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October 1, 2023Respect Life Month: Highlighting our Gabriel Project Ministry
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Update on the Families We Serve
Our Gabriel Project Ministry has been blessed with two new babies! A baby girl was born to our newest Gabriel Project family in August, and the Afghan family we are serving welcomed a baby boy in September. We gifted the families with baskets full of new baby items, a car seat, a stroller, and a baby swing. Both moms and babies are doing well.
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How Can You Help?
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Pray for our Gabriel Project Ministry and the families we serve. The two families with newborns both have significant challenges beyond caring for a newborn right now, and they would greatly appreciate your prayers.
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Prayerfully consider providing support and prayerful accompaniment for a new mother and her family as a Gabriel Angel volunteer. The next Gabriel Angel training is in November, and more information is on our Gabriel Project page.
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Third, email us if you have baby items you are no longer using (no used carseats or cribs) to see if any of our Gabriel Project families can use them. Thank you for NOT dropping off items without emailing us first. We have limited storage space.
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Next Gabriel Angel Training
Become a Gabriel Angel to an expectant or current mother in need through our Gabriel Project Ministry. Attend a virtual training session to get started.
Virtual Zoom Training on Saturday, November 11, 2023 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.*
*Note: There is a phone screening before you can attend or receive the training link.*Sign Up Here
In case you're wondering, you don't have to be a parent yourself to serve a mom in need! For more information or questions about the training, please contact training instructor Karen Candelas at (512) 651-6176 or [email protected]. For more information about St. Austin's Gabriel Project Ministry, contact Kristen.
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Bishop's Letter for Respect Life Month
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September 17, 2023Temporary Hold on In-Kind Donations
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With our recent school and church moves and while we settle into the new building, we ask that you hold onto any in-kind donations you may have for our ministries, such as toiletry and baby items. We are grateful for your generosity, but we cannot manage these extra items until several weeks after we finish moving and settling into our new facilities.
Feel free to email Kristen if you would like to know when we can again accept in kind donations or if you would like ideas for where to donate items if you are unable to store them. Thank you for your understanding as we make this temporary change.
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September 10, 2023Catholic Charities' 25th Anniversary Block Party on 9/14
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25th Anniversary Block Party
You're invited to Catholic Charities' 25th Anniversary Block Party!
Come celebrate on September 14 from 5:30pm to 8pm at the CCCTX Austin campus.
Bishop Jose S. Vásquez will give a blessing, and there will be live music, volunteer opportunities, and campus tours.
The CCCTX Austin campus is located at 1625 Rutherford Lane, Austin, TX 78754.
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August 27, 2023Catholic Charities of Central Texas
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Catholic Charities Weekend 2023
Catholic Charities of Central Texas seeks to help the most vulnerable in our communities to thrive in their God-given gifts and dignity. This weekend is Catholic Charities Weekend throughout the Diocese of Austin.
Get Help or Get Involved. Visit CCCTX to learn how you can become part of Catholic Charities’ mission! -
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August 13, 2023Update on "Adam," our Sponsored Afghan Refugee
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Update on "Adam," our Sponsored Afghan Refugee
It's been about a year since we gave the parish an update on "Adam," the young Afghan man St. Austin is sponsoring to come to the U.S. to be reunited with his family. The Humanitarian Parole application that we submitted on his behalf about 18 months ago has still not been processed. We also made a Congressional Assistance Request last summer, but it was not effective either.
Since our update last summer, Adam's family's fear that he would be deported back to Afghanistan has come true. He could no longer remain as a refugee in the third-party country where he lived for many months. Thankfully, he made it back into Afghanistan safely without the Taliban recognizing him. He is currently in hiding in Afghanistan. Unfortunately, since there is no U.S. embassy in Afghanistan, his chances of being able to come to the U.S. are essentially zero unless he can leave the country again.
Please continue to pray for Adam and his family members in the U.S. and in Afghanistan. May God give them hope through this difficult time that doesn't have an end in sight.
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The above image is a stock image of a young Afghan man, to help us remember that he is a real person with a family as we pray for him. For his protection, it is not an actual picture of "Adam."
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August 6, 2023Persons in Need Collection This Weekend
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St. Vincent de Paul Society
This weekend is our monthly Persons in Need collection, and we appreciate the support our community has given us to continue this life-sustaining work. In some cases, your donations have truly kept some of our neighbors alive because they are able to remain in their homes or with a roof over their heads. Please pray for members of our St. Vincent de Paul Society as we serve in some truly challenging circumstances this summer.
