|
Wolves with lambs, leopards with kids, calves with lions, cows with bears – what imagery we’re presented in this week’s first reading! What paradox – yet the vision is safe, peaceful, and harmonious. Our Psalm assures us that Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever. The second reading reminds us that we’ve been given the encouragement of Scripture to endure with hope. The Gospel holds a challenge in its promise of one who is mightier, this one for whom we prepare. As we light Advent’s second hopeful candle, let’s remember to be ready to live God’s Word, His Love, in our here and now.
And speaking of God's Love, our pastor reminds us that on the holy day, the 8th, we celebrate One so full of grace, so full of God's love that from the very beginning She's been in perfect harmony with Him. Consider this mystery as you read From Fr. Chuck.
Your generosity humbles us, St. Austin! We gathered over 1,136 pounds of food. Thank you! We’re grateful to our kind Knights of Columbus who shuttled it to the nearby Micah 6 Food Pantry. See what that much food looks like at JUSTNews.
Missed it? Don’t worry! It’s the perfect time to make a difference through our parish’s annual miracle of giving. It’s easy, you can ~
-
Sponsor a family – please let us know by Sunday, December 4!
-
Purchase gift cards - to affordable, accessible stores like Target, Academy, etc. in denominations of $25 or $50 by December 15.
-
Contribute for the purchase of HEB and other gift cards – use Venmo, cash, give online or by check – just mark your gift “Christmas Baskets” by December 15.
Two drive-thru drop-off days are scheduled for Sundays, December 4 and 11. Then save the date for Saturday, December 17 at 9 a.m. to be part of the JOY of Delivery Day! All the details are at Christmas Baskets.
Events and activities help us be ready and stay focused on the joy we anticipate. We hope to see you at one, more, or all of them as we journey through Advent.
This is your last week to help parish ministries fund their programs for the year. The Prayer Blanket Ministry, Journey, the KCs, and Catholic Relief Services offer unique gifts in our online marketplace. Will yours be the winning ticket? Win a lovingly-crafted quilt or a memorable evening with a lovely gift of jewelry – take a chance on our holiday raffles! Before we close on December 11, do a world of good by shopping at our Christmas eBazaar.
We’ve gathered fresh progress notes and photos for you at Construction Updates.
We also have ~
-
A treat for the lover of local history in your world – a richly illustrated volume, Treasures of the Diocese of Austin. Details at Community
-
There's news at Faith Formation
-
And even more in the Knightly News
Enjoy this season of joyful anticipation – find fellowship and joy after the Sunday 8:45, 11:30, and 5:30 Masses when we offer hospitality in our Ministry Center. Stop in, chat, and make plans to meet at one of the many offerings at Advent and Events ~
-
Monday, December 5 at noon, we'll open reservations for the 4 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass and will close when we reach our seating capacity. That's the only Christmas Mass for which reservations are needed. Watch for a banner at the top of our website's Home page.
-
On December 8 and 12 honor Our Lady by celebrating two Marian feasts, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, a holy day of obligation, and Our Lady of Guadalupe. We’ve got our fingers crossed for something very special on the 12th. Find details at Advent.
-
Monday the 12th at 7 p.m. prepare your heart at our Advent communal Penance service.
-
Celebrate Founder's Day! Paulist Founder and Servant of God Fr. Isaac Hecker is the focal point of festivities on Sunday, December 18 after the 8:45 and 11:30 Masses in the Ministry Center and on Monday, December 19 at 2:30 p.m. at St. Austin’s School. Details at Events and SACS.
-
Don’t forget! Wednesday, December 21 is the last day to make your gift to remember or honor loved ones with Christmas plantings. Friday, December 23 at 10:30 join us to array the Church with festive joy. The form’s online at Christmas Flowers.
-
The Austin Community of Secular Discalced Carmelites invites you to explore St. Thérèse of Lisieux, her knowledge of The Little Way, spiritual sainthood, and her special insight into God’s Mercy and Grace 0n Saturday, January 14. See more at Events in Around the Diocese.
-
Save the date for the Saints and Scholars annual awards ceremony and dinner celebrating Catholic education in the Diocese of Austin on Saturday, January 14 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Austin. More at SACS.
-
Consider global poverty and faith in action in an 8-week course, Faith & Poverty: A Global Response that begins January 23. Learn more and register at JustMatters.
You’re something else, St. Austin’s! You brought in over half a ton of food! YOU’ve helped us raise over $8.5 million dollars - our Beacon of Hope goal of $9 million is within reach! And week after week, your Offertory giving allows us to bring God’s Love to life here and now!
Thank you for GIVING!
| 
