The Rhythm of Ministry Within Seasons

Dear Friends,

I’m happy to share a bit about my recent travels to Colombia and the upper Midwest over the past month. On May 20 I concelebrated Mass for a cousin’s wedding for the first time with my great-uncle. It had been five years since our last major reunion, and though we had plans to celebrate my ordination together, the pandemic made travel impossible. I stayed for a week in Colombia after the wedding enjoyed time with my grandmother and extended family.

On June 5, I joined Fr Rich Andre and 25 other priests in Milwaukee for a weeklong workshop on parish management. The Leadership Roundtable (www.leadershiproundtable.org) organized the seminar with expert presenters who have dedicated their lives to serving the church in their professional capacities. It was a breath of fresh air and a sign of hope for the future of the church to discuss these topics with young priests of all ideological and geographical backgrounds. Many young pastors begin with rural communities, often traveling between

multiple chapels, so their perspectives were interesting. Following the workshop, I drove to Chicago for a weekend at the Paulist rectory and visited with friends in the area.

As I approach my third year here at the parish, I am recognizing the different rhythms of ministry throughout the seasons. Lent is filled with confessions, both at St Austin and at communal penance services around the diocese. In a world of pervasive and instantaneous online communication, I have seen that people long for the chance to speak privately about their burdens and hear spoken words hope, and forgiveness. Easter is a time for great celebrations. The joy of Christ’s resurrection illuminates the many baptisms, first communions, and graduations during this season. Austin weather also makes Easter the ideal season for weddings. We had three in a row over Memorial Day weekend at St Austin. The joy of these sacraments overflows into banquets and receptions filled with great food, music, and conversation.

Summer is a time for rest, renewal, and planning. As a priest, it is also a season of extra Masses to cover for my brother priests who are on vacation. So far, I have been to St Ignatius, St Peter the Apostle, and the Cathedral over the past month. I enjoy seeing the different congregations that comprise our Catholic family here in Austin.

I pray you and your family can make time for a change of pace this summer, either on vacation or simply mixing up your routine here at home.

God bless,

From Fr. Paolo

Our St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Austin has taken on some great leadership roles at the Diocesan level recently. 

The big announcement this week is that Mike Murphy, who has been a Vincentian since 2002 and was conference President from 2011-17, has been named the President of the St. Vincent de Paul Diocesan Council. He represents all of Central Texas in this role and will guide us with his wonderful leadership skills. Mike will begin his duties on October 1. 

A few weeks ago, another member of St. Austin’s SVDP conference, Michael Willard, was named the new Executive Director of the Vincentian Family Center on Braker Lane. Michael has extensive experience in the non-profit world and with his calm demeanor, he will provide support for all of the Conferences in the Diocese. 

One of the hardest working employees at the Vincentian Family Center is Client Services Director Mina Davis, who is also a St. Austin’s parishioner.

Left to right: Lynn Hayden, Josie Barrett, Michael Willard, Huddie Murray, Elaine Stevens, and Nancy Jones.

Lumen Gentium Awardees

St. Austin awards Michael & Colleen Debner for the Lumen Gentium awards. Both Michael and Colleen have long been active members of St.Austin Parish. Read more at News & More!

Lend a helping arm on Sunday, July 16! Donate blood to support our community and save local lives. It's easy! Click on Blood Drive to sign up. The slots between the 8:45 am and 11:30 am masses tend to fill up fast.

Be an Angel! Help us serve more expectant or new moms through our Gabriel Project Ministry. The next online training will be held on Saturday morning, July 15. Sign up at Gabriel Project.

New Year’s Eve in June? Yes! Fraternal Year 2022-2023 draws to a close next week. The Knights had another busy year as reflected in our end-of-year activity report to Supreme. Learn more at Knights of Columbus

Fr. Bruce and parishioner Emmett Blake will be volunteering at the border on June 27-29. They are collecting specific clothing and toiletry items to deliver - donations can be accepted until the 11:30 am Mass this weekend, and they invite you to consider joining them. Details are at Immigration.

Thank you to those of you who donated to the Micah 6 special collection last weekend. Check out JUSTNews to learn more about this shared ecumenical ministry that feeds our hungry neighbors!

Thanks to all who participated in our Parish Service Day earlier this month. Twenty-five parishioners and school families volunteered at six nonprofits around Austin. See pictures at Parish Service Day. 

Check the latest updates of the Beacon of Hope at Construction Updates.