If you are interested in checking out this life-changing ministry, please contact Huddie.
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Outreach to Persons in Need
The Persons in Need collection also benefits our Outreach to Persons in Need ministry. We recently paid "Ayala's" utility bill that prevented her and her grandchildren from having their electricity disconnected in the summer heat. She wrote this message to the volunteer she spoke to: "It was my pleasure speaking with you this morning. I cried after we hung up because of this God’s blessing that I’m receiving in your assistance. Your help is gratefully received." Thank you for your support helping families like hers through our Outreach ministry.
If you would like to learn more about Outreach, please contact Kristen.
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Donating to the Persons in Need Collection
To donate online to the Persons in Need collection, click HERE and then select "Persons in Need". If you would prefer to pay via check, please write "Persons in Need" or "PIN" on the memo line. Thank you for your generosity.
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July 2023Social Justice Ministries Intern & Invitation to Mental Health Presentations
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Presentations on Mental Health, Substance Misuse, and Homelessness as well as How to Respond
As part of Corinne Schnadelbach's Social Justice Ministries internship this summer, she will be offering two presentations:
The Intersection of Mental Health, Substance Use, and Homelessness
on Sunday, July 16 at 10 a.m. in the ChurchMental Health Conditions, Substance Misuse, and Homelessness: How to Respond as Compassionate People of Faith
on Sunday, July 30 at 10 a.m. in the Church
Join us for one or both! Email Corinne or Kristen with questions. Please note that Corinne only works on Wednesdays and Fridays. -
Corinne in Colorado
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Meet Corinne Schnadelbach!
Corinne Schnadelbach is our Summer Social Justice Ministries Intern. Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, she is in her final semester of graduate school for Social Work at the University of Texas and is working towards her requirements to be a licensed therapist.
During undergraduate studies at the University of Tennessee, Corinne traveled to Spain and Chile to teach English as well as work with Latin American immigrants migrating to Spain. After graduation, she worked in Knoxville, Tennessee as a Forensic Social Worker to provide case management and treatment plans for justice-involved individuals. Corinne also managed the Homeless Legal Initiative to remove barriers to housing, such as court costs, so that individuals experiencing homelessness could obtain permanent housing.
Corinne recently completed an internship at Catholic Charities of Central Texas in their Counseling Division, providing therapy to Catholic students in schools across the diocese. She enjoys outdoor adventures such paddle boarding and hiking, making Austin a great home for now. She is unsure what next adventure awaits her following her late July graduation, but she is excited to be part of St. Austin's this summer.
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June 2023Highlighting Our Micah 6 Ministry
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May Statistics
Micah 6 Food Pantry:
Held 8 distribution days
Served 800 shoppers, which translates to over 1500 family members
Distributed 14,000 pounds of canned food, frozen meat (when available), fresh vegetables, and dry good
Micah 6 Street Youth Ministry:Held 4 drop in center days where youth who are unhoused could get out of the elements, use a computer, and relax in a safe place
Served 41 first plates and 28 second plates
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The Micah 6 Food Pantry Desperately Needs
Canned Spam
Canned tuna
Canned chicken
Other staples, such as canned meals or rice and beans (1-2 lb bags)
No glass jars, please!
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There are Many Ways to Support Micah 6 This Summer!
Give to our Micah 6 special collection the weekend of June 17-18.
Donate canned goods at Micah 6 food pantry (located in the basement of University Presbyterian Church) on Thursdays between 9am and 11am Email Anthony, the Micah 6 Food Pantry Coordinator, for details or to work out another drop off time.
Volunteer at Micah 6 Food Pantry on a Thursday evening or Saturday morning. Volunteers are especially needed over the summer when college students are on break. Get times, details, and sign up HERE.
Cook a dish for Micah 6's Street Youth Drop-In Center on Saturday, July 15. Sign up HERE.
Learn more about Micah 6 by clicking on the image below.
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May 28, 2023The Holy Spirit at Work!
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As we celebrate Pentecost, the day in which the marvelous, miracle-working Holy Spirit is celebrated most widely, here is a story of how the Spirit can intervene in a lovely way:
Mary House Catholic Worker, a house of hospitality formerly run by Lynn Goodman-Strauss, was closed recently. As the house was being cleared and cleaned, a few of us lamented that the home that had served so many might just become a building that an investor would seek to “flip for profit”.
