Volunteer service
Mary Kate Reynolds, a senior at Visitation Academy, has been honored with a President’s Volunteer Service Award. Reynolds received this award in recognition of her work with Giant Steps, a nonprofit organization that offers a therapeutic school and a specialized summer camp for children and teens with autism. Reynolds was nominated for the national honors by Katie Wilson, middle and upper school assistant principal at Visitation Academy. The award was granted by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program. “While working there this summer, I felt as if the children’s presence was more of a service to me, rather than me serving them,” Reynolds said. “I hope everyone can find a place where they feel such a special connection to not only the people, but also the cause.”
Agencies merge
The Criminal Justice Ministry and Let’s Start have merged, with the Criminal Justice Ministry assuming operations of major Let’s Start programs. Founded in 1989 by Sister Jackie Toben, SSND, Let’s Start has provided recovery, re-entry and other services to formerly incarcerated women and their families, while also working to educate the public and advocate for public policy related to its mission. The Criminal Justice Ministry was founded in 1979 as a program under the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and became a standalone organization in 2012. Criminal Justice Ministry programs and priorities also include re-entry services, education and advocacy, while historically focusing on men. “At a time when nonprofit resources are scarce, our two organizations are working toward making a bigger impact on the community and those in the most need, instead of competing for the same funding,” said Anthony D’Agostino, executive director of the ministry. As part of the merger, Let’s Start board directors will continue as an advisory committee to the Criminal Justice Ministry board. Board president Catherine (Kitty) Keefe will transition to a board director position. Additionally, Let’s Start women’s support coordinator Toni Jordan has joined the CJM staff.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Concert
“Hare Raisin,’” a dance/concert by March Hare to raise funds for Depaul USA programs in St. Louis, will be held at 8 p.m. Friday, April 12, at St. Catherine Laboure Parish Hall, 9740 Sappington Road in south St. Louis County. Guests are asked to bring their own food and beverages. The Classic Rock for a Cause event with songs from six decades supports Depaul USA’s work to provide 75 scattered-site units of permanent supportive housing and services for adult men and women. Depaul also has a similar program exclusively for youth, the first of its kind in St. Louis. For tickets, visit www.bit.ly/2WwXwuG or contact Jessie Dorsey at jessica.dorsey@depaulusa.org or (312) 362-8873.
Ignatian Spirituality Project
Jesuit Father Bill Creed, co-founder of the Ignatian Spirituality Project, will give the Tony McDonald Memorial Capstone Lecture from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 30, at at St. Francis Xavier (College) Church, 3620 Lindell Blvd. Father Creed will speak on the work of the Ignatian Spirituality Project in 30 cities across the U.S., including St. Louis. He will also talk about the inspiration for helping homeless individuals recovering from alcohol and drug additions, integrating St. Ignatius Loyola’s Spiritual Exercises with 12-step recovery programs. For more information on the Ignatian Spirituality Project, visit www.ispretreats.org.
Man of the Year
Application forms and guidelines to nominate a man of outstanding volunteer service for the Catholic Man of the Year are now available. The nominees and awardees will be honored at St. Joseph Radio’s annual dinner and awards ceremony Sunday, May 5, at the Hilton Frontenac, 1335 S. Lindbergh Blvd. in Frontenac. The event will be held from 5-10 p.m. For information about nominations or the dinner, visit www.saintjosephradio.net or call (636) 447-6000. The deadline for the nominations has been extended.
‘Miracle Hunter‘ coming to St. Louis
Michael O’Neill, the “Miracle Hunter,” will visit St. Gianna Parish, 450 East Hwy N in Wentzville Sunday, May 5, for a presentation on miracles and how the Catholic Church investigates the supernatural. O’Neill’s website, www.miraclehunter.com, includes information on the investigation, documentation of miracles and alleged phenomena. His presentation will take place at 9:15 a.m, between regularly scheduled Masses at 8 and 11 a.m. The event is free, but RSVPs are appreciated by emailing May5thmiracletalk@gmail.com.
St. Padre Pio relic
A St. Padre Pio testimony and first-class relic is coming to St. Louis May 2-4. Adolfo Affatato of Foggia, Italy, a friend of St. Padre Pio will bring personal stories, wisdom and spiritual life lessons from St. Padre Pio as well as the relic, a glove worn by the saint. The events in St. Louis are Thursday, May 2, at 10 a.m. at St. Ambrose Parish, 5130 Wilson Ave. in south St. Louis, and 7 p.m. at St. Clement of Rome Parish, 1510 Bopp Road in Des Peres; Friday, May 3, at 10 a.m. at Incarnate Word Parish, 13416 Olive Blvd. in Chesterfield, and 7 p.m. at St. Ferdinand Parish, 1765 Charbonier Road in Florissant; and Saturday, May 4, at 10 a.m. at St. Richard Parish, 11223 Schuetz Road in Creve Coeur, and 7 p.m. at Assumption Parish, 4725 Mattis Road in south St. Louis County.
Hospice volunteers
Heartland Hospice is seeking volunteers to provide one-on-one attention to people in the final phase of terminal illness who are in need of companionship. Heartland volunteers offer support and practical, caring help, staying with a patient so family members can take a break, reading Scripture to patients or holding their hand. All assignments are in close proximity to a volunteer’s home, work or school. For information about the next training class, call Virginia at (314) 453-0990.
Volunteers sought
Room at the Inn is seeking volunteers for its Breakfast with the Inn Crowd event on Friday, May 10. Contact Mary at (314) 209-9181 or maryk@roomstl.org. Doorways also is seeking volunteers. The interfaith nonprofit organization supported by the Annual Catholic Appeal provides housing and related supportive services to improve quality of life and health outcomes for people affected by HIV/AIDS. Help is needed with fundraisers, spring cleaning, companionship for residents, crafting, activity assistance, administrative functions and more. Contact Patrick Young at pyoung@doorwayshousing.org.
