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So many images portray Christ the King richly robed with a jeweled crown, but ours is a Servant King. His loving arms are outstretched not only in His sacrifice on the Cross but also in a wide and welcoming embrace of the most vulnerable among us - the children, the lonely, the grieving, and those in need of hope. Our King calls us to spread his message of love in the way we live our lives every day in our homes, schools, and workplaces. He asks us to open wide our hearts and arms to those in need.
This week our pastoral column takes us to Milan for an early celebration of the feast of Christ the King and to Switzerland to hear of work establishing schools and workshops in places of tremendous material poverty. There's more - enjoy your visit with Padre Paolo.
Then please take time to see the important work being done in Chicago, across our nation, and the globe to break the cycle of poverty. Please give generously to this week’s special collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development.
As we prepare to gather with friends and family to give thanks, we’ve got two opportunities to provide food for families in need. Please support these two very worthy food gathering initiatives ~
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Resupply the Micah 6 Food Pantry with the specific needs they’ve identified – we’ve got lists at JUSTNews and posted at the back of Church and at the St. Joseph altar. This effort ends November 30.
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Provide HEB Cards for our Christmas Basket families – we’re collecting $25 gift cards at the Thanksgiving Eve Mass and at the parish office through December 15.
Find what you need to know about both food drives at JUSTNews.
Celebrate Vocations month with the blessing and dedication of Hecker House, the Paulist House of Mission & Studies in Washington, DC. The ceremony will be broadcast tomorrow, November 19 at 9 a.m. Central. And please pen a note to encourage Deacon Eric and Chris Lawton as they progress on their vocation journey. Watch the ceremony on the Paulist website at New Seminary.
Paulist Fr. Dave Dwyer, author of the new book, Mass Class - Your Questions Answered, will be at St. Austin’s for the Thanksgiving Eve Mass and after for a book signing. He’ll also be here to preside at the 5:30 Mass on November 27 and sign books afterward. A limited number of books are being sent to St. Austin, but it’s available now from Paulist Press. Read more at Events.
With great joy we announce the grand opening of our Christmas Bazaar! The KCs open their sales early to give you time to use their delicious pecans in your holiday entertaining and recipes. They also serve as gifts for hosts. Our Prayer Blanket ministry offers an assortment of gifts creatively crafted with love. This year two raffles give you a chance to win! Please visit our online shop - don't delay - supplies are limited. Find unique gifts at our Christmas Bazaar.
Offerings abound in coming days and weeks. Find some below and more at Events ~
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Thanksgiving Eve Mass at 6 p.m., November 23 in the Church. It's a perfect opportunity to bring offerings for the Micah 6 and Christmas Basket food drives.
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Thanksgiving Eve is also when you can expect next week's edition of our eNews.
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Prepare for Jesus' birth, listen and reflect on hymns and songs from Scripture with a group meeting by Zoom from 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. on Mondays from November 28 to December 19. Register here.
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November 29 at 7 p.m. the Knights of Columbus host a Fraternal Benefit Night featuring Tom Hegna in an online event that's free and open to all. Registration link and photos of their loving service are at the Knightly News.
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St. Phoebe Prayer for a Synodal Church ~ Prayer services are held the third day of each month during the year of St. Phoebe. The next prayer service set for December 3 at 6 p.m. Central will be hosted by women of the Amazon. Register once to get reminders and join us as you are able! Find link to register at Events.
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As Vocations Month continues, the Diocese of Austin invites single men 18 to 40 years of age to a discernment retreat. Register and learn about the event set for mid-December at Holy Orders.
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Save the date! Friday, December 23 at 10:30 we’ll gather to decorate the Church with festive holiday wreaths, trees, ribbons, ornaments, and beautiful plants.
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Save another date, Saturday, January 14, 2023 to toast Catholic education and honor parishioners Larry and Martha Schroeder at the Saints & Scholars event. Find more at SACS.
Some have asked about an opportunity to view past offerings. We’re happy to share ~
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The prayer service from Election Eve recording is at the Franciscan Action Network’s YouTube. The readings used are at Guidance and Harmony.
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Fr. Steve Bell’s presentation on Blindness, Fear, and Anger is available for you on our website just under the invitation to the Hecker House Blessing & Dedication at Paulist Foundation.
Find photos of the progress on our building this week at Construction Updates at Our Property Development Journey.
Our Slab Signing helped us vision our new Ministry & Education Center more vividly. Being inside was exciting! Your generosity makes possible not only that bold building but the mission we bring to life every day, here and now. We’re very grateful for the many gifts you share – your time, your talent, your treasure.
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