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Young children of our parish are often fascinated by our beautiful Nativity. Parents make a game of spotting the progress of the Magi as they journey toward the manger – last week found them close, just rounding the last bend. Before the BUSYness and bustle of the new year engulf us, we send our hope that your Christmas has been one of joy and wonder. We invite you to take time on this great feast to reflect on the illuminating discovery that is the great gift and miracle of the Word Made Flesh.
In our pastoral column this week, we learn of another journey about to begin. Pray with us for the safety and spiritual renewal of the priests and deacons venturing with the Maryknoll Fathers on a pilgrimage and retreat to El Salvador and Guatemala. Read his thoughts on this, his third trip to the region, in From Padre Paolo.
Receive the Paulist Fathers’ New Year’s message of blessing from Fr. René in a brief video that invites us to say a special Hail Mary of thanksgiving and petition. He also offers Mary’s example as a way of setting resolutions for the new year.
Fr. René will return to make the Annual Paulist Appeal at
St. Austin's on January 28 - 29, when we'll celebrate the feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. Find the video at Paulist Foundation.
This weekend near the Guadalupe Street doors, you’ll find a gift from Faith Formation, a House Blessing for the Epiphany. It’s a lovely ritual to perform each year with a more poignant meaning this week as Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI was laid to rest. We mark our homes with the letters CMB for Christus Mansionem Benedicat (May Christ bless this house.) as well as for the Kings ~ Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar. Also at the back of the church you’ll find calendars for the new year graciously provided to our parish by Weed-Corley-Fish.
And our post-Mass hospitality resumes in the Ministry Center after our 8:45, 11:30, and 5:30 Masses on Sunday. Come for fellowship ~
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After the 8:45, our Knights of Columbus will treat folks to their World Famous breakfast tacos in thanksgiving for your support of their efforts. That's right - they're free!
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We’ll have coffee and more after the 11:30.
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Our simple Sunday Supper will be served after the 5:30.
We come to you in hopes that you’ll help us in our search for the perfect candidates for four positions on our parish staff. Do you know someone with the knowledge, skills, and qualifications required to move our parish into our bright tomorrow? Could it be you? Details about the positions listed below and how to apply for are at our Staff page ~
- Director of Stewardship
- Communications Director - St. Austin Catholic Parish & School
- Director of Liturgy
- Bookkeeper - St. Austin Catholic Parish & School
You can also support our parish with the gift of your time and talent in several ways ~
We're very grateful for your year-end generosity to our Persons in Need, St. Vincent de Paul Society, and Christmas Baskets – thank you! Please give generously this weekend as the bags are passed for our monthly PIN collection that is divided between our Outreach and SVdP programs for those in need.
Fr. Chuck invites you to consider a pilgrimage, In the Footsteps of St. Paul, this summer from July 5 – 15. This opportunity is limited to 16 pilgrims. This unique journey by land and sea to Athens, Corinth, the Greek Islands & Ephesus will be made with Paulist Pilgrimage Director, Rev. Dr. Thomas A. Kane, CSP and our own pastor, Fr. Chuck Kullmann. Book now at Paulist Pilgrimages.
And we offer more invitations ~
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Saints & Scholars Dinner & Awards Gala honors our very own Martha & Larry Schroeder on January 14
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Treasures of the Diocese of Austin is a beautiful volume celebrating the diocesan 75th anniversary. Please contact Diane Zbasnik at dzbasnik@staustin.org or call the office if you're interested in purchasing a copy.
We're excited to share good news about our development! Our exterior walls are nearly completely sheathed - there are pictures of this week's progress. We also offer additional photos from our topping off celebration in a gallery for you to enjoy at Construction Updates.
We're grateful that you follow the Light and reflect that Light of Love in your generosity of time, talent, and treasure.
Thank you for the many gifts you bring to our parish.
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