Archdiocesan news briefs
Respect Life Creative Writing Contest
Eighth graders in the Archdiocese of St. Louis recently participated in the annual Respect Life Creative Writing Contest. A partnership of the archdiocesan Respect Life Apostolate and Office of Education and Formation, the contest invited participants to reflect, pray, research and write about the Gospel of Life and the virtue of chastity for scholarships and other awards.
In 2025, hundreds of eighth graders from 37 Catholic schools, PSR programs and homeschool programs submitted entries. Of these, 103 students earned the ranking of “Parish/School Finalist” and were sent into the Respect Life Apostolate for further judging. At the April 9 student awards luncheon with Bishop Mark S. Rivituso, the 24 finalists were honored for their accomplishments. Eight students were also awarded a one-time, partial Catholic high school scholarship or a Catholic youth event scholarship. Winning entries will be posted at www.archstl.org/about/offices-and-agencies/respect-life-apostolate/.
St. Louis Catholic Archives Collective
The St. Louis Catholic Archives Collective will host an event about Catholic sisters as city builders from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, May 10, at the Père Marquette Gallery at Saint Louis University. The day will include an introduction to the collective, a talk by Élodie Giraudier about her research on Catholic sisters as city builders, information on how to research at local Catholic archives and a meet-and-greet lunch reception. To register, visit stlouiscatholicarchivescollective.com/event/sisters-as-city-builders/.
Pro-Life Mass and Rosary
The monthly Pro-life Mass and Rosary hosted by the archdiocesan Respect Life Apostolate (formerly the Helpers of God’s Precious Infants Mass and Rosary) will be celebrated at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 17, at Immaculate Conception Church, 1020 W. Main St. in Park Hills. The Rosary will be prayed before Mass beginning at 8:30. Prayers will be offered on behalf of women and men facing unplanned pregnancies and for a greater respect for all human life, especially the unborn child. The monthly Mass is celebrated at different churches around the archdiocese.
Living Rosary Association
Combining the spiritual practices of Blessed Pauline Jaricot and Venerable Fulton Sheen, the archdiocesan Mission Office invites all to join the Living Rosary Association. Participants will be placed in groups of 20, with each member receiving a weekly assignment of a different mystery and a region of the world to pray for daily — together praying the entire Rosary for the whole world. To sign up, visit archstl.flocknote.com/LivingRosary. To start a group, contact Kim Specht at kimspecht@archstl.org.
Soul On Fire movie release
Sony Pictures Entertainment’s AFFIRM Films have slated their newest film, “Soul On Fire,” inspired by the miraculous life of St. Louisan John O’Leary, to be released in theaters nationwide on Oct. 10. From director Sean McNamara, the film is inspired by the true story and 2016 bestselling book, “On Fire,” by John O’Leary, who recovered from a near-death accident when he was 9 years old. The film stars William H. Macy, John Corbett, Joel Courtney, DeVon Franklin, Masey McLain and Stephanie Szostak.
The movie was shot on location in St. Louis in many of the exact locations where pivotal events in John’s life took place. Locations that will be featured in the film include the Gateway Arch, Busch Stadium, Saint Louis University, Shrine of St. Joseph, Mercy Hospital, Saratoga Lanes and many others.
