There’s been much to process in recent days and weeks. The news has us all reeling - violence, hearings, decisions, train wrecks, and the tragic loss of more than 50 migrants near
San Antonio. Yet our Psalm for Saturday reminds us that we are a people of faith, called to work for peace, for justice, and to serve with loving kindness.
In last Sunday's Gospel, Jesus rebuked James and John for wanting to call down fire to consume the inhospitable villagers. In his homily, Fr. Chuck urged us to call down the fire of the Holy Spirit on ourselves to embolden us to proclaim the Good News, not only with our words, but more strongly in the example of our lives. We are called to act.
After spending much of the first two years of his priesthood in the time-out-of-time of pandemic, our associate pastor now meets the increased demands of ministering to our parish with grace while Fr. Chuck’s away. This week, we receive a thoughtful reflection on justice and mercy From Fr. Paolo.
How is Fr. Chuck? After successful knee surgery, he’s recovering in the home of parishioners where everything is
on one floor. Thursday afternoon, his first full day out of the hospital, Fr. Chuck reported that he was bored. Please continue to pray for his recovery. Send good wishes to the parish address, 2026 Guadalupe St., Austin, TX 78705.
This week’s tragedy southwest of San Antonio cost the lives of 53 people from Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador. While the issue is complex and may seem quite beyond our reach to resolve, yet there is room for us to act. We present a five-point guide with things you CAN DO at our Advocacy Plaza on Immigration.
We’ve been invited to a unique opportunity to explore an issue of social justice in a play by Sarah Shourd, who survived solitary confinement in Evin Prison in Tehran, Iran, for over a year. The program will be staged with careful attention to pandemic protocols. This is an invitation into greater awareness – invite a friend or gather as a group to see the End of Isolation. Find important details at JUSTNews.
Looking for events that don’t involve getting out in the heat? Another Paulist Foundation provides two online events.
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July 7 - Questions in our Hearts: A Catholic Response to Social Issues in our Time, presented by Zachary C. Turner, CSP, Paulist seminarian, currently on summer assignment at the Cathedral of St. Andrew. Find registration and details here.
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July 21 - Revolution of the Heart: The Dorothy Day Story, an evening of film and conversation from the Catholic Information Center in Grand Rapids. Learn more about this event.
The Paulist Fathers end their 66 years of service at the Ohio State University St. Thomas More Newman Center effective at July's end. A letter from Paulist president Fr. René to the OSU community and a press release describe the new bishop's decision at Paulist.org.
We hope you’ll venture out to join us – weather or not – on the tenth anniversary of Fr. Bob Scott’s death as we celebrate his joyful vocation to the priesthood. You’re invited Saturday, July 16, for 9 a.m. Mass, memories, and reflections followed by refreshments in the Ministry Center. Please send photos and thoughts of Fr. Bob to us at Bulletin@StAustin.org.
We’ve got good news to share about Sharon Lehtonen and Stephen King as they take on new responsibilities. Read those changes and our search for a part-time Liturgy Coordinator. Help us share the word about this job opportunity and take a moment to thank Sharon and Stephen. Details are at Staff.
In other community updates -
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Our KC Council closes the Fraternal Year of 2021 - 22. Look back with them in the Knightly News.
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We're grateful to the Knights and to all the volunteers in ministry and service in our community. As summer provides us a bit of quiet and time to - it's a good time to check on the status of your EIM compliance.
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There’s progress on our building to report to review at Construction Updates.
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If you haven't yet, we hope you'll learn more about the capital campaign for facilities that will serve future generations at St. Austin's. Visit Beacon of Hope.
With gratitude, we’re pleased to share our Offertory report for the second quarter of 2022. We rely entirely on you for the ministries and programs through which we bring God’s Love – to our time and place. Find the report at Offertory.
We hope you enjoy a restful Independence Day weekend. A few things to note...
- Our parish office will be closed Sunday and Monday.
- Sunday morning there won’t be post-Mass hospitality, but after the 5:30 p.m. Mass you’re invited to simple supper in the Ministry Center.
If not this weekend, join us soon for one of our Sunday Suppers. They’re served at no cost through the kindness of members of our community. Dining with us is a great way to share a meal, ease into a new week, and the perfect answer to the oft-dreaded question, “What’s for dinner?”.
Let's give thanks recalling our aspirational pledge to “one nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all.” Then act to bring peace, justice, truth, and kindness to our time and place. Last week, we closed with a message from Pope Leo XIII. Today, we offer his words of wisdom that give us strength to take action…
Nothing emboldens the wicked so greatly
as the lack of courage on the part of the good.
