August 2015 | The Spirit of St. Louis

The Spirit of

St. Louis @ August 2015

Feast Day 2015

ST. LOUIS KING OF FRANCE

AUGUST 29 | 6:00 - 9:30 PM

Saturday, August 29, our parish will host the third annual Feast of All Nations dinner, to celebrate St. Louis, King of France, patron saint of our parish. All parishioners are invited to this special celebration in Wozniak Hall from 6:00-9:30pm.

As in the past, this year will feature foods from all nations with samples prepared by members of St. Louis.

Our parish family is very culturally diverse and this event brings together the favorite foods from people of all corners of our globe. The evening will reflect who we are, as we share the dishes we enjoy in our own heritage with the greater community. Food from six cuisines (American, South American, Mexican, European, Asian, African) will be available for tasting at various tables around Wozniak Hall.

Volunteers are sought to be a part of this year’s event. Families are encouraged to prepare dishes from their particular culture. There are also opportunities to help with decorations, set-up and clean-up. If you can help, please contact Lupe Barragan at lupe@casachapala.com or 512-788-3407 or Alice Kubacak at eliskakuba@sbcglobal.net or 512-452-7727.

The annual St. Louis Feast Day celebration offers a wonderful opportunity to meet and visit with fellow parishioners. We filled our hall to capacity last year, so be sure to purchase your tickets early! Tickets will be available at the parish office and after select Masses in August. Entertainment for children will be provided and various ministries of St. Louis will offer a range of door prizes.

A newsletter of st. louis catholic church • 7601 burnet road, austin, tx • www.st-louis.org

Parish Directory

THOUGHTS ON

I am deeply saddened by the Supreme Court’s decision to require States to recognize samesex marriages, because the opinion is based on the court’s belief that the culture has changed 512.454.0384 its views of marriage. This causes confusion among those who are faithful to the Gospel x220 ADULT & FAMILY MINISTRY and erodes rights of persons in each State.

Amy Allert, M.Th., Director Regardless of the court’s decision, the nature x211 BUSINESS OFFICE of the human person and marriage remains

Brenda Beltran, unchanged and unchangeable. Jesus taught

Business Administrator that from the beginning marriage is the lifelong x221 CHILDHOOD MINISTRY union of one man and one woman. We follow our Lord and will continue

Beatriz Franceschi, Director to teach and to act according to this truth. I join my brother bishops x219 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION in encouraging the faithful to move forward with faith, hope, and love:

Tina Juarez-Bailey, Ph.D., faith in the unchanging truth about marriage, rooted in the immutable Director nature of the human person and confirmed by divine revelation; hope x244 EARLY CHILDHOOD that these truths will once again prevail in our society, not only by their MINISTRY logic, but by their great beauty and manifest service to the common

Mary Beth Skinnell, Director good; and love for all our neighbors, even those who disagree with our x216 HISPANIC ADULT & FAMILY faith and moral convictions. We intend to proclaim the goodness, truth, MINISTRY and beauty of marriage as rightly understood for millennia.

Sumayah Abullarade, Director

x213 LITURGICAL MINISTRY

Bea Lamb, Director

Estoy profundamente entristecido por la decisión de la Corte Suprema de exigir a los Estados a reconocer a matrimonios de personas del x202 MUSIC mismo sexo, porque la opinión se basa en la creencia de la corte en

Chris Oelkers, Director que la cultura ha cambiado sus puntos de vista del matrimonio. Esto x206 SENIOR MINISTRY causa confusión entre los que son fieles al Evangelio y erosiona los

Coral Migoni-Ryan, M.Div., derechos de las personas en cada Estado. Independientemente de la

M.Th., Director decisión de la corte, la naturaleza de la persona humana y el matrimonio permanece inalterada e inalterable. Desde un principio, Jesús enseñó X 208 SOCIAL MEDIA-WEBSITE

Christa Almaguer, Manager que el matrimonio es la unión de toda la vida entre un hombre y una mujer. Nosotros seguimos a nuestro Señor y seguiremos enseñando y x265 SOCIAL MINISTRY actuando de acuerdo a esta verdad. Me uno a mis hermanos obispos

Bea Dela Rosa, Director en animar a los fieles a seguir adelante con fe, esperanza y amor: fe x239 ST. LOUIS CATHOLIC en la verdad inmutable sobre el matrimonio, enraizada en la naturaleza SCHOOL inmutable de la persona humana y confirmada por la revelación divina;

Patricia Romanies, M.Ed., esperanza que estas verdades volverán a prevalecer en nuestra sociedad, Principal no sólo por su lógica, sino por su gran belleza y obvio servicio hacia el x205 YOUTH MINISTRY bien común; y amor hacia todos nuestros vecinos, incluso aquellos que

Paul Stadelman, Director no están de acuerdo con nuestra fe y convicciones morales. Nosotros tenemos la intención de proclamar la bondad, la verdad y la belleza del OFFICE HOURS: matrimonio como ha sido entendido correctamente por milenios.

Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - noon and 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.

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MARRIAGE FROM OUR SHEPHERDS The family is experiencing a profound cultural crisis, as are all communities and social bonds. In the case of the family, the weakening of these bonds is particularly serious because the family is the fundamental cell of society, where we learn to live with others despite our differences and to belong to one another; it is also the place where parents pass on the faith to their children. Marriage now tends to be viewed as a form of mere emotional satisfaction that can be constructed in any way or modified at will. Pope Francis - Evangelii Gaudium, 66 The first setting in which faith enlightens the human city is the family. I think first and foremost of the stable union of man and woman in marriage. This union is born of their love, as a sign and presence of God’s own love, and of the acknowledgment and acceptance of the goodness of sexual differentiation, whereby spouses can become one flesh (cf. Gen 2:24) and are enabled to give birth to a new life, a manifestation of the Creator’s goodness, wisdom and loving plan. Pope Francis - Lumen Fidei, 52 _________________________________________________ These past few weeks have been quite eventful for us here in the United States, particularly in regard to the Supreme Court’s judgment on marriage. For us Catholics, who hold marriage as something so sacred that it stands as one of the Seven Sacraments, we remain steadfast that this encounter with God in marriage is something essential to the human experience. This opinion of the Supreme Court, a five to four decision among the nine justices, calls us to an even more thoughtful response to this cultural crisis, as Pope Francis has called it.

St. Anselm of Canterbury defined theology as faith seeking understanding. Thus, a theologian is a person of faith who is trying to understand that faith. This time in American history is a time not for anger or frustration. It is a time rather for people of faith, you and me, to seek a deeper encounter with God in that faith and then to share that encounter in a thoughtful way with all people. Pope Francis exhorts his priests to preach in such a way that the people are attracted to the Gospel, that they want to hear more. All baptized people then are called by virtue of that baptism to the very same task: to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ in such a way that people will become attracted to it. Bishop Vásquez encourages us to share the truth and beauty of marriage between one man and one woman as an act of love for our neighbors, because we care about all of our neighbors, even those who hold different beliefs.

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Laudato Care For For LaudatoSi’:Si:OnOn Care Our Home OurCommon Common Home Bulletin Insert

“Praise be to you, my Lord.”

“LAUDATO SI’, mi’ Signore” – “Praise be to you, my Lord.” These are the words that open Pope Francis’ encyclical on ecology and care for God’s creation. These words, quoting St. Francis of Assisi’s beautiful canticle, remind us that our common home is like a sister with whom we share our life and a beautiful mother who opens her arms to embrace us.

