Press Releases

ARCHBISHOP CARLSON TO CONFER SACRAMENT OF HOLY ORDERS ON SIX MEN

angieshelton — Tue, 21 May 2013 18:30:03 +0000

May 21, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information contact:

Angie Shelton
Community Relations Specialist
Phone: 314-792-7101

Mass of Priestly Ordination will take place on Saturday, May 25, 2013

WHO: Six men will receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders
WHEN: 10 a.m., Saturday, May 25, 2013
WHERE: Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis, Lindell and Newstead in St. Louis

St. Louis--This Saturday, six Kenrick-Glennon Seminary students will be ordained to the Roman Catholic priesthood by Most Reverend Robert J. Carlson, Archbishop of St. Louis.

Archbishop Carlson will confer the Sacrament of Holy Orders on Reverend Mr. Michael Benz, Reverend Mr. Raymond Buehler, Reverend Mr. John Nickolai, Reverend Mr. Charles Samson, Reverend Mr. Christopher Seiler, and Brother Pio Enudu.

These soon-to-be priests come from all walks of life. Enudu was born and raised in Nigeria, Benz worked as a nuclear mechanic for the U.S. Navy, Buehler developed the website for the archdiocesan Office of Youth Ministry, Nickolai was at one time a volunteer with a Catholic Worker House in Oregan, and Samson and Seiler, who competed against one another in track during high school, eventually found themselves in Rome studying for the priesthood together.

These men are united in their desire to lead people to a deeper and more loving relationship with God. They will have the opportunity to fulfill the call to the New Evangelization through their vocational calling to the priesthood.

"The richness and beauty of our Catholic faith are so clear," explained Reverend Mr. Michael Benz. The priesthood will "allow us to share that with others and help them seek a relationship with Jesus through that faith."

The Mass of Priestly Ordination begins at 10 a.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis, 4431 Lindell Boulevard, in the Central West End.

For more expansive bios of the six men, please see this article in the St. Louis Review.

Statement regarding Fr. Gary Meier

angieshelton — Thu, 16 May 2013 21:45:45 +0000

May 16, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information contact:

Angie Shelton
Community Relations Specialist
Phone: 314-792-7101

The Archdiocese of St. Louis just learned that Fr. Gary Meier authored the book “Hidden Voices, Reflections of a Gay, Catholic Priest” which was originally released anonymously in 2011. On May 22, 2013, Fr. Meier will release a 2^nd edition of this book under his name.

Fr. Meier has been on leave for the past year for reasons of vocational discernment.

As a man who experiences same-sex attraction, Fr. Meier has before him an opportunity to be an example and mentor to Catholics in the archdiocese who struggle with the same feelings. Whether he will seize this opportunity to proclaim the Gospel of Life which offers the truth about the beauty and sanctity of human sexuality, is entirely within his control.

The Church does not condemn individuals for having same-sex attraction. It teaches that all people are called to responsibility regarding sexuality -- whether they are homosexual or heterosexual, priest or lay person.

Our Catholic faith teaches that we are defined by something far deeper than sexual orientation; rather we are defined by our identity as children of God. We agree with Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI when he said, ‘Every human being is loved by God the Father. No one need feel forgotten, for every name is written in the Lord’s loving heart.’ We encourage Catholics and all people of faith to pray for our culture.

Statement from Archbishop Carlson regarding Fr. Valentine

angieshelton — Wed, 01 May 2013 19:54:38 +0000

May 1, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information contact:

Angie Shelton
Community Relations Specialist
Phone: 314-792-7101

With sadness I inform you that an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor against one of our priests was found to be substantiated by an independent Review Board. The board, made up of lay persons, found the allegations against Fr. LeRoy Valentine, who served in the archdiocese from 1977-2002 and then retired, to be credible. The incidents took place in the 1970’s, but were only recently brought to our attention. In keeping with the Charter for the Protection of Children and young People, Fr. Valentine is now permanently removed from ecclesiastical ministry, and I have taken steps to inform the parishes where he served.

Sexual abuse of a minor is a sin and a crime. Today we pray for the healing of victims of abuse and for the safety of all children everywhere.

Anyone who wishes to make a report of the sexual abuse of a minor by Father Valentine or by any other priest, deacon or employee of the Archdiocese of St. Louis may contact Deacon Phil Hengen, Director of Child and Youth Protection, Archdiocese of St. Louis at 314.792.7704 or phengen@archstl.org. Reports may also be made to the Missouri Division of Social Services Child Abuse Hotline for allegations involving a person who is currently under the age of 18, or to civil authorities for allegations involving a person who is now an adult, but was abused as a minor.

