Learn More about Msgr. Pieper

Monsignor. Pieper, the youngest of three children of Frank and Rose Pieper, was born on October 21, 1931. He grew up in South St. Louis and attended St. Anthony Padua grade school. He entered the Seminary after grade school. In addition to attending Kenrick Seminary, he attended Catholic University in Washington, D.C., prior to his ordination. His first priestly assignment was as associate pastor at Immacolata Parish in Richmond Heights.

In 1960, he was appointed to the staff of the Archdiocesan Tribunal, the beginning of a long association with that office. In 1962, at the start of the Second Vatican Council, he was sent to Rome to pursue post-graduate studies in canon law. He returned to St. Louis, becoming auditor of the Tribunal in 1965. He served on the Archdiocesan Tribunal from 1965 to 1980.

Monsignor Pieper continued his pastoral service as well, first as part-time assistant pastor at St. Mary Magdalen Parish in Brentwood, then as the associate pastor at Most Precious Blood in South County. He served in a number of archdiocesan organizations, including the commission on Priestly and Religious Vocations and the Council of Priests. He was archdiocesan vicar for religious form 1970 to 1980 and chaplain at Ursuline Academy from 1977 to 1980.

In 1980, Monsignor Pieper was appointed pastor of St. Joan of Arc Parish in South St. Louis. Nine years later, he came to St. Clement of Rome in Des Peres, briefly as administrator, then pastor, a position he has held since that time. While at St. Clement, Monsignor Pieper served two terms as dean of the Southwest County Deanery. Currently, he serves as a judge on the Appellate Court of the Archdiocese of St. Louis, as a member of the Personnel Board for Priests of the Archdiocese of St. Louis, and as a member of the Annual Catholic Appeal Council.