Entries for May 2026

Dear Parishioners:

On Sunday June 7, 2026 the United States Catholic Church’s liturgical calendar observes Corpus Christi (Latin for ‘Body of Christ’), also known as the Feast of the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.  What is it? 

“On this feast, we celebrate our covenant with God established through the shedding of Jesus’ blood, and through his eagerness to feed us with the only bread that will satisfy our hunger.  We renew this covenant by participating in the banquet of his body and blood, a banquet that through his death, gives us life.” 

Today we are celebrating a solemn feast that expresses the awesome wonder of the People of God: a wonder filled with gratitude for the gift of the Eucharist. In the Sacrament of the Altar, Jesus wanted to perpetuate his living presence in our midst in the same form in which he gave himself to the Apostles in the Upper Room. He left to us what he did at the Last Supper and we faithfully renew his action.

According to established custom, the Solemnity of Corpus Christi consists of two moments: the Mass, in which the offering of the Sacrifice takes place and the procession, which manifests the public adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

Days, years and centuries go by, but this most holy act in which Jesus condensed his entire Gospel of love does not pass away. He never ceases to offer himself, the Lamb immolated and risen, for the salvation of the world. With this memorial the Church responds to the command of God's Word, which we heard in today’s Second Reading: "Do this in remembrance of me" (Cor. 11: 24).

From the Eucharist, "the source and the summit of all preaching of the Gospel”, our Parish Community of Annunziata daily draws the strength and enthusiasm for our call to witness to Christ in the world.

A reminder that during the day our Church is open for Eucharistic Adoration here at Annunziata all are welcome to partake in this time of prayer.  In a special way thanks to all who partake in our Eucharistic Adoration here at The Church of the Annunziata your prayer is a gift to all of us in the Church. 

                                                                                    Blessings!

                                                                                    Msgr. John Shamleffer

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Dear Parishioners:

This past Saturday Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski ordained one young man to the priesthood. Having Michael Lagermann answer the call to service in the Church is a wonderful gift to our local Church community. He has promised to pledge his life in dedication to the Lord and to the people of God. As he begins his priestly ministry let us keep him in our prayers.

This week Msgr John Leykam will celebrate the Fifty-Fourth anniversary of his ordination and I celebrated the Forty-Third anniversary of my ordination. Being a priest in service to God has enabled me to be with his people at important times and places in their lives. I have also been blessed to lead the Eucharistic celebrations whereby we are all feed in Christ. I have also been blessed by being a part of some wonderful parishes and I continue to be blessed both at Annunziata and at Ste Genevieve du Bois. As you pray for our newly ordained, I would ask that you also pray for the priests that have served here and for all priests throughout the world that we may continue in our ministry to bring the face of Christ to those we meet.

Let us pray that young men may consider a call to the priesthood, as our Church needs more priests to minister to its people. Right now, there are less than 180 diocesan priests actively serving in the archdiocese. As you can see while we have been blessed with a number of vocations the number of retiring priests (this year 10) still outnumbers those entering the priesthood. The archbishop told me that our seminary Kenrick-Glennon is alive with new vocations, which is very encouraging, but as we know both at Annunziata and at Ste Genevieve du Bois more are still needed to answer the call. Perhaps a young man in your family is waiting to hear a call to the priesthood? Thank you for all your present and past support to me and to all priests and seminarians, please continue your prayers for vocations, the Church and its priests.

Blessings!

Msgr. John Shamleffer

Please remember to return your donation for the ACA (Archdiocesan Annual Campaign) so far only about one-fourth of our parishioners have responded. This collection helps the neediest in our Archdiocese, if you have any questions about this collection please contact me.

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Dear Parishioners:

Congratulations to all those who have or will graduate this spring. From Graduate Programs, College, High School & Grade School. A special word of thanks and gratitude for our eighth grade PSR class this year at Annunziata may the good Lord and the gift of his Holy Spirit guide and protect you as you progress through life.

A graduation marks a wonderful accomplishment, a passage of life, and a gateway to the rest of our lives. May the knowledge you have received, not be reserved just for yourself, but may it be a source of wisdom and guidance to all humankind.

Lastly, a special welcome home to all of our college students I pray that this past academic year was both a year of growth in understanding and of wisdom. May God bless you, guide and protect you this summer and as you proceed through life.

My prayer and wishes for all our graduates:

While graduating classes may come and go, O almighty God, only you know all the graduates by name and have been with them their every step. Gracious and loving God, let us celebrate the gift of these young men and women and also to give thanks for all the blessing you have showered upon them in their lives. The abilities to reason, to learn and to remember all demonstrate your creative genius and love for humankind. You have given to these graduates’ mental gifts and the physical health to achieve the goal they have reached and have blessed their efforts with success. The personal care you have shown these men and women in their parents, families, teachers and classmates is another blessing that makes them think of you with heartfelt appreciation. O God hear our prayer for these graduates watch over them guide them and protect them as they continue to grow and mature in your image. Amen.

Easter Blessings!

Msgr. John Shamleffer

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