Pride of St. Margaret Continues to Grow
~ When I sat down to write this piece about Pride of St. Margaret, it was more difficult than I expected. As we approach our fifth year, it still feels like we’re finding our footing, even as the ministry continues to grow.
Pride of St. Margaret (or POSM – pronounced “possum”, as we affectionately call it) began in 2022 when a small group of LGBTQ+ parishioners, parents, family members, and allies gathered with Fr. John in the Rectory dining room. Inspired in part by a longtime parishioner whose child struggled to feel fully accepted in the Church, the group asked a simple but important question: How can St. Margaret of Scotland help LGBTQ+ people and their families know they are welcome, valued, and loved?
From those conversations, Pride of St. Margaret was formed as a ministry of fellowship, faith, and accompaniment within the Living Justice Ministries. Our mission has always been to build community, foster relationships, and remind people that all are invited to grow in relationship with Christ and His Church.
Our beginning was not without challenges. The ministry’s first planned event – a simple happy hour in the Rectory – was officially postponed because of a well-timed winter storm. In reality, publicity surrounding the event generated negative attention online from outside our parish, causing us to have concerns for our safety and that of our pastor, and the realization that we needed to proceed with a lower profile than we had anticipated. The experience taught us the value of growing intentionally and through relationships. As a result, much of our work has taken place through personal invitations, small gatherings, and one-on-one conversations. That may be one reason some parishioners know less about POSM than other ministries, even though the group has remained active and steadily growing.
Since those early days, POSM has hosted social gatherings, participated in community outreach, and built connections within the parish and beyond. We are grateful for the support and encouragement we have received along the way.
Looking ahead, there is much to be excited about. This September, POSM will once again join with other Catholic parishes (four this year!) at Tower Grove Pride, sharing information about welcoming Catholic communities and connecting with those seeking a faith home. We will also continue our quarterly happy hours in the Rectory, including one this Tuesday evening, offering opportunities for fellowship among parishioners, family members, friends, and allies.
In the coming year, the ministry plans to host another parish educational seminar, participate again in Stations of the Cross during Lent, and continue outreach to LGBTQ+ Catholics and their families, as well as to other parishes throughout the Archdiocese interested in fostering dialogue, hospitality, and accompaniment.
As we celebrate Pride Month, we give thanks for how far this ministry has come and for the many people who have helped it grow. Pride of St. Margaret remains committed to building community, deepening faith, and helping all people know they have a place at St. Margaret of Scotland.
During the Summer months, this column will be highlighting the good work and parishioners involved in one of our various Social Justice Ministries. Each week, we will feature an article from a different ministry, written by one if its members, as a reflection on the calling to Catholic Social Teaching at St. Margaret of Scotland.
