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Light Archives
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Distinguished Texas Ex AwardJune 26, 2022
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Myra Liza Leo - UT Recognizes One of Our Own
Myra shines a bright light in our parish. Recently she represented the Paulist Foundations of Texas on the Steering Committee for the Hope for the Future capital campaign. At Fr. René's Installation Mass, Myra read the Prayers of the Faithful alongside her husband, Deacon Billy Atkins. We're proud that Myra's received the Texas Exes Distinguished Alumnus Award as
one of the 2022 cohort of recipients who truly exemplify the phrase, “What starts here, changes the world.” Since 1958 this honor has been conferred on alumni whose commitment to excellence distinguishes them in their profession, community, or through service to the University. Learn more about Myra Liza Leo, University of Texas, BA ’81, College of Liberal Arts, Principal, Husch Blackwell, LLP, Austin, and Life Member at Texas Exes Honored
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12 Years of Love & LightJune 12, 2022
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Thank You Carmen Adams - Her Gabriel Project Journey
After 12 years of serving families from near and far, Carmen Adams is retiring as coordinator for The Gabriel Project at St. Austin. Before taking over The Gabriel Project in 2010, Adams volunteered a majority of her time at St. Austin Catholic School where she supported her daughter in various extracurricular activities. But Adams’s curiosity and the Lord’s call led her to join The Gabriel Project where her past experiences and love for God helped her to understand and serve those in need.“I tell all The Gabriel Project moms and families to never underestimate their role and mission as a parent because it is the most important job in the world, especially in God’s eyes,” Adams said.
When she began her role at The Gabriel Project, Adams worked full-time for the state of Texas until retiring in 2013. She said doing so helped bring her closer to the Blessed Mother and strengthen her prayer life.
“I learned to trust in Her intercession and trust in the Lord,” Adams said. “Because I saw and witnessed Their intercession in bringing everything that we needed for The Gabriel Project Ministry, and for the families.”
Adams has been a member of St. Austin Catholic Church for 29 years. She's been serving as a lector, a ministry she plans to maintain for both daily and Sunday Masses. She said she hopes to spend time with her family in retirement and continue in her spiritual direction to see where the Holy Spirit leads her next in service to the Church.
“It has been a blessing, honor, and privilege for the St. Austin Catholic Parish community to allow me to serve as the Coordinator of The Gabriel Project these past wonderful years and I thank you for giving me that gift.” Carmen, thank you for sharing your gifts of love and light with The Gabriel Project and we look forward to seeing what God has in store for your future.
Congratulations!!
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Austin's Church Women United Recognize a Valiant WomanMay 8, 2022
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Congratulations Carole Hatfield!CWU Valiant Woman 2021
The Valiant Woman Award is presented annually in recognition of a woman who has given longtime service to Church Women United, her own church and her community, and who lives the Gospel message in her everyday life. Carole, we are grateful for your many gifts to our parish community, too. Thank you for all you do to make St. Austin's a bright and shiny place to be. Here is CWU's recognition of our very dear Carole.
Our valiant woman for 2021 is someone who has quietly done her CWU treasurer job for so many years that she cannot really remember for how long, and this has included keeping our funds balanced and healthy through the pandemic, and making sure CWU continued to distribute our offerings and mission funds even when it seemed like much of the world stopped.
So it is with immense pleasure that the honors committee awards the 2021 Valiant Woman to Carole Hatfield. You may not know that Carole grew up in Hobbs, New Mexico where she met her husband Ted in drama class when she was a senior and he was a junior. They married the next year and then moved to the Ft. Worth/Arlington area where they lived for almost twenty years. During that time their three boys, Stephen, Ted and Jason were born, and Carole worked for the census and for McDonalds. When they moved to Georgetown in 1987, she became a store manager for McDonalds, and then moved to Austin in 1991, when their association with St. Austin Catholic Church began.
St. Austin has been a focus of hers and Ted’s lives ever since. Like in CWU, Carole is a “quiet but mighty engine,” there when the work needs to be done, like helping move out of parish buildings that had been occupied for over 100 years, in the middle of the summer heat. Currently, Carole and Ted are very involved in the Rite of Christian Initiation through which people learn the principles of the Catholic faith and prepare for one or more of their sacraments of initiation—baptism, confirmation and the Eucharist. This intense spiritual mentoring reaches its fulfillment with the celebration of full communion before Easter.
