January Sursum Corda: Ice Skating

Our next Sursum Corda meeting will be on Saturday, January 9th for an outing to Steinberg's Skating Rink in Forest Park.  First we will meet at St. Francis de Sales for 8am Mass and a short conference by Canon Commins to start the morning.  After Mass, we can eat breakfast if everybody brings something to share!  Bagels, a jug of juice, fruit, or cereal/granola are just a few ideas!  Following the conference, we will head to Steinberg's when the rink opens at 10am.  Please note that the rink ONLY takes cash - admission is $7 and skate rental is $5.

Come join us!  Nothing better than a morning of ice skating in the company of some good Catholics with a cup of hot cocoa!  As always, all Catholics aged 18 - 35 are more than welcome!  Spread the word and bring your friends!

Hope to see y'all there!

Saturday, January 9th, 2016

8:00am: Mass at St. Francis de Sales
~8:45am: "potluck breakfast" and conference following Mass (bring something to eat/share!)
10:00am: carpool/drive to Steinberg's Skating Rink in Forest Park

Admission is $7 and skate rental is $5 (Please note that they ONLY take cash)

St. Francis de Sales Oratory
2653 Ohio Ave
St. Louis, MO 63104

Steinberg Skating Rink
400 Jefferson Drive
St. Louis, MO 63110

December Sursum Corda: Christmas Potluck

**Please note that Sursum Corda events have been changed to the 2nd Saturday of the Month to better accommodate the Canon's schedules.**

Join us for our annual Christmas Potluck dinner on the evening of Saturday, December 12th.  We will begin the evening at 5pm with Benediction inside St. Francis de Sales Church then move to the
convent/basement (not sure which yet!) for an Advent conference/reflection. We will then follow (about 6:30pm) with a potluck Christmas party.

Our celebrations are not short of surprises! From learning "Silent Night" in Japanese to a fantastic snowball fight with only 1/8" of snow (we St. Louisans are quite resourceful...), we always have a great time! This year we will be including a white elephant gift exchange. If you wish to participate in the white elephant gift exchange, all you need to do is bring a general wrapped gift (under $5) and we will have some fun from there!

Please RSVP by e-mailing sursumcordastlouis@gmail.com what potluck contribution you will be bringing. Main dishes (pasta, casserole, ect.), salad, fruits, vegetables, drinks, and dessert (of course!) are all in need! Bring your favourite Christmas tradition! If you don't have one, well - now is a great time to start one!

As always - all Catholic young adults aged 18 - 35 are more than welcome! Spread the word and bring a friend!

Hope to see y'all there!

Saturday, December 12th
5:00pm: Benediction/Rosary in St. Francis de Sales Church
5:45pm: Advent Conference by Canon Commins
6:30pm: Christmas potluck dinner and white elephant gift exchange!

RSVP with what you will be bringing and don't forget to bring your white elephant gift (under $5) already wrapped!

St. Francis de Sales Oratory
2653 Ohio Ave
St. Louis, MO 63104

Sursum Corda March for Life Brigade 2016

Dear Members and Friends of Sursum Corda,

Greetings from the Shrine of Christ the King in Chicago!!

With the blessings of Monsignor Schmitz, Sursum Corda will have its 3^rd Annual March for Life Trip as a Midwest Brigade this coming January 2016.

It is pertinent that all registration is received by Saturday, December 12, 2015 (the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe) as our rooming list must be finalized and submitted to our hotel by this date.

Who? Members of Sursum Corda and 16/17 year olds. There are only 52 available places! Register now!

Where? Chicago will be the starting and ending point. We will remain in D.C. for two nights. The hotel rooms are already reserved. We are traveling in a 56 passenger Charter Bus. Route details include a Mass in Euclid, Ohio on the way to the March and in Columbus on the way back from the March.

When? Jan. 21-23  

The Charter Bus will be leaving from Chicago early Thursday morning, January 21st with D.C. arrival in the evening. The March is on the 22nd, we will also attend the Pontifical High Mass at Old St. Mary's that evening. Departure for Chicago Saturday, Jan 23 in the morning after breakfast. Those coming from outside the greater Chicago area should plan on spending the night with Sursum Corda friends the Wednesday that precedes our departure and the Saturday of our Chicago return (late).

