Entries for June 2026

Dear Parishioners:

On July 18, 2026 the Archdiocese of St. Louis will mark its 200th anniversary commemorating the founding of the diocese in 1826 by Pope Leo XII.   This once-in-a-generation Bicentennial Jubilee is an invitation to reflect on 200 years of Catholic faith, celebrate the present, and renew the mission of Christ for the future.

Historical Context

• 1764: First Mass in St. Louis on the site of the Basilica of St. Louis, King of France (Old Cathedral).
• 1818: St. Louis became the episcopal seat of a growing frontier Church.
• 1826: Pope Leo XII established the Diocese of St. Louis, entrusted to Bishop Joseph Rosati with a vast missionary territory from the Louisiana border to the Rocky Mountains.
• 1847: Pope Pius IX elevated St. Louis to an archdiocese 

Here at The Church of the Annunziata we celebrate almost 100 years of serving the people of Ladue and our surrounding area.  In order to gather as a community to give thanks for 200 years as a diocese and 100 years as a parish. Our parish Council is inviting all to a gathering following our 5pm Mass on Saturday June 20, 2026.  This celebration will take place in our parish hall and courtyard with food and drink for all.  This is an opportunity to give thanks to each other and to all who have helped to form us.

I would especially like to give thanks to all of you who share your gifts with our community and for all those who have gone before us.   Hope you can join us on the 2oth.

                                                                   God Bless!

Read More >

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

Read More >