Pope Francis addresses Laudato Si’ to “every person on the planet,” for we all share a common home—the earth. He focuses on a number of important themes.  

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A Moral and Spiritual Challenge. The ecological crisis, Pope Francis writes, is a summons to profound interior conversion—to renew our relationships with God, one another, and the created world.

Care for God’s Creation. God created the world and entrusted it to us as a gift. Now we have the responsibility to care for and protect it and all people, who are part of creation. Protecting human dignity is strongly linked to care for creation.

We are All Connected. We are connected to the rest of the human family, to the created world, and to those who will come after us in future generations.

Impact on the Poor. People in poverty have contributed least to climate change, yet they are disproportionately impacted by it. As a result of excessive use of natural resource by wealthy nations, those who are poor experience pollution, lack of access to clean water, hunger, and more.

Called to Solidarity. We are one human family and have a shared responsibility for others and for creation. Wealthy countries have a responsibility to reduce consumption of non-renewal resources and should help poorer nations develop in sustainable ways.

Technological and economic development must serve human beings and enhance human dignity, instead of creating an economy of exclusion, so that all people have access to what is needed for authentic human development.

Supporting Life, Protecting Creation. Concern for nature is incompatible with failure to protect vulnerable human beings, such as unborn children, people with disabilities, or victims of human trafficking.

A Time to Act. Pope Francis calls for a change in lifestyle and consumption. We can make important changes as individuals, families, and communities, and as civil and political leaders.

Hope and Joy. “Injustice is not invincible” (no. 74) and we act knowing that we seek to live out God’s vision of renewed relationships with God, ourselves, one another, and creation.

How You Can Respond

Each of us are called to take concrete steps – from reducing consumption to working for political change – to better care for creation. Here are some ideas.

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Become more aware of our connectedness. Care for one another and creation includes understanding that “everything is connected” (no. 91) and that the economy, politics, community involvement, and technology all affect the future of the planet and humankind. How can we become more aware of our connectedness?

The Spirit of St. Louis 2.

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Changes to lifestyle and consumption habits can make a big difference. For example, get a re-usable water bottle, take shorter showers, walk, bike or take public transportation instead of driving, recycle, compost food waste, and buy energy efficient appliances.

Make changes institutionally at your parish, school, or workplace. For example, start recycling and composting, use washable dinnerware in cafeterias, share electronically instead of printing, do an energy audit, and install solar panels.

Support local efforts to solve environmental problems. Community groups around the country are working to make city, county, and state-wide changes that can make a big difference. Find out what is going on locally and get involved.

Contact your members of Congress to share Pope Francis’ message and urge action to address climate change. Sign up for action alerts with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops at http://cqrcengage.com/catholicbishops/jphd.

Prayer

Triune Lord, wondrous community of infinite love, teach us to contemplate you in the beauty of the universe, for all things speak of you.

Awaken our praise and thankfulness for every being that you have made.

Give us the grace to feel profoundly joined to everything that is.

God of love, show us our place in this world as channels of your love for all the creatures of this earth, for not one of them is forgotten in your sight.

Enlighten those who possess power and money that they may avoid the sin of indifference, that they may love the common good, advance the weak, and care for this world in which we live.

The poor and the earth are crying out.

O Lord, seize us with your power and light, help us to protect all life, to prepare for a better future, for the coming of your Kingdom of justice, peace, love and beauty.

Praise be to you!

Amen.

Excerpted from “A Christian prayer in union with creation,” in Laudato Si’, no. 246

For More Information   

U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops webpage on Environment and Environmental Justice (www.usccb.org/environment) Catholic Climate Covenant (www.catholicclimatecovenant.org) WeAreSaltAndLight.org

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Parish Happenings Pastoral Council News

Congratulations to newly discerned Pastoral Council members Ryan Edgerly, Pete Reitmeyer and Harlan Scales! We appreciate your willingness to serve the parish in this leadership ministry.

Grateful thanks to Lupe Barragan and Michael Hipolito for your three years of service in the Pastoral Council. We are appreciative of the time and effort that you gave during your terms of office.

New Masses Added

Effective July 13th, three additional Masses were added at 12:00 Noon on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Confessions will be available from 11:15-11:50am M-W-F immediately before those new Masses. These additional Mass and confession times are offered on a trial basis through August. We invite you to try out these new times and give us your feedback.

Mass intentions are open for these new Masses and can be scheduled through the Church Office.

Parish Ministry Fair AUGUST 22-23

As the fall approaches with resumed activities in all our parish ministries, now is the time to volunteer and be trained in the ministry work that appeals to you. We invite you to tour the Ministry Fair which will be set-up in the Narthex of the Church on August 2223. Visit with ministry representatives to find out more about the activities that interest you. Share your time and talents and help us build the Kingdom of God on Burnet Road!

New Priests' Receptions

Feast of Assumption

This year, the Feast of Assumption, August 15th, falls on a Saturday and it is not a scheduled holy day of obligation.

Our regular Saturday 8:00am Mass will be the only Mass that day for Assumption.

Thanks to St. Louis Women's Club

We give thanks and appreciation to the St. Louis Women’s Club for their kindness in donating funds for a second computer for the parish library. This generous gift will allow library staff to do the training, clerical duties and cataloging at the same time, expediting their goal to create a record of the library’s collection while still serving the needs of the patrons who visit the library. Thank you, ladies of the Women’s Club!

The July 5th "Meet and Greet" for our new associates, Father David Trahan and Father Alberto Carbajal was a great success. Over 150 parishioners participated in each of the receptions held after the 9:30 AM and 1:30 PM Masses on that day. Many wrote short notes of welcome or offered prayers through the Clerical Endowment Fund that the Diocese uses to support our seminarians.

The Flower Guild provided a floral centerpiece as well as smaller displays on the tables. The Women’s Club, Knights of Columbus, KC Ladies Auxiliary, Cristo Renueva su Parroquia (CRSP), and the Guadalupanas provided a variety of foods for both receptions.

MAKARIOS MINISTRY A Journey IN FAITH Together

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The Farm Ministry

“Makarios" is the Greek word which anchors the beatitudes meaning "blessed". But, being a rich word, it also is a congratulatory word, a word which means happy or fortunate: happy are the poor in spirit,...fortunate are you who weep ... It is a source alongside the Book of Mark and for gospel writers Matthew and Luke. The beatitudes would have been spoken in Aramaic, the language Jesus Christ preached in to his rural audiences, but (in these two gospels) the beatitudes have (of course) been recorded in Greek.

*Ref: http://www.ad2000.com.au/articles/2007/jun2007p10_2556.html This Ministry is for those that are 35+ years of age and are single, divorced, or married but separated. The group studies and shares in the life of Jesus through the Beatitudes, walking with our Lord as did the disciples, understanding that being single does not mean being alone or abandoned. The group holds their meeting on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month from 3:00-4:00pm. Please call Sumayah Abullarade, Hispanic Ministry, for more information about this wonderful ministry, All mothers with children preschool 512/454-0384 ext. 216. aged and younger are invited to come together for fellowship,

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OF YOUNG CHILDREN

All mothersof with children preschool Mothers Young Children (MOYC) serves give mothers support and spiritualto nourishment. aged and younger are invited and their children the opportunity to engage fellowship to come together for fellowship, The first meeting will bein April 11th and spiritual growth through prayer, book study, scriptural support and spiritual nourishment. at 10:30am in the Parish Education reflection, and play dates. Center (upstairs).

The first meeting will be April 11th We meet in PEC 202 on the first and third Fridays of the at 10:30am in the Parish Education & 3rd Friday Spiritual Formation month at 9:45 and on the1stsecond and fourth Fridays at Center (upstairs).

