Search
JUSTNews
-
Coming Soon!Friday, September 30, 2022
-
An Invitation toMovie Night at Holy Cross Parish
The Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary at Holy Cross Catholic Church are planning a 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 which profiles the six African Americans that have been nominated for Catholic Sainthood, will be premiered. There are no African American Saints in the Catholic Church. The movie is free and free snacks will be available. To adequately plan for refreshments, please advise if you and your family will be attending by clicking the button below ~I'd Like to Attend
-
-
September 11, 2022From Your St. Vincent de Paul Society
-
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 hwmswim@gmail.com.
-
On Energy, An Assembly
About Energy
Did you know that of the 475,000 Austin Energy Customers, 35,000 take part in, or are eligible for the CAP Program, which provides assistance to customers? Some of that assistance comes through the Plus 1 Partnership that our St. Vincent de Paul Society (AND our Thursday Outreach Program) are privileged to be a part of, whereby our programs “serve as the eyes and ears” for the City as they seek out those who need help. The City also provides Payment Plans, Arrearage Management Programs, Weatherization Programs, etc. At the Austin Energy Summit that I attended recently, I was reminded that Austin Energy “works to bring the service industry into the utility industry.” They have certainly made an effort to do just that!
Want to help? When you pay your energy bill consider a donation to the Customer Assistance Program (CAP) program. WE have seen that it does a world of good!
On an Assembly
I had the privilege of attending one day of the St. Vincent de Paul National Assembly in Baltimore last week. Over 600 Vincentians from around the country were there and I marvel at just how many enthusiastic volunteers were eager to learn more about how they could serve their neighbors living in poverty. I was especially encouraged to see Youth members of our Society represented and I look forward to reaching out to our own youth here at St. Austin’s to see how they can become involved.
It might start with our participation in the Friends of the Poor Walk at San José Parish on Saturday, October 15. Our parish school children will also take part in this pledge walk. Look for more info soon! -
St. Vincent de Paul,
pray for us!
-
-
September 4, 2022
-
It's Persons In Need Sunday
-
Home Is Where the Heart Is!From the St. Vincent de Paul Society
A few months ago, we (your SVdP) sent out an urgent plea for help for a homeless family of five. Your incredible response blew us away! Since that time, not without a few pitfalls and disappointments along the way, and with the additional help of three other organizations and an extremely generous parishioner who felt led by the Holy Spirit, this grateful family has settled into a home!
“It takes a village” has never rung truer than in this situation where our lovely St.Austin’s parishioners provided funds for a motel, for food, for bus passes, for equipment needed to take on an exciting new job, and now have provided furniture to make this family’s home comfortable and cozy.
We cannot thank you enough for the HOPE that your open hearts meant to this family. Please keep the Hopeful Family in your prayers - please know that you are in ours!~ Your St. Vincent de Paul Society
-
-
August 28, 2022
-
Conflict and Global Poverty
This month marks the six month anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine as well as the one year anniversary of the takeover of Kabul by the Taliban and the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. We continue to hear on the news about the struggles that Afghan and Ukrainian refugees face as well as the challenges experienced by those who are still living there. Their respective plights have moved many people and nations to donate and provide other services to support the people of both nations.
Also this month, the World Health Organization chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, chastised global leaders for overlooking the “worst disaster on Earth” in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, home to six million people. Since war broke out in November 2020, the area has suffered food shortages and an extreme lack of basic services. Although a humanitarian truce was declared at the end of March, only a trickle of food and medicines had made it into the region. Tedros suggested that racism may be the reason this situation ranks behind Ukraine in terms of international attention. “I haven't heard in the last several months now even a head of state talking about the Tigray condition anywhere, in the developed world especially. Why? I think we know," Tedros said. He also said the drought affecting the Horn of Africa was compounding the man-made humanitarian crisis.
A quick search of the causes of global poverty or global hunger turns up many lists, including from organizations like Bread for the World. Conflict/war is listed as a factor on every one of them. Consider Syria: Prior to 2011, as few as 10% of Syrians lived below the poverty line. Eleven years of civil war later, more than 80% of Syrians now live below the poverty line. (Source: Concern Worldwide) As the conflicts continue in Ukraine, Ethiopia, Syria, and many other places around the world, more of their citizens will experience poverty.
