Bravo! These Guiding Lights Inspire Us

Lynn Hayden
Spirit of Hecker Award, 2020
St. Austin Parish and School chose longtime parishioner LYNN HAYDEN as our community's Spirit of Hecker awardee. Lynn has a special passion for ecumenism and interfaith relations. Several times over the last years she has designed and organized a wonderful hands-on, interactive display on the anniversary of Kristallnacht, engaging both our Jewish and Muslim neighbors, as well as all the facets of our parish, from Kindergarten through Seniors. Lynn also spearheaded an annual Iftar dinner in our parish in collaboration with local Muslim groups, and has organized interfaith events with iAct, the Austin Interfaith Council.

Unfailingly positive and polite, God has certainly called her to this ministry and she has said "yes" daily to that call. She is welcoming to all people a spirit reflected in how she invites people of different faiths to come together and share their faith and accepts others different than herself. That example influences others to do the same. She is an inspiration. And so, for her dedication to breaking down the barriers between people of different faiths, after the example of Fr. Isaac Hecker, we choose Ms. Lynn Hayden for the Spirit of Hecker award.

Well done, Lynn, thank you for shining brightly!

Karen Ranus
Charles Schwab's Local Hero 2020

We’re proud to share that St. Austin parishioner and NAMI Central Texas Executive Director Karen Ranus has been named one of Charles Schwab’s Local Heroes for 2020.  This program celebrates individuals who dedicate their lives to helping others. Nominated by Schwab employees, Local Hero recipients are honored with a grant of $25,000 to the nonprofit organization with which they are associated. Karen is one of just three individuals being recognized this year.


Like so many in our community, Karen found NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) in the midst of crisis nine years ago. Since becoming executive director in 2014, Karen has led with her own story and a passion for ensuring no individual or family faces mental health challenges alone.

Bravo, Karen, thank you for your courageous example!

Karen Shares Her Story