**NOTE: St. Louis Sursum Cordians should plan on traveling to and from Chicago on Wed, Jan. 20th and Sun, Jan. 24th.  Accommodation will be provided for travelers at the House of Hope, a women's shelter located directly behind the Shrine of Christ the King.  If you are taking public transportation, you will be responsible for arranging transportation to and from the bus/train station and the Shrine.

Why? Because "we are the generation that will put an end to abortion." Because last year’s successful trip is worth renewing! Because youth is made for heroism!!!

What do you need to do to participate? Fill out registration forms (which can be received by e-mailing sursumcordastlouis@gmail.com). Make check payable to: Institute of Christ the King and mail everything to: Sursum Corda, 6415 S. Woodlawn Ave., Chicago IL 60637 (We are not doing this online due to the limited places available.) Registration must be received by Saturday, December 12^th.

You need to register. This includes: full $225 payment (the bus and the hotel rooms are already reserved!) Fill in registration form. Sign insurance waiver. For those under 18 have parents sign permission form and waiver. There will be designated chaperones, if you are over 21 and would like to fulfill this role let me know. Your place will not be reserved until registration is paid and forms are signed & submitted! Verbal commitment does not suffice. First come first serve. Jump on this quickly! 

First time participants are encouraged to purchase an official Sursum Corda March for Life hoodie. Please note that the style has not changed from previous years. Payment must also be received no later than December 12.

May God continue to bless this holy endeavor!

I assure you of my prayers and I look forward to accompanying you on this trip. Lift up your hearts!!

In Christo Rege,

Canon Michael Stein

Here are some pictures from last year's event!

November Sursum Corda: Catholic Trivia

**Please note that Sursum Corda events have been changed to the 2nd Saturday of the Month to better accommodate the Canon's schedules.**

Do you know who the patron saint of comedians is? What about how many genuflections the celebrant makes during the Mass? Or maybe the history majors could tell us what year the 3rd Ecumenical Council convened. Ready to test your knowledge of the Catholic faith?

Join us on the evening of Saturday, November 14th for a we will be having a casual Catholic trivia night! So study up (or just bring that friend of yours that can list all the Popes from St. Peter to Francis)! The evening will start at 5pm with Benediction/Rosary inside St. Francis de Sales, then we will move to the basement for a conference by Canon Commins. Afterwards, at 6:30pm, we will start our Catholic trivia and pizza will be provided. Feel free to bring any snacks to share if you wish!

For those of you who can, a $5 donation to cover the cost of pizza would be greatly appreciated. If anybody could volunteer to bring drinks (soda, water, ect.) and/or ice that would also be fantastic.

Please e-mail sursumcordastlouis@gmail.com to volunteer or for more information. RSVP's are not necessary, but would be greatly appreciated!

As always - all Catholic young adults aged 18 - 35 are more than welcome! Spread the word and bring a friend!

Hope to see y'all there!

Saturday, November 14th
5:00pm: Benediction/Rosary in St. Francis de Sales Church
5:45pm: Conference by Canon Commins
6:30pm: Trivia Games + Pizza
($5 donation to cover the cost of pizza would be greatly appreciated)

St. Francis de Sales Oratory
2653 Ohio Ave
St. Louis, MO 63104

Tested by Fire, Sustained by Faith - News Release on the Fire at the Shrine of Christ the King