2nd & 4th Friday Park Playtime parks around town.

1st &will 3rd Friday Spiritual We begin our fallFormation book study on Everyday Sacrament: 2nd &Messy 4th Friday Parkof Playtime The Grace Parenting by Laura Fanucci �other� OF YOUNG CHILDREN

Questions? Email Shanna Steinbach at shannakathleene@gmail.com

Questions? Email Shanna Steinbach at shannakathleene@gmail.com

The St. Louis Farm Ministry seeks volunteers to help prepare and maintain the “farm gardens” for the summer. Ongoing tasks include tilling, planting, weeding, watering and it takes a lot of hands to prepare the area. Regular volunteer hours are Thursdays from 4:00-6:00pm and Saturdays for 9:00-11:00am. No experience necessary! Join one of the crews of three to five volunteers and rotate your service in the garden with other “green thumbs”. Contact AnnaWalsh at annaruthwalsh@ gmail.com. Come be part of our “growing” ministry!

St. Louis Bereavement Ministry

This dedicated ministry provides food and comfort to registered parishioner’s families and friends grieving the loss of their loved one.

There are several Bereavement teams and each team serves in rotation.

Team leaders will call members for food donations to be delivered to a central location. If Wozniak Hall is available and needed, a group leader may also ask for help to set-out food and serve. Those in this ministry are usually called to donate food about two times a year. There are no meetings to attend. Food donations do not have to be homemade. The group leader will have an idea of what food the family needs when calling team members. Funerals are during the day, so there is no night driving. Men and women interested in serving in this ministry can contact Jane Hellinger 512-452-9748 or Frances Krause 512-453-4823 or leave your name and number at the Church Office for more information.

ST. LOUIS CATHOLIC SCHOOL NEWS PREPARING THE LEADERS OF TOMORROW WITH THE LIGHT OF CHRIST AS THEIR GUIDE

Success

STARTS HERE

Still Registering for 2015-2016!

WWW.SLCSAUSTIN.ORG 512-614-6622 2114 ST. JOSEPH STREET AUSTIN, TX 78757

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/SLCSAUSTIN @SLCSAUSTIN

Openings are available in some grades for the 2015-2016 school year.

We provide a rigorous Christ-centered curriculum for Pre-K4 through 8th grade that will help students achieve success beyond our walls. If you would like additional information, please contact our Registrar, Mrs. Rosalie Dowling, at 512-614-6622, ext. 245 or rosalie.dowling@ slcsaustin.org.

Children entering Pre-K must be 4 years old by September 1. Children entering Kindergarten must be 5 years old by September 1. We look forward to making your children part of our St. Louis Catholic School family!

Welcome Back Students!

We are excited to welcome back our students to campus on August 17th! Teachers and staff have been working hard preparing for the start of 2015-2016 school year. Here are some important dates: AUGUST 13 6:00 P.M.

AUGUST 17

BACK TO SCHOOL ORIENTATION Please know that children are welcome to attend this meeting. This information session is aimed at parents, but we understand that making arrangements for your children to remain at home is not always possible.

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL (HALF-DAY) Monday only we will have early release at 12:00 Noon. Students will not have hot lunches and Extended Day coverage will not be available on our first day of school. The remainder of the week will be school as usual!

SEPTEMBER 10 6:00 P.M.

BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT

Parishioner Sam Bass

SEMINARY BOUND

One of our own St. Louis parishioners, Sam Bass, will be seminary bound this August. He will be attending Holy Trinity Seminary in Irving, which is connected to the University of Dallas. The school is excellent academically and Sam will be studying philosophy with about 80 other seminarians from Texas and surrounding states.

Sam grew up in the Crestview neighborhood, attending Brentwood Elementary, Lamar Junior High and McCallum High School.

He went to Amherst College in Amherst, MA, and although he had no particular religious background, he began exploring the Catholic faith. After graduating from college, he was received into the Catholic Church on Easter, 2013. He moved back to Austin and became a St. Louis parishioner, growing in faith through ministry and service in the parish.

Sam credits the former and current Vocation Directors, Fathers Brian McMasters and Jonathan Raia, as well as his pastors, Fr. Larry Covington and Fr. James Misko, with encouraging him to explore a vocation to priesthood. Although he pursued other careers for several years after college, including agriculture and teaching, Sam feels that by choosing to discern priesthood, he is choosing to become the man God created him to be. “I desire to serve God’s people by giving myself generously and fully to the church. In a special way, I would like to serve families who face so many challenges, and the poor and vulnerable who are close to God’s heart.”

Sam sends special thanks to the parishioners of St. Louis for their kindness and continued prayers. “Knowing that I am supported by so many faithful people gives me great strength and joy as I begin my studies as a seminarian. I will be praying for you all.” And, we ask you to join us in special prayers for this new seminarian, a “son of St. Louis”, as he begins his faith journey toward priesthood!

SINGLE, CATHOLIC MEN (18 or older) interested in discerning their vocation in life are invited to an informal dinner with others who are also considering the possibility of the seminary and priesthood.

The gathering is held at the Borromeo House at 905-B Duncan Lane in Austin. For more details, contact the diocesan vocation director, Father Jonathan Raia at fr-jonathan-raia@austindiocese.org or (512) 949-2430.

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The Healing Sacrament

The Sacrament of Healing which includes the laying on of hands and anointing is offered every second Sunday of each month during the 9:00pm Compline service in the Chapel. Please join us Sunday, August 9th. Compline is the last liturgical office of the day and this meditative service, held each Sunday, includes beautiful Gregorian chants of the Church. This is a wonderful prayerful way to end your weekend and prepare for the new week ahead.

Perpetual Adoration

Anyone is welcome at any time during the day or night to pray and meditate in the small Adoration chapel. After hours, nights and weekends, please use the keypad entrance that requires a code. The locked doors at these times provide security for adorers and for the sanctuary building itself. If you can commit to a specific time each and every week, you are truly a blessing!

Keeping watch with the Blessed Sacrament is such a privilege and honor and your life will be enriched by the time spent with Jesus. If you can commit to an hour during one of these time blocks, please contact Mr. Earle English g_e_english@yahoo. com or (512) 672-9253.

Sisterhood of the Holy Cloth

Would you love to serve your church through a ministry that has no meetings, no dues and you can work from your own home? Then the Sisterhood is for you! These ministry volunteers launder the sacred linens (purificators and corporals) used at Mass and you only have to do it about every 5 weeks. We will train you and give you a written schedule.

Please call Judy Bonham 512-8364639 if you are interested.

ST. LOUIS WELCOMES

Two New Priests

Effective June 29th, St. Louis Parish was assigned two new Parochial Vicars to assist our Pastor, Fr. James Misko.

They have been a wonderful addition to our church staff!

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ATHER DAVID TRAHAN was born in El Paso to a military family, but he spent his childhood traveling the world from New York to Japan. Both his maternal and paternal grandparents had retired in Texas after careers in the Army and Air Force, so Texas was always “home” to the Trahan family. After high school graduation, David was accepted into the seminary, along with another young high school graduate, Ryan Higdon. It had been nearly 20 years since the Diocese of Austin had accepted anyone immediately following high school, but they took a chance on these two young men and both were ordained together June 9, 2012 at St. William in Round Rock! They first earned their undergraduate degrees in philosophy from the University of Dallas before graduate work at St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston.

