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This week our pastor invites us into reflection on “Last Things” and the autumnal commemorations of saints and souls. Spend a few minutes with him at From Fr. Chuck.

The Dia de los Muertos Halloween Hoot on Friday, October 29, at 6 p.m. on the grounds of its campus at San José Parish (500 Herndon Lane). There's more on this spirited affair at Events and its rich tradition at Adventures in the Archives.

As he convened the XVI Ordinary Synod of Bishops for the Universal Church. As we travel our parish journey of development, we'll accompany the wider church in an "opportunity to become a listening Church." Learn more and read an article on The Synod and Women Deacons from our pastor at Synod.

Here's what to expect ~ Monday, November 1 ~ We'll observe the Solemnity of All Saints with three Masses, two at 8 a.m. in Church and from San José (livestreamed) featuring the Second Graders from our parish school. An evening Mass at 7 will be in the Church. Please join us in person or online. Tuesday, November 2 ~ We'll remember All Souls in a special daily Mass at 8 a.m. - expect about 45 minutes. As has been our custom, our Altar of Remembrance will be at the Sacred Heart Altar. Please bring photos or remembrances of cherished family and friends to Mass on October 30 and 31. Find details at Events.

Second Collections & A Bit of Advice
We’re asked to support World Mission Sunday this weekend, while next week the Bishop requests our response to the Catholic Services Appeal. Consider Fr. Chuck’s advice when faced with many opportunities for giving at Special Collections.

Does it matter if you vote? YES! Get information on what's on the ballot, where to vote early, and more at On Voting.

For some, home can be a dangerous place. We offer suggested actions, resources, and links to consider to learn more about this Social Justice issue at our new Domestic Violence Advocacy Plaza.

People often ask how we choose the folks who will receive Christmas Baskets. All recipients must first apply with Blue Santa which serves thousands of children each holiday season. We couldn't do our job without their involvement. Read more at JUSTNews.

The annual K of C Pecan Sale starts in November. Your favorite flavors will be available for purchase online and in person after Mass. Proceeds from the Pecan Sale help fund our K of C charitable activities. Learn more about the Knights.

Parishioners are invited to two virtual information sessions about St. Austin Catholic School in early November. These events are designed for parish families interested in enrolling their child(ren) in our Catholic school. Registrations links and more at Events. Celebrate this great news, too! SACS was recently awarded an A+ rating on Niche.com. Congratulations, Eagles! Our school continues its 104-year legacy of excellence in education.

Faith Formation Faith Formation for Children and Youth - it's not too late to enroll. To learn about Confirmation, register, or if you still need to pick up books, please email Rachel Vaughn. Opportunities for adults continue for all interested. There’s more on both at Events. Catholic Conversations - Join RCIA and other adults on Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. This Sunday, we'll consider prayer. Find access to the session near the bottom of Events in the block for Catholic Conversations. The Law of Love: Modern Language for Ancient Wisdom – This Tuesday evening series with Fr. Paolo and Rachel Vaughn continues in Zoom. It's a six-week study of scripture passages from the Old and New Testaments.

We welcome you to wander through our Lectionary Guide, while still in development, a unique resource. We opened our newest guide on Romans last week. We invite you to explore our Lectionary Guide.

At Wednesday’s morning Mass, Fr. Paolo offered an update on our certificate of occupancy. It’s reminiscent of the Skeleton Song (Dem Bones) we danced to as children. “The foot bone’s connected to the leg bone...” It boils down to this - repairs required parts, parts came in, repairs were made, the need for another repair became apparent, another part is on order. Pray that it negotiates supply chain challenges quickly. Listen to the update after the Gospel (13:57 minutes) in the recorded Mass. Also at recorded Masses, you'll find today's school Mass, celebrated by our Fr. Bruce and featuring Kindergarten children at the lectern.

This week our ministry of prayer and creative craft shares some wonderful news from a prayer blanket recipient. Read more about this story and the group of talented givers including how many blankets were blessed in October alone at Prayer Blanket Ministry.

This Sunday's Psalm reminds us of the source of our joy - all the great things the Lord has done for us. This fall in Central Texas we've been gifted with some incredible sunsets, beautiful moonrises, glorious weather, and much more. While Psalm 126 swings from painful tears to shouts of exuberant joy, let us sit for a moment in the glory of these lovely autumn days. Let's thank God for His many gifts and rest in gratitude. We pause to thank you for your many gifts that allow us to bring God's Word to life here and now. Thank you for your generosity and continued Giving.

GAP (Graduates & Young Professionals) is a fairly new name for the group of adults in their 20s and 30s at St. Austin Parish. The idea for a community of young adults to grow together in faith and friendship is a tried and true concept at St. Austin.

The horrific events of September 11, 2001, were still a fresh memory for all of us when Fr. Patrick Johnson, CSP (then pastor), wrote these words in the St. Austin Catholic Parish Newsletter in October 2001.

The courtyard of St. Austin had its beginnings with a dedication in May 1987 and its ending with Clearing the Courtyard on August 30, 2021. Parishioners have enjoyed this green area between Newman Hall, Paulist Hall, and the Rectory for a great variety of occasions including First Holy Communion gatherings, wedding photos, retirement parties, Agape events, Baptism and Confirmation groups, school pictures, receptions, Sunday coffee and donuts, and meeting and greeting friends. The area included a lovely small garden, a St. Francis fountain with gently bubbling water, and bricks inscribed with family names.

In his column, Fr. Chuck reflects on Monday, the beautiful day when we broke ground for the construction of our new Ministry & Education complex. We’re truly on the path of our Development Journey and have reached the second major milestone! Please sit for a while to read his reflections on that day and the synchronicity our milestone shares with other observances, especially what he considers the most significant. What event is that? Find out in From Fr. Chuck.

Monday’s morning of prayer, song, and shovels also included an unexpected treat in our first look at the 1918 time capsule unearthed behind the cornerstone of Newman Hall. Our Archives Team has yet to examine the contents closely. We’ll give you a full report in future editions, but for now, we’ve posted a gallery of photos and a link to the video of the Groundbreaking Ceremony.