MESSAGE MINISTRIES

Learning in the Heart of Jesus

Adult Education and Faith Formation
Faith formation is a life-long process so we need to attend to it throughout our entire life. At the parish level, we offer a few things on a regular basis and special things to address needs or interests as they arise. Each Fall and Spring we offer a 6 week, small group discussion series. These are promoted by the Archdiocese and are usually Scripture based.

Bible Study
Our parish participates in the Archdiocesan sponsored adult-ed series offered each Fall and Spring. The sessions are usually scripture-based and the 6-week small group formats take place in parishioners’ homes or at the parish. Contact: Paul Cooper, (314) 487-2522, Ext. 222, pcooper@smmaparish.org. .

Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW)
During the 9:30 a.m. Sunday Mass, children in grades K-4 are invited to leave the church with a team of volunteers to go over to the school foyer where Scriptures are proclaimed from the Children’s Lectionary. The team then provides a reflection experience after which the children pray the Apostles’ Creed and Petitions. The children return to church during the offertory. The program runs during the academic year, and there is no fee or registration for children to participate. Four teams of parishioners rotate through the weekends of each month to provide the formational experience. Contact: Paul Cooper, (314) 487-2522, Ext. 222, pcooper@smmaparish.org. 

Elementary School Program – Grades K-8
The School is a Christ-Centered, Family-Sensitive setting that provides a top-tier Catholic education for the children of our parish and surrounding community. We are proud to prepare students in faith, with knowledge, through leadership and service to become prepared for a life of discipleship. Our commitment is best expressed by the message that greets our families as they enter the school building: Be it known to all who enter here that Christ is the reason for this school, the unseen, but ever-present teacher in its classes, the model of its faculty, the inspiration of its students. St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Elementary School is accredited by the Missouri Non-Public School Accrediting Association and is a member of the National Catholic Education Association. Additional information is available at the School Website. Contact: Peggy Visconti, (314) 487-1666, Ext. 214, pvisconti@smmaschool.org. 

Formed.org 
FORMED is a revolutionary digital platform that gives our parish unprecedented access to video-based study programs, feature films, audio presentations, and eBooks from the Church’s foremost presenters. All parishioners are eligible to receive a FREE subscription. Simply log onto www.formed.org and register as a member of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Parish. Free subscriptions are for parishioners only and have been provided through the generosity of parish organizations.

Legion of Mary 
The Legion of Mary maintains a spiritual reading library near the Adoration Chapel in the back of the church. These materials are available to all free of charge. There is also a pamphlet rack in the back of church featuring moderately priced materials appropriate to each season.

We are partnering with Lighthouse Catholic Media to bring their faith-raiser program to you and your family.  In the display located in the church lobby, you will find moderately priced CDs, books, booklets, and pamphlets by prominent Catholic speakers and writers.   (Examples include Dr. Scott Hahn, Matthew Kelly, Fr. Robert Barron, Blessed Mother Teresa, Archbishop Fulton Sheen, etc.)  These materials are very effective tools for both evangelization and catechesis.  Titles rotate often, so be sure to check the display frequently.

We are always open to suggestions. If you’re interested in something relative to faith or morals, we would like to help you find a way to explore it! Contact: Paul Cooper, (314) 487-2522, Ext. 222, pcooper@smmaparish.org. 

Natural Family Planning Classes
The Natural Family Planning (NFP) ministry aims to help married couples to deepen their conjugal love. Practical help in learning NFP and pastoral care helps to instill conviction and how to live out their parenthood in a responsible way. Contact: Mary Lee Barron PhD, RN, FNP-BC(R), barronml@gmail.com.