Father Trahan wanted to be a priest from an early age. As part of a seventh grade math project, students were asked to research what they envisioned as their future professions, including salary. He joked that the first time he ever contacted the Vocations Office was to find out how much a priest earns! At the age of 27, with a pastoral year at St. Mary of the Assumption in West and as a deacon at St. Margaret Parish in Giddings behind him, he was ordained for the Diocese of Austin.

During his first three years since ordination, Fr. David served at St. Mary Cathedral here in Austin and more recently at St. Mary Catholic Center in College Station.

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ATHER. ALBERTO CARBAJAL, newly ordained on June 6th this summer is 36, the sixth of nine children. He was born in Mexico and came to Austin when he was 12. Fr. Alberto is the third religious vocation in his family with an older brother who is a diocesan priest and an older sister who is a religious sister, both in Mexico. His home parish was St. Julia here in Austin.

He is a graduate of McCallum High School and worked various jobs before being employed by a nursing home.

He loved talking to the patients and listening to their stories. That interaction with the patients helped lead him to a religious vocation. He also volunteered in youth ministry at Cristo Rey and Sacred Heart parishes in Austin, where he was encouraged to become a priest.

His journey to priesthood was enhanced by the Benedictine monks at St. Joseph Seminary College where he learned to appreciate their monastic life.

Fr. Alberto has looked forward to his first assignment here at St. Louis, being part of a parish community and accompanying the people he serves in their own spiritual journeys. “I have received so much encouragement. I want to pass this on,” he said.

If you missed the parish receptions on July 5th for these newest priests, please introduce yourselves and make them feel at home! St. Louis is so blessed to have three full-time parish priests in residence!

LITURGICAL MINISTRY

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SERVICE AT THE ALTAR

Liturgical Ministry Good News We now have thirty (30) altar server observers! This is a record number for Altar Server Ministry! These new observers will be elevated to Apprentice status in October.

Training Classes in August Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion: Tuesday, August 11 at 7:00 p.m. in the main church.

Homebound Ministry Class: Tuesday, August 25 at 7:00 p.m. in the main church.

(New liturgical ministers will be commissioned on Sunday, September 13 at the 9:30 a.m. Mass or the 1:30 p.m. Mass) Important Meetings in August Altar Guild Captains Meeting: Saturday, August 8 at 10:00 a.m. in Wozniak Hall.

Hospitality Captains Meeting: Saturday, August 15 at 9:00 a.m. in Wozniak Hall.

Thank you Thank you to all of our Liturgical Ministers who have responded to the call to assist at the brand new Mass time ~ our 12:00 Noon Masses ~ Mondays-Wednesdays-Fridays!

Pond Tour

SANCTUARY CANDLE MEMORIALS The sanctuary candle is traditionally seen in Catholic churches, burning constantly to indicate the presence of the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle.

At St. Louis, in both the main nave and the chapel, the sanctuary candles are burning high above the floor in beautifully ornate fixtures suspended from the ceiling. Parishioners are given the opportunity to memorialize a deceased loved one with a $10 contribution, selecting a specified week in which one or both of the two sanctuary candles will be burned in their honor.Visit the church office with your donation, the name of your loved one, your choice of sanctuary candle and the selected week. Memorials are denoted in the Main Nave (M/N) or Chapel (C). Memorials reserved since the last newsletter deadline include: June 28 – July 4 In Memory of Rudy Saenz, Jr. by Lottman Family (M/N) In Memory of Espinosa Family deceased by Linda Espinosa (C) July 12 – 18 In Memory of Charles & Katherine Syrinek by Gene & Evelyn Syrinek (M/N) In Memory of Julio Santos III by Julio & Elvira Santos (C) August 2 – 8 In Memory of Maureen Williams by Williams Family (M/N) August 9-15 In Memory of Placida Eschbach by Oliver Eschbach (C) August 23 – 29 In Memory of Edward P. Alvarez by Cherri Alvarez & Juan Alvarez (M/N) In Memory of Elisa P. Rodriguez by Nohemi Alvarez (C)

The Austin Pond Society put our Rectory pond on their annual tour, held June 6th. Thanks to Rollie Sidla of our parish (center) who coordinated the revival and cleaning of the pond over a period of many months, making it tour worthy! He and his volunteers made the event truly a success for the Pond Society and all who toured that day!

EARLY CHILDHOOD MINISTRY SERVING OUR YOUNGEST PARISHIONERS

Solving Problems

FAMILY-FRIENDLY COMMUNICATION FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS Problem-solving skills develop through repeated practice. Problems exist all around us, but all too often, adults solve children’s problems without realizing that we are missing opportunities for children to learn how to solve their own problems. Generating solutions with a child may take a little longer than just solving the problem yourself. But thinking through simple family problems together strengthens the child’s problem-solving skills, including use of these four steps: 1. Identifying the problem 2. Brainstorming possible solutions, 3. Choosing one solution and trying it out 4. Evaluating what happened.

Look for simple, everyday problems that might intrigue your child. Their critical skills will sharpen with use, and they may come up with solutions you never imagined.

EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT CENTER The Early Childhood Development Center staff is ready to start another school year! “Meet your Teacher” is on Friday, August 7 from 9:00 am -11:00am. At this time, please bring your child’s rest mat and extra clothing.

Paper work is due as well. Our “Parent Orientation” is on Wednesday, August 19 at 6:30 pm in Wozniak Hall. This event is mandatory per our accreditation.

THANK YOU WORKFORCE CHILDCARE SOLUTIONS! Over the summer, we received $1,500 worth of materials from Harrison and Kaplan. The children loved building with the Big Wood like Blocks and the Drive Time Signs on the track for our playground. Inside, the children played with child-size appliances in the Dramatic Play, read books in the Reading Center, and used magnets, sorters, and puzzles in the Math/Science Centers. Thank you Workforce Childcare Solutions for this funding.

Did you know the ECDC staff has over 123 years combined experience?

ECDC staff is dedicated to providing quality curriculum to each individual child enrolled in our program.

MUSIC MINISTRY THE SOUND OF MUSIC AT ST. LOUIS CHURCH

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OUR SACRAMENTS OUR FAITH

“The purpose of the sacraments is to sanctify men, to build up the Body of Music Ministry Member Spotlight Christ and, finally, to give worship to In the Music Ministry, we have members who have been with us only a God.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1123) short time, and others who joined many years ago. Everyone has different BAPTISMS reasons for joining one of our choirs, and we thought it best to let our folks tell their story in their own words! The following is from Pat Scott, MAY 6 – JULY 5, 2015 one of our long-time 9:30 am Choir members: Haddie Elise Roberts Eleanor Rose Steinbach I remember being at a Sunday Mass when a tall slender man walked up to the lectern, and began to speak, asking the parishioners to consider joining Eric Jr. Morales-Mejia the choir. His voice was a gentle but powerful one, such a warm and yet Theresa Rachel Valayam resonating and haunting one…. I wanted to hear more of that voice!! Ed Maria Stella Sanchez Gifford was the first and foremost reason I joined the choir that year.

Samuel John Padilla So I joined the choir and found that the promise of lovely sounds was Daniela Diaz-Pacheco rounded out by the harmony of the voices around me, joyful, thoughtful, Emmanuel Roberto Espinoza prayerful, meditative, and uplifting.

