Parish News

From The Coordinator of Inclusion, Diversity, & Equity – by Corey Shorter

These late Advent days are filled with many blessings! You might take some quiet time on your own during these busy days to open your Bible to the beginning of the Gospel of Luke or Matthew and read these Gospels for your own prayer and reflection. The Great “O-Antiphons” also mark the Church’s prayer during these late Advent days.

Join the SMOS Inclusion & Diversity Committee on Friday, December 15 at 8AM in the Teacher’s Lounge for the next…

Event Date: Friday, December 22at 5:30pm
Starting from the Ibendahl’s House

Event Date: Saturday, January 13 at 6:00pm
Church Hall

Click here to find the Liturgical Ministry schedule for the weekend listed above.

From The Coordinator of Religious Education – by Gwen Heithaus

Pop Quiz: During which month of the year do Catholics traditionally honor the Blessed Virgin Mary? Yes, May and October are both months when Catholics traditionally honor the Blessed Mother, but I’d like to propose another: December.

In 1531, according to legend, the Virgin Mary appeared to Juan Diego, an indigenous Aztec convert.  We see in this event God’s preferential option for the poor and vulnerable to do God’s bidding.

Not sure what to get your SMOS-loving family and friends?  Don’t forget about the St. Margaret of Scotland Spiritwear store!…

Event Date: Thursday, December 14 at 6:30pm
Church

Registration for the 2024 Spring Baseball and Softball season for all grades Pre-K through 8th is now open through January 31st.

Click here to find the Liturgical Ministry schedule for the weekend listed above.

Growing In Faith – by Ruth Pera, Faith Formation Coordinator

December is a most joyful month as we prepare for the celebration of Christ’s birth.  May your days be joyful and prayerful and peaceful as we prepare!

The meeting between Elizabeth and Mary, a poignant moment with far-reaching consequences, is a testament to faith, prophecy, and the extraordinary events surrounding the birth of Christ.

Event Dates: Friday, December 8 at 7:00pm; Saturday, December 9 at 7:00pm; Sunday, December 10 at 2:00pm.

The SMOS Gun Sense: For the Common Good team is participating in an Interfaith Prayer Service for victims and survivors of gun violence on Sunday, December 10 at 6:00pm at Trinity Episcopal Church, 600 N. Euclid Ave., Saint Louis, MO 63108.

Event Date: Sunday, December 10, 5:30-7:30pm
Church Hall

Schedules, information, and Mass times for Advent, and Christmas & New Years holidays.

Thanks to the amazing generosity of the SMOS Community – we far surpassed our goal of $5,000 for our SMOS Music Ministry – and raised over $9,000! And our social media campaign won an award from the St. Louis Archdiocese! Congrats!

This Advent and Christmas season the SMOS Youth Ministry group has decided to sponsor a refugee family in need of…

Thank you for your generous support of our “Grateful & Generous” Program! In the next few weeks, we will be publishing in the bulletin a report with important highlights from our program.

Click here to find the Liturgical Ministry schedule for the weekend listed above.

Educating In Faith – by Theresa Lueke

Today, on the Feast of Christ the King, we honor the unique kingship of Christ. His kingdom is not here; his kingdom is with his Father, and yet it is mysteriously being built up in our very midst!

Spiritual Reflection – by Orin Johnson

Part Two of the “Letter to the People of God” from the Pope and participants of the recent Synod on Synodality.

Click here to find the Liturgical Ministry schedule for the weekend listed above.

Event Date: Monday, December 11, 6:00pm
The Home of Sandy Koesterer, 3133 Hawthorne Blvd., Saint Louis, MO 63104

The SMOS St. Vincent de Paul Society has kicked off its annual giving season going on now through the end of the year! This event’s goal is to raise $25,000 to help our Neighbors in Need weather the winter ahead.