Nineteen Men to be Ordained to the Transitional Diaconate

angieshelton — Wed, 01 May 2013 16:03:24 +0000

May 1, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information contact:

Angie Shelton
Community Relations Specialist
Phone: 314-792-7101

Archbishop Robert J. Carlson will preside
at transitional diaconate ordination on Saturday

This Saturday, nineteen seminarians from Kenrick-Glennon seminary will be ordained to the transitional diaconate, six of which are for the Archdiocese of St. Louis. They will then be able to baptize, distribute Communion, witness marriages and lead rites for Christian burial. A transitional deacon is a seminarian in the last year of preparation for ordination to the priesthood. The seminarians are expected to complete their master of divinity degree by spring 2014 from Kenrick School of Theology. Each is also working toward completing a master of arts in theology.

WHO: Andrew Burkemper, Paul Hamilton, David Hogan, Conor Sullivan, Thomas Vordtriede, and Ryan Weber

WHAT: Ordination to the transitional diaconate for the Archdiocese of St. Louis

WHEN: 10 a.m., Saturday, May 4, 2013

WHERE: Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, Lindell Boulevard and Newstead Avenue in the Central West End

In addition, 13 other Kenrick-Glennon seminarians will be ordained this spring to the transitional diaconate for other dioceses. They are: Adam Maus (Diocese of Bismarck. N.D.), Michael Buckley and John Stearns (Diocese of Colorado Springs, Colo.), Christopher Aubuchon (Diocese of Jefferson City, Mo.), Mark Ostowski, Anthony Saiki and Jaime Zarse (Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kan.), Colin Blatchford and Adam Kane (Diocese of Knoxville, Tenn.), Yoelvis Gonzalez (Diocese of Memphis, Tenn.), Benjamin Boyd (Archdiocese of Omaha, Neb.), and Sam Brand and Andrew Walsh (Diocese of Wichita, Kan.).

Statement regarding Fr. William Vatterott

angieshelton — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 21:27:59 +0000

April 24, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information contact:

Angie Shelton
Community Relations Specialist
Phone: 314-792-7101

The Archdiocese of St. Louis has learned that Fr. William Vatterott, who had been the Pastor at St. Cecilia Parish in St. Louis and previously an Associate Pastor at Holy Infant in Ballwin, has been charged with possession of child pornography.

Fr. Vatterott has been on administrative leave from St. Cecilia Parish since June of 2011, when the archdiocese was made aware of these allegations. Since that time, the archdiocese has fully cooperated with the investigation conducted by law enforcement and the U.S. Attorney’s office.

The Archdiocese of St. Louis encourages all persons with reports of misconduct with a minor involving a member of the clergy or other church personnel to contact Deacon Phil Hengen, Director of Child and Youth Protection, at 314.792.7704 or the Missouri Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 800.392.3738 or law enforcement officials.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF ST. LOUIS AIDS STORM VICTIMS

amandatrimble@archstl.org — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 14:13:02 +0000

April 12, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information contact:

Katie Pesha
Executive Director of Communications and Planning
Phone: 314-792-7172

Targeting $10,000 to assist Sullivan andNorth St. Louis County

St. Louis, MO—Catholic Charities ofthe Archdiocese of St. Louis has taken immediate action in responding to the needs of those in areas affected by this week’s storm, specifically in Sullivan and Hazelwood/Florissant in North St. Louis County.

Catholic Charities Community Services(CCCS) is targeting $10,000 to assist those in need. Karen Wallensak, Executive Director of CCCS, indicated they will likely direct their financial resources towards motel vouchers, providing basic necessities and tree/debris removal.

With the storm drawing some comparison to the devastation from the Good Friday tornado two years ago, it is importantto also note that CCCS continues to attend to 160 open cases lingering from 2011.

Anyone interested in assisting with these efforts are invited to call Catholic Charities at 314.367.5500.

For more information, visit the St. Louis Review online.

ANNUAL CHRISM MASS TO BE CELEBRATED DURING HOLY WEEK

angieshelton — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 18:28:57 +0000

March 26, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information contact:

Angie Shelton
Community Relations Specialist
Phone: 314-792-7101

St. Louis, MO — In conjunction with Holy Week, approximately 150 local priests will join Archbishop Robert J. Carlson in celebrating the annual Chrism Mass this Thursday, March 28, 2013, at 10 a.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis, 4431 Lindell Boulevard.

