Countercultural! Our readings this weekend are quite a thump on the side of our heads.
- Our opening quote from Ecclesiastes
- Our petition in the Responsorial Psalm that we might gain wisdom of heart
- Our Second Reading with Paul’s admonition to put to death the parts of us that are earthly
- Our Gospel’s message that our lives do not consist of possessions is reinforced by an abundantly clear parable
Our faith calls us to carefully evaluate our priorities - to remember first that “Christ is all and in all.” (Colossians 3:11)
Your response to Christ’s call in generous gifts to persons in need make vibrant our ministries of charity. Thank you for your time and treasure! We hear stories of frustration and hope from our St. Vincent de Paul Society and about the important work and how to help Micah 6 in JUSTNews.
Some parishioners share their dismay that work and family commitments prevent them from spending time in service. We completely understand - after all, Ecclesiastes tells us that “there is an appointed time for everything.” But maybe you do have time to donate the gift of life this Sunday (July 31) from 9 to 1 in the Ministry Center. Sign up now to pray in action by rolling up your sleeve at our Most Precious Body & Blood of Christ Blood Drive at Help Needed.
Help is exactly what we needed early in the pandemic when we had to begin broadcasting Mass. Stephen King became a key player in meeting that challenge and since has made a daily difference in our parish operations. Read how his role continues to unfurl and what he's missing around our campus in Reflections from the Parish Staff.
The news this week included photos of the Holy Father’s visit to the Indigenous Peoples of Canada. His penitential pilgrimage models how we must navigate the difficult path of acknowledging past wrongs and moving toward healing. We’ve summarized what we saw in the news and captured some of the Pope’s observations, apology, and prayers at Native Peoples.
In Canada and across his papacy, the Holy Father emphasizes relationships. We see that in Friday's/today's celebration of the recently expanded Memorial of Jesus' dear friends, Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. Read more about this feast to celebrate the patron saints of siblings - those with whom we share the intimacy of family love and life at Saints Gallery.
Opportunities in Faith Formation open this fall with
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Pre-K - 9th Parent Orientation on Sundays, August 21 and 28 after the 8:45 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Masses. We offer in-person and at-home options. Classes begin Sunday, September 11 (A) and 18 (B) – register here.
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Confirmation candidates will hear from us soon but you can register here.
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Are you or is someone you know interested in becoming Catholic or completing the sacraments? We welcome you to learn more about our RCIA program.
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Deepen your faith through Bible and Book Studies while getting to know other members of the community. Register to participate at Adult Faith Formation.
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Two retreats in August provide time to spend with God at Cedarbrake, the Diocesan Retreat House. Scroll down to find details below the Diocesan calendars at Events.
The Paulist Fathers have shepherded our parish since our founding in 1908. Their charisms of evangelization
(reaching out), reconciliation (bringing peace), and ecumenical and interfaith relations (seeking unity)
contribute to what people observe is unique in our parish. The Paulists offer two upcoming events.
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Many of us enjoyed the Hollywood Priest on the big screen. If you weren't able to make the screening, the Paulists offer the opportunity to stream the video from August 1 at 6 a.m. to August 7 at 1 a.m. Central time. To stream the film, register with Busted Halo.
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Come & See weekend is an opportunity for young men to discover if God is calling them to the priesthood. While October 21 – 23 seems far off, now is the time to plan and pray. Learn more at Holy Orders & Vocations.
In other community news ~
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St. Austin’s gathered to celebrate Fr. Bob Scott, a unique Paulist, on July 16 with smiles, shared memories, and delicious brunch fare – see the photos at Good Stop.
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Earlier this week on Tuesday, St. Austin’s hosted the priests of the Central Deanery for their meeting and luncheon at which Fr. Chuck, Fr. Paolo, and Fr. Bruce shared the renderings of our development under construction. See photos of the event at Community.
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You can always enjoy community with coffee & more after the 8:45 & 11:30 Sunday Masses or enjoy the free simple suppers after the 5:30. Join us!
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Our KC Council invites you to consider a Diocese of Austin event featuring one of their members. It’s a free workshop on Wills & Estate Planning Basics on Tuesday, August 2 from 3 to 4 p.m. Find more details about this online event in the Knightly News.
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Progress is easy to see around the block from MLK to San Antonio to 21st to Guadalupe. This week’s new photos and progress notes are at Construction Updates.
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Our West Campus community will be abuzz this weekend. 18,000+ students live around us in West Campus and many leases end July 31. If you or a loved one are among them, we encourage you to make it a zero-waste move at MoveOutATX.org.
Thank You!
We’re filled with gratitude as we reflect on your generosity to our parish. You give your time, share your talent, and offer your treasure to support our mission. Because of you we bring God’s Love to our time and place.