Over the years Carole has worked at Christian based non-profits—Austin Metropolitan Ministries and Texas Council of Catholic Bishops where she retired in 2019. She was on the planning committee for CROP walk for 15 years, and worked with Catholic Relief Services doing immigrant resettlement.
At CWU, Carole has not only served as treasurer, but managed and updated the membership roll, compiled and printed the yearbook, and, when we were meeting in person, was the cheerful face behind the registration table greeting and keeping track of regulars and visitors. We look forward to that time again.
She and Ted have been married for 55 years, have 4 grandchildren (3 boys and finally a girl), and I’ll close with this sweet and fitting comment from Ted, “she is a remarkable woman and the light of our lives.”
Carole, thank you for shining your light for Austin Church Women United. Congratulations!!
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As Ted, her husband of 55 years, notes Carole is "a remarkable woman and the light of our lives" - we couldn't agree more, Ted!
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Celebrating an Extraordinary Woman of Our CommunityApril 26, 2022
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Principal Tara Cevallos of St. Austin Catholic School
This Tuesday morning, my email and text messages lit up with folks eager to share the good news that our very own, Tara Cevallos, was in the Austin American-Statesman recognized as an Extraordinary Women Award winner. Honored along with Judge Dimple Malhotra, Tara was applauded for her leading passion and mission call, "helping all students achieve their fullest potential in mind, body, and spirit."
A program that began with Tara and three colleagues at her dining room table has grown into the Dyslexia Center of Austin. They offer training to more than 20 school districts, charter, and private schools in 15 cities across Texas. They've trained more than 100 Certified Academic Language Therapists (CALTs) with another 80 moving through the program this summer.
Tara describes her first encounters with St. Austin Catholic School as a private CALT hired by parents to provide dyslexia remediation for their children on campus. Over time, she was asked to provide increasing support to a broader population of students by serving as the school's Academic Learning Specialist and Curriculum Director. In 2017, with the departure of the principal at the time, she was asked to take over as principal. Now, she's demonstrated her talent for visioning forward by leading our school's students, faculty, staff, and families through the move off campus and into temporary quarters at San José Parish as we plan and build forward into our new Ministry and Education Center in the fall of 2023.
Humbled by her recognition with this award, Tara said, "This kind of recognition is uncomfortable for me because I never feel like an accomplishment is mine and mine alone. However, if I sit with my vulnerability in having the spotlight shined on me for a moment, I can see that this recognition brings awareness to the many sacrifices my family has made in not always having me present for dinners or to help with homework over the many years; it shows my daughters that your passion is worth all the sacrifices; and tells all that being there to help others is what we are called to do."- Mitzi Patiño Eastman
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Tara Cevallos, SACS Principal, is shown at far left at the groundbreaking ceremony.
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Our St. Austin School Students & Families Support Ukraine
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Stepping into Solidarity
Ariana, a student in seventh grade at our parish school, is the daughter of Tetyana and Robert. Tetyana is originally from Ukraine with family in the city of Sumy in far northeast Ukraine, near the Russian border. The family’s plan for a long Spring Break in Europe changed abruptly with the invasion of Ukraine. Instead, they chose to provide aid however possible. Their checked bags became six full bags of supplies, including 204 trauma kits and eight Mega Movers or foldable stretchers (see photos) purchased with the generosity of the SACS community. These much needed resources will be delivered through the Ukrainian Catholic Church. The fundraising effort, launched just 72 hours before the family’s departure, won the full support of students, families, faculty, and staff and brought in $12,000.
Sharing information on this endeavor, a school parent observed “Our school might be small, but we are mighty in our love and many actions! Our school stays busy doing the work of the Lord for sure.”
We're proud of our Eagles!
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On War Again -A Reflection fromFr. John Geaney, CSP
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Eagles for Ukraine
Our school’s support of the people of Ukraine continues through prayer, creativity, and study.
