Archbishop Daniel Cardinal DiNardo established a Catholic parish in Missouri City, founded October 1, 2007, under the patronage of St. Angela Merici. The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston designated 26 acres of property to the parish of St. Angela Merici to build the physical church. Since our founding, we have been ministering to the needs of families in this part of Missouri City.
In July, 2007, Cardinal DiNardo named Father John Rooney as founding pastor of St. Angela Merici. After 8 months, a facility, the PLEX, was leased in Stafford, and our first Mass was celebrated on June 22, 2008. Weekend Masses, as well as religious formation sessions were held at the PLEX until our first building was completed on our property.
On Sunday, September 20, 2009, Archbishop Emeritus, Joseph Fiorenza celebrated the 11:00 am Mass at the PLEX. After Mass, the parishioners of St. Angela Merici gathered at the parish property for a prayer of blessing and a turning of the shovel as we broke ground for the first building on the parish property.
Less than a year later, on September 4, 2010, Archbishop Daniel Cardinal DiNardo blessed and celebrated our opening Mass in our new Parish Life Center. After Mass, the parishioners of St. Angela Merici gathered on the parish property for a luncheon celebration. The PLC consisted of a large gathering space for worship which accommodates 500 people, a meeting room for group gatherings, three large classrooms and a hospitality area.
Future plans for the parish include a parochial school to serve K-8th grade. The property is located at 9009 Sienna Ranch Road across from Baines Middle School.
On July 1, 2014 Father John Cahoon was named the pastor of St. Angela Merici. Under his direction, a building committee was established, and community members shared their ideas for how best to meet the needs of our growing parish by responding to a parish-wide survey.
Father John and Cardinal DiNardo broke ground for the new church and administration building on June 10, 2016. The project also included renovation of the PLC to accommodate additional classrooms.
On October 30, 2017, Archbishop Daniel Cardinal DiNardo blessed the administration building and celebrated a Mass of Dedication in our new church. The new church accommodates over 1,000 people, includes custom stained glass and a 12 foot tall San Damiano Cross suspended behind the altar. Cardinal DiNardo assisted the parish in procuring a first class relic of our patroness, St. Angela Merici. The relic was placed in the base of the altar as part of the Dedication Mass.
St. Angela Merici is an active, growing and welcoming parish with over 1700 households. We look forward to getting to know you as we build this Church together under the patronage of St. Angela Merici.
This is an exciting time for the Catholic community in this part of Missouri City!