Hello St. Gabriel Family,

          My name is Fr. Mark Madden.  I was just ordained a bit over a month ago by Archbishop Robert Carlson.  I was born in St. Mary Magdalen Parish in St. Louis, but we moved to Immaculate Heart of Mary in St. Louis when I was about two.  My parents have lived in that parish for almost 40 years.  I am the oldest of five siblings, all younger sisters — I know God Help me — who have been instrumental in my upbringing and fostered in me a deep respect for women and increase in the virtue of patience.  One of my sisters is a parishioner here at St. Gabriel’s (Mary Madden).  I graduated from IHM and then went to CBC High School where I graduated in 1999.  I earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Missouri — Rolla (formerly MSM and now MST).  After graduation, I worked for Hubbell-Wiegmann in Freeburg, IL., designing and manufacturing fuse boxes.  After six months, I was hired by Boeing to work on the 737 program in Renton, WA.  I want to make this clear: I NEVER WORKED ON THE 737MAX program:).  I then moved to Taipei, Taiwan for about six months working on the 747LCF program and finished my almost 10 year career with Boeing in Charleston, SC., working on the 787 program.  The rest of the story you can find out personally, just ask me.  I am so pleased to be back in South St. Louis and even more pleased to be able to serve you here at St. Gabriel.  I know the area well, and I’m sure I still know quite a few of the families here too.  I will keep St. Gabriel in my prayers and ask that you pray for me so that I may serve you well and bring others closer to Christ.