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The school’s held Ukraine in their prayers since the start of the invasion. That week, the 7th Grade hosted school Mass, including in the Prayers of the Faithful a prayer for Ukraine. Last week they prayed again. Their prayers will surely continue, we hope filtering into the prayer life of school families as well. Let us join them in their prayers.
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Classes created cards of support and reminders of hope for the children of Ukraine, even using the correct symbols and language so that the young recipients would be able to understand.
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In history class, our 7th graders are exploring why this is happening in Ukraine. Ariana spoke to them about her family. Her Genius Hour* project was the creation of a Ukrainian cookbook from her grandmother's recipes. The work was the result of many Facetime calls between Ariana and her grandmother. Now that project is a cherished reminder of joyful moments together, a legacy of love and heritage.
*Genius Hour Projects are traditional for Middle Schoolers at SACS. Work on the assignment begins in January and continues for weeks until they’re completed before Spring Break.
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Sunflowers -A Traditional Symbol of Peace for Ukraine
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Catholic Prayer for Ukraine
O Lord our God, look down with mercy on the Ukrainian people. Protect and save them from the unjust aggressors who seek to subdue them. Grant them steadfast trust in your mercy and protection.
Mother of God, who gave us your miraculous icon at Zarvanytsia, intercede for the Ukrainian people, who run to the shelter of your mercy in their times of need.
O Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Grant peace and protection to the people of Ukraine. Give them strength and courage to defend what is good, right, and holy. Keep them safe from harm and provide for all their needs, both temporal and spiritual.
Hear our prayers, O Lord, and deliver us from distress, for You are merciful and compassionate and love mankind. To You we give glory: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and ever. Amen.
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Christmas Greetings from the Community
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Away in a manger, no crib for a bed...
We know that Jesus was born into a poor family without some of the basic necessities of life, things most of us take for granted, like a bed and housing. Our Outreach, SVDP, and Gabriel Project ministries are so grateful for all those who help provide support (sometimes even literally through cribs!) to our neighbors in need - this holiday season and all year long! With wishes for peace from the Social Justice ministry!
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Love and Joy Come to You, and to You Glad Christmas too! …as you have provided a “Glad Christmas” to so many residents of this city through your generosity. We cannot thank you enough for your support of the Christmas Basket Project!
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And his shelter was a stable, And his cradle was a stall, With the Poor, and Meek, and Lowly, Lived on earth our Savior Holy
Jesus chose to live and identify with those living in poverty; our St. Vincent de Paul Society thanks you for helping us serve Christ in those living on the margins.
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From His first cry in Bethlehem to His last cry on Calvary ... He has given us the gift of His undying love.
From the Gabriel Project Ministry Team and Gabriel Project moms, dads and babies, we wish you all a very blessed and joyful Christmas!
Lauren Brauer,
Elizabeth Cole,
Veronica Lents,
Nancy Schultz,
John & Mary Vanderheyden,
Carmen Adams
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O Come all ye faithful,
Joyful and triumphant!The Knights of Columbus all around the world are united in prayer that we will be faithful to the true meaning of Christmas, and that we can bring joy to those who need a spiritual lift this Christmas season. Merry Christmas from the Knights of Fr. E. Philip O’Hern Council 10776!
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“It came upon the midnight clear, That glorious song of old, From Angels bending near the earth, To touch their harps of gold.”
The first solemn Mass in the new St. Austin Chapel was sung Christmas morning, 1908. Father Michael Smith, C.S.P. was the celebrant, Father William Sullivan, deacon, and Father Patrick O’Reilly, sub-deacon. The choir from
St. Mary’s furnished the music with Mrs. G.A. Sievers as organist. ~ From your Archives Team
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Sing in Exultation!
Thinking about the diversity of music in our parish, a quote from the legend Willie Nelson comes to mind: "We are the same. There is no difference anywhere in the world. People are people. They laugh, cry, feel, and love, and music seems to be the common denomination that brings us all together. Music cuts through all boundaries and goes right to the soul." St. Austin's Parish Choir, Ensembles, and Cantors say thank you for raising your voices with us each weekend in the sung prayers that unite us in worship, and we wish you a joyous Christmas and New Year filled with music that makes your soul sing!