We offered some of the commercial kitchen items to Casa Marianella, the organization that serves immigrants so well in Austin. As the representative walked through the house, an idea was hatched (Holy Spirit intervention!): why not see if Casa could buy this home so that more neighbors arriving in town would have a place to rest their heads? And so it went! Casa Marianella now owns what used to be Mary House, and the home continues to serve God’s children! We believe the Holy Spirit was present at every moment of this transaction.
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May 14, 2023Thank you from Lane Murray Prison!
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Thanks for Making Mother's Day a Little Brighter for the Women of Lane Murray Prison
THANK YOU to everyone who brought deodorant for our Mother's Day Deodorant Drive! We collected 488 sticks of deodorant!
The deodorant was delivered on Tuesday along with the banner (pictured above) that the St. Austin Catholic School kids created. The banner will be hung in the dining hall for Lane Murray prison residents to enjoy on Mother's Day. Thanks for making this tough day away from family a little brighter for these moms.
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May 7, 2023Mother's Day Deodorant Drive for Women in Prison
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**Sunday, May 7 is the LAST day we are collecting deodorant for the women of Lane Murray prison.**
Mother's Day is one of the hardest days of the year for women in prison. Around 80% of incarcerated women are mothers, and somewhere between 60% and 80% of them have children who are still minors. We are partnering with Catholic Prison Ministries Coalition (CPMC) to bring a little brightness to incarcerated moms this Mother's Day. Deodorant is hard to come by in the prisons and especially needed since our prisons are not air conditioned.*
Women's deodorant will be accepted at all Masses Mass until Sunday, May 7. There is a collection bin in front of the Mary Chapel. Any size of NEW women's deodorant is welcome. (Please no sprays, used or other types of toiletries at this time!)
With our help and the help of a few other local churches, CPMC's goal is to supply at least one stick of deodorant to each of the 1,341 women who are currently incarcerated at Lane Murray prison in Gatesville, TX. The deodorants will be delivered to the women the week before Mother's Day.
Want to learn more about Catholic Prison Ministries Coalition or how you can continue to support our incarcerated brothers and sisters after this deodorant drive ends? Email Kristen.
*Visit Advocate Now! to learn how to support Texas' HB 1708, which requires that Texas Department of Criminal Justice facilities temperatures remain between 65 and 85 degrees Farenheit.
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April 30, 2023Return your CRS Rice Bowl!
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Been filling up your CRS Rice Bowl since Lent began? Now's the time to bring it back to church and place it in the collection basket!
Through CRS Rice Bowl, families learn about how our sisters and brothers across the globe overcome hardships like hunger and malnutrition, and how through Lenten alms, we have the power to make the world a better place for all.
Visit crsricebowl.org to learn more about how your Lenten alms make a difference. Thanks for filling up your bowl!
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April 23, 2023Wishing Eid Mubarak to our Muslim Neighbors!
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Eid al-Fitr, also known as “festival of breaking of the fast”, is an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide that marks the end of Ramadan. The holiday celebrates the conclusion of dawn-to-sunset fasting during the entire month of Ramadan. This year Eid al-Fitr begins at sunset on April 21.
In contrast to the devoted calm of the rest of the Ramadan observance, Eid al-Fitr is marked by joyful happiness at having been released from religious obligation and forgiven for sins. Once the celebration begins, it may continue for up to three days. This is a time for Muslims to give in charity to those in need and to celebrate with family and friends the completion of a month of blessings and joy. Eid al-Fitr is a general celebration of fellowship with one's local community.
During Eid, families may string up lights, or place candles or lanterns around the house. Brightly colored banners are sometimes hung. Family members may wear traditional clothing or may give one another new clothing in order that everyone may look their best. Common greetings used during Eid are "Eid Mubarak!"("Blessed Eid!") and "Eid Saeed!"("Happy Eid!").
Source: Learn Religions
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April 9, 2023A Tempered Happy Easter, Happy Passover, and Ramadan Mubarak
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Praying for Peace in the Jerusalem During These Holiest of Days
On April 6, NPR host A Martinez shared the following on air:
"The Jewish Passover began last night, and we are in the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The overlap on the calendar matches the overlap on the ground in the old city of Jerusalem. Jewish and Muslim holy sites are built atop one another, and this week they are the scene of violence. Israeli police raided the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and Palestinians shot fireworks at police." Hear more of this clip from Morning Edition here.
