Entries for July 2026

Dear Parishioners:

Every year parishes within the archdiocese are asked to report on the spiritual and financial welfare of the parish.  I also would like to report to you how Annunziata fulfilled its ministry this past year.  This week I would like to share with you what has occurred sacramentally in our parish and in the next few weeks on our financial activities. 

To begin with Annunziata parish is blessed with members who care for each other and strive for holiness in their lives.  This is evident in how you speak about each other and your concern for each other’s welfare. 

Daily the Eucharist is celebrated here at Annunziata.  Regularly 30-40 people attend our 7:00 AM Liturgy. The mass is our greatest prayer act you might consider attending a daily mass.    Also Eucharistic devotion occurs daily in our church.  Likewise the rosary is recited daily and Marian Perpetual Help devotions occur every Tuesday.

This year our community was blessed and enriched through the following sacraments:

Baptism: 23 children and 1 adult entered into our faith community through the words spoken and the sacramental symbol of water; also 1 new member entered our Church through reception at the Easter Vigil. 

Communion: 24 children received the Eucharist and 1 adult for the first time this past year.

Confirmation: 48 eighth grade students and 2 adults entered into full communion through the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Matrimony: 10 couples exchanged their vows with each other and received God’s blessing as they celebrated their love and commitment to each other.  The fidelity of a married couple is a wonderful reminder of God’s loving relationship with us.

The sacraments of Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick are available daily.  Confession is heard during the week and again on Saturday before the 5 PM liturgy, and on the last Sunday of every month.  Anointing of the sick takes place at special services and when requested.

Our parish was also honored to have celebrated the Funeral Liturgies for 17 members of our community.

Our parish PSR also provided religious education for over 130 students from our parish.  We likewise provide religious education and sacramental celebrations for the students at our Annunziata School.

As you can see our parish is blessed with many gifts and a vibrant faith.  Let us continue to be good stewards of our Time, Talent and Treasure as we support each other on our faith journey.  Anyone interested in being a minister here at the Church of the Annunziata should contact the parish office.  We have much to thank the Lord and each other for; let us continue to pray for one another.

                                                                                    Blessings!

                                                                                    Msgr. John Shamleffer

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Dear Parishioners:

It is getting close to that time of year again when our children will be preparing to return to school.  For our college students, know that you are in our thoughts and prayers here at the Church of the Annunziata.  This time in your life is a wonderful opportunity for growth and learning.  May your faith also grow with you over the coming years.  For our high school students you are at an exciting time in your lives, new schools, new friends, new subjects bring great energy and excitement in your lives.  Hopefully, this period of growth and new horizons will help to bring about a greater maturity of faith and allow you the opportunity to give witness to your faith in your words and actions.  For our elementary school students these are wondrous years, each one bringing new friends, knowledge and activities to your lives.

Our parish is blessed with a wonderful Parish School of Religion.  I encourage all parents to make use of this school for your children.  I also encourage you to attend Mass with them at our 9 AM family Mass.  We have no greater gift to give, than to share with our children, our faith.  If you have not already done so, please contact our director of religious education, Mrs. Caroline Hall, and she will help you to register your child.

May this school year be a blessed one for our educators, parents and especially our children, as we all walk and grow in faith.

                                                                        Blessings!

                                                                        Msgr. John Shamleffer

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Dear Parishioners:

It is getting close to that time of year again when our children will be preparing to return to school.  For our college students, know that you are in our thoughts and prayers here at the Church of the Annunziata.  This time in your life is a wonderful opportunity for growth and learning.  May your faith also grow with you over the coming years.  For our high school students you are at an exciting time in your lives, new schools, new friends, new subjects bring great energy and excitement in your lives.  Hopefully, this period of growth and new horizons will help to bring about a greater maturity of faith and allow you the opportunity to give witness to your faith in your words and actions.  For our elementary school students these are wondrous years, each one bringing new friends, knowledge and activities to your lives.

Our parish is blessed with a wonderful Parish School of Religion.  I encourage all parents to make use of this school for your children.  I also encourage you to attend Mass with them at our 9 AM family Mass.  We have no greater gift to give, than to share with our children, our faith.  If you have not already done so, please contact our director of religious education, Mrs. Caroline Hall, and she will help you to register your child.

May this school year be a blessed one for our educators, parents and especially our children, as we all walk and grow in faith.

                                                                        Blessings!

                                                                        Msgr. John Shamleffer

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Dear Parishioners

The Diocese of St. Louis was established in 1826 by Pope Leo XII, with Bishop Joseph Rosati overseeing a vast missionary territory stretching from the Louisiana border to the Rocky Mountains . In 1847, Pope Pius IX elevated St. Louis to an archdiocese, reflecting its growing importance in the region . The Catholic roots of the area date back over 350 years, beginning with the first Mass in St. Louis in 1764, on the site of the Basilica of St. Louis, King of France (Old Cathedral).

The Holy Mass of Celebration is the central liturgical event of the Archdiocese of St. Louis’ 200th Anniversary (Bicentennial Jubilee). It is a solemn, historic gathering meant to unite the entire archdiocesan community in thanksgiving, prayer, and renewal.

The Mass is the official anniversary liturgy commemorating 200 years since the founding of the Diocese of St. Louis on July 18, 1826. It is framed as a moment to:

• Give thanks for two centuries of Catholic life in the region
• Honor the missionaries, clergy, religious, and lay faithful who built the Church here
• Renew the archdiocese’s commitment to its mission going forward

When and Where

• Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026
• Time: 10:00 a.m.
• Location: Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, 4431 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO

I will be attending this Mass and will bring our parishes intentions with me.  All are invited to participate in this time of prayer and thanksgiving.

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Dear Parishioners:

I pray that this summer time is one of relaxation and recreation of body, mind and soul. This week as we celebrate our day of Independence I offer you this prayer. Have a blessed Fourth!

We lift up our hearts, O God, on this day of celebration in gratitude for the gift of being Americans.

We rejoice with all those who share in the great dream of freedom and dignity for all.  With flags and feasting, with family and friends, we salute those who have sacrificed that we might have the opportunity to bring to fulfillment our many God-given gifts.

As we deny all prejudice a place in our hearts, may we also clearly declare our intention to work for the time when all people, regardless of race, religion or sex, will be granted equal dignity and worth.

Come, O gracious God, who led your children Israel from slavery, keep us free from all that might hold us in bondage.

Bless our country and join our simple celebration that we may praise you, our source of freedom, the One in whom we place our trust.

God Bless!

Msgr. John Shamleffer

Thanks to all who helped celebrate Deacon Tom’s 25^th Deaconate Ordination and the 200^th anniversary of our Archdiocese.

Welcome Back Msgr. Gardin!

Msgr. Gardin has retired and has moved to Ste. Genevieve du Bois. He will occasionally say Mass here at Annunziata!

Msgr. Gardin most recently retired as Pastor of Immaculata, but he did serve as Associate Pastor here at Annunziata years ago

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