-
-
-
Consequences of Poverty and Hunger
Both photos used in this article are from the United Nations' Ending Poverty
On a global scale, consequences of poverty include:
-
Increased crime, violence, and abuse
-
Limited access to education
-
Poor nutrition
-
Lack of health care and health issues
-
Higher rates of infant mortality
"These effects of poverty prove that, in order to achieve peace and safety in the world, poverty alleviation must be a focus." – Mehruba Chowdhury
-
-
-
-
Global Poverty Facts
Here are some statistics that show the scale of global poverty and its devastating effects.
-
780 million people, 11 percent of the world's population, live in extreme poverty on less than $1.90 per day.
-
At least 14 million children suffer from severe acute malnutrition around the world. Severe acute malnutrition is the direct cause of death for 2 million children every year.
-
Every day, more than 700 children under five die from illnesses like diarrhea, dysentery, and cholera caused by contaminated water and inadequate sanitation.
Source 1: United Nations, Source 2 and 3: UNICEF
-
-
-
-
Global Poverty and Catholic Social Teaching
As we think about poverty and conflict around the world, it is important to remember that God loves everyone, regardless of where they are located, the color of their skin, or their nationality. The shock of a conflict in Europe or failing in our promises to people in Afghanistan does not mean that other conflicts around the world are not serious and causing great need. An important principle of Catholic Social Teaching to remember is Solidarity.
"We are one human family whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic, and ideological differences. We are our brothers' and sisters' keepers, wherever they may be. Loving our neighbor has global dimensions in a shrinking world. At the core of the virtue of solidarity is the pursuit of justice and peace. Pope Paul VI taught that "if you want peace, work for justice.” The Gospel calls us to be peacemakers. Our love for all our sisters and brothers demands that we promote peace in a world surrounded by violence and conflict." (USCCB website)
Two other important principles are the Life and Dignity of the Human Person as well as the Option for the Poor and Vulnerable.
-
-
-
What Can I Do?
Advocate for anti-poverty and anti-hunger measures in Congress. Here are some specific pieces of legislation to ask your federal representatives to support:
-
The Malnutrition Prevention and Treatment Act has passed the House after receiving more than 100 bipartisan co-sponsors. It is now on the calendar to be voted on in the Senate. This bill will ensure U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) nutrition programs are more coordinated, effective, and accountable to our existing global nutrition efforts. This would ensure that we are maximizing U.S. investments and directing nutrition funding to the programs that save the most lives. Check out this fact sheet from RESULTS for more information.
-
Urge Congress to reauthorize existing international programs in the 2023 Farm Bill that address immediate hunger needs and support long-term solutions, including the Farmer-to-Farmer program, which enables U.S. volunteers to help train and support farmers in other countries so they can adapt to climate change and improve their harvests.
-
-
-
August 14, 2022
-
Thanks & Praise from SVdP
This is from a fellow whose daughter was diagnosed with leukemia in late May. Thankfully, she is in remission, but chemo continues for this dear 15-year-old. Dad lost his job due to the missed work that comes with taking your child to chemo treatments...Home-schooling for this coming year is next, so either Mom or Dad needs to stay home...Tough situation for a formerly two-income family. Dad has been very resourceful and Dell Children's has helped immensely, but you, too, St. Austin's parishioners, are part of the safety net for this family! Thank you for your generosity!
-
-
-
August 7, 2022
-
Getting Closer to Moving Day!
Our HOPE-filled family - the family so well-supported by this generous St. Austin's community - is almost ready for their new home! Now, to make that home cozy and welcoming, they could use some small items of furniture: lamps, small end tables, a small bookshelf or two, linens (for three twin beds and one queen bed), towels, and kitchen items. We ask for nothing too large or bulky, as those can be obtained through the St. Vincent de Paul Store.
If you have anything you would like to share, please contact Huddie at hwmswm@gmail.com.
As always, THANK YOU!
-
-
July 31, 2022
-
Frustration & Hopefrom The St. Vincent de Paul Society
Two different neighbors told us recently that, when they renewed their leases, their rent went up $400 per month, overnight! A $50 million state program to help pay large and overdue utility payments closed after just two weeks! The food pantry at the Vincentian Family Center has seen 400+ families and individuals each Saturday morning for several weeks…and nearly run out of food completely. One young mom relies on her car to provide an income, but it is in the shop, and the next payment on the car note is due. In desperation, she took out a payday loan, which carries huge interest fees. Times are tough, and the unrelenting heat outside doesn’t help. I wish I could say that each of these situations was about to change for the better, but… not yet.