Camilo Emmanuel Garcia-Ornelas I joined for the voice, but the choir has kept me in its embrace now for Sofia Alejandra Hernandez years. To me, the best part of the weekly experience is that singing takes Graham Phillip Looney me out of the everyday into the experience of worship and prayer in a new Ethan Elliott Whitson way.They say that to sing is to pray twice. I think it is more like five-fold.The Layla Aileen Cabrera scripture readings for each week are always the thread that weaves the Gino Coronel voices into a tapestry of prayer and reflection. Though we are encouraged Pedro Coronel III and trained to sing accurately and harmoniously, it is in service to the Word, Jennifer Nunez-Andrade to the prayer, to the goal of adding to the spiritual experience of the People of God. It is not performance, it is not being “on show” or entertainment, it MARRIAGES & is prayer made audible, a background to the meditation of those present, CONVALIDATIONS a flowing out of the heart in joy and in sorrow the words and music of the MAY 6 – JULY 5, 2015 centuries of musicians and composers who seek to articulate a response to the Divine.

Mark Timothy Rodriguez And the choir is an extended family. We share our sorrows, our concerns, & Brittany Celeste Vasquez our good news in the prayers and conversation of each rehearsal and each Ivan Marin-Huitron liturgy. We support each other, we smile and laugh and share and listen & Elizabeth Reyes-Galindo and pray for each other. We care. The many are made into a whole which is Rigoberto Romero-Hernandez different from and greater than each one of us, we sing with a common goal & Maria Stella Sanchez and purpose. We share in each other’s upcoming weddings, babies, news of health issues, surgeries, family visits, awards and graduations, vacation Rodolfo Jimenez Jr. & Yessika Zamora-Urquiza stories, news of upcoming community musical events. We meet for happy hours, for choir parties, for concerts of past and current members. We even Matthew Davie Wright go on trips to share the music and the joy. & Meg Louise Pevoto Come for the music, come for the camaraderie, come for the prayer. We J.D. Potter & Sparkle Graham learn the music together and help each other through the rough spots. We Roberto Steve Hernandez have great leadership and encouragement from our Music director and & Monica Lee Curiel Moreno Choir director and they guide and teach us and they coax and tease the best out of us, all in the service of the liturgy and Word.

LOVE IS OUR MISSION God made us for a reason. His love is our life mission. This mission enables us to find our true identity. If we choose to embrace this mission, we will have a new perspective on many issues, not just the family. To live the mission of the domestic church means that Catholic families will sometimes be in opposition with the trends and viewpoints of the current culture. Our mission of love will require courage and fortitude. Jesus is calling, and we can respond, choosing lives of faith, hope, charity, joy, service and mission!

SAVE THE DATE! PARISH CELEBRATION OF FAMILIES, SAT. SEPT. 19

The family fully alive!

WORLDMEETING2015.ORG

Kudos to our Parish Youth!

Below are the students in our parish who made outstanding grades in the fourth grading period at St. Dominic Savio Catholic High School. Congratulations to everyone!

High Honors Christine Baticados Catherine Bruns Eden Desta Giakhanh Hoang Andrew Kalamarides Sophie Kalamarides Matthew Lemp Tuan Mather

Vu Mather Clay Orrison Alex Pojman Elena Pojman Isabel Prado Maria Saenz-Rodriguez Gabriella Tucker Kyle Wyborski

Honors Savanah Acosta Shelby Ferraris Ian Kloc Minh Mather Ericka Orozco Desiree Quintanilla

Are you considering becoming a Catholic?

Are you unbaptized or are you a baptized Catholic needing to receive first communion or be confirmed?

Have you ever asked your spouse, colleague or friend about exploring the Catholic faith?

Are you Catholic but think a refresher course in the teachings and traditions would be interesting?

IF YOU ANSWERED YES TO ANY OF THE ABOVE THEN PLEASE JOIN US! INQUIRY & ORIENTATION EVENINGS Information meetings about our Adult Initiation process will be held:

Tuesday, August 18 – or – Wednesday, August 19 (choose one to attend)

7:00-9:00 PM in the Parish Education Center, Room 201 THIS IS FOR ADULTS WHO ARE: D Baptized Catholics needing First Communion and/or Confirmation.

D Baptized Christians of other denominations.

D Unbaptized adults.

D Fully initiated Catholics.

These evenings will provide information about our Wednesday night and Sunday morning sessions for adults in all stages of their faith journey and from all backgrounds. Questions? Contact Amy Allert at amy.allert@st-louis.org or 512-454-0384 ext. 220.

The Spirit of St. Louis

OUR SACRAMENTS OUR FAITH CONTINUED MARRIAGES & CONVALIDATIONS MAY 6 – JULY 5, 2015 David Michael Liddell & Natalie Ellyce Gentry James Burris McCaine & Teresa Jimenez

CONFIRMATION MAY 16, 2015 Stacy Alexander Connor Deanna Ramirez Campos Sean Patrick Dougherty Ilda Angelica Franco Homero Gutierrez, Jr. April Renee Carmona Hernandez Rosario Darinis Kennion-Espinosa Magalie Anita Isabelle Lucas Angela Marie Cortez Marchan Michelle Ann Martinez Brittany Diandre Mejorado Anastacia Tasha Ramirez Elena Marie Ramirez Victoria Salas Yanes Maria Stella Sanchez

PROFESSIONCONFIRMATIONEUCHARIST MAY 17, 2015 Kimberly Elizabeth Chapman Creasey Michael Lee Davis Katherine Leah Snell Keating Mark T. Rodriguez Maria Stella Sanchez (Eucharist) RECENTLY DECEASED Roberto Monreal Josephine B. Vyvjala Rebecca Icaro Bonnia Knipp Eileen Harvey

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PARISH SOCIAL MINISTRY SERVING THE NEEDIEST AMONG US

For Whom The Bell s Toll P or Q uien To c a n L a s C a mpa na s Please remember to keep in prayer the souls of those inmates who have been executed and those who may be executed. Also, prayer is requested for the victims of crime, the executioner, and all of their families. Schedule is subject to change due to stays and appeals.

Por favor recuerde tener en sus oraciones las almas de los reos, los cuales han sido ejecutados. Tambien orenmos por las victims del crimen, sus verdugos, y por las familias. El horario y las fechas pueden cambiar debido a las apelaciones.

AUGUST 2015 12 18 26

TX TN TX

Daniel Lopez David Miller - Stayed Bernardo Tercero

Free Mammograms If you are 40, uninsured, and low income, please call 512-324-3375 Appointments are required.

St. Stephen's Society #112 of Austin made a donation to the St. Louis Food Pantry. The presentation was made to Bea Dela Rosa, Food Pantry Director, and Father James Misko, Pastor of St. Louis. Pictured L to R, Shirley Macik, Society Secretary, Bea Dela Rosa, Fr. James Misko and Nick Macik, Society. Treasurer. The St. Louis Food Pantry is always in need of donations and was most appreciative to KJT Society. #112.

PRO-LIFE WILL NOW BE KNOWN AS‌..

Life, Dignity and Justice Ministry

We will be concentrating not only on Pro-Life issues but on Social Justice as well. These two ministries go hand-in-hand. Our faith promotes and upholds the dignity of every human person and their basic human rights.