Event Date: #GivingTuesday, Tuesday, November 28
https://bit.ly/SMOSiGiveCatholic2023

Event Date: Tuesday, December 5, 7:30pm
St. Margaret of Scotland Church, 3864 Flad Ave., Saint Louis, MO 63110

Event Date: Monday, November 27, 4:00-9:00pm
Steve’s Hot Dogs

Event Date: Thursday, November 23, 10:15am
Tower Grove Park Soccer Field

The holiday season is supposed to be full of joy, happiness, and time with loved ones. But, for many women,…

Enjoy an evening of prayer, food, and reflection with your Parish sisters.
Register for our annual Women’s Advent By Candlelight dinner.  This quiet evening spent surrounded by other women, good food, and a beautiful environment is an Advent moment you definitely want to make time for.

Please welcome the following families who have officially registered in St. Margaret of Scotland parish in the past several weeks.

Athletic Association News This past weekend, the SMOS 8th grade boys participated in the CYC City/County soccer playoffs.  After two decisive victories…

From The Coordinator Of Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity – by Corey Shorter

At the conclusion of the Synod on Synodality in Rome last month, the Pope and the participants released a “Letter to the People of God”, highlighting the proceedings and conversations at the Synod. Since this letter is addressed to the People of God – to you! – it’s important to share.  This is part one, next week will be part two.

Click here to find the Liturgical Ministry schedule for the weekend listed above.

SAVE THE DATE:  St. Margaret of Scotland is participating in #iGiveCatholic on November 29!  You can be part of this fundraising celebration…

This weekend is the deadline to return your completed Commitment Card for our ‘Grateful & Generous’ increased offertory program.  Thank you to those parishioners who have already done so – All cards need to be returned to the parish by Sunday, November 12.

Fr. John Vien has been working with Travel Tyme Pilgrimages to arrange a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and Rome…

Lector Workbooks for 2024 are available in the sacristy for all our lectors at Sunday Mass.  Please take one to…

Thank you St. Margaret of Scotland parish and school for raising $3897 to support mothers and their children at our…

Members of the SMOS Youth Ministry had an amazing time on their trip to El Paso for the Pilgrimage of…

Facebook Event: https://fb.me/e/5M9LwPDth Makers Market is an elective course taken by 50 middle school students during the first trimester of…

During this month of November, Catholics are encouraged to remember the faithful departed and to reflect on the mystery of death.

Click here to find the Liturgical Ministry schedule for the weekend listed above.

Educating In Faith – by Gwen Heithaus

You’re invited to a memorable evening of soulful music and community spirit. Hearts in Harmony features Daniel Oberreuter, lead singer of the Catholic band The Thirsting. The evening concert will also feature music from the choirs of Ascension Parish Schola, Sts. Joachim & Ann Parish Adult Choirs, and our very own St. Margaret of Scotland Parish Choir.

The SMOS St. Vincent DePaul Society is organizing a food collection for Thanksgiving 2023 to assist local impoverished individuals. They are collecting 200 cans of yams for the Isaiah 58 food pantry before 11/13.

Event Date: Thursday, November 9, 6:30pm
Church

Flocknote is now up and running and available for individual ministries to use.  This means that you can more easily manage your mailing list, track how many people open your emails, and track how many people click links. It also has some awesome features like voting within emails, texting (that is PGC safe!), and commenting on emails.  Moving forward, all ministries are expected to use Flocknote. 

Event Date: Sunday, November 12, 5:30-7:30pm
Church Hall

Event Date: Friday, November 17, 6:00-9:00pm
School Gym

Happy All Hallows’ Eve, Happy All Saints, and Blessed All Souls to one and all! Enjoy these days, but also remember to keep these days holy.

Click here to find the Liturgical Ministry schedule for the weekend listed above.

Are you or someone you know hurting from a past abortion? The Abortion Healing Ministry (AHM) of the Archdiocese of St Louis is here to help.

Educating In Faith – by Theresa Lueke

Event Date: Saturday, November 11, 4:30pm
Church & Church Hall

Troop 110 will be selling popcorn as part of their annual fundraiser after all Masses on Saturday and Sunday, October 28 & 29.

Thank you to all parishioners who have completed and submitted your Commitment Card to the church.  For those parishioners who have not yet had the opportunity to submit their card, please do so before the November 12 deadline.

