About Immacolata · Richmond Heights, Missouri
Immacolata Catholic Church is a Roman Catholic parish in Richmond Heights, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis. Founded in 1945, the parish belongs to the Archdiocese of St. Louis and is currently led by Reverend Monsignor Vernon E. Gardin, Ph.D., as pastor, with Deacon Tyler McClay serving as Permanent Deacon. The parish community centers around the church at 8900 Clayton Road, an affiliated parish school (Immacolata School, founded 1949), and active ministries including St. Vincent de Paul, OCIA, PSR/Confirmation preparation, and a parish Bible-study program. Immacolata presents itself with the tagline 'You Belong Here,' emphasizing its identity as a worshipping, serving, and growing community.
- Established
- 1945
- Patron
- The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Our Lady of Grace)
- Rector
- Reverend Monsignor Vernon E. Gardin, Ph.D. (incoming: Reverend Father Dennis M. Doyle, per 2026 clergy appointments)
- Diocese
- Archdiocese of St. Louis (Metropolitan Archdiocese of Saint Louis)
Why belong here
Immacolata is a welcoming, parish-and-school Catholic community in the heart of Richmond Heights, offering four Sunday Masses plus a Saturday Vigil and daily Masses to fit any schedule. Families are drawn by its thriving parish school (Preschool–Grade 8), the active OCIA and PSR/Confirmation faith-formation programs, and lay-led ministries such as the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, which served 2,200 people in 2024. The parish fosters fellowship through groups like the Mothers of Young Children (MOYC), a parish Bible-in-a-Year program following Fr. Mike Schmitz, and regular outreach to local shelters, food pantries, and pregnancy support.
Mass times at Immacolata
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Thursday following the 8:00 am Mass
- Saturday 4:00–4:45 pm (not available when no 5:00 pm Mass)
- Anytime by appointment
Adoration times
- Thursday 8:25 am (per Archdiocese of St. Louis listing)
Parish History & Architecture
Immacolata Parish was founded in 1945, and its present Modern-style church was completed in 1967 to designs by architect Bernard McMahon — one of several innovative mid-century commissions from the Archdiocese of St. Louis. Notable interior features include a mosaic of the flame of the Holy Spirit behind the altar by the Ravenna Mosaic Company and stained-glass windows in the narthex bearing symbols of Baptism and the Holy Spirit. The parish school followed in 1949 under the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, with its cornerstone laid that same year.
- Parish founded 1945
- School founded September 1949 by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet
- Current church built 1967 (Architect: Bernard McMahon)
- Holy Spirit mosaic by Ravenna Mosaic Company
- Stained-glass narthex windows with Baptism and Holy Spirit symbols
Parish Staff & Clergy
The parish is led by Reverend Monsignor Vernon E. Gardin, Ph.D., as Pastor, with a team of associate priests, deacons, and lay staff supporting parish life. According to the 2026 Archdiocesan clergy appointments, Father Dennis M. Doyle will succeed Msgr. Gardin upon his retirement.
- Msgr. Vernon E. Gardin, Ph.D. — Pastor ([email protected], ext. 315)
- Rev. Mr. Tyler McClay — Permanent Deacon ([email protected])
- Rev. Denny M. Schaab — Senior Associate Pastor
- Rev. Conor M. Sullivan — In Residence
- Rev. Mr. Laurent Okitakatshi Odjango — Transitional Deacon
- Christine Hoffmeyer — Parish Office Manager ([email protected], ext. 311)
- Keith Kult — Bookkeeper ([email protected], ext. 312)
- Nick Moramarco — Music Director ([email protected], 314-402-0493)
Immacolata Catholic School
Immacolata School has educated students in Preschool through Grade 8 since 1949, when it was founded by the Carondelet Sisters of St. Joseph. The campus sits adjacent to the church at 8910 Clayton Road. Students are organized into three divisions — Preschool, Primary (K–4), and Upper Grades (5–8) — across a three-story building. In 2008 a new wing added classrooms, offices, and a conference room; recent improvements include a renovated playground, athletic fields, an updated kitchen and cafeteria, and a new wooden gym floor.
