and school community development project. Bishop Joe Vásquez presided at the celebration attended by other representatives of the diocese, and all our many partners in this development effort. Our parish was well-represented by members of the Development Team, Parish Pastoral Council, the Finance Council, our School Advisory Board, many parishioners, and students from our parish school. It will have an impact on generations of parishioners and school students. It is a sign of both vitality and hope. HURRAY!
It is interesting that it occurred on the observance of Columbus Day. Certainly, like Columbus’ voyage, this will be an adventure of discovery as we move forward into the future with a new face in the city of Austin, and new abilities to educate and serve in our City.
The groundbreaking also occurred on Indigenous Peoples’ Day. We certainly want to be respectful of the needs and desires of all the groups and constituencies in our parish and school community. That is not an easy task, responding to the parishioners who have been with us for generations and also the many new people moving into Austin; listening both to the University students in our neighborhood and the active elderly in our area; responding to the needs of our children in Faith Formation and also students in our school, and to all the other facets of diversity that make our parish both a delight and sometimes a challenge.
Finally, and to me the most significant coincidence, is that the groundbreaking occurred on the feast of Pope St. John XXIII. He is the Pope who wisely and courageously convoked the Second Vatican Council, which so shapes our parish today. Pope John XXIII’s stated reason for calling the Vatican Council was so that the Gospel would speak more effectively to the people of today. He knew that the divisions among Christians, and our speaking in an ancient language, hindered our ability to appeal to those outside of the Church. His spirit of courage and foresight is exactly what we need to carry through this project to its completion: not just building and physical completion, but using the new facilities to further the mission of our parish.
I invite you to read again the St. Austin Parish Mission Statement, which is printed on the front cover of everybulletin, and posted on our parish website.