During the Summer months, this column will be highlighting the good work and parishioners involved in one of our various Parish Ministries. Each week, we will feature an article from a different ministry, written by one if its members, as a reflection on the generosity and stewardship of the SMOS community.
Young Adults & Professionals Reflection
by Philip Masini
I am writing today to let you know about our Young Adults & Professionals ministry here at St. Margaret’s. We are a group of young people, post-college to young families, that gather with the intention to build community and grow in faith together.
A little bit about myself, I am originally from the Chicagoland area. I came to St. Louis to attend undergrad at Wash U, and then ended up staying here after graduation for work. I graduated in 2018, and then COVID hit in 2020. Due to these unforeseen circumstances, there were a few years after college in which I found it very difficult to find a community! I got involved with the Young Adults ministry here at St. Margaret’s by first attending one of the happy hours that we host on the third Thursday of every month. I immediately knew that I had found a home among a loving and supportive community of people.
Young adulthood is a time of many changes in most peoples’ lives. It can be difficult to find a place to establish new relationships with people. The Young Adults ministry is an inclusive community that has taught me that growing the church can sometimes look as simple as just providing a space for people to be together!
In terms of more practical information, we have our regularly scheduled events on Thursday evenings.
Every Third Thursday of the Month, we have a happy hour from 6-8 PM at the rectory. This is a great, laid-back environment for meeting new people and just hanging out! We are always happy to see both new faces, and returning ones we have not seen in a while. Plus, Father John makes a mean cocktail!
Every Thursday, besides third Thursdays, we usually have a Bible study at 6:30 PM – there is no sign-up or commitment required! We are currently reading the second reading for the upcoming Sunday Mass. During the summer we have been meeting outside in Tower Grove Park, while we meet at the rectory for the remainder of the year.
We also host one-off events throughout the year, typically on a monthly basis. Most recently, we hosted a trivia night at Aquinas Institute! Past activities have also included a visit to the pumpkin patch, a Sunday hike after mass, Shakespeare in the park, and ice-skating, among many others.
Our aim is to not only build community within St. Margaret of Scotland, but also with the young adult community across St. Louis. So whether you are a parishioner or just visiting for the first time today, we invite you to come to one of our events. People of all faiths are always welcome.
The most up to date information about upcoming events can be found on our Facebook group, “SMOS Young Adults & Professionals.” We also will be sending e-Blasts through Flocknotes.
If you have any questions or suggestions, you are always welcome to email us at smosyoungadults@gmail.com, or talk to me or my partner, Britt, after Mass!