Let us pray for peace for our brothers and sisters in Jerusalem and throughout Israel and Palestine. Our Muslim and Jewish neighbors around the world share our same God and ancient traditions and stories through our father Abraham.
O God the creator of all life
We bring before you all the people who call Israel and Palestine home. We particularly remember those living in Jerusalem and Gaza whose lives are marred by restrictions to their freedom, the threat of eviction from their homes and the constant fear of armed conflict.
We ask your forgiveness for the anger, hatred and violence that all of us have the potential to carry within us.
We beseech you to soften hearts and open minds so that the sanctity of life is always protected, the right to freedom of worship upheld and the security of a safe home defended.
We pray that justice will flow like rivers. That human dignity will be respected and, that each of us may strive to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with you our God.
Amen
(Source: Embrace the Middle East)
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March 26, 2023Keep Filling Up Your CRS Rice Bowl This Lent!
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Malnutrition is widespread in Rwanda, but Gloriose and her husband are doing everything they can to keep their children healthy and set them up for success. From learning to grow a kitchen garden to participating in a micro-savings group, Gloriose and Karekezi know it takes many resources to help their children thrive. How have you helped others access what they need this Lent?
CRS Rice Bowl donations help families like Gloriose's. Thanks for filling up your bowl! Visit crsricebowl.org to learn more.
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March 19, 2023Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty Conference
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Fr. Chuck and I, Kristen Dempsey Pasyk, attended the Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty (TCADP) 2023 Annual Conference: 25 Years of Igniting Change on Saturday, February 25. We were grateful for the time to gather with folks from around the state who support abolition. We heard powerful testimonies from two death row inmate survivors, the sister of a man who was exonerated from death row, lawyers whose clients are on death row, and a politically conservative man on how this issue spans the political spectrum. You can see photos from the event here.
Tragically, after a drop in executions related to the pandemic (3 per year in 2020 and 2021), Texas has already executed 5 people so far this year, including Gary Green and Arthur Brown just last week. With their deaths, Texas has carried out as many executions in the first 2.5 months of 2023 as it did in all of 2022. While the graph below shows that executions have been on the decline in Texas, our faith calls us to speak out against all state-sanctioned executions.
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Our Texas Catholic Bishops in their Legislative Agenda for the 88th Texas Legislative session write:
The state has primary responsibility to uphold justice, with the goals of achieving restitution, protecting the common good, deterring offenses, and rehabilitating offenders. However, our state struggles with overincarceration and overcriminalization. The [Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops] TCCB supports criminal justice reform that provides for compassionate treatment of prisoners, responds to the needs of victims of crime, and encourages rehabilitation and forgiveness for those re-entering society by:opposing the imposition and use of the death penalty; (bolded for emphasis)
supporting bail reforms which depend upon the accused’s danger, not their wealth;
supporting rehabilitation of offenders who commit non-violent state jail felonies;
supporting raising the age of criminal responsibility;
supporting reentry of the incarcerated into society; and
supporting parole board review of lengthy sentences given to juveniles.
We ask that you join us in continuing to work and pray for an end to the death penalty here in Texas as well as a restorative justice focus in our criminal justice system. There is immediate work to be done - there are already three more executions scheduled for later this month and in April. We encourage you to follow the information put out by TCADP and work to stop the executions the State of Texas plans to carry out IN OUR NAME as citizens of Texas.Sign Up For TCADP Emails
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Prayer to Abolish the Death Penalty
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Gracious God, Source of all Life, You bestow your life and love on each of us and call us to be a just and merciful people. Guide our efforts to work for justice in our legal system.
Strengthen the resolve we need to abolish the death penalty and continue the work for more just laws that respect the life and dignity of every person.
We prayer to you, God of Justice and Mercy, for justice that restores right relationships while we work to address the root causes of violence.
Inspire our collective efforts to enact laws that safeguard the human rights of all: that honor the victims, that protect the community, that hold the perpetrators accountable, that promote restorative justice not vengeance.
