Boy Scouts’ policy change is being used as a ‘teachable moment’

jenniferbrinker — Fri, 24 May 2013 14:55:29 +0000

By Jennifer Brinker | jbrinker@archstl.org

A recent policy change by the Boy Scouts of America, which removed a restriction denying membership to youth on the basis of sexual orientation, will serve as a teachable moment for those involved in Catholic Boy Scouting here in the Archdiocese of St. Louis and around the nation.

Approximately 1,400 members of the Boy Scouts of America's National Council voted on the resolution May 23 after a review of the organization's membership policy and extensive feedback from those involved in Scouting and the general public.

Students' Mass commitment shows solidarity

Thu, 23 May 2013 16:52:18 +0000

Joseph Kenny | jkenny@archstl.org

When many students at Immaculate Heart of Mary School in south St. Louis were just waking up, several eighth-graders were getting ready to take their seats in the daily Mass chapel.

Just a typical Friday.

Eight students wore "Class of '13" T-shirts at Mass recently. They read Scripture and petitions and brought the average age of those attending Mass that day way down.

Landmarks Association recognizes renovation at Kenrick-Glennon

Thu, 23 May 2013 16:52:17 +0000

Joseph Kenny | jkenny@archstl.org

The Landmarks Association of St. Louis presented its Most Enhanced Award to the Kenrick-Glennon Seminary renovation project team on May 15.

Cannon Design, BSI Constructors and the Archdiocese of St. Louis were recognized for excellence in the restoration of the seminary. Award winners are selected based on the difficulty of the project, the capacity of the project to transform the surrounding area, the historical significance of the building and the project's power to inspire.

Cardinal Glennon becomes 'extension of our family'

Thu, 23 May 2013 16:52:17 +0000

Joseph Kenny | jkenny@archstl.org

The Starck family of west St. Louis County has not one, not two, but three children who have been helped through the Knights of Columbus Developmental Center at SSM Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center.

"We're truly blessed to have Cardinal Glennon become part of our family -- an extension of our family," said Stacey Starck, mother of Anthony, age 5, and twins Samantha and Sophia, 2.

Students access opportunities at St. Cecilia

Thu, 23 May 2013 16:52:17 +0000

Jennifer Brinkerjbrinker@archstl.org

James Cocroft's face lit up when he recalled the first time he walked into St. Cecilia School in south St. Louis.

"There was a big mural on the wall of St. Louis City," he said. "I knew this place was going to be awesome."

Cocroft recently graduated from St. John Vianney High School in Kirkwood. He claims his success at the all-boys Marianist school wouldn't have been possible without the preparation he received during his years at St. Cecilia. He's also among the first generation in his family to attend college. This fall, he will go to the University of Wisconsin to study biology.

Dignity of human person is foundation of Catholic social teaching

lisajohnston — Wed, 22 May 2013 17:43:07 +0000

By Archbishop Robert J. Carlson

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The foundational principle of Catholic social teaching is the dignity of the human person. From a faith perspective, we strongly affirm this because we believe that every human person is made in the image and likeness of God. But even from a purely human perspective, we are convinced that every human being has rights and responsibilities that come from human nature itself. This double perspective of faith and reason is at the heart of all our Church's social teaching.

Stand Up helps women veterans fill in gaps

Wed, 15 May 2013 22:36:36 +0000

By Joseph Kenny | jkenny@archstl.org

A veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Elisha Perez is attending St. Louis Community College-Forest Park, studying general education leading eventually to a degree in occupational therapy. Her hope is to someday volunteer to help other women veterans, perhaps those with spinal cord injuries.

Since leaving after four years of service in the Navy, things haven't been easy for Perez, who has children, ages 2 and 3. She and her children were homeless until she received help from St. Patrick Center to find a place to live.

Sacredness of human life underlies Catholic social teaching

Wed, 15 May 2013 22:46:42 +0000

By Archbishop Robert J. Carlson

You'll recall that last fall, as part of our observance of the Year of Faith, I wrote a series of articles based on the Apostles' Creed. In Lent, I reflected on the sacraments. During the next two months, I'd like to offer practical reflections on what has come to be known as Catholic social teaching.

Following an outline recommended by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, I'll organize my articles based on the following themes:

Women religious uniting in nationwide effort to end human trafficking

Wed, 15 May 2013 22:34:49 +0000

By Dennis Sadowski | Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON -- Human trafficking is so widespread that congregations of women religious are uniting in a nationwide effort to limit its reach.

The effort will focus on broader education about sex and labor trafficking, legislative advocacy for stricter laws and penalties for traffickers and wider support for victims through much-needed social services and employment.

Children's book teaches concepts of microfinancing

Wed, 15 May 2013 22:34:23 +0000

A Sister of the Most Precious Blood of O'Fallon has written a children's book that she hopes will help people understand the complex topic of microfinancing.

Sister Antoinette "Toni" Temporiti has published "One Potato Two," the story of Mumbi, a young African girl whose mother is able to feed the family thanks to a potato-selling business that was begun through a microfinancing loan.

In 2006, Sister Toni founded Microfinancing Partners in Africa, a St. Louis-based nonprofit organization that provides assistance to strengthen and expand microfinancing programs in Africa.

Top Stories

Boy Scouts’ policy change is being used as a ‘teachable moment’

Students' Mass commitment shows solidarity

Landmarks Association recognizes renovation at Kenrick-Glennon

Cardinal Glennon becomes 'extension of our family'

Students access opportunities at St. Cecilia

Dignity of human person is foundation of Catholic social teaching

Stand Up helps women veterans fill in gaps

Sacredness of human life underlies Catholic social teaching

Women religious uniting in nationwide effort to end human trafficking

Children's book teaches concepts of microfinancing