About St. Albert of Trapani · Houston, Texas
St. Albert of Trapani Catholic Church is a bilingual English/Spanish parish of the Archdiocese of Galveston–Houston, located at 11027 S. Gessner Road in southwest Houston, Texas. Founded on July 1, 1970 by the Carmelite Order at the request of Bishop John L. Morkovsky, the parish has grown from its original 300 families to about 1,700 families drawn from a wide variety of countries and cultures. Currently pastored by Fr. Kingsley Nwoko, STL, Th.D., St. Albert serves a multicultural community with weekend Masses in both English and Spanish, daily Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, a robust faith formation program, and a thriving Society of St. Vincent de Paul conference that serves the poor in and around the parish.
- Established
- 1970
- Patron
- St. Albert of Trapani (Carmelite priest, 13th-century Sicily)
- Rector
- Rev. Fr. Kingsley Nwoko, STL, Th.D.
- Diocese
- Archdiocese of Galveston–Houston
Why belong here
St. Albert of Trapani is a multicultural Catholic family of about 1,700 households united by the theme "A Parish of Diversity United in Christ." Weekends offer four Masses in English and Spanish, daily Mass Monday through Saturday is followed by the Holy Rosary, and Eucharistic Adoration is available Monday through Friday. More than 40 ministries serve every age and stage of life—from Liturgical Ministries, Music Ministry, Youth Ministry, Confirmation, Catechists, and RCIA to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Prayer and Spirituality groups, and Koinonia fellowship—so there is a real place for every parishioner to pray, serve, and belong.
Mass times at St. Albert of Trapani
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
- Friday 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
- By appointment (call the parish office)
Adoration times
- Monday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM (an older bulletin also lists 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM)
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (an older bulletin also lists 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM)
History of St. Albert of Trapani Parish
St. Albert of Trapani Church was founded on July 1, 1970, when Bishop John L. Morkovsky of the Diocese of Galveston–Houston asked the Carmelite Order to staff a new parish in Houston's rapidly growing southwest section. The Carmelite Provincial appointed Fr. Thomas J. Walsh, O.Carm., as founding pastor and Fr. Franklin R. Tasker, O.Carm., as first parochial vicar. After meeting with Bishop Morkovsky, the parish boundaries were drawn: everything west of Fondren Road and south of Bissonnet to the Harris–Fort Bend county line. The first Sunday Masses were celebrated on July 11–12, 1970 at Braeburn Presbyterian Church and Bonham Elementary School, with additional Masses added at Cecil Foerster School on July 26.
- Founded July 1, 1970 with 300 families
- Founding pastor: Fr. Thomas J. Walsh, O.Carm.
- First Parochial Vicar: Fr. Franklin R. Tasker, O.Carm.
- Early Mass locations: Braeburn Presbyterian Church, Bonham Elementary School, Cecil Foerster School, Sharpstown Senior High School
- Seven acres on South Gessner Road acquired November 1971
- Architects: Ressler and Applebaum, A.I.A.
- Groundbreaking: July 23, 1972; first Mass in new church: July 7, 1973; dedication by Bishop Morkovsky: September 23, 1973
The Carmelite Years (1970–1999)
The Carmelites shepherded St. Albert for 29 years, rotating pastors and vicars through the parish and into new missions. Fr. Franklin Tasker was transferred in summer 1975 to become pastor of St. Mary's in Joliet, Illinois, and was replaced by Fr. Tom Butler, O.Carm. In summer 1977, Bishop Morkovsky entrusted a new parish in Clear Lake—St. Bernadette's—to the Carmelites, and both former vicars went to begin that mission. Fr. Stanley Kromer became the new pastor of St. Albert. During Fr. John Fogarty's pastorate (1988–1994) the church interior was renovated to reserve it as a worship space and the parish hall was enlarged into a parish center.
