CATHOLIC CHURCH
ABOUT US
Welcome to "The Rock"
Where history meets heart in the heart of St. Louis.
Known far and wide as "The Rock," St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church has been a beacon of faith for over 160 years. Our Redemptorist priests have served this community since 1867, living out their mission to care for "the most abandoned."
We made history in 1922 when we began the weekly Our Mother of Perpetual Help novena - the first in America. Today, this powerful prayer is prayed in almost every country worldwide, all starting right here at The Rock.
We are authentically Black and truly Catholic - a vibrant community where African-American worship traditions flourish within our rich Catholic heritage.
Come as you are. Leave transformed
THE REDEMPTORISTS
The Redemptorists: A Legacy of Service
Founded with a mission to serve the abandoned.
The Redemptorists are a Catholic religious congregation of priests and brothers established in 1732 by St. Alphonsus Liguori in the mountains of southern Italy. Born from a deep compassion for the poor and neglected, this community has dedicated nearly three centuries to bringing hope to those most in need.
A century later, six pioneering Redemptorists brought this sacred mission to American shores. What began as a small band of missionaries has flourished into a global movement - today, over 5,000 Redemptorists serve in more than 100 countries, continuing their founder's vision of proclaiming the Gospel to "the most abandoned."
Their calling remains unchanged: to follow Christ's example by bringing the Good News to those society often overlooks, carrying forward a tradition of mercy that spans nearly 300 years.
WHAT WE DO
A Church That Celebrates Culture
Where African-American tradition meets timeless beauty.
Our vibrant family is predominantly African-American, and our liturgies authentically reflect this rich heritage, elevated by the soul-stirring harmonies of two dynamic Gospel choirs. Here, worship isn't just attended - it's experienced. As our pastor says, "People don't just go to Mass here, they come to worship".
Step into living history. Our breathtaking Gothic Revival sanctuary showcases magnificent Old World craftsmanship - from stunning 1904 World's Fair-era stained glass windows created by Meyer of Munich, to intricate stone and marble work that has stood for over 150 years.
The crown jewel? One of only four surviving pipe organs of its kind in the entire country - a testament to the enduring beauty that fills our sacred space.
This is where faith, culture, and artistry converge - creating a worship experience that touches both heart and soul.
OUR COMMUNITY
Community Legacy and Continuity
As parishioner Monica Huddleston observes, "Black congregations are full of people who have a history with these churches — their parents, grandparents and great-grandparents were part of those churches". This generational continuity has made The Rock not just a place of worship, but a gathering place for African Americans working to improve their community, preserving both historic architecture and cultural heritage for future generations.
The Rock's history demonstrates how a Catholic parish can evolve to become a vital center of African-American Catholic identity while maintaining its universal Catholic mission, serving as both a spiritual home and a beacon of cultural preservation in North St. Louis and around the world.
FIND YOUR FAITH:OUR MOTHER OF PERPETUAL HELP
Redemptorists: Guardians of the Icon
Since 1866, the Redemptorists have spread devotion to Mary under the icon and title of Mother of Perpetual Help. In that year Pope Pius IX granted permission to move the icon to the Redemptorist Church of Sant’Alfonso in Rome. The pope also told the Redemptorists to “make her known throughout the world.”