God our Redeemer, stir our minds and hearts to act today to speak out against the death penalty and to unite in solidarity with others who strive to defend and uphold the sanctity of all life. We ask this Source of All Being, Eternal Word and Holy Spirit. Amen.
(Source: Catholic Mobilizing Network)
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March 5, 2023A Vincentian Invitation This Lent
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While the St. Vincent de Paul Society is always grateful for the financial generosity of our parishioners at St. Austin. We are going to go a step farther and ask that you reflect during this Lenten season about whether you might take the step to become a Vincentian. The Lenten readings are full of social justice. It’s a very good time to think about lending a hand. There are several ways to help. If you're interested in learning more, please contact Huddie Murray at [email protected].
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Community Engagement with APD
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Courageous Conversations at Holy Cross
For over eight years, members of our parish have met with our neighbors, now dear friends, from Holy Cross and an ecumenical gathering of people from congregations across the greater Austin area. We've had deep and moving conversations, enjoyed good food, attended movies and plays together - we've built bridges of friendship through dialog.
On Tuesday, February 28, community members across the city joined together to hear a Community Engagement Dialogue with the Austin Police Department at the Holy Cross Catholic Church Family Life Center. The meeting was organized by Joyce James, Vicki Lott, and Johnnie Dorsey as part of the Holy Cross Social Justice Ministry's monthly Courageous Conversations events. In a roundtable-style discussion, community members talked about the Tyre Nichols case and how it affects anti-racism efforts within the Austin Police Department. They also mentioned the Groundwater Analysis training that APD staff is receiving to understand institutional and structural racism.
We offer invitations -Employment Opportunities - the APD asked us to share that there are open positions in their Call Center and in Forensics - if you know someone, please invite them to apply.
APD Community Training - we'll let you know more, but we've been invited to participate in the APD's Community Police Academy and Groundwater Analysis Training (see video below). We can register now for the March 9 I.C.A.R.E. Conference.
Future Courageous Conversations - engage in advocacy through learning and make new connections as you go! If you're interested in Courageous Conversations, please email Kristen.
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Courageous Conversation Facilitators Dr. Vicki Lott, Joyce James (standing, center) and Assistant Chief Gizette Gaslin in the circle of community.
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An Invitation from Austin's Chief of Police
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On behalf of Chief Joseph Chacon, Assistant Chief Gaslin invited the community to participate side-by-side with Austin Police Officers and personnel in Groundwater Analysis Training. The course is phenomenal experience for recognizing and navigating systemic and institutional racism. It's an interactive, revolutionary exploration into how systems of racism work.
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February 19, 2023Supporting a Local Business
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Resolution Gardens
In our Vincentian visits, we meet people from different walks of life and some are working in really interesting areas… Last week, I encountered a fellow who is in landscaping. The more he told me about his company, the more I felt it needed to be shared with our St. Austin’s community. Perhaps you'll need landscaping in the future - if so, please keep this company in mind.
Resolution Gardens 512-887-3363
Stevie Schultz is the manager and Randy Jewart is the owner.
They do not do mowing, but the list of projects they do is too large to put here… raised beds, chicken coops, stonework, etc. Check out their website!
The best thing I heard about Resolution Gardens is their commitment to serve folks in recovery. So, let’s support this effort!-Huddie Murray
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February 12, 2023Parish Service Day 2023 Photos & Experiences
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Vincentian Family Center Food Pantry
"Last Saturday, my daughter Corinne (8th grader at SACS) and I had the privilege of volunteering alongside members of the St. Austin Parish and others at the Vincentian Family Center Food Pantry. We helped prepare and distribute over 300 of boxes of food for our fellow Central Texans! The work was hard, but we were grateful for the opportunity to give back to our community, and we were inspired by the dedicated volunteers. Volunteers worked as quickly as possible to make sure no one waited longer than necessary, took great care to provide as much variety as possible in each food box, and delighted in passing out candy to the children in line. The highlight of the day for me was seeing a mother notice a cake in her food box, break out in a broad smile, and announce it was her daughter’s birthday.
We went home with tired bodies and full hearts, and hope to go back again and again."
- Freya Gaertner
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"I can't think of a better way to spend a chilly, but beautiful, Saturday morning in February."
- Elaine Ward
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Casa Marianella
"It was fun to meet James, Teniah, and Paul. A Casa resident has been coming to Mass with me on Sundays. He met the group Saturday, then he and I got a breakfast taco from Paul on Sunday. Paul also sent a number of tacos to Casa residents. Thanks so much!"