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Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward all
Happy Christmas from Fr. Chuck, Fr. Rich, Fr. Paolo, Deacons Billy, Dan, & John and all who serve you at St. Austin Catholic Parish & School.
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We Give Thanks!
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From Fr. Rich
Faced with the overwhelming task of moving the school,
the office, and the rectory to temporary quarters this summer, the St. Austin community responded with an astounding generosity of time and talent. And in experiencing such
a tangible expression of everyone's love, all I can do is humbly give thanks for the privilege of serving among all of you!
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From Fr. Paolo
As we have emerged from the isolation of the pandemic, I am most grateful for the opportunity to share life’s greatest joys and even life’s deepest sorrows with you all as a priest.
We’ve celebrated many long-delayed weddings and
baptisms this past year that have reminded me that our happiness is never complete until it can be shared widely among family and friends. It has been a privilege to be a priest among you all during these sacred moments, and
I am deeply grateful for the opportunities to share your joy.
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In Gratitude for Our Liturgical Ministers
This month of November when we give thanks for our blessings and saints in our lives, we especially extend our
gratitude to all of our liturgical ministers. 2020 presented our greatest challenge in that our capacity to serve together
was put on hold. However, by the grace of God, and albeit in limited capacities, it is a joy to see ministers slowly but
surely, week by week, appear at Mass to again share their talents and joy for service at Mass. The saying "it takes a
village" is given a new meaning during this time of re-transition, and our hope is that our "village" continues to
grow so that we can continue to share the Bread of Life and the Gospel to our St. Austin family and wider community.
Let all your works give you thanks, O Lord, and let your faithful ones bless you. (Ps. 145)
~ Dr. Ap, Rudy, & the Liturgy Team
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From Our Outreach Ministry
This year, I'm so grateful for the incredible team of Outreach volunteers who serve our neighbors in need tirelessly week after week. Thank you to our donors who provide the funds to make Outreach possible. I’m grateful for our neighbors who keep us humble and remind us just how much God speaks to us through others. I give thanks that in our smaller office space, the St. Austin staff are making great strides to work more closely together to serve our parish community and beyond. Holy Spirit, thank you for moving us to find new ways to minister during the pandemic.
~ Kristen Dempsey Pasyk, Director of Social Ministries
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From Our Gabriel Project
The Gabriel Project Ministry team is humbled and grateful
for the St. Austin parish staff, councils and parishioners
who support the Gabriel Project families. We’re blessed and privileged to serve as the hands and feet of Christ!
~ The Gabriel Project Ministry, Lauren Brauer, Elizabeth
Cole, Veronica Lents, Nancy Schultz,
John & Mary
Vanderheyden, & Carmen Adams
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From OurSt. Vincent de PaulConference
The St. Vincent de Paul Society has so much for which to be thankful…The fact that your generosity has allowed us
to operate with no interruption in service during the entire
pandemic is monumental!
We are so grateful for your continued support and trust. We also thank the City of Austin for entrusting us to help so many with Plus 1 funds over the past 18 months and for providing additional rent help to
thousands across our City. Our Diocesan SVdP has been generous as well, with specific grants and funds that have helped supplement our funds in special high-need situations.
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SVdP, Continued
We thank you on behalf of the two veterans who were helped getting housing, for the widowed grandmother, who has custody of her seven grand-children and recently lost her disabled adult child after a long hospital stay. She needed help with extra food and your donations made it possible to serve that family.
We thank you on behalf of the several men and women trying to start new lives at sober homes.
Your gifts help us offer them hope of a new beginning. And we thank you on
behalf of a mom of a young child who had the opportunity to move into brand new subsidized housing because we could pay most of the deposit. Your gifts work miracles!
Thank you!
~ Huddie & all her confreres in our SVdP
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St. Austin Catholic School
Thankful and Blessed
The faculty, staff and administration of St. Austin Catholic School are appreciative of our entire School and Parish
Community during this season of Thanksgiving. To quote Nelson Henderson, “The true meaning of life is to plant
trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit.” Therefore, as we harvest the fruits of those past and present, we know that our future is shaped every day by your generosity, guidance and prayer. Our prayer is for your health and well-being, your continued support and your over-whelming faith in the mission of Catholic education.
