Office of Laity and Family Life

Our Mission 

The Office of Laity and Family Life supports lay Catholics, as disciples of Jesus Christ, in their vocation to the family, in the marketplace, and in the Church.  Our mission is achieved in collaboration and cooperation with other offices, agencies and parishes.  This mission is born of a strong belief in the value and necessity of a well-formed, active laity and the responsible stewardship of God’s gifts.  All employees consider their work to be a ministry and strive to give the very best “customer service” possible.  The office serves as an information resource on programs and staff serve as consultants for “training the trainers” in various areas.

The Office Laity and Family Life hosts a number of events during the year. We welcome you to our webpages and encourage you to have a look around. By navigating the blue menu bar on the left of your screen, you can visit all of the ministry groups within our agency.

If you have any questions, can't find what you are looking for, or have suggestions for these ministries, please contact us at 314.792.7171.   

A Prayer for Families

 

by Heidi Busse   

All-Loving God,
we thank you for all of your good gifts
especially the gift of family.
For parents and grandparents
who nurture our faith
and lift us up in difficult times,
we thank you, God.
For brothers and sisters
who laugh and listen
and celebrate with us in joyful times,
we thank you, God.
For holidays and holy days
when we join together around the table
and remember the bond that unites us,
we thank you, God.
For all those who love us
and care for us
and welcome us home again and again,
we thank you, God.
For the gift of eternal life
and the promise that we will one day join
all of the beloved who have gone before us,
we thank you, God.
With the guidance of the Holy Family,
may we remain a strong and vibrant
family of faith, now and forever.   Amen. 

 Reprint permission from Our Sunday Visitor. Feel free to insert this prayer into your parish bulletin.
Order the Prayer for Families Prayer Card for your parishioners

For Your Marriage, sponsored by the United States Catholics Bishops

Latest News

Patron Saint forYour Family: Adopt a Saint

Posted on February 1, 2012 - 3:35pm

Following up on the St. Louis Review article on adopting a family saint (Watkins, 1/12/12) the Office of Laity and Family Life wants to know, What saint holds a special place in your family? " Families are picking out a patron saint to guide them and accompany them through the new year. It’s easy, it’s educational, it’s spiritual and it’s a fun way to incorporate your Catholic faith into your everyday family life and teach your children the reality of the communion of saints, those who have died and are in heaven eager to help us with their prayers and intercessions" (Watkins, 1/12/12).  Go to our facebook page and leave a comment telling us about your family's saint. Need help choosing a saint? Online resources for finding out more about saints can be found on the Office of Laity and Family Life, For Your Family webpages. 

Quick-Start Annulment Program for Divorced Catholics

Posted on January 6, 2012 - 2:29pm


To help divorced and separated Catholics more fully understand the annulment process and begin whatever process may be necessary, Quick-Start sessions provide (1) a brief overview of the sacrament of marriage with an explanation of the annulment process and (2) personal assistance by an advocate to discuss an individual’s situation and begin any application process which may be required. Please bring your marriage history including the date and location of any marriage and divorce as well as your ex-spouse’s name and address.
Registration is not required for these one-hour sessions to be held on:
·         Saturday, January 7, 2012 — St. Joseph-Clayton — 10:00 a.m.
·         Monday, January 9, 2012 — St. Monica-Creve Coeur — 7:00 p.m.
·         Wednesday, January 18, 2012 — Cardinal Rigali Center — 5:00 p.m.
·         Monday, January 23, 2012 — Our Lady of Lourdes-Washington — 7:00 p.m.
·         Monday, February 6, 2012 — Sacred Heart-Crystal City — 7:00 p.m.
·         Monday, February 20, 2012 — Immaculate Conception-Dardenne — 7:00 p.m.

Advocacy Opportunities

Posted on February 26, 2011 - 3:59pm

Citizens Against Pornography is a St. Louis based organization that strives to make a difference in our world. Join them in the effort to help protect families and individuals from the dangers of pornography. Visit their website to find out more about them and how to contact them. They will send you E-alerts and let you know what YOU can do now to make a difference.

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