Parishes

What was planned as "a night of fun for a great cause" ended in what police have called a "tragically unintentional" shooting at a Jan. 21 trivia night fundraiser at St. Patrick Parish in Wentzville.

Police said the victim, 23-year-old Aaron Dwan, was in serious but stable condition after being transported to a hospital.

There have been a lot of changes at St. Mary Magdalen Parish since it began 100 years ago in what would become Brentwood. But one thing has remained constant.

"It's 100 years of witnessing Christ," said pastor Father Jack Siefert. "That's the key to what we do."

Today St. Mary Magdalen is a busy, active parish with 900 households. Many of those parishioners are longtime, even lifelong members of the parish, including families with several generations of parishioners. The parish seems to inspire strong loyalty among its members.

Everyone knows what a Christmas tree is. On the other hand, the Jesse Tree, a religious symbol seen and referred to frequently during Advent and Christmas, is something of a mystery to many Catholics.

Many parishes and schools display some sort of "Jesse Tree," which they use as part of their charitable giving during the holiday season.

But what is it? Where does it come from? And how is it relevant for Catholics?

Sure, the parish hall contained a simple display of Nativity scenes.

The three dozen or so displays representing cultures from around the world held a much deeper meaning than just works of art that brought smiles to visitors' faces and pride to their owners.

And it was fitting that the display, set up last weekend, was in an urban parish staffed by Franciscans.

St. Francis of Assisi is credited with beginning the tradition in the year 1223 when he was visiting the Italian town of Grecio to celebrate Christmas.

They took an oath to do their best and they kept it.

Seven young men who've been Scouts together since their Webelos days are now Eagle Scouts together. Blake Sutter, the final member of "Road Runners" patrol of Boy Scout Troop 179 from Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in south St. Louis to achieve his Eagle rank, was recognized at a ceremony at the parish last month. On hand for him were his fellow Eagles -- Mark Kuehner, Matt Eatherton, Charlie Ebert, Joe McEntee, Colt Ponzar and Alex Cummings.

Wanted: Fishers of Men.

The archdiocesan Office of Vocations is launching its inaugural Fisher of Men Award, to be presented annually to an archdiocesan priest who "by word and example, prayer and practice, has fostered a genuine Culture of Vocations in his priestly ministry, inspiring young men and women to follow Christ in the priesthood and religious life," according to Father Christopher Martin, vocations director.

Members of Catholic parishes throughout the archdiocese are being asked to nominate their priests or any archdiocesan priest for the honor, said Father Martin.