We know that as the oak and acorn is woven through our St. Austin identity that you will continue to Shape the Future of this generation and generations to come by nourishing the seeds that past generations have sown. May God’s
bounty bless you and all those you hold dear. Amen. ~ From the students, families, faculty & staff of SACS
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From Our Parish Move It! Team
Together with the parish staff, our volunteer coordinators
are so very thankful for the many hours donated by a small
army of parishioners during this past year who helped clean out, pack up and move many people in preparation for the
beginning of our building pilgrimage. As we began to tear
down, we built community in new friendships and relationships. Thank you to all who were able to help. You brought joy to the weeks of work! ~ Martha, Colleen, and Julie
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From Our Prayer Blanket Ministry
Dear Lord, the Prayer Blanket ministry thanks Miriam
Mellon our founder for the guidance from the Holy Spirit to
begin our mission. We thank the Parish Staff for their
approval and support in our ministry. We thank our members for the beautiful work that helps those in need of comfort. We thank our families for their help and guidance. We pray for all that have received a Prayer Blanket from the St. Austin’s Prayer Blanket Ministry in Jesus name, Amen.
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From Our Martha Ministry
St. Austin is indeed blessed to have Martha Ministry available to support families who have lost loved ones. Our caring volunteers provide receptions where families can share memories over delicious food. Heavenly Father, we give thanks for these volunteers who always go above and beyond.
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From Our Knights of Columbus
Our Knights of Fr. E. Philip O’Hern are grateful for the many opportunities to put
our faith into action when serving our Paulist Fathers,
St. Austin Parish, St. Austin Catholic
School and the larger
community all around us. We truly appreciate the support
and thanks we receive from those we serve. We give thanks for the vision of the founder of the Order, Blessed Fr. Michael J. McGivney, and pray for his canonization. Wish you all who serve and those we serve a Thanksgiving full of Blessings!
~ Your Kinghts of Columbus Couoncil #10776
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From Your Parish Staff
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I'm very thankful for all those in the parish who make what
we do possible. From our generous donors, to our countless volunteers, and all those who offer their talents, insights, and experience to make our community even better - we
couldn't achieve what we've done without you. Special thanks to our online viewers - I'm happy you enjoy our livestreams!
~ Stephen King, Technology
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Having been given the privilege of working at St. Austin for
the past fourteen years, I have been blessed to work with so
many amazing people. Our parishioners, our ministries, and
all of those who so selflessly serve are the heart of our community. Bearing witness to the amazing acts of service and
love that are performed by our community, I’m continually
grateful to God.
~ Sharon Lehtonen, Director of Community Ministries
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When I first came to work at St. Austin’s back in 2003, I
was so impressed by the kindness and generosity that I saw displayed at every turn.. from parishioners, volunteers, clergy and staff members –individually and as a whole. It’s been remarkable to see those efforts not only continue, but to
increase through the years. Then came the pandemic, and rather than falter, everyone simply made the necessary adjustments and just kept on truckin’. It is indeed heartening and humbling to see so many people blessed by the efforts of this parish community. Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of it!
~ Sharon Jones, Office Manager & EIM Site Administrator
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Though our tenure has been brief, we’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity, resilience, patience, and pure kindness of this very special parish community. Thank YOU! Your comments and suggestions inspired us, while your compliments and feedback sustained us as we launched a new website, and engaged with you weekly through the bulletin and the eNews.
Now, with a deep sigh, I share the news that Stanley Sifuentes, who joined our team as an intern, then as a full-time employee of the parish, has gone on to work in his field of study and expertise, International Relations. We miss his youthful energy, his committed work ethic, and the joy he brought to the workplace. I’m most grateful that the Ho-ly Spirit & Huddie spotted his talent and I thank Stanley for the many ways he contributed to our work. Our little team of three is now two. I’d like to rain praise on our most dedicated Communications volunteer, muse, and mentor, who prefers anonymity. Heaven knows the depth of our our gratitude for our dear Editor of Eagle Eye.~ Mitzi Patiño Eastman, Director of Stewardship & Communications
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