Event Date: Thursday, November 2, 6:30pm
Isaiah 58 Ministries

Parishioners are encouraged to honor their deceased loved ones by bringing photos and writing names in the Book of the Dead. Upcoming events include Halloween, All Saints Day, and All Souls Day.

We invite the St. Margaret’s community to gather with us in prayer for all of those suffering from the effects of this war.  We will hold brief prayer services on Friday, October 27 at 7:50am in the Hesed Outdoor Classroom at St. Margaret’s School and on Sunday, October 29 at 9:00am in the Church

The Gun Sense team is observing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, noting the increased danger in domestic violence situations when a gun is present. They encourage people to reach out to national hotlines for support and to engage with local organizations while advocating for stricter domestic violence-related gun laws in Missouri.

St. Margaret of Scotland hosted a prayer vigil, organized by its Youth Ministry and Gun Sense team, to commemorate the 1-year anniversary of the CVPA/Collegiate school shooting.

October is Respect Life Month, a time to reflect on life’s sanctity and advocate for human rights, human dignity, and respect for all. This involves combating issues like gun violence, slavery, inequality, and advocating for the vulnerable, including the unborn, poor, and minorities. Everyone is encouraged to contribute using their unique abilities, whether through direct service, advocacy, writing, or prayer.

Thank you, St. Margaret or Scotland parishioners, for your support of women and children through your generosity to Our Lady’s Inn!

Click here to find the Liturgical Ministry schedule for the weekend listed above.

Growing In Faith – by Ruth Pera

Event Date: Wednesday, October 25, 5:00-7:00pm
School Parking Lot

You could say a good slime was had by all on Saturday night in the school gym – thanks to everyone who joined in the fun!

A new documentary, ‘A Place at the Table: African Americans on the Path to Sainthood’, which highlights the extraordinary lives of six Black Catholic individuals, will be screened on November 4 at 5:30PM in the St. Margaret of Scotland parish hall. Pizza, salad, drinks, and post-film conversation will be provided.

World Mission Sunday, to be honored on the third weekend of October, encourages donations to support global church missions. These missions include faith propagation, education, medical assistance, and care for orphans and the elderly. Contributions assist over 1,100 mission dioceses globally.

Please welcome the following families who have officially registered in St. Margaret of Scotland parish in the past several weeks.

Click here to find the Liturgical Ministry schedule for the weekend listed above.

With assisted suicide and euthanasia being legalized in many countries, Pope Francis continues to remind us that care for the dignity of the human person extends to the natural end of a person’s life.

Spiritual Reflection – by Orin Johnson

On October 4, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, Pope Francis issued a new apostolic exhortation entitled Laudate Deum (“Praise God”). The Pope issued a dire warning to Catholics and to all people of good will that our planet is approaching a “point of no return”.

Event Date: Sunday, October 29, 6:00pm
Church Hall

Event Date: Saturday, October 21, 8:00am-1:00pm
Old Playground Pavilion, Tower Grove Park

Event Date: Sunday, October 15, 5:30-7:30pm
Church Hall

Thank you to all parishioners who have completed and submitted your Commitment Card to the church.  For those parishioners who have not yet had the opportunity to submit their card, a letter is being mailed to you with a personalized Commitment Card.

Event Dates: Auditions – Saturday, October 14, 1:00pm; Callbacks – Sunday, October 15, 1:00pm
Church Hall

Support the SMOS Boy Scouts’ annual fundraiser with your purchase of fresh live Christmas wreaths and greenery.  Varieties include fabric bow, natural pine cones, golden ornaments, and decorative red berries.  

Event Date: Saturday, November 11, 9:00am
Old Playground Pavilion, Tower Grove Park

These one-hour-long social events will include a short talk, followed by discussion opportunities, practical tips and activities to take home… and a lot of socializing.

Event Date: Saturday, October 21, 8:00am-1:00pm
Old Playground Pavilion, Tower Grove Park

Click here to find the Liturgical Ministry schedule for the weekend listed above.