- Jennifer, Executive Director of Casa Marianella and St. Austin Parishioner (pictured right)
Also pictured (left to right): James, Paul, and Teniah in front of painting of Sr. Marianella and Archbishop Oscar Romero.
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Micah 6 Food Pantry
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January & February 2023
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Join Parishioners For A Day of Service
UPDATE: If you go to sign up and don't see any available slots that work for you, please email Kristen. We will have a waitlist for this event.
Be the change you want to see!
Have a busy schedule but still want to give back? Looking to try something new without a big commitment? Parish Service Day is an opportunity for you! Join parishioners in doing good works on February 4th.
Click on the image above to view locations, details, and sign up to serve! All opportunities last 2-4 hours and start in the morning.“Do something beautiful for God.”
~ St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta
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Consider Ongoing Service thruOur St. Vincent de Paul Society
Bring hope to our
time and place!
The excitement of Christmas Baskets has passed and life will soon settle back to normal for most of us. We are grateful that our neighbors who lack financial certainty - those who lost a job and can't pay the rent, who face illness, who can't afford the higher electric bill in the face of severe cold, or who have to choose between medicine and food - can rely upon our St. Vincent de Paul Society (SVdP) to help them weather tough times.
All year long we serve neighbors who come to us for help with basics. While we generally provide just a band-aid financially, our neighbors most often mention that they feel HOPE once they speak to our members. THIS is the gift we impart.
Would you like to join us in this special work? SVdP volunteers serve as little as 3 hours a month. Contact Huddie at [email protected].“Go to the poor:
you will find God.”~ St. Vincent de Paul
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December 18, 2022Thank You from SVdP
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Our generous St. Austin's Journey Ministry gifted the St. Vincent de Paul Society with the proceeds from their raffle this season. We are so grateful for the support and it will go toward direct help to those in need. THANK YOU, Journey Ministry!
Recently, we helped a woman and her children move from living in a car to establishing a home. She had been on the list for subsidized housing for some time, and was finally "called up." Deposits and other details threatened to keep her from moving in, but with her own job and determination, and the support from four SVdP conferences, she and her family were able to move in. That did not happen without YOUR generosity! The ultimate payoff was having this grateful mom say to me, "My youngest went singing through the apartment: 'This is my house!, This is my house!" Thank you, St. Austin's! What a wonderful Christmas gift for this family!
Lastly, we cannot thank you enough for the support you provide to the Christmas Basket Project. Every year, we wonder if there will be enough...enough money, enough sponsors, enough HEB cards, enough stocking stuffers, enough drivers....and every year we are overwhelmed by the generous outpouring from our lovely parishioners. More than 200 households - from seniors living in supported housing, to families served by our Thursday Outreach, SVdP, and Gabriel Project, to some special families who have suffered great trauma - all are grateful today because of the Christmas that you made possible for them.
If you wish to deliver gift bags to some of these families, please do come to the St. Austin's parking garage starting at 9 a.m. this Saturday, December 17. We'll send you on your way to make someone's day merry and bright! Thank you!
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Upcoming Education, Service, & Advocacy Opportunities
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Service ~
Parish Service DayOn Saturday, February 4, give back with fellow parishioners and school families at local nonprofit organizations. Service sites include Casa Marianella, Micah 6 Food Pantry, Saint Louise House, The Other Ones Foundation, and more!
Opportunities for all ages (including a few for kids under 10). It's a great chance to earn any needed service hours. Details and sign up page coming soon! Email Kristen with questions.
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Advocacy ~
Catholic Advocacy DayJoin Catholics from all over Texas on Tuesday, March 28 at the state Capitol. Meet with elected officials on issues related to the Texas Conference of Catholic Bishops (TCCB) legislative agenda. The rally with Texas bishops will be on the south steps of the Capitol at 11:30 a.m.
Prepare for the Advocacy Day and legislative issues by signing up for the TCCB newsletter, the Texas Catholic Advocacy Network.
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Education ~
Want to Talk? Communication Tools for Divided TimesDeepen your relationships while staying true to your values. This program provides practical tools for navigating the political polarization of our time, as well as tough conversations with our loved ones.
The course will be held on Friday mornings from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. starting March 31.
Visit JustMatters to learn more about this 8-week course!