Our tradition always ties rights with corresponding responsibilities. The Gospel of Jesus and the teaching of our Church call us to a way of living and thinking that is different from the consumerism and individualism prevalent to our American culture. Our faith calls us to bring these values to our public and political debate. Our faith invites us to embrace both our rights and responsibilities in ways that foster the common good, not just an individual good. We can bring this vision to our public discussion so that our state can be strengthened by the wisdom of our faith. By working together with the Austin Diocese, the Texas Catholic Conference and USCCB, we can promote issues such as Gabriel Project, pro-life, death penalty, immigration, disabilities ministries, criminal justice and Catholic social teachings. If you are interested in volunteering in the New Life, Dignity and Justice Ministry, please contact Bea Dela Rosa, 512-454-0384 ext. 265 or bea.delarosa@st-louis.org

SENIOR MINISTRY

The Spirit of St. Louis

17

FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART

Next Step Program The Next Step Program focuses on the desire to enter deeper into the heart of Jesus through the Scriptures. The program is based on Ignatian spirituality and authored by Rev. James Wheeler, SJ. “It is a pathway to deeper prayer, good decisions guided by keen discernment, and an active life of service to others.”

The process is not one of “information” but one of “transformation.” The Next Step Program is a vehicle to recognize and effectively deal with the blockages, wounded relationships, or internal paralysis which inhibit spiritual growth and prevent us from living abundant lives of joy in Christ.

MAKE A DONATION TO DRIVE-A-SENIOR WHILE SHOPPING Many of us order items on-line through Amazon. How would you like Amazon to make a donation of 0.5% of your purchase amount to Drive a Senior North Central with no extra effort? Next time you want to order something, go to smile.amazon.com, enter your email address and password as you've always done on Amazon. Then select the charity to receive the donation: in the search field, type North Central Caregivers of Austin (they still have our former name). Select it from the list that comes up, and you're done! You'll get a confirmation email from Amazon Smile.

You only need to select the charity the first time – it remembers the charity you selected after that, so you go straight to shopping. Then, whenever you use smile.amazon. com to shop, Drive a Senior North Central will get 0.5% of your Amazon purchases. Amazon Smile has the same selection of items and the same prices as Amazon. Thanks for helping us out! If you have questions, call parishioner Linda St.Clair, Drive a Senior board member, at 512 689-4107

This is a two-year program. Semesters begin in September and run through the week before Thanksgiving, and then continue in January through the first week of April. There are no summer meetings. There are seven meetings per semester. Meetings are bimonthly.

Has the flame in your prayer life begun to fizzle and are you longing to again experience God’s love, forgiveness, and healing in your life?

You are invited to join us for the Next Step Program. The first meeting is on Wednesday, September 9 from 3-5p.m. in Meeting Room 1 of Wozniak Hall. For more information, please contact Coral Migoni-Ryan (512454-0384, ext 206).

Preparing for Medicare 2016 Texas Department of Insurance HICAP Coordinator, Norma Almanza will present the changes in Medicare for next year. Mrs. Almanza will also be available to answer questions about Medicare and related insurances. The meeting will be on Thursday, September 10 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. in the Main Room of Wozniak Hall. Everyone is invited to attend.

Informes sobre Medicare 2016 La Sra. Norma Almanza, HICAP Coordinadora del Departamento de Seguros de Tejas presentará en español los cambios en Medicare para el próximo año. También estará la Sra. Almanza disponible para contester sus preguntas sobre Medicare y los otros seguros relacionados con Medicare. La junta será el sabado, 12 de septiembre 7:00-9:00 p.m. en Wozniak Hall. Todos estan invitados a esta junta importante. Si desea más información, favor de comunicarse con Coral Migoni-Ryan (512-454-0384, 206) o Sumayah (512-454-0384, 216).

Parish Library Celebrates Authors from Catholic Media A major source of Catholic television programming is the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN). Many of the hosts on the network are also authors. We at St. Louis are blessed to have their books in the parish library.

Broadcasting in over 140 countries, the network advertises itself as “EWTN: The Global Catholic Network�.

Regular programs include a daily Mass, Chaplet of Divine Mercy, Stations of the Cross, recitation of the Rosary, daily and weekly news, various discussions, and catechetical programs for both adults and children.

Our parish library has a display of the following books, as well as many others by authors from EWTN: Mother Angelica's Private and Pithy Lessons from the Scriptures by Mother Angelica and Raymond Arroyo - The founder of EWTN shares her beloved wit and down-to-earth spirituality. Editor Raymond Arroyo draws on hundreds of never-before-released private lessons to present the renowned nun's definitive take on the Good Book. Mother Angelica provides readers with guided meditations, probing personal questions, and reveals an often overlooked practical spirituality. She doesn't just explain the stories, she relates them to our daily lives, helping even those who've never opened the Bible experience its power and life-altering lessons.

Beyond the Birds and the Bees

by Gregory K. Popcak - With a blend of humor, illustrative stories, and common-sense advice, Gregory Popcak shows us seven principles for having age-appropriate discussions about sex.

Full of Grace: Women and the Abundant Life by Johnnette Benkovic - What happens when women give their lives over to God? They become vessels of grace, bearers of healing, consolation, encouragement and strength to a troubled world. Far from being passive, the woman of grace will actively embrace God's will, actively seek out the suffering and lost, and actively bring God's healing love to others. Full of Grace will empower all women to fully embrace their God-given identity.

Search and Rescue: How to Bring Your Family and Friends into or Back into the Catholic Church by Patrick Madrid - You don’t have to become a biblical scholar or a theologian to be an effective spokesman for the Catholic Orthodoxy by G. K. Chesterton faith. You can begin winning souls to - Chesterton calls this his attempt the Church right now using prayer, friendship, and to explain, not of whether the common sense. Patrick Madrid explains why these Christian faith can be believed, but are among the most effective, time-tested methods of how he personally has come for bringing family and friends into, or back into, the to believe it. This personal search Church. He also includes simple and genial advice for the meaning of life and how it from St. Francis of Assisi, St. Augustine, and other can fulfill basic human needs has great lovers of God. become a classic of Christian apologetics.

The Spirit of St. Louis

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Journeys Home by Marcus Grodi (Editor) - This highly inspiring work contains the conversion stories of twenty-five men and women who discovered Jesus Christ in some branch of Protestantism, yet their desire to follow Christ, led them to consider the claims of the Catholic Church. They listened to the voice of truth speaking through history, theology, Scripture, and personal testimony. In the end, they were all convinced that they must become Catholic. Their conversion stories provide insight, encouragement, and inspiration for those who are thinking about making the same journey and for Catholics born into the faith as well.

What Catholics Really Believe (5 DVD Set) by Dr. Ray Guarendi and Rev. Kevin Fete A theologically insightful, and entertaining dialogue between two friends. Dr. Ray and Rev. Fete explore the common misunderstandings of Catholicism and demystify the history of Christianity. They have fun with what is typically a dry subject, using a mixture of history, doctrine, and debate. The programs quote extensively from Scripture, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and writings of the Early Church Fathers. The book also includes Dr. Ray's re-conversion story.

The Soul of a Lion: The Life of Dietrich von Hildebrand by Dr. Alice von Hildebrand Hildebrand is known primarily for his extensive writing on Christian philosophy and theology.

Until this biography, not much was known of his remarkable life. It tells his story from his youth, his conversion to Catholicism, his passion for truth, and his determined opposition to Nazism that made him a marked man who miraculously escaped execution. This is a fascinating, moving account of a truly great man of the Church.

Father Brown of the Church of Rome by G. K. Chesterton - The Father Brown mysteries, written in 1911, have gained a new audience with the popularity of the made-for-TV series.

With keen observation and an unerring sense of man’s frailties–gained during his years listening to confessions–Father Brown succeeds in bringing even the most elusive criminals to justice. This endearing amateur sleuth, with his cherubic face, his glasses and his huge umbrella, disguises a quite uncanny understanding of the criminal mind at work.