From The Coordinator Of Inclusion, Diversity, & Equity – by Corey Shorter

Thanks to all who have given such positive feedback to our Stewardship season!  My hope is that by focusing on gratitude and generosity, our community at St. Margaret of Scotland will grow in faith, prayer, care for one another, and dedication to this parish we love.

October is Respect Life month. Pope Francis has always been a stalwart defender of life and the dignity of every person, from conception to natural death.

Pope Francis releases Laudate deum (Praise God) yesterday on St. Francis of Assisi’s feast day as a follow-up to Laudato…

The YAP group is debuting a new service opportunity in collaboration with Isaiah 58 ministries.  This is very exciting, and…

Thank you for celebrating Commitment Sunday with us this weekend.  Your commitment to our parish through our “Grateful & Generous” Program will continue to bring life to our community. 

Event Dates: October 7-8, October 14-15, October 21-22, after each Mass
Church Hall

Click here to find the Liturgical Ministry schedule for the weekend listed above.

From The Coordinator Of Religious Education – by Gwen (Cataldo) Heithaus

The weekend of Oct. 7/8, grab a baby bottle after Mass. Fill it with change or checks and return it the following weekend. No amount is too large or small! To donate via QR code or at https://ourladysinn.org/donate-now/ put “SMOS” in “Occasion for the Tribute.” Thank you!

All children grades 5-8 are invited to come for Altar Server training on Sunday, October 15 after 10:00am Mass. We will meet in the front of the church. Training should last an hour or less.

Today is Commitment Sunday during our Stewardship Season at St. Margaret of Scotland. This past week, all our households have received information in the mail about our Increased Offertory Program, and I hope that many of you will respond with a renewed pledge of more financial generosity.

Thanks to all who wore name tags at Mass this past weekend.  We will be continuing to wear them at…

Fr. John will never email or text you with a vague request to call him or do him a favor!…

Event Date: Friday, October 20, 11:00am-7:00pm
Forest Park Golf Course

Event Date: Sunday, October 8, 5:30-7:30pm
Church Hall

Watch your mail this week for more information and a detailed brochure introducing our Increased Offertory Program. Please review this brochure and prayerfully consider how you and your family can help St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church by financially supporting our ministries, furthering our mission, and securing our future.

Please join us and other Catholics across the country in praying a rosary for our nation.  October 7th marks the feast of…

To honor the rich contributions of migrants to our Church, St. Pius V Parish community invites you to join the celebration of the annual Migration Mass at 10:00 am on Sunday, October 1.

Click here to find the Liturgical Ministry schedule for the weekend listed above.

Stewardship Reflection – by Heather Lawyer

Today is Stewardship Sunday in the Archdiocese of St. Louis! St. Margaret joins the other parish communities of our local Church in celebrating and committing to Stewardship, that is, to be grateful and generous with our time, talent, and treasure.

Event Date: Wednesday, October 4, 6:30pm
Church Courtyard

Click here to find the Liturgical Ministry schedule for the weekend listed above.

National Migration Week is September 18-24, culminating in World Day of Migrants and Refugees next Sunday. This year’s theme is “Free to choose whether to migrate or to stay.”

Stewardship Reflection – by Greg Rohde

Continuing our Stewardship season, this time of gratitude and generosity, we welcome Dave Baranowski, Director of Parish Stewardship for the Archdiocese of St. Louis to St. Margaret of Scotland this weekend.

Event Date: Saturday, October 14, 6:00-10:00pm
School Gym

Event Date: Thursday, October 5, 7:00pm
School

Event Date: Sunday, September 17, 5:30-7:30pm
Church Hall

Calling SMOS parishioners!! Sign up for our SMOS pen pal program for the 2023-2024 school year! Interested parishioners will be…

Stewardship Reflection – by Luke Ruszkowski

This weekend, we welcome John Martin and Cliff Reynolds, who serve on our parish Finance Council and are presenting the annual financial report to the parish at Sunday Mass. A detailed snapshot of the financial state of the parish can be found in the annual printed report. 

Click here to find the Liturgical Ministry schedule for the weekend listed above.

Now that we have settled into our routines a bit, we have noticed that traffic in and around the Shaw…

The SMOS Gun Sense: For the Common Good team is honoring World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10th) and highlighting National Suicide Prevention Month at all the Masses the second weekend in September.