In spite of all this disappointing news, we have good news to share about the “hopeful” family who has been under our care since early June. Your generous donations have allowed us to house, feed and provide bus tickets and laundry money to the family. Mom has been at her new job, in her specialty - cosmetology - for a few weeks now, and we provided some of the styling instruments necessary to begin her practice. The opportunity for very reasonably priced housing will open up soon, and the family has been in contact with Foundation Communities to help guide them along this path to a more permanent home. Now, that is evidence of hope!
Thanks to you, we can walk with our neighbors and allow them to feel hopeful, and also, provide tangible help as well. The St. Vincent de Paul Society appreciates your continued support. Thank you!
-Huddie Murray
-
Volunteer in the Great Work of Micah 6!
Micah 6 Austin is a collaboration of faith communities, including St. Austin’s, in the University area who answer the call of Micah 6:8 to:
-
Do justice through education, dialogue, and advocacy.
-
Love kindness by compassionately serving those who come to us for assistance
-
Walk humbly with your God by providing opportunities for the spiritual growth of those we serve, our congregations, and other community partners.
Learn more about Micah 6 in the band below.
-
-
-
-
-
More About Micah 6
-
A major component of Micah 6 is feeding the hungry. Their food pantry has historically been one of the largest in the Austin area. Each week the food pantry distributes approximately 5000 pounds of food, which serves around 200 individuals and families.
Since the start of the pandemic, Micah 6 has tried to serve “shoppers” in the best possible way by separating the bags of food they hand out into 3 types:-
for people who have no kitchen appliances (ex. experiencing homelessness)
-
for people who have only a microwave to cook with
-
for people who have a full kitchen where they can prepare meals
Currently, shoppers can choose the bread they want. The Micah 6 food pantry will soon resume offering their signature shopping experience, making the food pantry more like a grocery store where shoppers can choose all of the items they receive. This helps shoppers feel their God-given dignity in times of need.
Micah 6 also offers a Street Youth Drop-In Center each weekend afternoon where young people can get out of the elements for a few hours and receive a hot meal. St. Austin has a team of volunteers that provides one of these meals roughly every 7 weeks. Micah 6’s popular Home Cooked Fridays meal is expected to resume shortly, and their Women’s Resource Group has generally continued to offer emotional and practical support to women experiencing homelessness throughout the pandemic.
With skyrocketing inflation and pandemic funding nearly dried up, the need is stronger than ever now. The food pantry in recent weeks has started seeing people who have never needed help from a food pantry before.
How can you get involved?
During the summer months, Micah 6’s food pantry is in dire need of volunteers to help on Thursday evenings (greatest need!) and Saturdays until the college students return in the fall. You can sign up to help HERE.
If you would like to be part of the St. Austin team that feeds the Street Youth a hot, Sunday afternoon meal every 1-2 months or you would like to learn more about our Micah 6 ministry, email Kristen.
Continue supporting our monthly Persons in Need Collection. The first $425 received in this collection fulfills our parish’s monthly, sustaining contribution to Micah 6 Austin. You can also donate to Micah 6 directly via their website.
Micah 6 would not be able to continue our vision without the support of all the parishioners at St. Austin. THANK YOU!
Jim Ronner, St. Austin’s Micah 6 Board representative
Kristen Dempsey Pasyk, Director of Social Justice Ministries -
-
-
July 22, 2022
-
St. Mary Magdalene Feast Day & Good News from Outreach
On this Feast of St. Mary Magdalene, we remember how she was the Apostle to the Apostles and sharer of the Good News of Jesus’ resurrection. Here are some recent stories of “Good News” from our Outreach to Persons in Need.-
Our rent pledge more than covered the amount due and prevented a 3-day notice to vacate for a Foundation Community resident.
-
We helped a man who was on oxygen pay down his utility bill, helping him breathe a little easier in these hot, summer days.
-
The apartment complex for “Shirley” told us said that they would not take our check since she owed more than we could pay. We immediately reached out to the St. Vincent de Paul conference that serves where Shirley lives. Between our pledge and the other SVdP’s pledge, the complex agreed to accept rent help for her.
-
After getting a pledge from his SVdP conference, “Andrew” reached out for help with his utilities that had been disconnected. Between the two pledges, he was able to get his services reconnected.
-
More than once, we call a guest to help them with rent or their utility bill and the person says, “I don’t need help today. Please give my spot to someone who needs the money more than I do.” Our guests often humble us with their generosity!
-
-
-
July 17, 2022
-
July 14 - The Feast of St. Kateri Tekakwitha
St. Kateri Tekakwitha (1656-1680) was the first Native American declared a saint in the Catholic Church.