G. K. Chesterton: The Apostle of Common Sense by Dale Ahlquist - This book is the perfect introduction to Chesterton. Dale Ahlquist, co-founder of the American Chesterton Society, takes the reader through twelve of Chesterton’s most important books as well as the famous Father Brown stories. Ahlquist gives examples to show that the recurring theme of Chesterton's writings is common sense.

Civil Dialogue In their Introductory Note to Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, the Catholic bishops of the United States urge Catholics to “contribute to civil and respectful public dialogue.� In the following essay, Cardinal Donald Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington, reflects on how Catholics can carry out this call to civil dialogue.

Civil Discourse: Speaking Truth in Love

By Cardinal Donald Wuerl

The preacher's pulpit, the politician's podium and the print and electronic media all bear some responsibility to encourage a far more civil, responsible and respectful approach to national debate and the discussion of issues in our country today.

Over and over again, we are hearing, in the wake of the shooting of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, that it is time to examine the tenor and tone of debate. Sadly, it took something as tragic as the Tucson shooting to generate a conversation about how we debate issues, especially those that engender great emotion.

A wise and ancient Catholic maxim has always insisted that we are to "hate the sin and love the sinner." At the heart of this time-honored wisdom is the simple recognition that some things are wrong and yet we still distinguish between what is done and who does it.

Increasingly, there is a tendency to disparage the name and reputation, the character and life, of a person because he or she holds a different position.

The identifying of some people as "bigots" and "hate mongers" simply because they hold a position contrary to another's has unfortunately become all too commonplace today. Locally, we have witnessed rhetorical hyperbole that, I believe, long since crossed the line between reasoned discourse and irresponsible demagoguery.

It should not be acceptable to denounce someone who favors immigration reform that includes the process to citizenship as a "traitor" and "unpatriotic."

The representatives in federal and state government who voted against the District of Columbia Opportunity Scholarship Program or against tax credits for Catholic schools educating minority children should not be labeled in the media as "antiCatholic bigots" or "racists" since the majority of the children are African American. People and organizations should not be denounced disparagingly as "homophobic" simply because they support the traditional, worldwide, time-honored definition of marriage. The defaming words speak more about political posturing than about reasoned discourse.

Why is it so important that we respect both our constitutional right to free speech and our moral obligation that we not bear false witness against another? A profoundly basic reason is that we do not live alone. While each of us can claim a unique identity, we are, nonetheless, called to live out our lives in relationship with others -- in some form of community.

All human community is rooted in this deep stirring of God's created plan within us that brings us into ever-widening circles of relationship: first with our parents, then our family, the Church and a variety of community experiences, educational, economic, cultural, social and, of course, political. We are by nature social and tend to come together so that in the various communities of which we are a part, we can experience full human development. All of this is part of God's plan initiated in creation and reflected in the natural law that calls us to live in community.

What does this have to do with toning down our rhetoric? Everything! No community, human or divine, political or religious, can exist without trust.

At the very core of all human relations is the confidence that members speak the truth to each other. It is for this reason that God explicitly protected the bonds of community by prohibiting falsehood as a grave attack on the human spirit.

The Spirit of St. Louis "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor" (Ex 20:16). To tamper with the truth or, worse yet, to pervert it, is to undermine the foundations of human community and to begin to cut the"You threads weave uswitness into a against coherent human shallthat not bear false your family.neighbor" (Ex 20:16). To tamper with the truth or, worse yet, to pervert it, is to undermine the

The call to truthfulness is far from being denial foundations of human community anda to beginof to freedom speech. it isusa into God-given cutofthe threadsRather, that weave a coherent human family. obligation to respect the very function of human speech.The Wecall aretonot free to say whatever we want truthfulness is far from being a denial of about another, but only what is true.

To the extent freedom of speech. Rather, it is a God-given that freedom is improperly sever the bonds of obligation to respect theused very to function of human trust that bindWe usare together people, to that extent speech. not freeastoa say whatever we want about another, butcommandment only what is true.that To the extent it is irresponsible.

The obliges us that freedom is improperly used sever bonds of to avoid false witness also calls us tototell thethe truth. trust that have bind us as a to people, to that extent We, therefore, antogether obligation ascertain that it is irresponsible. The commandment that obliges us what we say or hear or read is really the truth. to avoid false witness also calls us to tell the truth.

We,once therefore, have an obligation ascertainwho that Someone described a "gossip" astoa person what we say or hear or read is really the truth. will never tell a lie if a half-truth will do as much

harm. When weonce listen to newsa "gossip" accounts read what Someone described as or a person who is presented in the electronic we are will never tell print a lie ifand a half-truth will media, do as much harm.

When wethat listen to news accounts read what too often reminded spin, selecting onlyorsome of is presented in the print and electronic media, we the facts, highlighting only parts of the picture, has are tootoo often reminded thatto spin, selecting replaced often an effort present theonly factssome -- theof the facts, highlighting only parts of the picture, has full story. We all know the tragic results of gossip replaced too often an effort to present the facts -- the againstfull which there is little or no defense. In an age story. We all know the tragic results of gossip of blogs, evenwhich the wildest can quickly against there isaccusations little or no defense.

In an age becomeof"fact."

Gossip is like an insidious infection blogs, even the wildest accusations can quickly that spreads throughout the body. These becomesickness "fact." Gossip is like an insidious infection thatgospreads sickness throughout thepersons body. These untruths unchallenged because the who untruths go unchallenged because the persons are the object of the discussion are usually not who objectthemselves, of the discussion usually not presentare tothe defend theirare views or actions. present to defend themselves, their views or actions.

Irresponsible blogs, electronic and print media Irresponsible blogs, electronic and print media stories,stories, and pulpit and podium people-bashing and pulpit and podium people-bashing rhetoricrhetoric can becan likened to many forms of of anonymous be likened to many forms anonymous violence.

Spin and language should not violence.

Spinextremist and extremist language should notbebe embraced as the best this country is capable of embraced as the best this country is capable of achieving.

Selecting facts, choosing achieving.

Selecting only only somesome facts, choosing inflammatory words, spinning story, activities inflammatory words, spinning the the story, areare activities that seem much more directed to achieving that seem much more directed to achieving someone's political purpose rather than reporting someone's political purpose rather than reporting events. One side is described as "inquiring minds that events. One side is described as "inquiring minds that want to know" and the other side as "lashing out in want toresponse." know" and the other side as "lashing out in response."

We need to look at how we engage in discourse and how we live out our commitment to be a people of profound respect for the truth and our right to express our thoughts, opinions, positions -- always in who mustinnot only speak love.

We to We need lookfollow at howChrist we engage discourse and the how we livemust out our commitment to be4:15). a people truth but do so in love (Eph It isofnot profoundthat respect for theor truth and our right to to be enough we know believe something express our thoughts, opinions, positions -- always in true. We must express that truth in charity with love. We who follow Christ must not only speak the respect for others so that the bonds between us can truth but must do so in love (Eph 4:15). It is not be strengthened in building up the body of Christ. enough that we know or believe something to be true. We must expressand thatrespect truth infor charity withfreedom Freedom of speech others, respect for others so that the bonds between us can of expression and regard for the truth, should always be strengthened in building up the body of Christ. be woven together. This should be true of everyone, Freedom they of speech respect for others, freedom whether speakand from a pulpit, a political of expression and regardthe forelectronic the truth, should always platform, or through and print media be woven together.

This should be true of everyone, and other means of social communications. whether they speak from a pulpit, a political platform, or through the electronic and print media and other means of social communications.

