Throughout the year, we present an article in the bulletin each week on a variety of topics, written by a member of our Parish staff on a rotating basis.

From the Coordinator of Religious Education

by Gwen Heithaus

Happy New Year! My prayer for you is that you find this year to be a real gift from God, and that you allow him to work more fully in your hearts and lives. 

Did any of your resolutions have to do with growing in faith? Are you looking to dive deeper into our SMOS community this year? Families in Faith is for YOU! Each month ideas for living our faith outside of the walls of our parish will be shared in the bulletin and newsletter. A few times a year, all families will be invited to come together for faith and fellowship! Mark your calendars for the next social, which will be held on January 18 at 7:00pm in the school cafeteria. All are welcome to come and enjoy food, conversation, and practical resources that you can use to help your family grow in faith. 

Check out some of these ways to bring Jesus into your home this month:

1. January 22nd is the National Day of Prayer for the Unborn. How can you incorporate a greater respect for life into your family culture? Some ideas might include doing service work together to help your children see that life must be respected at all ages. Can your family find anything around  your house or at the store that a new mother or young family might need? Maybe collect diapers throughout your neighborhood. There are also prayers for the unborn that are easy additions to when your family says prayers before bed or grace before meals. 
2. During these cold winter months it can be difficult to find indoor activities to keep everyone busy. Have you explored the different religious sites St. Louis is home to? This is a great time of year to take a self guided tour of the Cathedral Basilica on Lindell, or the Old Cathedral next to the Arch. Both tell stories of our faith and how it has grown here in the city of St. Louis. Have you ever wanted to walk the path of a saint? Take a trip up to Old Town Florissant and visit the St. Ferdinand Shrine. St. Rose Philippine Duchesne spent time living, working, and evangelizing in the streets of Florissant, and the Florissant community has taken great care to protect and spread her legacy! 

I pray that this new year finds you renewed in your desire to walk with Christ. Join us as we try to do the same!