Ministry Guidebook | St. Louis King of France Catholic Church & School

St. Louis, king of france CATHOLIC CHURCH & SCHOOL

7601 BURNET ROAD AUSTIN, TX 78757

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(512) 454-0384

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WWW.ST-LOUIS.ORG

MINISTRY DIRECTORY

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If you have questions about any of the ministries listed in this Guide Book or other questions or concerns, please call the church offices at (512) 454-0384 or the appropriate office listed below. If after office hours, please leave a message on the voicemail system and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.

OFFICE HOURS: MONDAY - FRIDAY, 9 A.M. - NOON. 1 P.M. - 6 P.M.

Main Church Phone Number: (512) 454-0384 | Church Fax: (512) 454-2010 After office hours, call main number and enter the extension from the list below to be connected to that office.

EXT DEPARTMENT 214 Baptism Information 221 Childhood Ministry 222 Confirmation Preparation (English) 225 Confirmation Preparation (Spanish) 262 Early Childhood Development Center 244 Early Childhood Ministry 222 First Eucharist/Reconciliation Preparation (English) 225 First Eucharist/Reconciliation Preparation (Spanish) 213 Liturgy & Worship Office 202 Music Ministry Office 224 Parish Library 265 Parish Social Ministry 208 or 209 Publications (Bulletins & Newsletters) 219 Quincea単era Information 209 Scheduling or Renting Church/Chapel 211 Scheduling or Renting Parish Facilities 206 Senior Ministry Office 245 St. Louis Catholic School 288 St. Vincent de Paul Society (9am-Noon) or call (512) 419-1667 208 Website/Social Media 209 Wedding Information/Scheduling 205 Youth Ministry Office 220 Young Adult, Adult & Family Ministry (English) 216 Young Adult, Adult & Family Ministry (Spanish)

A complete listing of staff and volunteer organization contact numbers is updated regularly and available in the church office upon request. The parish website is another source for the latest information on events, contacts, and ministries. www.st-louis.org.

Dear Friends, St. Louis King of France Catholic Church is a vibrant parish in the heart of north Austin dedicated to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We do this first and foremost by the worthy celebration of the Sacraments, and especially Holy Mass. From this encounter with God we are sent forth into the world to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. St. Francis of Assisi famously said, “Preach the gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words.” This means that most often we preach by the way we live our lives, by the way we treat one another, and by the way we serve one another.

We have always been a parish of great diversity, which is not only a great strength, but also a gift from God. Our ethnicities span six continents.

We are Czech, Hispanic, Asian, African, and European, but most importantly, we are One Body in Christ. Over sixty years ago we started as a far north suburban parish and now stand firm on the truth of Jesus Christ in the heart of urban Austin.

St. Louis Catholic Church exists to grow in a deeper relationship with God, by our participation in the worship life of the Church, in the beauty of holiness. We return to God the first and best He has entrusted to our care. We share the light of faith by building a community of believers, ministering to the poor, the lost and the rejected, and sharing first and foremost God’s grace.

Finally, we bring and share these goods, witnessing the Gospel to a world hungry for God’s truth.

I hope you enjoy reading about this amazing parish and our outstanding programs and ministries. Maybe God is calling you to get more involved. There is still so much to do for our community and our neighborhoods. Together, with the grace that comes from the worship of God, we can make an often times chaotic world, peaceful and filled with the Joy of the Gospel.

Yours in Christ, Rev. James A. Misko, Pastor MASS SCHEDULE Saturday: 8 a.m. & 5 p.m.

Sunday:

Weekdays:

Nursery:

English: 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m. & 11:30 a.m.

Spanish: 6 a.m., 1:30 p.m. & 5 p.m.

English: 7 a.m. Monday - Friday English: 12 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday Spanish: 6 p.m. Tuesday & Thursday Sunday: 9:30 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. Masses (Infants to 5 years only; Free)

RECONCILIATION Thursday: 6:30 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.