- Founded September 1949 by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet
- First graduating class: 1950
- Three divisions: Preschool, Primary (K–4), Upper Grades (5–8)
- Athletics via Immacolata Athletic Association (IAA): soccer, volleyball, basketball, track & field, lacrosse, golf, baseball, softball
- Student activities: Chess, Math Facts, Equations Competitions, Immac Service Club, Student Council, Altar Servers, CYC sports
- Annual traditions: Trunk or Treat, Chili Cook-off, Catholic Schools Week, Mission Carnival, Breakfast with Santa, Field Day, Turkey Trot
Faith Formation & Sacramental Preparation
Immacolata provides lifelong faith formation for children, teens, and adults through its Parish School of Religion (PSR), Confirmation Preparation program, and the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). OCIA welcomes the unbaptized, Christians from other denominations seeking full communion, and baptized Catholics preparing to receive Holy Eucharist and Confirmation; the journey typically runs from September to Easter with weekly sessions.
- PSR (Parish School of Religion)
- Confirmation Preparation (Archdiocesan & regional)
- OCIA — Order of Christian Initiation of Adults
- Children's Liturgy of the Word (during 9:30 am Sunday Mass)
- Bible in a Year (Fr. Mike Schmitz) — parish-wide study beginning January 1
St. Vincent de Paul & Outreach
The parish's Society of St. Vincent de Paul is one of its most active ministries, providing person-to-person service to neighbors in need within the parish boundaries. In 2024 the conference served 2,200 people and logged 1,500 volunteer hours. Volunteers answer calls, visit homes, and assist with housing, utilities, food, clothing, furnishings, rent, medical, gas, and car repairs — and partner with the SVdP Pregnancy Partnership to support expectant mothers.
- Chairperson: Meg Huber — [email protected], 314-504-1770
- Monthly meetings: second Monday, 7:00–8:30 pm
- Walk for the Poor (September)
- Sandwich Ministry (Sundays after 9:30 am Mass)
- Meals served at St. Josephine Bakita (Tuesdays), St. Peter & Paul, and SVdP Parish
- St. Augustine Wellston Christmas Club & food drives
- Donations via check, Venmo (@SVDPImmacolata), the SVdP closet in the back of church, and food baskets in the gathering space
Parish Life & Fellowship
Immacolata describes itself as 'more than just a building or a school — a community where we all live, serve, and grow.' Its fellowship ministries create space for parishioners of every life stage to build friendships around shared faith.
- Mothers of Young Children (MOYC) — playgroups, holiday parties, monthly events for moms with children K-grade and younger
- New Parishioners and Families Outreach
- School cafeteria Sunday sandwich-making
- Center Casseroles (monthly) and funeral-reception support
Music & Liturgy
Music ministry at Immacolata is led by Music Director Nick Moramarco, supporting the parish's sung prayer across its many daily and Sunday Masses, the Saturday Vigil, the Children's Liturgy of the Word, and special liturgies throughout the year.
- Music Director: Nick Moramarco
- Music provided for daily, weekend, and school Masses
- Children's Liturgy of the Word at the 9:30 am Sunday Mass
Pastoral Care & Visiting
Immacolata ministers to the sick and homebound through its Rectory Office, which arranges visits to homes, hospitals, nursing homes, and extended-care facilities. Confession is also available 'anytime by appointment,' and the parish OCIA team welcomes inquiries from anyone considering becoming Catholic.
- Pastoral Care of the Sick — Rectory Office, 314-991-5700 ext. 301
- Anointing of the Sick / home visits available
- Confession by appointment
- OCIA inquiries: Msgr. Vernon Gardin, ext. 315, [email protected]
Visit, Contact & Giving
Parishioners and visitors are warmly welcomed to Immacolata at 8900 Clayton Road in Richmond Heights. The parish participates in the Annual Catholic Appeal, supports the wider Archdiocese of St. Louis, and offers multiple ways to give — including online, by check, and through ministry-specific channels such as the SVdP Venmo (@SVDPImmacolata).
- Address: 8900 Clayton Road, Richmond Heights, MO 63117
- Phone: (314) 991-5700
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://immacolata.org/
- Annual Catholic Appeal supported
- Giving via ministry-specific channels (e.g., SVdP)
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Reverend Monsignor Vernon E. Gardin, Ph.D.2011–present
Prior archdiocesan roles included Vicar General (2004–2011), Rector of the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis (2002–2004), Pastor of St. Joseph in Clayton (2000–2002), Pastor of All Saints in University City (1992–1993), and Associate Pastor at Little Flower in Richmond Heights (1971–1977). Ordained May 29, 1971 by Cardinal John J. Carberry. Born in St. Louis.
- Reverend Father Dennis M. Doyle2026–
Appointed pastor of Immacolata Parish in the 2026 Archdiocesan clergy appointments, succeeding Msgr. Gardin upon his retirement. Previously pastor of Immaculate Conception (Augusta), St. Vincent de Paul (Dutzow), and St. Ignatius of Loyola (Concord Hill).