MSMC marks women's history month with anti-violence shirts
To help give a voice to women affected by violence, Mount St. Mary's College students spent their lunch breaks March 10-12 designing and displaying T-shirts with anti-violence messages. The shirts were hung on clotheslines erected on campus in support of the Clothesline Project, an annual activity organized by the College during Women's History Month.
The Clothesline Project enables student participants to make a powerful step toward helping survivors break through the shroud of silence that has surrounded their experiences.
"Young women nationwide are vulnerable to violence, with some estimates that 20 to 25 percent of college women experience attempted or completed rape," said Dr. Susan Salem, MSMC director of Counseling and Psychological Services. "There is much shame that surrounds a victim's experience, so it is a relief to see that they are not alone."
"Mount St. Mary's College is committed to empowering women to develop leadership skills and find their own unique voices," said college president Dr. Jacqueline Powers Doud. "It's particularly gratifying to support our students as they join with others across the country to draw attention to the issue of violence against women."
The Clothesline Project was sponsored by the Student Affairs Women's Coalition, which includes a wide variety of academic, staff and student groups on campus.
St. Brendan Church observes interreligious Good Friday
St. Brendan Church in Los Angeles commemorated Good Friday with an interfaith observance of the traditional Seven Last Words service. The day began with a contemporary Way of the Cross with readings from modern sources of people who have experienced in their own lives the passion of Jesus --- voices from the Rwandan Genocide to the Civil Rights Movement to victims of the death penalty.
Each of the seven reflections were offered by parishioners who have been to the Holy Land on pilgrimage as well as Jewish and Muslim friends of the parish --- Rabbi Neil Comess-Daniels of Congregation Beth Shir Sholom in Santa Monica and Jihad Turk, director of religious affairs at the Islamic Center of Southern California in Los Angeles.
St. Vincent de Paul L.A. Council celebrates 100th anniversary
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Council of Los Angeles recently celebrated its 100th anniversary of improving the quality of life for the local disadvantaged and homeless by holding a special Gala for nearly 275 people. L.A. Dodgers broadcaster and Santa Monica native Rick Monday and Academy Award winning actor Louis Gossett Jr. were honored for their work in the community.
Monday received the Society's "Outstanding Youth Role Model Award," from presenter and former Dodger "Sweet" Lou Johnson, while Gossett was presented the "Community Advocates Award" from fellow actor Tony Plana. Jim Hill, KCBS/KCAL-TV sports reporter, and Tom Sherak, former chairman of Twentieth Century Fox Domestic Film Group, were the co-emcees.
Proceeds from the Gala will help expand the Society's Circle V Ranch Camp's summer session to a year-round program for off-track students, ages 7-13, who are unable to attend traditional summer camp. Presently, 1,200 at-risk and low-income boys and girls throughout Southern California benefit from Circle V Ranch each summer, with 98 percent receiving some form of scholarship. Circle V's program helps at-risk children learn necessary life skills, builds self-esteem and provides mentoring from supportive role models that will empower these young people in school and assist them in forming positive relationships with parents, teachers and peers.
For information on assisting St. Vincent de Paul's program for young people and the community at large, call (323) 224-6273 or visit www.svdpla.org.
St. Monica hosts adult education series
St. Monica Church in Santa Monica is sponsoring a "Welcome Home Series" for people who are returning to church after a long absence or have questions about integrating faith and life or faith and church. The series takes place Tuesdays, April 15-May 20, 7:30-9 p.m. in the PC Living Room. For information, call (310) 566-1500.
A Bible study series on the "Biblical Roots of the Sacraments" will be presented by Franciscan Father Doug Glassman on Wednesdays, April 16-May 21, 7:30-9 p.m. in the parish Trepp Center. The fee is $5 per class; call (310) 566-1546.
LMU hosts Hollywood writer, senior art exhibit
Longtime Hollywood writer/producer Ron Austin will present his book, "In a New Light: Spirituality and the Media Arts," at Loyola Marymount University, Ahmanson Auditorium on April 20 at 2 p.m.
In more than 40 years in the entertainment business, Austin has worked on shows like "Charlie's Angels," "Matlock," and "Mission: Impossible." His book explores the spiritual foundations essential to art.
Following his presentation, a panel will discuss the intersection of art and faith with Dr. Cecilia Gonzalez-Andrieu, associate professor of theology at LMU; Paul Wolff, screenwriter and lecturer; and Gabriel Meyer, journalist and writer.
The event, sponsored by LMU and the Focolare Movement, is free and open to the public. For information, call (310) 670-6736 or e-mail focolare.mla@gmail.com.
Beginning April 16, LMU's Department of Art and Art History will present "Spittin' on Sidewalks," the 15th annual Senior Art Exhibition, through May 9.
The show in LMU's Von der Ahe Library Art Gallery will feature 11 emerging artists: Erik Benjamins, Malia Prietto, Chelsea Kosta, Chalsey Miller, Ryan Hopkins, Kirsten Dikio, Colin Griffin, James Concannon, Kalin Talbott, Margo Beaver, Alison Limtavemongol.
The artists in this exhibition explore personal narratives and experimental approaches through painting, photography, ceramics, and multimedia installation projects. The exhibition was organized by Father Michael Tang. For hours and other information, call (310) 338-5189. |