Saturday: 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION Monday - Sunday (24 hours) SCHOOL OFFICE HOURS Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

WORSHIP & LITURGY

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s a diverse Catholic community, our primary expression of worship is the celebration of the Eucharist. We strive to offer the liturgy in ways that deepen all levels of spiritual development. We have both English and Spanish Masses throughout the week. The liturgical seasons motivate and inspire worship. Through our liturgical celebrations we strive to create an environment that enhances and strengthens parishioners’ spiritual needs and heightens the joy of receiving the Eucharist. Our liturgical ministries are an integral part of worship. They are led by staff and dedicated volunteer leaders who provide training and scheduling for the hundreds of people who actively participate. Opportunities for service include the following ministries: AT THE ALTAR ACOLYTES — Men who assist the celebrant at the altar, take communion to the homebound and nursing homes, and possibly enter the Diaconate training if called to that ministry. Training required.

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION — Men, women, and older youth who offer the Body and Blood of Christ to worshippers during Masses and/or to the homebound. Training required.

ALTAR SERVERS — Parish youth through high school who serve at the altar during Masses, funerals, and other liturgical services. Training required.

HOSPITALITY MINISTERS — Men, women, and older youth who welcome and assist worshippers at Masses/liturgies, take up collections, guide Eucharistic processions, and distribute bulletins and other materials as needed. On the job training provided.

LECTORS Men, women, and older youth who proclaim the Word of God at the Masses and other liturgical services. Training required.

BEHIND THE SCENES FLOWER GUILD — Parishioner teams that purchase and create weekly floral arrangements that beautify our sanctuary. Training required.

ALTAR GUILD — Men, women, and older youth who prepare the church for weekend Masses and weddings by doing light cleaning, polishing brass, and setting up the sacristy. This is a component group of the Women’s Club.

SISTERHOOD OF THE HOLY CLOTH is a ministry with no meetings, no dues and you can work from home. Volunteers weekly launder the purificators and corporals used at Mass and work in teams on a rotating schedule. Training is provided on how to launder and iron these sacred linens.

HOMEBOUND MINISTRY is an extension from our Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, which is a prerequisite for this ministry. Homebound ministers make home visits to parishioners who are no longer able to attend Mass, whether short term, (i.e. someone recovering from surgery) or long term, (i.e. someone who is facing life and health issues). It is through the ministers’ generous gift of time and travel that our homebound parishioners can stay connected to our faith community and the Sacrament of Holy Communion.

THE WELCOME MINISTRY is available in the Narthex immediately before and after specified Masses, assisting newcomers and visitors with their questions.

The time commitment is approximately 30 minutes on assigned weekends, only once or twice a month.

Training and resource materials are provided.

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MUSIC MINISTRY

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t. Louis King of France Parish has many music programs consisting of choral and instrumental groups across a wide spectrum of worship music from classical to contemporary. The music program enhances each weekend and Holy Day celebration.

ST. LOUIS PARISH CHOIR leads worship at our 9:30 a.m. Sunday Mass., and special liturgies throughout the year. We draw from the very best of ancient, modern, and world music, including works by local Austin composers. If you are willing to work hard and commit to a rehearsal schedule, we’d love to welcome your participation. Rehearsals are Wednesday evening, 7:15-9:00 p.m. in school room 120 or church.

FAMILY CHOIR — A group of singers from all walks of life and all ages. This ensemble serves at the 11:30 am Sunday Mass. Repertoire: mostly Gather/ Glory and Praise material, with some Christian contemporary/praise music. People of all skill levels are welcomed, but singers with some experience are offered the opportunity to serve as cantor/songleader as well. Rehearsals are on Thursdays from 6:45 p.m. 7:30 p.m. in the church. No audition needed. All are welcome.

SCHOLA CANTORUM meets after the Parish Choir rehearsal on an as-needed basis. We work on a more challenging repertoire, from Medieval to Modern. Membership by audition, and Parish Choir membership is required.

ST LOUIS CHILDREN’S CHOIR encourages the love of singing and music making for the children of our parish. Rehearsals are from September through June, Wednesdays at 4:45 pm in the church. The children sing at the 9:30 am Mass three-four times a semester.

