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On this 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Church celebrates the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, the culmination of National Migration Week. In the last weeks of September, Texans from Wichita Falls to Eagle Pass wait with expectation for the monarch butterfly migration to Mexico, a signal of seasonal change. In the incredible journey they make, the monarchs remind us of the challenges faced by migrants, immigrants, and refugees on their often perilous journeys.
The Holy Father bids us remember that we must build toward a future with them, ...for without them it would not be the Kingdom that God wants. The inclusion of those most vulnerable is the necessary condition for full citizenship in God’s Kingdom.
In this season of change, our pastoral reflection provides us with insights, updates, and a reminder from Revelation 21:5 that Jesus makes all things new. Consider our communal commitment to renewal as you read the message From Padre Paolo.
As we celebrate both the Season of Creation and Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re excited to introduce you to Cristela Jones. In a recent piece for NPR’s NextGenRadio, she walks with a community gardener to explore the impact of recent harsh winters and intolerable heat. Hear, read, and see Cristela's story at Light.
The padrinos (Godparents) of our parish Pilgrimage to Tepeyac unfurl the events and activities through which they’ll share their devotion to La Morenita with you and those you’d like to invite to accompany you. It’s time to pull out your calendars, save dates, and express your interest! Find the opportunities at Our Lady of Guadalupe.
There’s more food for thought on the issue of migration featuring the work of Casa Marianella. It’s a place where miracles happen every day. Read about that and more in the weekly news from Faith Formation.
Our Prayer Blanket Ministry received a photo to share along with a message of thanks from a young recipient of the comfort they send. Find a wonderful smile from Kyle at Prayer Blankets.
The Synod responses from our parish were synthesized into those from across the Diocese of Austin. Those replies were then woven with those from the 700,000 participants across the nation. What did we learn?
- That most genuinely believe that support for one another is essential.
- That people want the Church to be a home for the wounded and broken, not an institution for the perfect.
- That our youth appeal for recognition that we see them, not as the future of the Church, but for what they have to say and offer in the present.
Links to parish, diocesan, and national reports are at Synod.
It’s not only a season of beautiful monarch migration, creation, and pilgrimage, but the people of St. Austin’s gather to do more. Groups meet to share books, the Bible, and communication strategies, others sew, serve those in need, and find fellowship doing so. There are many ways you can engage with our community – and you’re always invited! We hope you’ll find something at our Events page ~
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This Sunday after the 11:30 Mass we bid adieu to Dr. Andrea Pobanz to thank her for bringing beautiful music to our liturgies. Join us for hospitality and this farewell. More at Staff.
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Coming soon are the diocesan Red, Blue, and White Masses for those in the legal profession, law enforcement and first responders, and health care. All are listed in Events.
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Friday morning Mass, the 30th, will be a very special one livestreamed from San José! It’s the Guardian Angel Mass featuring our parish school’s first graders. Joy awaits you at Mass.
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Friday, the 30th, at 7 p.m., our friends at Holy Cross invite us to view A Place at the Table. Details at Events.
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Breakfast tacos will be back early next month, but that’s not all our KCs are up to! They’re also padrinos of the Pilgrimage to Tepeyac. Find more about them and what they do at the Knightly News.
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Our St. Vincent de Paul Society invites you to walk with them Saturday, October 15 at 9 a.m. The Friends of the Poor Walk will take place at San José Catholic Church. Get your steps in while being a good friend.
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Families with 7th and 8th Grade students –explore Catholic education opportunities at St. Dominic Savio, San Juan Diego, and St. Michael’s in the weeks to come. Find links near the bottom of the Events page.
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Our school’s Speakeasy Soirée will be an evening to remember – join the fun November 5, 6 – 9 p.m. at the Otis Hotel.
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You’re always welcome to join us for coffee & more after the 8:45 and 11:30 Sunday Masses. Don’t forget the special farewell for Dr. Ap this week. We also serve free simple suppers after the 5:30.
We’ve got this week’s construction updates and new photos posted at Construction Updates.
In a look back to the close of the last millennium, we remember why we’re committed to blooming where we were planted. Consider remarks from our former pastor, Fr. PJ, in Adventures in the Archives.
We’re grateful that since 1908, St. Austin’s parishioners have been bold builders – and we continue to invest in the future. Thank you to so many of you who've made your commitments to our capital campaign. If you’ve been meaning to - now’s the time. Don’t wait - make your gift or pledge your support to Beacon of Hope!
As we work to achieve our parish mission to bring God’s Word, His Love, to our time and place, we give great thanks for your generosity that makes it possible.
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