While her canonization took place in 2012, the main champion of her sainthood was Fr. Clarence Walworth (1820-1900), one of the founders of the Paulist Fathers. Her father was a Mohawk chief; her mother, an Algonquin and a Catholic. St. Kateri was born into the Mohawk tribe in what later became upstate New York. She lived in a time of great upheaval for native peoples - Europeans arrived with new diseases, like smallpox which left her partially blind and disfigured.
This Paulist Patron is a saint of social action as well. As a young girl, Kateri worked alongside Jesuit missionaries to care for the sick and wounded when the Mohawk were attacked by the Mahican. Beyond care for people, St. Kateri cared for all creation. The St. Kateri Conservation Center observes, "The Indigenous worldview then and now involves relationships built on reciprocity, respect, gratitude, and responsibility that extends to the natural world. It is a worldview of giving thanks daily for life and the world around us."
St. Kateri, “Lily of the Mohawks,” is the patroness of Native Americans, the environment, refugees, and the disabled. While most of the United States recognizes her feast day on July 14, in the Diocese of Phoenix and in Canada, her feast day is celebrated on April 17, the day she died.
We invite you to learn more about St. Kateri Tekakwitha through these resources:-
Her life story from the New York Historical Society
-
A reflection in observance of Native American Heritage month that discusses St. Kateri and her connection to the Paulist Fathers written by Fr. Rich Andre and posted in Rich Thoughts.
-
For those with a deep curiosity, this link to Two Rivers - A Report on Catholic Native American Culture & Ministry from the USCCB
-
Celebrate St. Kateri's Memorial with Mass (link in the Window below)
The photo above is of the statue of St. Kateri in the hogan Church of Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Chinle, Arizona and is shared with us by Catholic Extension. -
-
Fr. Paolo Celebrates the Memorial of St. Kateri, A Paulist Patron SaintJuly 14, 2022
-
-
July 10, 2022
-
Update on Adam & Advocacy Opportunity to Help Afghans in the U.S.
Back in Lent, we shared about Adam, the young Afghan man St. Austin is sponsoring to come to the U.S. to be reunited with his family. Since it had been a while, we reached out to his legal team to check-in. We found out that his Humanitarian Parole application has not yet been processed. Adam’s family here in the U.S. is also concerned that he will be deported back to Afghanistan since they don’t know how much longer he will be allowed to remain in the country where he is currently staying. Adam’s legal team suggested making a Congressional Assistance Request. When Adam’s family could not afford the legal fee, St. Austin paid it.
Please pray with us that the Congressional Assistance Request will make a difference. After we paid the fee, Adam’s legal team connected us with his family. They expressed their gratitude for our help in Adam’s case. We hope to continue connecting with them in small ways while we await the outcome of Adam’s case. -
How can you make a difference for Adam & Afghans?
Advocate for the Afghan Adjustment Act!
The majority of Afghans evacuated to the U.S. following our military withdrawal have only been granted temporary protection via humanitarian parole, which only lasts 18 months to 2 years. Though they have the legal right to temporarily live and work in the US, they have no direct path to permanent residence or citizenship. This would be the case for Adam, if and when he is able to come to the U.S. After everything they have experienced, our Afghan neighbors already in the U.S. deserve to have lasting safety and opportunity in the place they now call home. Congress could provide evacuated Afghans with a straightforward path to permanent residence by passing an adjustment act targeting this specific population.
Find the contact info for your Congressional representatives, and use this sample text to help get you started when you call or email. Don’t forget to share how this issue affects “Adam” and his family. Want to learn more about the Afghan Adjustment Act? Check out this news article, infographic, and fact sheet.
-
-
A Prayer to Reach Across all Borders
Lord of All,
Some of us make our homes on hills,
others in valleys.
Some in tall buildings, some on shorelines,
some at risk on the street.
And we divide up our patches with lines
we scratch into the ground
And call them borders.
Where the lines don’t suffice, we build fences.
Where fences fail, we dig moats.
Where moats aren’t enough, we erect walls.
But what if we were to look across these borders?
Across fence, moat, and wall
And see you on the other side?
Lord, teach us to reach across all borders,
Fabricated or natural,
To join with all our brothers and sisters
To unify, and not separate.
To honor all who wander
Seeking hope, seeking opportunity—seeking you
As assuredly as we seek you
Lord, let no border ring our hearts.
May we find a place within them for all.
Turn our hands from building walls
Toward building justice.
Stretch our arms across fence, wall and moat
To seek out those on the other side
That we might find you in each other’s eyes
In each other’s hands
In each other’s wounds.
