Dear Parishioners:

As I write it is 100 degrees, but I hear laughter and joy from our prayer group meeting by the office and children in our gym, how precious life is.

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank so many for your warm welcome these past couple of weeks, it is appreciated. For those who do not know me I thought I would share a little about myself. I was raised in nearby Glendale and attended MQP parish and school. I did my undergraduate studies at SLU and attended Kenrick seminary for my Theology training.

I was ordained in 1983 and after seven years of parish work was asked by the archbishop to return to school and obtain a degree in Canon Law. Upon my completion of this degree, I for the first time came to Ste Genevieve du Bois and for almost ten years served this parish. I also worked for the Archdiocese and was the Judicial Vicar for 25 years. After my time at Ste Genevieve, I then served the people of St Joseph in Clayton for 11 + years and have been the pastor of St Gabriel the Archangel for the past 10 years prior to my present assignment as Pastor of Annunziata and Ste Genevieve.

I grew up in a family of three sisters and two brothers and our parents. My siblings are scattered across the country, but all are well. I enjoy golf, cooking, and traveling, and being a parish priest. I have been blessed with good health and wonderful opportunities to minister to so many good people.

I look forward with great excitement and humility as I undertake this new responsibility of being a pastor at two parishes. I am thankful for all the support I have and place great trust in God’s care for me. Thank you for all your words of welcome, prayers and love for me.

God Bless,

Msgr John Shamleffer