Ground Rules for Civil Dialogue Ground Rules for Civil Dialogue

We are all called to engage in civil dialogue. Here are some possible ground rules for civil dialogue: We are all called to engage in civil dialogue. Here are some possible ground rules for civil dialogue:

1. Make sure everyone has an opportunity to speak.sure everyone has an opportunity to 1. Make 2. speak.

Share your personal experience, not someone 2. Share your else’s. personal experience, not else’s. and respectfully. Speak 3. someone Listen carefully 3. Listen carefully and respectfully. carefully and respectfully.

DoSpeak not play the carefully and respectfully.

Do not play the role of know-it-all, convincer or corrector. role of know-it-all, convincer or corrector.

Remember that a dialogue is not a debate.

Remember that a dialogue is not a debate.

4. Don’t interrupt unless for clarification or 4. Don’t interrupt unless for clarification or timekeeping. keeping. time 5.

Accept thatnono group or viewpoint 5. Accept that group or viewpoint has ahas a completemonopoly monopoly truth. complete on on thethe truth.

6. “Be “Bemore moreready ready a favorable to to givegive a favorable interpretation to to another’s statement than than interpretation another’s statement condemn it” (Catechism of the Catholic condemn it” (Catechism of the Catholic Church St. St. Ignatius of of Church2478, 2478,quoting quoting Ignatius Loyola).

Loyola).

7. Be cautious about assigning motives to 7. another Be cautious about assigning motives to person. another person.

To download this and other helpful resources, visit www.faithfulcitizenship.org!

Copyright © 2012, Conference of Catholic Bishops. visit Cardinal Donald Wuerl, “Civil Discourse: Speaking To download thisUnited andStates other helpful resources, www.faithfulcitizenship.org!

Truth Love,”United © 2011, Archdiocese of Washington.

Used with Permission. rights reserved. the Catechism Copyright ©in2012, States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

CardinalAll Donald Wuerl, Quote “Civil from Discourse: Speaking of the Catholic Church, second edition, copyright © 2000, Libreria Editrice Vaticana-United States Conference of Catholic Truth in Love,” © 2011, Archdiocese of Washington. Used with Permission. All rights reserved. Quote from the Catechism Bishops, Washington, D.C. Used with permission. All rights reserved. This text may be reproduced in whole or in part of the Catholic edition, copyrightuse, © 2000, Libreria Editrice States of Catholic without Church, alterationsecond for nonprofit educational provided such reprints areVaticana-United not sold and include this Conference notice.

Bishops, Washington, D.C. Used with permission. All rights reserved. This text may be reproduced in whole or in part without alteration for nonprofit educational use, provided such reprints are not sold and include this notice.

21

Around the Diocese and State Cedarbrake Catholic Retreat Center

Catholic Scripture Study

2015-2016 For registration, contact cedarbrake@austindiocese.org Join Catholic Scripture Study this fall and learn about or call at 254-780-2436. the Angels Throughout the Ages. We will be using the UPCOMING EVENTS AT CEDARBRAKE Catholic Scripture Study International series written by August 7-9 Prayer & Temperament – Using the Myers Dr. Richard Bulzacchelli. Then, in the spring, we will focus on The Book of Judges, also a part of the Catholic

Briggs with Beverly Collin August 22 Basics of the Bible with Brian Egan Scripture Study International series.

Catholic Scripture Study of Austin will begin on presenting Wednesday, September 2 at 9:30 a.m. in the sanctuary of St. Louis Catholic Church located at 7601 Burnet Road.

The weekly two hour Bible Study consists of prayer, small group discussions and guest lecturers and follows the Marriage Encounter Austin Independent School District calendar for holidays.

Married couples: You deserve some time to reconnect This Scripture Study is open to everyone. and rekindle the spark of your honeymoon days. A CLASS INFORMATION Marriage Encounter weekend will give you the tools to Austin make your good marriage even better! The next Marriage Encounter Weekend in the Diocese is September 18-20 at Wednesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m. starting September 2 the Wingate Hotel in Round Rock. See www.austinme.

St. Louis Catholic Church org for more information. To apply, email wwmeaustin@ Register online at www.cssaustin.org gmail.com or call 512-677-9963. Apply early to ensure a space. Para informacion en espanol llamar al 512-635Questions? Contact Patty Hogan (512) 267-4789 1036.

“All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for refutation, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that one who belongs to God may be Women Who Followed Jesus competent, equipped for every good work.”

This program, sponsored by Women of Faith Unbound, 2 Timothy 3:16-17 is hosting a series that explores the history and roles of the faith-filled female disciples in the development and expansio of Christianity. Held at St. Austin’s Parish, all are welcome to attend this series – men, women, 14th Annual Catholic Women’s students, non-Catholics – anyone interested in learning Conference more about the roles women have played in the Catholic Church over the years. Free parking is available in the St. All women are invited to the Annual Catholic Women’s Austin parking garage at MLK Blvd and San Antonio, Conference in San Antonio August 28-29. Mass with and most programs would be from 7:00 to 8:30pm. For Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller will be Saturday more information on upcoming presentations, contact morning at 8:30am at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Katie Flahive at KFlahive1@gmail.com or Sharon Bieser Center, 200 E. Market St. Special speakers such as Noelle Garcia, Dr. Margarett Schlientz, Carol Weiler, Sally Robb at sharonbieser@gmail.com and Sheri Wohlfert will offer presentations on spirituality FUTURE TOPICS INCLUDE and faith. Adoration and confessions are available September 22 Doctors of the Church: Therese of throughout the conference. Special exhibitors and

Lisieux, Catherine of Siena, concessions are present as well. This annual conference is organized by The Pilgrim Center of Hope. Register Hildegard of Bingen October 27 Teresa of Avila, in celebration of online at CWCSanAntonio.com or (210) 521-3377.

the 500th anniversary of her birth Rates through August 23rd are $60 (Individual), $25 (Student/Active Duty Military) and Religious Sisters are complimentary. Group registrations are an option through Friday, August 14th.

The Spirit of St. Louis

10-Day Choir Pilgrimage Dear friends: I would like to take this time personally to invite you, your relatives and friends to join us on our special Pilgrimage to Italy! The Parish Choir has accepted an invitation to be the principal choir singing the Evening Mass at the Altar of the Chair in Saint Peter’s Basilica on January 4th, 2017.

We embrace the opportunity of serving in this role of musical leadership at the Vatican with a sense of honor, humility and great gladness. We are delighted that we will have the opportunity to celebrate Mass with song at the Church of All Saints in Florence, and at the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi.

We will also present a liturgical concert at the Basilica of St. Ignatius in Rome.

This performance is one of a series of professionally organized concerts, enjoyed by an audience of over three hundred. We will attend the Papal Blessing of the Vatican Crèche in St. Peter’s Square; the Papal Mass on the Feast of Mary Mother of God---celebrated by His Holiness Pope Francis; and we will also have the opportunity to attend the Holy Father's general audience.

Besides offering us unique liturgical and musical opportunities, this pilgrimage will take us to the sacred sites of our Christian faith, including the Sistine Chapel and the Basilica of Christian Rome. Visiting Florence, Siena and Assisi will certainly round out what promises to be a spiritually rewarding and altogether unforgettable experience!

Best of all, we will be celebrating our faith, forming deeper bonds of friendship, and enjoying food and customs of another culture. There is nothing like sharing such experiences with friends and family in faith. If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to contact me at the church office.

This will be a truly memorable journey-----please consider joining us!

Sincerely in Christ, Chris Oelkers, Director of Sacred Music 512.454.0384 ext. 202 chris.oelkers@st-louis.org

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