Amen.Source: Catholic Relief Services
-
-
July 3, 2022
-
"The Box" - An Exploration of Solitary ConfinementComes to Holy Cross Catholic Church
For many years now, members of the St. Austin and Holy Cross communities - with other Austin congregations - meet regularly in Courageous Conversations. Over those years, we've learned much about systemic racism and over time, moved into action, collaborating in advocacy projects on a number of issues.
Among the issues we've explored are the essential inequities built into our laws, in law enforcement, and judicial systems, the school to prison pipeline, and more. In July, we'll have the unique opportunity to experience solitary confinement.
The Texas After Violence Project partnered with The End of Isolation Tour to bring the play, "The Box," to life which is coming to Holy Cross Catholic Church, 1610 E. 11th, Austin, July 15, 16, and 17, at 7 p.m. each night. "The Box" conveys the experience of being in solitary confinement at a prison and gives a rare glimpse at the intimate bonds forged in the deep end of our prison system, the ripple effects of systematic torture, and what it means to be human. It was written and is directed by Sarah Shourd, a solitary confinement survivor who was in Evin Prison for over a year. She's dedicated her work to encouraging the end of excessive use of solitary in U.S. prisons.
The play, based on a California prison hunger strike that led to significant reforms, features actors who are former prisoners. They're traveling around the U.S. this summer in a converted bus, taking as many precautions as possible with regard to the ongoing pandemic. Actors will be masked and distanced from the audience, which will be interspersed among them. The staging provides a realistic feel of what it's like to be in prison. Tickets will be limited in number each night due to the commitment to keep attenders and cast and crew safely distanced from each other.
After each performance, for about an hour, a professionally facilitated restorative circle will be formed in which the audience, cast and crew, and Austin social justice community organizers will reflect on how themes in the play relate to our local criminal justice conditions in Austin and in Texas. It's fertile ground - an unparalleled opportunity for deep brainstorming and making new connections with others working in and for social justice work. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit The End of Isolation Tour.
-
-
June 26, 2022
-
We Are Humbled By Your Quick Response To Our AppealPlease Continue to Pray
We cannot thank our awesome parish enough for their rapid, generous support of our family in need this past
week. Within 24 hours, there was more than a month of housing covered, two months of food paid for, phone bills, and laundry costs dispensed with, bus passes provided. Thank you! You provided a breather, a respite, a moment to sigh in this great time of need. Your kindness allowed this family space and resources to find work and more permanent housing.
As I write this, mom has lined up interviews for several jobs, and our Vincentian friends at St. Theresa’s were able to tentatively* procure housing in a Foundation Communities location in south Austin. Things are definitely looking up! A few of our St. Austin’s members will transport the family on Saturday, with the first stop being a picnic and swimming at a local swimming pool and park! Thank you, thank you, for answering our plea for help and giving this family HOPE!
*Foundation Communities does require employment with a minimum pay in order to accept new residents, so please continue prayers for the family’s quest for work. If you know of any salons or spas where a licensed cosmetologist could apply for employment, please let us know.- Huddie Murray
hwmswim@gmail.com
-
-
June 12, 2022
-
There Is Still Kindness
The faith and equanimity of our neighbors in need never ceases to amaze us. While Vincentians are advised to “Serve in Hope”, we understand that our neighbors might be feeling hope-LESS as bills and other crises in their lives may pull them down.
So, when a neighbor with five children, one of whom is on dialysis, offered this unsolicited wisdom at the end of our visit, I was truly humbled:“We are still strong.
Maybe others have been beaten down and
we need to remind them that there is still kindness.”
Thank YOU for allowing us in the St. Vincent de Paul Society to bring hope - both spiritual and monetary - to our neighbors in need. We appreciate your prayers and your financial support.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul in the Archdiocese of San Antonio is supporting the people of Uvalde with assistance. Their needs will be ongoing for some time. If you'd like to provide financial assistance, please consider a donation toSociety of St. Vincent de Paul
PO Box 831074
San Antonio, TX 78283
Make check to Society of St. Vincent de Paul with Support Uvalde in Memo
If you are interested in the work of St. Vincent de Paul, please contact Huddie at hwmswim@gmail.com.
-
-
June 5, 2022
-
Persons in Need Collection This Weekend
Neighbors in need who reach out to our Outreach and St. Vincent de Paul ministries regularly come to us asking for help with their utility bills. Others spent some or all their rent money making sure their electricity was not cut off and then come to us for rental assistance.
