About St. Gabriel the Archangel · Saint Louis, Missouri
St. Gabriel the Archangel is a Roman Catholic parish in the St. Louis Hills neighborhood of south St. Louis, Missouri, served by the Archdiocese of St. Louis. Founded in 1934 during the Great Depression by 150 founding families, the parish sits across from Francis Park and is known for its striking mid-century church designed by the Stauder architectural firm, its K-8 parish school, its Perpetual Adoration Society, and its unusually large number of active ministries and community organizations. With roughly 1,550 families and a school enrollment near 500, it is one of the largest parishes within the city of St. Louis.
- Established
- 1934
- Patron
- St. Gabriel the Archangel — patron saint of messengers, communication workers, and postal workers
- Rector
- Reverend Thomas Molini
- Diocese
- Archdiocese of St. Louis
Why belong here
St. Gabriel offers one of the most complete parish lives in the city of St. Louis: five weekend Masses, a K-8 parish school of about 500 students, a Perpetual Adoration Society that keeps the church in continual prayer, and roughly thirty active ministries — from Perpetual Adoration and Legion of Mary to St. Vincent de Paul, ACTS retreats, RCIA, Boy Scout Troop 4, the Archangel Players theatre troupe, and the city-famous St. Gabriel Annual Picnic. The parish welcomes young families, empty-nesters, and visitors alike into a worship space celebrated for its beauty and a stable St. Louis Hills neighborhood across from Francis Park.
Mass times at St. Gabriel the Archangel
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Monday – Friday 7:30 am – 7:55 am
- Saturday 4:00 pm – 4:45 pm
Adoration times
- Perpetual Adoration: 24 hours a day, every day — adorers cover the church from 9:00 pm until 5:00 am (and throughout the day) as part of the Perpetual Adoration Society
Parish History
St. Gabriel the Archangel was organized in May 1934 during the Great Depression when 150 families gathered to begin a new parish. The first pastor, Reverend Francis H. Skaer, oversaw the groundbreaking on November 23, 1934 and the opening of a combination church and school in 1935, staffed by the School Sisters of Notre Dame. The current church at Nottingham and Tamm Avenues was dedicated by Archbishop Joseph E. Ritter on October 28, 1951. The parish has grown into one of the largest in the city of St. Louis with about 1,550 families and celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2009, 80th in 2014, and 90th in 2024.
- Founded May 1934 by 150 families
- Groundbreaking November 23, 1934
- School opened September 1935 with 38 students
- Current church dedicated October 28, 1951 by Archbishop Joseph E. Ritter
- First Mass in new church September 23, 1951
Architecture and Campus
The 1950 church is a striking Art Deco / contemporary Gothic limestone building designed by architects A.F. and Arthur Stauder, with a twelve-story steeple that dominates the neighborhood. Inside, Emil Frei stained glass (lower windows by Milton Frenzel, upper windows by Siegfried Reinhardt) and an innovative seating layout with two fan-shaped pew sections flank a higher central nave. A baby-boom-era 'cry room' beside the narthex lets parents with small children attend Mass. The campus also includes the original 1935 and 1946 school buildings, the 1955 yellow-brick convent (now Gabriel House), and the 1962 parish hall.
- Architects: A.F. and Arthur Stauder
- Stained glass: Emil Frei Associates
- Stauder firm designed all major parish buildings
- Address: 4711 Tamm Avenue (church) / 6303 Nottingham Avenue (rectory)
- Adjacent school (1935, 1946), convent (1955, now Gabriel House), parish hall (1962)
Our Patron Saint
St. Gabriel — whose name means 'Man of God' or 'God has shown might' in Hebrew — is one of seven archangels and one of three named in Sacred Scripture (along with Michael and Raphael). He is celebrated as the messenger angel: Gabriel announced the births of John the Baptist and Jesus, revealed the coming of the Savior to the Prophet Daniel, and is venerated as the patron saint of messengers, communication workers, and postal workers. His feast was placed on March 24 in 1921 and moved to September 29 in 1969, combined with the feasts of Michael and Raphael.
- Often depicted with a spear and a mirror of jasper marked with an X (Christ)
- Mentioned in Daniel 8:15-26 and 9:21-27, and Luke 1:26-38
- Feast day: September 29 (combined with Michael and Raphael since 1969)
Clergy and Staff
The parish is currently served by a pastor, an associate pastor, a priest in residence, and a permanent deacon, with a rectory open Monday–Friday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm.