- Fr. Mark J. Schaffner, O.Carm. pastored 1994–1999
- St. Vincent de Paul conference founded 1995 by Maria Elena Merino, Dennis and Ruth Helm under Fr. Schaffner
- 25th anniversary Jubilee Mass in 1995 celebrated by Bishop Joseph Fiorenza with all former pastors
Diocesan Parish & Modern Era
In 1999, because of a shortage of Carmelite priests to staff and live in the parish, the Carmelite Order returned St. Albert to the Diocese of Galveston–Houston. The parish remained steeped in its Carmelite formation and devotion to the Blessed Mother. Fr. Philip Wilhite, S.T.L. arrived as administrator in June 1999 and was named pastor in June 2000; under his leadership the parish grew from 1,400 to 1,700 families and more than 40 ministries. He oversaw the expansion of the sanctuary from 300 to 700 seats, a new parking area, and a new chapel. In June 2010 Fr. Vincent Tran was appointed administrator; on August 7, 2010, with Daniel Cardinal DiNardo as principal celebrant, St. Albert celebrated its 40th anniversary with a concelebrated Mass and dinner under the theme "A Parish of Diversity United in Christ." Fr. Kingsley Nwoko, STL, Th.D., is the current pastor.
- Carmelites returned parish to diocese in 1999
- Sanity expansion groundbreaking: July 16, 2008 (Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel)
- Blessing Mass for new sanctuary: August 19, 2009
- 40th anniversary Mass: August 7, 2010, principal celebrant Cardinal Daniel DiNardo
Mass & Sacrament Schedule
St. Albert offers four Sunday Masses (two in English, two in Spanish), a Saturday Vigil, daily Mass Monday through Saturday followed by the Holy Rosary, and generous times for Eucharistic Adoration and Confession. Reconciliation is offered Saturday afternoons and Friday mornings during Adoration, and by appointment through the parish office.
- Saturday Vigil: 5:00 PM (English)
- Sunday: 7:00 AM Spanish, 9:00 AM English, 11:00 AM English, 1:00 PM Spanish
- Daily Mass: Monday–Saturday 9:00 AM (English), with Holy Rosary after Mass
- Confession: Saturday 3:30–4:30 PM; Friday 10:00 AM–6:30 PM; by appointment
- Adoration: Monday–Thursday 9:00 AM–8:00 PM; Friday 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
Parish Staff & Clergy
The parish is led by Pastor Fr. Kingsley Nwoko, STL, Th.D., and served by three permanent deacons: Deacon Charlie Buhay (who also coordinates RCIA), Deacon Larry Longley, and Deacon Al Casas, Jr. Pastoral and operational support is provided through the business office, faith formation office, youth ministry, and lay councils.
- Pastor: Rev. Fr. Kingsley Nwoko, STL, Th.D.
- Permanent Deacons: Charlie Buhay, Larry Longley, Al Casas, Jr.
- RCIA coordinator: Deacon Charlie Buhay
- Business Manager: Maria Peguero
- Director of Community Development: Linda Williams
- Parish Secretary: Flor Portillo
- Director of Religious Education: Peggy Popkey
- Coordinator of Youth Ministry: Misa Nguyen
- Maintenance: Aaron Struble
- Parish Pastoral Council: Patrick Ivbievbiokun
- Stewardship Council: Frances Weatherly
- Finance Advisory Board: William Robb
Faith Formation & Religious Education
St. Albert's catechetical ministry—often called CCE—prepares children, youth, and adults for the sacraments and ongoing discipleship. The Faith Formation office, directed by Peggy Popkey, coordinates Catechists (the parish's volunteer teachers), the multi-year Confirmation program, and Sacramental preparation for First Communion. The RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults), led by Deacon Charlie Buhay, welcomes adults exploring the Catholic faith. The parish website features a Pro-Faith page dedicated to stewardship and supporting religious education.
- Catechists (volunteer religious education teachers)
- Confirmation / Confirmation I (two-year preparation)
- RCIA – Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
- First Communion / Eucharist preparation
- Contact: CCE office 713-771-3596, ext. 13
Youth Ministry
The SAT Youth Ministry welcomes young people who have received First Communion to take part in liturgical service, faith formation, and fellowship. Coordinated by Misa Nguyen, the group meets on Wednesdays and is part of the parish's broader effort to pass on the Catholic faith to the next generation.
- SAT Youth Ministry – meets every Wednesday
- Coordinator: Misa Nguyen
- Welcomes youth who have received First Communion
Liturgical & Music Ministries
Liturgical Ministries at St. Albert welcome anyone who has completed Confirmation and is in good standing with the Church to serve as lectors, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, ushers, and altar servers at weekend and daily Masses, in both English and Spanish. The Music Ministry leads the assembly's sung prayer at weekday and weekend Masses, holy days, funerals, and weddings with a variety of styles and instruments. The St. Albert Saturday Choir sings gospel and contemporary music at the 5:00 PM Saturday Vigil and at major parish celebrations.