The Chrism Mass derives its name from one of the three oils which are presented to the Archbishop to be blessed and consecrated for use at Baptisms, Confirmations, and Ordinations throughout the year. During the Easter Season, more than 1900 young men and women will be confirmed in the Catholic faith. Hundreds of these local Catholic school students will attend Thursday’s Mass to witness the blessing of the oil of chrism, which will be used in their own Confirmations.

In addition, the priests will renew their commitment to their priestly ministry, helping them call to mind their vocation, and inspiring them to rededicate their lives to Christ.

Catholics around the world celebrate Holy Week, which opened on March 24 with Palm Sunday celebrating Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The week continues with the commemoration of the Last Supper on Holy Thursday, His passion death on Good Friday, and culminates in the joy of His resurrection on Easter Sunday.

The Chrism Mass will be streamed live at www.stlouisreview.com/chrismmass2013.

ARCHDIOCESE WILL CELEBRATE A MASS OF THANKSGIVING FOR HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS

angieshelton — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 14:24:51 +0000

March 18, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information contact:

Angie Shelton
Community Relations Specialist
Phone: 314-792-7101

Most Reverend Robert J. Carlson, Archbishop of St. Louis, will celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving for His Holiness Pope Francis on Thursday, March 21, 2013, at 7:00 p.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis, 4431 Lindell Boulevard.

Most Reverend Edward M. Rice, Auxiliary Bishop of St. Louis, Most Reverend Robert J. Hermann, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of St. Louis, Reverend Monsignor Mark S. Rivituso, Vicar General of St. Louis, and Very Reverend Douglas W. Marcouiller, Jesuit Provincial Superior of the Missouri Province, will concelebrate the Mass.

“Let us come together to offer prayers and support for the new Holy Father, Pope Francis, as he begins his Pontificate as Shepherd of the Universal Church,” Archbishop Carlson said. “Catholics around the world and in the Archdiocese of St. Louis have already learned much from the early actions of Pope Francis. We find comfort in the gentleness of his Jesuit spirituality, which is uniquely blended with his devotion to St. Francis of Assisi. His demonstrated humility, service and openness are surely a beacon of hope for all people.”

Archbishop Carlson will impart an Apostolic Blessing on those gathered for the Mass of Thanksgiving. This can only be done 3 times each year. The other two occasions will be Christmas and Easter.

The Mass will be streamed live on the archdiocesan website at stlouisreview.com/popefrancis. A recorded version will be available within the hour following Mass at the same web address.

Members of the media will be allowed to take pictures and shoot video inside the Cathedral. A representative from the Archdiocese will assist you with where you are permitted to work. You will not be allowed on, near, or beyond the communion rail. A staff member will need to escort you upstairs if you wish to gather photos from the choir loft. If you are a member of the press, please park on Newstead or Maryland on a first-come, first-serve basis.

HABEMUS PAPAM: WE HAVE A POPE

angieshelton — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 18:34:46 +0000

March 13, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information contact:

Angie Shelton
Community Relations Specialist
Phone: 314-792-7101

Archdiocese of St. Louis to hold press conference at 3 p.m. today

St. Louis, MO — Today in Rome after the second round of balloting, white smoke appeared from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel. The Archdiocese of St. Louis offers our prayers and support for our new Holy Father as he prepares for his Pontificate as Shepherd of the Universal Church. A follow-up press release will be issued when the name of the new pontiff is announced.

A press conference will take place today at the Cardinal Rigali Center. It will be streamed live on livestream.com/archstl and Archbishop Carlson will take questions from the media following a brief statement.

PAPAL CONCLAVE BEGINS TODAY IN ROME

angieshelton — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 14:43:22 +0000

March 12, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information contact:

Angie Shelton
Community Relations Specialist
Phone: 314-792-7101

Catholics in the Archdiocese of St. Louis are asked to pray for Cardinals

St. Louis, MO — As the conclave begins today in Rome, we pray in a special way for the Cardinals who will elect the next Holy Father. This is a historic time for the Church, a time of deep prayer and reflection for Catholics worldwide and in the Archdiocese of St. Louis. We thank Benedict XVI for his great service to Christ Jesus and to the Church, and we pray for the Chair of Saint Peter, which will soon be filled by the next Bishop of Rome and Shepherd of the Universal Church. In the interim, we wait upon the decision of the Holy Spirit and we take comfort in the words of the 1 Samuel, “I will raise up for myself a faithful priest, who shall do according to what is in my heart and in my mind. I will build him a sure house and he shall go in and out before my anointed one forever.”

Visit www.stlouisreview.com/papacy for all the latest in papal coverage including FAQs on the theology and history of the papacy.