Event Date: Monday, September 18, 6:30-8:30pm
The Home of Delaney Clement, 3205 Hawthorne Blvd., Saint Louis, MO 63104

Event Date: Saturday, September 15, 9:00am-1:00pm
School Parking Lot

The SMOS Gun Sense: For the Common Good team is honoring World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10th) and highlighting National Suicide Prevention Month at all the Masses the second weekend in September.

The annual Parish Stewardship Report has been sent to the homes of all registered parishioners. Please see the digital copy…

Basketball registration for 1st-8th grades has started and runs through the month of September.

Please welcome the following families who have officially registered in St. Margaret of Scotland parish in the past several weeks.

Stewardship Reflection – by Prudence Kramer

At the heart of Stewardship are the simple concepts of Gratitude and Generosity. All of us are called to be grateful for all the gifts that God has given to us, and in turn, we are called to be generous in sharing those gifts with others. So, “Grateful & Generous” is the theme of our Stewardship Season which begins this weekend.

Click here to find the Liturgical Ministry schedule for the weekend listed above.

Over the next few weeks, you will be hearing about the upcoming “Grateful & Generous” Increased Offertory Program at St….

Event Date: Sunday, September 10, 5:30-7:30pm
Church Hall

Event Date: Saturday, September 23
Walk – 9:00am
Mass – 4:30pm
Dinner – 5:30-7:00pm

At the heart of Stewardship are the simple concepts of Gratitude and Generosity. All of us are called to be grateful for all the gifts that God has given to us, and in turn, we are called to be generous in sharing those gifts with others. So, “Grateful & Generous” is the theme of our Stewardship Season which begins this weekend.

Click here to find the Liturgical Ministry schedule for the weekend listed above.

Growing In Faith – by Ruth Pera, Faith Formation Coordinator

Event Date: Sunday, September 3, 11:00am-12:00pm
Church Hall

The Living Justice Ministries – Gun Sense: For the Common Good team is continuing its work, after taking the lead with much of the Archdiocese ‘Addressing Gun Violence’ event last month. You too can lend your voice to this effort.  

The SMOS Youth Ministry two fall trips are quickly approaching, and sign-ups close soon. Registration closes on September 1st!

Register now to join the Children’s Choir – open to grades 3-8.

From The School Principal – by Patrick Holley, Principal

We had a great Back to School Sunday, Blessing of the Backpacks, and School Open House last Sunday and our St. Margaret of Scotland students returned to school this past Wednesday.

Click here to find the Liturgical Ministry schedule for the weekend listed above.

Event Date: Thursday, August 31, 6:00-8:00pm
SMOS School Parking Lot

Do you love children?  Even other people’s children?  Then have we got the thing for you!

We’re looking for folks to help us with a new SMOS ministry – a Babysitters Club!  We are in need of sitters for the Parishioner Thank You, which is coming up on Sunday, August 27th.

The Immigrant & Refugee Ministry is a relational, welcoming ministry that strives to uphold the God-given worth and dignity of each person. IRM is a collaborative ministry of St. Anthony of Padua, St. Cronan, St. Margaret of Scotland, St. Pius V, St. Vincent de Paul, and St. Stephen Protomartyr.

This Fall, SMOS will participate in both the traditional Girls on the Run Program for 3-5th graders, and also the Heart and Sole Program for 6-8th graders.

Happy Back to School Sunday and Back to School Week! And coming up… it’s Stewardship Season!

Click here to find the Liturgical Ministry schedule for the weekend listed above.

From The Coordinator Of Religious Education – by Gwen Cataldo, CRE

After the Summer hiatus, the parish Advocacy Table has returned following the 8:00am and 10:00am Masses.  Each week, as parishioners…

Join us on August 15 for the final two Summer Socials at SMOS – both to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption.

Event Date: Sunday, August 27, 4:00-6:00pm
Church Hall – Reception; Church – Vespers

NEW THIS SCHOOL YEAR… School families must have ALL parents/guardians in compliance with Protecting God’s Children.