- Liturgical Ministries – English: Marissa Oracion (713-779-6726); Spanish: Angeles Guzman (713-728-3284)
- Music Ministry – Saturday 5 PM Choir (gospel/contemporary); serves holy days, funerals, weddings
- Altar servers and Eucharistic ministers (youth who have received First Communion are welcome)
Outreach & Service: Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Since 1995, the parish's St. Vincent de Paul conference has served the needs of the poor in and around St. Albert. The conference is one of the parish's flagship outreach ministries and continues to grow, with parishioners encouraged to become active members in the spiritual and corporal works of mercy.
- Society of St. Vincent de Paul – parish conference since 1995
- Contact: 713-771-3596, ext. 25
- Founded by Maria Elena Merino under Fr. Mark Schaffner, O.Carm., with Dennis and Ruth Helm
Prayer & Spirituality Devotions
St. Albert's prayer and spirituality ministries support personal sanctification through prayer, Catholic action, and the spiritual works of mercy. Opportunities include the Holy Rosary after the daily 9:00 AM Mass, the Divine Mercy Chaplet, Legion of Mary, and other parish prayer circles that meet in the parish library.
- Holy Rosary after daily 9:00 AM Mass (Mon–Sat)
- Divine Mercy Chaplet
- Legion of Mary
- Prayer and Spirituality group – meets Wednesdays 1:30 PM–3:00 PM in the parish library
- Rosary-making ministry for personal devotion and missions
Parish Fellowship & Community Life
The parish community gathers through Koinonia fellowship groups that share meals, social activities, and faith formation, as well as Funeral Receptions that support families at times of loss. St. Albert's mission statement calls parishioners to "Love, Teach and Inspire all people so that we follow and serve Jesus in word and deed to build up the Kingdom of God."
- Koinonia fellowship
- Funeral Receptions
- Parish Pastoral Council, Stewardship Council, and Finance Advisory Board
- Facility Request Form for parish events and gatherings
Getting Involved & Becoming a Member
New parishioners are invited to register and join more than 40 active ministries at St. Albert. The parish grounds include well-maintained gathering areas for community events, and the recently expanded church, new chapel, and additional parking serve a parish family drawn from many countries and cultures. Office hours are Monday–Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, with phone (713) 771-3596 and email [email protected].
- Office: 11027 S. Gessner Road, Houston, TX 77071
- Phone: (713) 771-3596 | Fax: (713) 270-0441
- Email: [email protected]
- Office Hours: Monday–Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- About 1,700 families representing many countries and cultures
- Multicultural theme: 'A Parish of Diversity United in Christ'
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Fr. Thomas J. Walsh, O.Carm.1970–c.1975
Founding pastor, appointed by Carmelite Provincial Very Rev. Malachy H. Smith, O.Carm.
- Fr. Franklin R. Tasker, O.Carm.1970–1975
First Parochial Vicar; transferred to become pastor of St. Mary's, Joliet, Illinois in summer 1975; later helped begin St. Bernadette's in Clear Lake.
- Fr. Tom Butler, O.Carm.1975–1977
Parochial Vicar; later assigned to begin St. Bernadette's Parish.
- Fr. Stanley Kromer, O.Carm.1977–c.1988
Came to St. Albert as new pastor in summer 1977.
- Fr. John Fogarty, O.Carm.1988–1994
Church interior renovated and parish hall enlarged into parish center during his pastorate.
- Fr. Mark J. Schaffner, O.Carm.1994–1999
Deepened Liturgy, supported Youth Ministry, began outreach ministries; founded the parish's St. Vincent de Paul conference in 1995.
- Fr. Philip Wilhite, S.T.L.1999–2010
Administrator from June 1999; named pastor June 2000. Grew parish from 1,400 to 1,700 families and 40+ ministries; oversaw sanctuary expansion from 300 to 700 seats and new chapel. Transferred May 2010 to Sacred Heart, Conroe.
- Fr. Vincent Tran2010–
Appointed administrator June 2010; led 40th anniversary celebration with Cardinal DiNardo on August 7, 2010.
- Fr. Kingsley Nwoko, STL, Th.D.
Current pastor; appointed Administrator (per Archdiocese pastoral appointments) and later named Pastor.