Press Release Regarding the Fire ~ New Mass Schedule

October 8th 2015 “Our community will rebuild" That is the statement the Rev. Canon Matthew Talarico, Provincial Superior of the US Province of the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest, would like to pass on to the many friends, benefactors, and residents of the city of Chicago regarding the October 7th fire that has devastated for a second time the historic church, now known as the Shrine of Christ the King Sovereign Priest, on 64th and Woodlawn. Thankfully, nobody was injured in the extra-alarm blaze. We are also very grateful to the Archbishop of Chicago, the Most Reverend Blase Cupich for expressing his support and prayers at this time from Rome. The 92-year-old church landmark was in the second phase of a six million dollar renovation when fire broke out Wednesday morning destroying large parts of the roof, the choir loft, some of the windows, and apparently most of the interior furnishings of the church. The damage from water and smoke in the church and sacristy is extensive with early estimates running upwards of 3 million dollars. Since 2004, when the congregation of the Institute of Christ the King took over the historic church, the community and neighborhood has witnessed a great transformation. The Infant King devotion, introduced by the congregation, has attracted adherents from all over the country. “Hundreds of prayer requests come in weekly from the local area and across the country and it has been a great source of joy in watching this devotion grow,” said the Rev. Canon Talarico. As the interior and the exterior of the church were slowly renovated, the Shrine congregation, composed of members and families from the local community, some from as far away as Indiana, grew steadily. The renovation of the church also positively touched the local community by reviving the cultural life of the neighborhood, offering concerts and social events that edified many. Mike Medina, president of the Woodlawn Residents Association, said “From organizing block clean-up days and hosting meetings with city and civic leaders, to promoting local businesses and teaching hockey to neighborhood youth, the Shrine of Christ the King has been a tireless advocate for Woodlawn and serves our neighborhood with a giving and gracious heart. We stand together with the Shrine!” The outpouring of support not only in Chicago but nationally has been a great source of encouragement in light of this tragedy. “We have been tested by fire, but this outpouring of support especially from our neighbors helps sustain and renew our faith in our work at the Shrine, in the local community and beyond,” said the Rev. Canon Talarico. The 3-alarm fire took 150 firefighters several hours to bring under control. Courageous firefighters were able to save the tabernacle containing the Blessed Sacrament and the 18th century Spanish statue of the Infant Jesus which is iconic of the mission of the Shrine. “It was beautiful inside.” Nicole Raciunas, a regular member of the Shrine community said. “I know it’s a building, but it is our home. We’re just always here. We did the best we could to make it a beautiful place for God.” Sister Therese O’Sullivan, who runs the shelter next door for women and children said, “I know the spirit of the priests there and this will not stop them. I’m sure they will rebuild.” We invite everyone to a special High Mass which will be celebrated by Msgr. Michael Schmitz, Vicar General of our worldwide Institute, this coming Sunday, October 11th, at 12:30pm at St. Thomas the Apostle Church on 5472 S. Kimbark Ave., Chicago, IL 60615. If you would like to contact the Shrine for interviews, please contact our emergency hotline at (708) 761-0285 or shrine@institute-christ-king.org. If you would like to support and help the Shrine recently devastated by the fire, please go to the Institute’s main page on www.institute-christ-king.org or www.gofundme.com/ShrineFireFund. We invite you to remain in contact with us on the ongoing development of this community story on social media: Twitter Instagram Facebook

New Mass Schedule All upcoming Masses will be held at: St. Thomas the Apostle Roman Catholic Parish 5472 South Kimbark Ave Chicago, IL 60546 Public Masses will be: Thursday at 7:00pm Friday at 7:00pm Saturday at 9:00am Sunday at 12:30pm. The Solemn High Mass this Sunday, October 11, will be offered by Monsignor Schmitz.   8 Octubris Anno Domini MMXV Veritatem facientes in caritate

October: St. Maria Goretti Relics

For October, we will be shifting our ordinary 3rd Saturday of the Month event slightly to the evening of Monday, October 19th. The reason being for a special event just on the other side of the river.

The major relics of St. Maria Goretti will be visiting the Cathedral of St. Peter (address below) in Belleville, IL for public veneration on Oct. 19th. Veneration starts at 7am and goes until 11pm – and there is a Mass in honor of St. Maria Goretti (in the Ordinary Form) at 7pm.

Specifically, Sursum Corda will be meeting there at 5:30pm for veneration until the Mass at 7pm. You can stay for as short or as long as you would like, and if you wish to stay for the Mass please do so! Again – veneration is from 7am to 11pm, so you can stop by at any time.

As always – spread the word and bring your friends! Any young Catholic between the ages of 18 – 35 is most welcome!

For more information or to ask about carpool arrangements please e-mail sursumcordastlouis@gmail.com

Hope to see you there!

Monday, October 19th
5:30pm - Meet at the Cathedral of St. Peter for Veneration of the relics of St. Maria Goretti.
7:00pm - Mass (Ordinary Form) in honor of St. Maria Goretti

Cathedral of St. Peter
200 W. Harrison Street
Belleville, Illinois 62220

October: 40 Days for Life

For those of you who may not be aware, we are within the semi-annual 40 Days for Life campaign. St. Francis de Sales has sponsored Friday, October 16th and is looking for volunteers to stand as a witness to life in front of the downtown abortion clinic.

