Joy & Healing in Advent - Dec 11, 2022

Dear Friends,

This weekend we welcome Fr. René Constanza, CSP, back to Austin for the Sunday 11:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Masses and our special Mass for Our Lady of Guadalupe at 8 a.m. on Monday morning. Fr. René began his priestly ministry here at St. Austin’s in 2012 before moving to Grand Rapids in 2016. This summer he began a four-year term as the President of the Paulist Fathers. Since he already knows our parish so well, we are his final Paulist ministry to visit since beginning his new ministry as President.

We hope that you will consider joining us in celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Monday, December 12, with Mariachi Relámpago offering music to celebrate the feast. We'll also have our monthly communal celebration of the Anointing of the Sick. Fr. René will offer that sacrament and bless our prayer blankets for those who are sick.

Anointing of the Sick and Reconciliation are both considered Sacraments of Healing, and we will providentially offer a Communal Penance Service with the chance for individual confessions on Monday evening, December 12 at 7 p.m. It will be a wonderful opportunity to bring God’s healing light into the shadows of our life as we continue our journey towards our celebration of the Christmas season.

We are very grateful to our liturgical committee, ministry coordinators, and many volunteers who have made our liturgies possible. Liturgy comes from the Greek word meaning “work of the people,” and our liturgies have truly reflected the heartfelt faith of wonderful parishioners. We know the Christmas season can be a particularly busy and stressful time preparing for gatherings at home, and we appreciate all our parishioners who offer their valuable time to serve during this busy season.

God bless,