- Reverend Thomas Molini — Pastor
- Reverend Robert Lawson — Associate Pastor
- Reverend Anthony Ritter — In Residence
- Deacon David Willis — Permanent Deacon
Pastoral Succession
St. Gabriel has been led by eight pastors since 1934, beginning with Father Francis H. Skaer and continuing under Monsignor John B. Shamleffer. Several pastors are remembered for major building campaigns, liturgical updates after Vatican II, and the introduction of programs like ACTS retreats.
- 1. Rev. Francis H. Skaer (1934–)
- 2. Msgr. Leo Steck (later Auxiliary Bishop of Salt Lake City)
- 3. Msgr. Rudolph E. Schuler (1948–1951)
- 4. Msgr. Harry E. Stitz (1951–1979)
- 5. Msgr. Richard J. Lubeley (1979–1991)
- 6. Fr. Charles E. Burgoon (1991–)
- 7. Fr. Robert J. Samson (2006–2013)
- 8. Msgr. John B. Shamleffer (2013–)
Mass and Sacraments
Public Mass is offered twice daily on weekdays, Saturday evening for the Sunday Vigil, and three times on Sundays. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is heard every weekday morning and on Saturday afternoons. The church is open for personal prayer from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm daily.
- Weekday Mass: 6:00 am and 8:00 am
- Saturday Vigil Mass: 5:00 pm
- Sunday Mass: 6:30 am, 10:00 am, 5:30 pm
- Confession: Mon–Fri 7:30–7:55 am; Sat 4:00–4:45 pm
- Live-streamed Sunday 10:00 am and weekday 8:00 am Mass via YouTube
Faith Formation and School
St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic School serves about 500 students in grades K-8 and is the third-largest parish elementary school in the Archdiocese of St. Louis. It is working toward 'Leader in Me' Lighthouse School designation through Stephen Covey's Seven Habits. Adult faith formation includes the OCIA process (formerly RCIA), which begins each year on the Sunday after Labor Day and concludes at the Easter Vigil; Bible Study; Adult Education; and ACTS retreats.
- St. Gabriel Catholic School (K-8) — about 500 students — stgabschool.org
- Parish School of Religion (PSR) for parish children
- OCIA — Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (begins Sunday after Labor Day)
- Youth Group
- Adult Bible Study and Adult Education
- ACTS Retreats
- Leader in Me / Seven Habits school initiative
Parish Ministries and Organizations
The parish directory lists roughly thirty active ministries spanning worship, formation, outreach, and parish life. These include the Perpetual Adoration Society, Legion of Mary, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, the Music Ministry, the Sanctuary Society, lectors, servers, extraordinary ministers of Communion, ushers and greeters, the Parish Nurse Ministry, and the Homebound and Hospital Visitation Ministry. Outreach efforts include Food and Fuel for Life, the Homeless Ministry at Saints Peter and Paul, and L.I.F.E. (a pro-life group). Community and family life is supported by the Young Families group, the Athletic Association, Boy Scout Troop 4, Girl Scouts, the Archangel Players theatre troupe, Women at the Well, the Holy Name Society, the Parent Faculty Association, the Parish Picnic, and the Stewardship committee 'We Are St. Gabriel.'
- Worship: Perpetual Adoration Society, Legion of Mary, Music Ministry, Lectors, Servers, Extraordinary Ministers of Communion, Ushers & Greeters, Sanctuary Society
- Outreach: Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Food and Fuel for Life, Homeless Ministry at Sts. Peter & Paul, Homebound & Hospital Visitation, Parish Nurse Ministry, L.I.F.E.
- Formation: OCIA, PSR, Youth Group, Bible Study, Adult Ed, ACTS Retreats
- Community: Young Families, Boy Scout Troop 4, Girl Scouts, Athletic Association, Archangel Players, Women at the Well, Holy Name Society, Annual Parish Picnic, Parent Faculty Association
- Parish governance: Parish Pastoral Council, Finance Council, Administration & Finance Commission, Board of Education, Building & Maintenance Committee, Stewardship & Development (We Are St. Gabriel)
Music and Liturgy
The Music Ministry supports the most important part of parish life — the celebration of the Eucharist — and invites musicians to 'sing to the Lord a new song.' Servers, lectors, extraordinary ministers of Communion, and the Sanctuary Society (which maintains the beauty of God's house) all serve the liturgy.
