Father’s Articles

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.

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.

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!

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!

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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”.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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

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