Local News

Natalie Villmer of the Rural Parish Workers of Christ the King understands well the virtue of serving others, which her mother instilled in her as a child.

"I'm from the St. Joachim in Old Mines area, and she used to say there's a lot of people around here that need assistance," Villmer said. "We would get appeals from other parts of the country, from people who needed help, and she would say, 'I wish there was someone here who could help those in need here.' So I think my vocation stemmed from that."

There are no bells rung signaling the start of school, between classes or at any other point in the school day at St. Pius X High School in Festus.

Students move along as they need, causing no ruckus, intimidating no one -- in a relaxed manner.

It may not be the Hollywood version of school or even typical, but it is "The St. Pius Way."

That phrase was coined by former St. Pius X High School secretary Carol Schmidt in a speech at a school graduation.

A group of Hispanic Catholic young adults has set out to show how the simple act of gathering around the table for a meal can become an opportunity for evangelization.

Six young adults recently shared their stories in "Pruebatelo," a video project that was the collaboration of the Dominican friars of preachingfriars.org; Jornadas, a local movement for Hispanic young adults; and the archdiocesan Office of Hispanic Ministry. Pruébatelo is an imperative that means "to taste" or "to savor."

Two St. Louis priest-chaplains were thrilled to be in Washington, D.C., to see the ministry of Father Emil Kapaun recognized by what they called his long-overdue honor of being awarded the Medal of Honor.

President Barack Obama presented the medal posthumously to the war-hero priest in a White House ceremony April 11.

Jeff Pauls qualified for the Boston Marathon during a successful run at the Rock and Roll Marathon last October in St. Louis. The 117-year-old Boston Marathon — the nation's oldest and most celebrated race — has strict qualifying standards, and earning a spot in the race is considered the highest honor for a dedicated marathon runner.

On the same day President Barack Obama awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously to famed Korean War chaplain Father Emil Kapaun, the Kenrick-Glennon Seminary community in Shrewsbury honored the life of their notable alumnus, a member of the Class of 1940.

Father Kapaun has been named "Servant of God" by the Church, and his cause for canonization was formally opened in 2008. He died in 1951 while in a Korean prisoner of war camp.