Karen Rachal

Parish Administrator

Karen was born August 1948 in Freeport, Texas. She grew up on a ranch in central Texas, the second oldest of 6 children. After graduating high school, she graduated from Texas Woman’s University with a degree in Child Development. She served 3 years as an officer in the USAF with an overseas assignment to Incirlik, Turkey where she met and married Owen Rachal. They have 4 sons. Karen enthusiastically converted to the Catholic faith after the birth of their first son. She and Owen joined St. Justin Martyr Parish in 1984 after moving to Houston. She is a certified Elementary school teacher with a Master’s degree in Education. Her employment history includes management of government offices, management of a manufacturing plant customer service department, as well as teaching experience. Karen began her service to St. Justin Marytr Parish in 1986 as a member of the Pastoral Council where she proposed a plan for establishing a Mother’s Day Out program as a means to pay for the temporary buildings needed for CCE classes. The pastor, Rev. John Vincent Rouse, endorsed the plan. Karen has served in many roles at St. Justin, both as a volunteer and employee, since that time.