Our Patroness & Heritage
This simple motto was the “Little Way” of St. Thérèse. “Little Flower” is the most popular title by which she is known, receiving it by referring to herself as being only one little flower among many in God’s garden—an indication of her humility and awareness of human diversity. The family of Little Flower parish takes this command very seriously as we attempt to bring Christ to the world and to each other in a spirit of love and humility.
She was canonized on May 17, 1925, the very same year as the founding of our parish. The people of Little Flower consider it a profound honor to be one of the first churches in the world to be named after St. Thérèse of Lisieux.
A Church in the Round
The physical structure of our parish church is uniquely striking. Formally dedicated on December 18, 1949, it is built totally in the round with the altar standing at the very center of the building; our pews form a complete circle around it.
While often thought of as a futuristic predecessor to churches built after the Second Vatican Council, our design is actually ancient—based on the historic fifth-century church in Rome, Santo Stefano Rotondo. This layout beautifully reflects our core belief: everything about our community is tightly focused on the death and resurrection of Jesus celebrated in the Holy Eucharist.
Our Vibrant Parish Family
Our community of approximately 550 households is beautifully diverse: uniting old and young, married and single, the affluent and the struggling, a rich mixture of races, and varied neighborhoods. Our parish school is a massive source of pride for us, nurturing approximately 150 students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.
Leadership and governance here are distinct. Our Parish Council comprises twelve members selected by lot, serving as a vital force in forming policy across five active Commissions: Administration & Finance, Community, Christian Service, Christian Formation/Evangelization, and Liturgy. As the summit and source of who we are, our combined prayer and liturgy remain the vibrant center of our life together.
We remain deeply sensitive to the needs of our own members while intentionally reaching out to the wider church and world. From birth throughout life, our focus is on ongoing faith formation. Our educational, liturgical, and organizational efforts look outwardly—always welcoming and inviting the traveler to journey alongside us in building the Kingdom of God.
Our Location & Boundaries
Perfectly situated in the mid-town area of St. Louis County, our campus offers convenient access to the entire metropolitan area. Our official parish boundaries extend from Clayton Road to Big Bend Road on the North; Big Bend to Folk Avenue on the East; Folk to Laclede Station Road to West Bruno Avenue to Hanley Road on the South; and Hanley Road (including Hanley Downs and Lake Forest) on the West.