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December 4, 2022
Thank You from Micah 6-
Food Drive Results
Thank you to everyone who donated canned goods for our Micah 6 food drive! We donated 1,136 pounds of food - about one third of what the pantry gives out each week. A special thanks to Knights George Pratt, Paul Lewis, and Dennis Moraw who loaded the cans and took them up the street to Micah 6.
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In November Get Ready to Give:
Micah 6, Christmas Baskets, & A Visit-
Urgent Need to Help Hungry Neighbors: Replenish Micah 6 Reserves, Nov. 19-30
St. Austin normally distributes more than 3,000 pounds of food a week through our Micah 6 ministry. Because of the global supply chain shortage, the food pantry has been dipping into its shelf staple reserves to make up a weekly shortage from the food bank of nearly 2,000 pounds.
Can you help put food back on the shelves of Micah 6? Please donate ONLY the items listed below. Bring them to the Ministry Center between Saturday, November 19 and Wednesday, November 30. Items will be delivered on Thursday, December 1. Free that morning? Email Kristen to help move items to Micah 6’s food pantry housed at University Presbyterian Church.
Here's the list of needed food:
15 oz. Canned Vegetables ( 3" wide x 4 7/16" tall)
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Green Beans
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Corn
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Spinach/greens
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Beans: pinto, black, etc.
15 oz. Canned Fruit ( 3" wide x 4 7/16" tall)
15 oz. Canned Meat
Canned Luncheon meat
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Chicken
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Tuna
Dry Goods
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Rice, 1 to 2 lb. bags
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Dried beans, 1 to 2 lb. bags
Boxed items
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Skillet dinners (hamburger helper, etc.)
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Side dishes (Rice-A-Roni, Pasta Roni, etc.)
18 oz. Peanut butter
Items that we cannot use:-
#10 cans (the big food service cans)
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Snack-sized products
Drop Off - the Where and When
Bring food items to our Ministry Center during weekday business hours - or you can drop off items BEFORE the 5 p.m., the 8:45 a.m. and the 11:30 a.m. Masses as well as AFTER all of the Masses. We'll also collect items at the Thanksgiving Mass on Wednesday evening. We're accepting items from now until Wednesday, November 30th.
Thank you for feeding
our hungry neighbors! -
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HEB Cards for Christmas Baskets
St. Austin Catholic Church will collect $25 HEB gift cards at the Thanksgiving Mass held on Wednesday, November 23rd at 6 p.m. Traditionally, St. Austin's collected food at this mass for their annual Christmas Basket Project, but due to space limitations and the plans we have for preparing the baskets, we kindly request a donation of an HEB card. The cards will be provided in each "basket" for our neighbors to buy food for their Christmas celebrations. While we prefer to receive HEB gift cards of $25 each, we welcome donations in any amount.
Please just be sure to mark the value of the card on the back with a Sharpie so we'll know the value of each card. If you won't be able to attend the Thanksgiving Mass, gift cards can be donated to through December 15th. The card(s) may be dropped off or mailed to the St. Austin Office with an indication of ATTN: CHRISTMAS BASKETS. Thank you for your continued prayers for, and generosity to, the neighbors that St. Austin serves!
Read more about
Christmas Baskets
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Visit to The Other Ones Foundation
Last month, members of the Outreach to Persons in Need team visited Esperanza Community, run by The Other Ones Foundation (TOOF). TOOF offers a holistic approach to serving persons experiencing homelessness that focuses on the assets each person can bring to the greater community. They believe everyone who experiences homelessness has inherent value, even the chronically unhoused. TOOF case managers work to offer Shelter, Opportunity, and Support - three legs of a stool that Esperanza Community residents use to gain the traction they need to move towards stability.
Parishioners Elaine Ward, Keith Arrington, and Linda Carson with Jared Slack (second from left), TOOF Director of Relationships & Giving
TOOF provides Shelter through basic tiny homes with shared restroom and laundry facilities. They offer Opportunity through extremely low-barrier employment, such as cleaning up trash in Austin parks, where Esperanza Community residents can earn a decent wage and gain job skills. Esperanza Community is very much under construction, but our group got to see residents working together setting up the simple bed, table, and chair that each resident receives when they move into one of the tiny homes. The first 25 residents moved in just after our visit! TOOF also provides Support through case managers who help residents secure IDs and work towards their goals as well as community-building opportunities for residents.