Upcoming PGC Workshop
Wednesday, September 20 @ 6:00pm
School Cafeteria

The Sundays of Ordinary Time are replaced this weekend by the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord.

Any parish or school organization setting up a rental for a pavilion, field, etc., at Tower Grove Park, must go…

Click here to find the Liturgical Ministry schedule for the weekend listed above.

Spiritual Reflection – by Orin Johnson, Director of Music & Liturgy

Registration for 2023-2024 South City Deanery PSR program will be held on both 8/13 and 8/21 at St. John the Baptist.

Event Date: Sunday, August 13, 10:00am
St. Margaret of Scotland Church

Click here to find the Liturgical Ministry schedule for the weekend listed above.

Liturgical Ministry Reflection – by Justin Roth

Next weekend, August 5-6, St. Margaret of Scotland will participate in the Annual Mission Appeal. This year, we welcome Fr. George Ssemmombwe, who will preach on behalf of Broader Vision School in Entebbe, Uganda.

Ms. Gwen’s Summer Socials continues in August with a rockin’ good dance party in the Church Hall for all children aged 7-11. So don’t miss out – be sure to sign up today!!

Please welcome the following families who have officially registered in St. Margaret of Scotland parish in the past several weeks.

The weekend of August 5-6, 2023, St. Margaret of Scotland will participate in the annual Archdiocesan  Missionary Appeal.  Each year,…

SMOS Youth Ministry has two amazing trips planned for this Fall. Both are opportunities to learn more about Catholic Social…

St. Margaret’s first Vacation Bible School is coming up next week and we want your recyclables! Find details about this and other support opportunities on the SMOS website.

Click here to find the Liturgical Ministry schedule for the weekend listed above.

Scouting Reflection – by Cubmaster Matty Kleinberg

World Youth Day is from August 1-6 in Lisbon, Portugal this year.

This summit on gun violence prevention will likely sell out this week – so please be sure to get your spot before registration closes! You can just sign up for a half day, if you’re not available for the full session.

Stay in touch with your old Alma Mater, as sign up for the new Flocknote we created just for SMOS alums!

Click here to find the Liturgical Ministry schedule for the weekend listed above.

Finance Committee Reflection – by Patty Hendrickson

For your reflection this week, here is an article recently shared by our Archdiocesan Eucharistic Revival team.

You are invited to the Solemn Profession of Vows for for Br. Dominick Jean, O.P. on Saturday, August 12 at 10am. Please RSVP!

Please remember, if you would like to mark an occasion (birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, etc.), to recall a beloved family member or friend (living or deceased), or any special prayer – parishioners may request an intention be listed in the bulletin and honored during a Mass at St. Margaret of Scotland Church. Mass Cards are also available.

Call of the Wild! Be sure to sign-up your kids to join Ms. Gwen Cataldo on this special Zoom call to celebrate the life of St. Kateri – Friday, July 14 @ 10AM.

Click here to find the Liturgical Ministry schedule for the weekend listed above.

Summertime!  It’s my favorite time of year.

Ladies Auxiliary Reflection – by Delaney Clement

NEW THIS SCHOOL YEAR… School families must have ALL parents/guardians in compliance with Protecting God’s Children BEFORE the start of School.

PGC Workshops
Sunday, August 6 @ 9:30am
Tuesday, August 8 @ 5:00pm
School Cafeteria

Vacation Bible School at St. Margaret of Scotland Church Hall
July 31-August 4, 9am-12pm

Click here to find the Liturgical Ministry schedule for the weekend listed above.

Happy 4th of July!

Young Adults & Professionals Reflection – by Philip Masini

Advocacy Table To Return July 30th. This Spring saw the return of our parish’s Advocacy Table following the 8:00am and…

It’s been a year since, after much discernment around the Parish, St. Margaret of Scotland became proud signers of the…

Save The Date – Vacation Bible School at St. Margaret of Scotland
July 31-August 4, 9am-12pm Noon

St. Vincent de Paul Society Reflection – by Dave Greiner

Click here to find the Liturgical Ministry schedule for the weekend listed above.