- Music Ministry / Choir
- Altar Servers
- Lectors
- Extraordinary Ministers of Communion
- Sanctuary Society (altar care and flowers)
Parish School
St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Elementary School (K-8) is part of the parish mission and seeks to provide excellence in elementary education while forming students spiritually, so that they become 'messengers of the Good News' like the patron saint. With about 500 students it is one of the largest parish schools in the Archdiocese of St. Louis. The school has begun a multi-year journey toward 'Leader in Me' Lighthouse School designation, integrating Stephen Covey's Seven Habits into its culture.
- Grades served: Kindergarten through Grade 8
- Enrollment: approximately 500 students
- Website: stgabschool.org
- Leader in Me / Seven Habits initiative
- Parent Faculty Association (PFA)
- Athletic Association
Outreach and Charity
St. Gabriel parishioners serve their neighbors through a robust set of outreach programs. Each month on the 10th, parishioners prepare free meals for the needy at Saints Peter and Paul Parish in Soulard. Food and Fuel for Life collects monthly contributions to feed the hungry. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul visits and assists the poor in the parish, while L.I.F.E. promotes a culture of life. A Parish Nurse Ministry and a Homebound and Hospital Visitation Ministry (coordinated by Deacon Dave Willis) care for the sick and elderly.
- Society of St. Vincent de Paul (VIPS — Vincentians in Prayer)
- Food and Fuel for Life monthly collection
- Homeless Ministry — Community Meals at Sts. Peter and Paul
- Homebound and Hospital Visitation Ministry
- Parish Nurse Ministry
- L.I.F.E. (Life Issues Facing Everyone) — pro-life
Community Life and Annual Events
St. Gabriel is known for the strong community life that grew up around its parish festival, school, and scouting programs. The Annual Parish Picnic, started by Monsignor Stitz in the mid-twentieth century, is celebrated citywide and draws many grade-school alumni. The parish also hosts parish Fish Fry's, a parish block party, the Archangel Players summer musical, and regular ACTS retreats.
- St. Gabriel's Annual Parish Picnic (citywide tradition)
- Parish Fish Fry's during Lent
- Parish Block Party
- Archangel Players annual summer musical
- ACTS Retreats for men, women, and youth
Visiting and Contact
The parish is located in the St. Louis Hills neighborhood of south St. Louis, directly across from Francis Park. The rectory is open Monday–Friday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. Map and directions, as well as a contact form, are available on the parish website.
- Address: 6303 Nottingham Ave., St. Louis, MO 63109
- Phone: 314-353-6303
- Emergency: 314-353-6303
- Email: [email protected]
- Rectory hours: Monday–Friday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Bulletin deadline: Monday by noon
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Reverend Francis H. Skaer1934–?
First pastor; organized the parish and oversaw the opening of the school in 1935 with the School Sisters of Notre Dame.
- Monsignor Leo Steckbefore 1948
Began plans to enlarge the school (1946); later promoted to Auxiliary Bishop of Salt Lake City.
- Monsignor Rudolph E. Schuler1948–1951
Led the campaign to build the present church; famously oversaw the relocation of a two-story duplex 275 feet west.
- Monsignor Harry E. Stitz1951–1979
Fourth pastor for 27 years; broke ground for the convent in 1955; transformed the school picnic into the citywide St. Gabriel Picnic.
- Monsignor Richard J. Lubeley1979–1991
Fifth pastor; renovated the church in keeping with Vatican II liturgical reforms; introduced computer programs for parish use.
- Father Charles E. Burgoon1991–?
Sixth pastor; led the Call to Build campaign adding six classrooms and a school meeting room, air-conditioned the school, and brought the ACTS retreat program to St. Gabriel.
- Father Robert J. Samson2006–2013
Seventh pastor; oversaw physical improvements to the campus, transition of the convent to Gabriel House parish center, and led the 75th anniversary in 2009.
- Monsignor John B. Shamleffer, J.C.L., M.C.L.2013–
Eighth pastor; celebrated the parish's 80th anniversary in 2014.