and material support to expectant mothers and their families through our parishes and ministries, and to advocate on their behalf and on behalf of their unborn children at the state and federal levels.” To read the full statement, visit stlreview.com/3TnOoJv.

Evening at SEEK 2024

Everyone from the Archdiocese of St. Louis is invited to attend the evening keynote talks and eucharistic adoration at the SEEK 2024 conference on Wednesday, Jan. 3. The evening will feature Father Mike Schmitz (host of the podcast “The Bible In a Year”)and Edward Sri (vice president of FOCUS). The evening will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Dome at the America’s Center, 701 Convention Plaza. This evening is free, but registration is required. To register, visit stlreview.com/3TiaZap. A reception also will be held before the night of adoration and speakers, beginning at 5:45 p.m. Registration is required at stlreview.com/41jf9k8.

Registration is also still open for the entire SEEK 2024 conference, the Fellowship of Catholic University Students’ (FOCUS) five-day event of speakers, prayer and mission. The Making Missionary Disciples track is open to any adult and will provide training on living missionary discipleship in everyday life. Participants from the Archdiocese of St. Louis can receive a group discount on passes. For more information, visit archstl.org/seek.

Catholic Men for Christ conference

The annual Catholic Men for Christ conference will be held Saturday, Feb. 17, at St. Louis University High School. The conference seeks to engage, educate and encourage Catholic men to live their faith, focusing on the four pillars of conversion, reconciliation, discipleship and evangelization. Speakers include Edward Sri, Father Anthony Wieck, SJ, and Pete Burak. Early bird tickets (through Jan. 17) are $30, which includes a box lunch. To register, visit www.catholicmenforchrist.org, or call (314) 792-7182.

Catholic Women for Christ conference

The annual Catholic Women for Christ conference will be held Saturday, March 9, at St. Louis University High School. The conference seeks to engage, educate and encourage Catholic women to live their faith, focusing on the four pillars of conversion, reconciliation, discipleship and evangelization. Presenters will include Rachel Leininger, Father Anthony Wieck, SJ, and Lisa Cotter. Early bird tickets (through Feb. 10) are $30, which includes a box lunch. For information, call (314) 792-7182. Register at www.catholicwomenforchrist.org.