As we’ve all experienced, the hot days in May and the expected heat throughout the summer means higher electric bills. For members of our community who are already struggling to pay rent and keep food on the table, these higher utility bills can be dire. Your support of the Persons in Need collection this weekend helps keep a roof over their heads and the air conditioner running for families who can’t quite make ends meet on their own.
In May, Outreach served 35 families with rental assistance, including seven people who came to our ministry center for in-person appointments. We also helped 32 families with their City of Austin utility bills, primarily through our Plus 1 Funds grant. On average, that’s more than two families a day!
On the first Pentecost, a gift of the Holy Spirit allowed Jews from all over the world to understand the apostles, in their native tongues. Most St. Austin parishioners don’t experience the same levels of financial stress as those who come to us for help. Yet, through the Spirit, we all understand the language of compassion.
Thank you for your support of the Persons in Need collection this weekend!
-
-
-
-
May 29, 2022
-
From Our SVdPSeeing Jesus in Those We Serve
Recently, a few St. Austin’s Vincentians attended a General Assembly of all the diocesan SVdP groups. The focus of the gathering was how we respond to those neighbors who come to us in need.
It is easy to think that our every Vincentian encounter is filled with “warm fuzzies”… Obviously, since we are doing “the Lord’s work”, it must all go off perfectly, right?
But part of our reflection on Saturday called us to “See the face of Christ in every neighbor we meet.” We were reminded of the Emmaus experience, when the apostles did not recognize Jesus walking right next to them. They did not expect to find him there. Our leader had us contemplate the many faces of Jesus - the frustrated Jesus, the angry Jesus, the impatient Jesus, the sorrowful Jesus, the fearful Jesus, and, of course, the loving Jesus. All of these faces of Jesus were backed up by scripture…. Jesus was human in all the ways that we are human, and he experienced what we experience…. And, our neighbors experience all of those emotions, too. Vincentians strive to be the face of Christ, not just see it and all its various manifestations… Sometimes, those faces are demanding, or ungrateful, or expect more…. We need to remember Christ at those moments.We close our twice monthly conference meeting with a prayer, the Vincentian Family Prayer. The Vincentian Family is a worldwide movement made up of more than 160 institutions and some 4,000,000 people who follow Jesus Christ, serving the poor, as did St. Vincent de Paul, St. Louise de Marillac, and many other believers who, over the last four centuries, have enriched the Vincentian charism. We invite you to pray that unifying prayer with us through this 1:46 minute video.
-
-
Invitations to Jointhe Vincentian Family
Ways to help ~
Through full membership in the Society or with a limited gift of your time making calls to persons in need outside our conference's boundaries to help them find their local SVdP conference or perhaps other resources. Contact Huddie at
hwmswim@gmail.com
-
From iACTInterfaith Action of Central Texas
Interfaith Action of Central Texas exists to build healthy relationships between the faith communities of Central Texas. Their Dose of Hope shares divine wisdom, love, compassion and gifts with the community. This week, our own Director of Social Justice Ministries was featured in iACT's Dose of Hope.
"You do not need to know precisely what is happening, or exactly where it is all going. What you need is to recognize the possibilities and challenges offered by the present moment, and to embrace them with courage, faith and hope. In such an event, courage is the authentic form taken by love."
-Thomas Merton
This quote was my email signature and my mantra as I led my church’s financial assistance ministry from in-person to remote at the start of the pandemic. I didn’t know exactly what we would do or how we would continue, except that we could not shut down in the face of such great need. As a Christian, I believe that the Holy Spirit or Spirit of God guides us in such moments. Sometimes I’m still amazed that lunch with a volunteer and some scratch paper – and the inspiration of the Spirit – kept our assistance ministry running.
Our world is faced with the immense and terrifying climate crisis. Especially in the most difficult moments of Jesus’ life, I like to think that he didn’t know exactly where his ministry or politically vulnerable community was headed. He invoked the Spirit to guide his actions. Even as I worry about the future we are handing down to my kids and other young people around the globe, I believe the human community is and will be guided by the Spirit of God as we work together and courageously tackle the challenge of climate change. I have great hope that we will save this beautiful creation we call home.
Kristen Dempsey Pasyk,
Director of Social Justice Ministries
at St. Austin Catholic ParishIn iACT's Dose of Hope, May 23, 2022
-
-
Social Justice Gallery
-
BackForwardPauseCaption
-
-
JUSTNews ~ The Archives
-
-
Click to read more JUSTNewsRead More
-
-