I know that many of us don’t live nearby and those who do are probably very busy with hectic school and/or work schedules; but if you happen to have an hour free or a long lunch break, please consider volunteering an hour of your time to defend the dignity of the unborn and their mothers.

Young adults just like us are perhaps the most influential and important witnesses to these young women!

We are always looking for as many people as possible at any time from 7am to 7pm, but we try to have a minimum of 2 people present per hour and are still in need of volunteers at the following times:

Friday, October 16th

7-8am

8-9am

9-10am

10-11am

We actually have a couple dedicated pro-life Sursum Corda members signed up already! Thanks so much!

If you are interested and available to take any of the above hours or any hour throughout the day (and maybe grab a friend to bring along!), please e-mail me at sursumcordastl@gmail.com or David Benjamin, the volunteer coordinator for St. Francis de Sales, at benjaminfamily6@gmail.com.

Hope to see y’all there!

Friday, October 16th

7am – 7pm: Hourly opportunities to stand witness for LIFE

4251 Forest Park Avenue

St. Louis, MO 63108

Heads Up! Sursum Corda: Day of Recollection

Heads up!  Mark your calendars!

I would like to announce in advance that for the month of March, Sursum Corda will be hosting a Day of Recollection for all young Catholic adults ages 18 - 35.  This is the perfect opportunity for to renew our Lenten spirit as we continue to prepare for Easter.

The retreat will be held at St. Francis de Sales Oratory midway through Lent on Saturday, March 21st  9am - 2pm.  The retreat will include:

• Conference by the Institute Canons
• Adoration
• the Rosary
• opportunities for Confession
• a Solemn High Mass at 12pm for the Feast of St. Benedict.
• Concluding with lunch and the opportunity for Catholic fellowship following the Mass.

**An RSVP will be necessary by March 16th for those who plan on attending lunch so that we can accurately plan and provide food.  Please expect the cost to be between $10 - $15 per person, but will depend on the amount of people attending.

A detailed schedule and cost information will follow soon.  Keep your eyes peeled!

If you have any further questions, please use the contact form on the right hand side of the page or e-mail: sursumcordastlouis@gmail.com

February Sursum Corda: Arch Grounds

For the month of February, we will be meeting on Saturday the 21st with a historical trip to St. Louis' very own National Monument:  The Gateway Arch, of course.  Whether you are an out-of-towner, one of those St. Louisan's, or just enjoy a good outing with Catholic friends - you'll have a great time!

We will start the day off with 8am Mass, followed by breakfast in the convent and Canon Todd's final conference in the History of the Holy Mass series.  As usual, if those attending would please volunteer to bring food for breakfast (bagels, juice, cereals, other small dishes, ect) it would be much appreciated.  Let me know what you are bringing by e-mailing sursumcordastlouis@gmail.com. 

Following breakfast, we will drive (carpool, if possible) to the Arch grounds to take a look at the newly renovated Old Cathedral and visit the Westward Expansion Museum underneath the Arch (please note we do not have plans to go up the Arch). 

Bring your historical knowledge and your friends!  All young adults ages 18 - 35 are welcome!

Hope to see y'all there!

Saturday, February 21st

8am: Holy Mass at SFdS

~8:45am: Breakfast and Conference in the convent (bring food and please let me know what it is!)

10am: Head to the Old Cathedral and Arch Grounds

If you have any further questions, please use the contact form on the right hand side of the page or e-mail: sursumcordastlouis@gmail.com

Announcement Regarding Future Sursum Corda Meetings

For a very long time, it has been mentioned that having Sursum Corda events planned on a particular weekend of the month would be very helpful for attendance. 

So, I am pleased to announce that starting in January 2015, Sursum Corda meetings will be held consistently on the 3rd Saturday of the month. 

If (for various reasons) the 3rd Saturday can't be scheduled, then we will forfeit meeting for that month.  All will be advised.

Mark your calendars and keep your 3rd Saturdays free!  Hope to see y'all soon!