TOOF staff in one of Esperanza Community's tiny home shelters.
While Outreach has not resumed directly serving people experiencing homelessness, we continue to serve these brothers and sisters in need through financially supporting The Other Ones Foundation. Learn more about the great work of TOOF on their website, and check back next week for more on how your donation to the monthly Persons in Need collection helps our neighbors around Austin.
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October 30, 2022St. Vincent de Paul
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So Much More than just a Store...
Once in a while, when mentioning the St. Vincent de Paul Society, a person will respond with “I’ve been to that Store…Such great deals!” (And it’s true! Such a great place to find so many treasures!) However, the real action of the St. Vincent de Paul Society takes place in neighbor to neighbor conversations with those seeking financial assistance for needs such as rent, utilities, food, clothing, etc. Most Catholic parishes around Austin have their own SVdP conference. Members of each group serve those needing help within their conference boundaries with the utmost respect for dignity of those in need. The conferences meet two or more times per month, always beginning with spiritual reflection about the efforts they are making. We are always reminded about who is really doing the work…the Holy Spirit inspires us to action! The St. Austin’s SVdP is always looking for new members, so if you are being called to a meaningful way to share your life, please contact us! Huddie can be reached at [email protected].
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October 14, 2022Thanks & An Invitation from SVdP
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Still Looking for the Perfect Costume?
Let the St. Vincent de Paul Store help you dress up in style for Halloween!
One of the best kept Thrift Store secrets in town is the St. Vincent de Paul Store at 901 W. Braker Lane. They have furniture and clothing and books and household items and jewelry and purses, and toys. It's a treasure trove - and all at incredible prices!
They also currently have Halloween costumes, so if you are looking for a dress-up bargain, head to St. Vincent de Paul! The Store's income helps fund their Food Pantry, Client Services (bus passes and clothing vouchers for those in need) and other help provided to persons in need.
Give it a try - support this great mission!
My favorite costume? Running with Scissors!
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We walked - You Gave - Thank You!Saturday, October 15, 2022
It was a beautiful morning to walk for a cause! This team of walkers have a lot to smile about! Their generous sponsors donated $3,000 for those we serve through our St. Vincent de Paul Society conference. Here's our team on the grounds of our host parish, San José who provided not only good company but delicious breakfast tacos, fresh fruit, and double- stuffed Spooky Oreos with orange filling! Sweet! Pictured above from left to right, Huddie Murray, Elaine Stevens, Mitzi Patiño Eastman, and Nancy Jones.
St. Vincent de Paul,
pray with us!
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We gathered with our Neighbors and FriendsFriday, September 30, 2022
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Movie Night at Holy Cross Parish
The Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary at Holy Cross Catholic Church welcomed St. Austin's Parishioners to their Family Movie Night on Friday, September 30 at 7 p.m. in the Family Life Center of Holy Cross Catholic Church, 1110 Concho Street. The movie, A Place At the Table, a documentary profiling the six African Americans nominated for Catholic Sainthood, made the point that there are no African American Saints in the Catholic Church. We are grateful for the gracious hospitality with which Holy Cross always welcomes us. It was a good stop.
Please pray for the causes of sainthood of Venerable Pierre Toussaint,
Servant of God Mother Mary Lange,
Venerable Henriette Delille, Venerable Fr. Augustus Tolton, Servant of God Julia Greeley, and Servant of God Sr. Thea Bowman.
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September 11, 2022From Your St. Vincent de Paul Society
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Marking our Patron's FeastPray with and for Us on September 18
September 27 marks the feast day of St. Vincent de Paul and while the diocesan SVdP normally has a gathering of all the Vincentian Family (SVdP members, Daughters of Charity, Ladies of Charity, etc.), they are being a bit more wary again due to Covid variants which have been spreading quickly!
Instead, this year, our Conference (our parish's) St. Vincent de Paul Society will be blessed during the 11:30 Mass next Sunday, September 18. This will be an even more visible sign of the prayer and support that this Parish showers upon us, and we appreciate it ever so much.
We could use some help, too, so with the start of a new school year, if you are looking for a fulfilling activity that will bless you in ways you could never imagine, check out the St. Vincent de Paul Society. We’ll have some information available and members there to answer questions, so come on by! Or you can always email Huddie at [email protected].
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