Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why more Catholics are returning to Mass in St. Louis

Spotted on the St. Louis calendar: Saint Louis Chamber Chorus "Voices of Change, TRANSFORMATION: The Birth of Jesus Christ"

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Hello St. Louis! Here's our latest buzz. Let's get into it. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why more Catholics are returning to Mass in St. Louis
  • How 10 new modular homes could transform The Ville by 2026
  • How early should St. Louis parents lock in 2026 summer camps?

Also on today's calendar: Saint Louis Chamber Chorus "Voices of Change, TRANSFORMATION: The Birth of Jesus Christ" and 6 more events.

Find out what's happening in St. Louisfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: Last night I had a dream. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in St. Louisfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Saturday: Partly sunny; breezy, warmer, with a high of 55 and low of 28 degrees.
  • Sunday: Partly sunny and cooler, temps: high: 43, low: 31.
  • Monday: Partly sunny, with a high of 51 and low of 43 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Mass attendance increases for fifth year straight in Archdiocese of St. Louis (stlouisreview.com) — Mass attendance across the Archdiocese of St. Louis rose for the fifth straight year, with about 4,500 more people in the pews this October than in 2024. While participation still hasn’t reached pre-pandemic levels, most local parishes reported gains, suggesting Catholics are gradually adjusting to the All Things New parish mergers and reduced weekend Mass schedules.
   

2. SLDC plans to construct modular homes on vacant lots in North City (firstalert4.com) — St. Louis is moving ahead with 10 new modular homes in The Ville, using $3.2 million in federal relief funds to replace long-vacant, tornado-impacted lots on Aldine Avenue. The project, led by SLDC and Module Building Systems, aims to create affordable for-sale and rental housing, add 80 new jobs as the company relocates its headquarters to N 20th Street, and will include community town halls in early 2026.
   

3. Tips to prepare St. Louis parents for 2026 early-bird summer camp signups (stlmag.com) — St. Louis parents are being urged to start planning now for 2026 summer camp signups, with most local programs opening registration as early as January. A Blueprint4 program manager walks through how to set a budget, compare locations, weigh kids’ interests, and navigate scholarships, special needs, and scheduling so families across the metro can find realistic, engaging options.
   

4. Focused Ultrasound Foundation Names Washington University in St. Louis a Focused Ultrasound Center of Excellence (newswise.com) — Washington University in St. Louis has been named a Focused Ultrasound Center of Excellence, highlighting major local leadership in this cutting-edge, noninvasive medical technology. More than 30 WashU faculty across 11 departments are driving $40 million in funded research, multiple clinical trials, and dozens of patents that could eventually improve treatment options for serious conditions like brain tumors, chronic pain, PTSD, and depression.
   

5. Apprenticeship program expands to St. Louis County students (spectrumlocalnews.com) — High schoolers in St. Louis County now have a clearer path into advanced manufacturing careers thanks to a new federally registered youth apprenticeship program. Eight local districts have signed on, with Beckwood Press already taking students and more manufacturers expected this spring, giving teens paid work experience, 2,000 training hours, and a Department of Labor credential that can open doors to solid local jobs.
   

📸 Around St. Louis

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • First "Talking Transit" Forum of 2026 to Highlight the Trajectory of Public Transit in the St. Louis Region —Hauser Group Read on Patch

Ok St. Louis! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I dreamed I was swimming in a pool of orange soda, but it was just a Fanta-sea.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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