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We exhale on this long weekend – it’s one of transition as the hours of daylight grow shorter. In Central Texas, it’s a season with much to celebrate - a new academic year, the Season of Creation, milder temperatures, and for many, the return of football. Our readings challenge us to consider what it means to follow Jesus’ radical expectation – to love everyone – to forgive everyone – to let go of everything.
As the school year opens, our St. Austin Catholic School principal, Tara Cevallos, paused in her busy week to share what makes the education that children receive in our parish school unique. Her message is one of gratitude that, in the generosity and hospitality of our school and larger parish community, we bring the Paulist charisms to life. Read her vision for our school’s second century of learning... for life
at Reflection from the Parish Staff.
Saturday, September 3 is a red letter day for our parish for it’s the feast of two saints with important St. A connections. At Mass Friday, Fr. Chuck reminded us that it was St. Gregory the Great who sent our patron, St. Austin, to England – twice; and St. Phoebe who carried St. Paul's letter to the Romans. We've got more for you at our Saints Gallery.
This is a big weekend for Paulists as they celebrate Promises and Diaconate Ordination Masses on September 2 (4:30 p.m. Central) and September 3 (9:00 a.m. Central). Watch those special Masses at Paulist.org/Promises.
Fr. Paolo celebrated Thursday’s Mass on the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, opening the Season of Creation that closes on October 4 with the feast of St. Francis. The theme is Listen to the Voice of Creation. As we journey through this Season, we’ll offer you more including interviews with St. Austin parishioners involved in caring for Creation.
On this Persons in Need second collection weekend, we receive an update filled with gratitude from our St. Vincent de Paul Society and are asked to pray and advocate for Affordable Housing. Take a moment to visit JUSTNews.
Another way you can make a difference is to bring about a return to civil discourse. Want to Talk? – Communication in Divided Times is a course designed to teach and practice practical skills. Find details and sign-up at JUSTMatters.
As we catch our breath, the bishops of our nation bid us take time in reflection. The 2022 Labor Day Statement reads “This Labor Day, let us reflect on how we can build a more just economy by promoting the welfare of working families through both charitable works and through advocacy for improved policies... especially for families who are financially vulnerable.”
We'll observe Labor Day by closing our office on Sunday and Monday. We won't serve Sunday morning refreshments. There WILL be a simple picnic supper after the 5:30 Mass Sunday. Please join us – it’s free.
Parents have been busily registering their children and youth for the Faith Formation classes. Have you registered for RCIA classes or Bible and Book Studies for adults that begin soon? Details on all of these programs are at Faith Formation.
We’ve often heard that you’d like to get more engaged with the community. But we want you to know St. Austin’s is always welcoming and invitations to learn, celebrate, serve, and explore will continue to flow. All we offer is at Events.
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It’s Football Time in Texas – kickoff for the first UT home game of the season is Saturday at 7 p.m. When parking for the 5 p.m. Mass, give our Boy Scouts (and their parents!) an encouraging word and let them know you’re here for Mass. They’re selling gameday parking this season as they do when the Horns play at home.
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Celebrate Our Lady’s Birthday and the start of our annual Pilgrimage to Tepeyac. Join us for Mass at 8 a.m. on Thursday, September 8. Details about the series of events and activities through which we share our devotion are at Our Lady of Guadalupe.
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It’s time to get tickets for the Annual Spaghetti Dinner – all you can eat and all kinds of fun! Join us on Saturday September 10, immediately after the St. Austin’s 5 p.m. Mass at the San José Parish Hall, 2435 Oak Crest Ave., Austin, 78704. Ticket sales close September 6 – so get yours soon at SACS.
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Our Prayer Blanket group meets twice a month to create the comfort they share near and far. This week, Halcyon Home patients, Margie and Catherine show us how much receiving one means. Find photos at Prayer Blanket.
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Our Knights of Council 10776 are grateful for all those who made their taco sale a success! They’ve even promised to come back next month, too! They have an invitation as well for a retirement planning webinar on September 15. Read more in the Knightly News.
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Our community’s come together for excursions many times since 1908. One such memorable occasion 35 years ago is revisited in Adventure in the Archives.
Starting Sunday, September 11th, the Parish Choir will begin rehearsals on Sundays at 10:15 a.m. in the Music Room (located in the church, downstairs, below the sacristy). The Parish Choir sings for the 11:30 a.m. Sunday Mass and for other special liturgies throughout the year including the 9 p.m. Christmas Mass and during the Sacred Triduum. This is a well-regarded group of musicians from different walks of life, all with different musical backgrounds. There is no audition, however, the ability to sing in tune is expected. The ability to read music is a plus, but not required. We especially encourage men (tenors & basses) to join. Contact Dr. Andrea, or speak to the cantor or any choir member for more information.
What's new to the East, to the West, and in the middle and a note on traffic patterns is at our Construction Updates.
Without your many and varied gifts of time, talent, and treasure, our bold move to build for future generations as we continue to bring God’s Love to our time and place would not be possible!
Thank you!
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