briefs

Backpack blessing Father Donald Henke of Kenrick-Glennon Seminary gave a blessing to children for “Blessing of the Backpacks Sunday” at Mass Aug. 22 at Immacolata Church in Richmond Heights. The event was intended to build a stronger relationship between the parish and the school. The blessing was given after two Masses, and afterward the congregation was invited to visit Immacolata School. Bringing school families, parishioners and grandparents to the school helped them gain a greater appreciation for the benefits of a Catholic education.

Anger management

Robert Furey, a professional counselor and Review columnist, will be the guest speaker at the First Tuesday Pro-Life Speaker Series at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 7, at St. Peter Parish, 215 N. Clay Ave. in Kirkwood. Furey will speak on the topic of anger management, how it can serve a greater good and how its destructive forces can be minimized. A reception will follow.

Festa di Santa Fara

Protect Earth's resources, says pope

Focus on ministries

On Sunday, Sept. 19, all who serve in any of the ministries at St. John the Apostle and Evangelist Parish Downtown will be recognized at Mass with a formal blessing. After the 10:30 a.m. Mass, refreshments will be served in the parish hall and representatives of various ministries will provide information and invite others to serve God, and God's good people in a ministry. At noon, Jim Kelhoffer, professor of sacred Scripture at St. Louis University, will give the second of his three presentations on the Bible.

Health care powerhouse

Dance with SH-BOOM

Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in House Springs is sponsoring a parish dance, featuring the music of SH-BOOM, from 7-11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 21, at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 6800 KC Lane in House Springs. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person in advance or $15 at the door. Price includes beer and soda, and food will be available for purchase. For tickets, call (636) 671-3062.

Watermelon festival and run

Honoring SSND foundress A new sculpture of Blessed Theresa of Jesus Gerhardinger, foundress of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, is in place in the Peace Garden near the entrance of the SSND Motherhouse at 320 E. Ripa Ave. in Lemay. The bronze sculpture, created by Sister Marie Henderson, RSM, portrays Blessed Theresa at her moment of call, courageously embracing the future. The statue holds a feather pen, indicating she was a prolific writer, and a Bible, showing her love of Scripture, while at her feet are items related to education, a special ministry of the School Sisters of Notre Dame. The statue was unveiled and blessed in late July during an assembly of sisters from the SSND St. Louis Province.

In memoriam