ST. LOUIS RINGERS — This group takes delight in the ancient practice of ringing bells at Mass. We rehearse a more advanced repertoire, and are thus open to experienced ringers. Opportunities range from playing for weekend Masses to music festivals, weddings, and community events. Rehearsals take place on Wednesdays from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. in school room 120.

CORO EMMANUEL — Nuestro coro tiene mas de once años desde la primera misa hispana se celebro en St. Louis. Somos adultos, jóvenes, y mayores dedicados a alabar nuestro Señor con cánticos de alabanza y himnos de gloria. Siempre ensayamos los jueves a las siete y media en nuestra escuela en el cuarto 119. El coro canta en la misa de una y media cada domingo.

Instrumentalizas estén bienvenidos también.

COMPLINE CHOIR is a group of men from the parish who sing for our Sunday evening 9:00 pm service of Compline, the last office of the day in the Liturgy of the Hours. Our repertoire is primarily drawn from the appointed psalms of the day, along with other appropriate chant. If you are interested in joining us, the Music Director would like to hear from you. A willingness to learn and work hard are the only requirements for membership.

CORO NUEVA ALIANZA — Este grupo esta compuesto por niños, jóvenes y adultos que han estado en coros o grupos musicales en sus países natales. El coro Nueva Alianza canta en la misa de las 5:00 pm cada domingo y los ensayos son los Jueves de 7:30 pm a 9:30 pm en el cuarto 120 de la escuela de St. Louis.

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ST. LOUIS CATHOLIC SCHOOL

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“Excellence in Education” ESTABLISHED IN 1956

www.slcsaustin.org

The mission of St. Louis Catholic School is to prepare the leaders of tomorrow with the light of Christ as their guide.

• Pre-K4 through 8th Grade comprehensive curriculum.

• Weekly all school Mass and Friday Devotionals ​ • Enhanced academic experience that includes Art, Music, ​Integrated Classroom Technology, ​Spanish​,​and Physical Education • Extracurricular activities include: ■■ Athletics for grades 5-8 ■■ Music program that includes ​Band, Choir, Strings​,​and Rock Band ■■ Extended-Day program on campus until 6pm St. Louis Catholic School is dedicated to providing excellence in education for students from Pre-K4 through 8th grade. Through a comprehensive Christ-​C​entered ​C​urriculum, ​our school i​nspire​s​students in faith, knowledge​,​ and leadership. With dedicated​faculty/staff a​ nd a supportive p ​ arish​, St. Louis is a very diverse school community that continues to thrive.

Please contact the School Registrar for more information.

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LIFELONG CHRISTIAN FORMATION

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t. Louis Lifelong Christian Formation is charged with fostering discipleship in Catholic children, youth, young adults, adults, and families. Our mission is carried out with the understanding that church is fundamentally a diverse community of disciples. We are unified in Catholic worship and sacraments. We are organized for the evangelization of others and ourselves so that Christ’s mission—the justice and mercy of God—impacts every aspect of human living. We do this through our various programs, structures, and ministry training. As our lives unfold, our faith can be tested and strengthened. Life can cause us to revisit the doctrines and devotions we have learned, to discover a hunger for God’s Word in Scripture, and to involve ourselves in continued learning and acts of service.

LIFELONG — because throughout life our understanding of and relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit evolves and deepens.

FORMATION — because being a Catholic Christian is a lifelong journey of growth in a mature understanding of ourselves, our faith, and our God through prayer, learning and study, community worship, family and friends, and in witness and service to the world.

CHRISTIAN — because we are all baptized into Jesus’ life and death, to be members of His Church, and to carry on His mission as disciples.

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EARLY CHILDHOOD MINISTRY

Early Childhood Ministry, reorganized in 2006, encompasses all the parish programs for children five years of age and younger. Programs in this department include: • Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) - Ages 8 months—5 years • Sunday Nursery - Ages 6 weeks to 4 years EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT CENTER (ECDC) is designed to provide a progressive curriculum based on creative “hands-on” learning with developmentally appropriate educational programs for children age 5 and under. Licensed by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, ECDC is also accredited with the National Accreditation Commission for Early Child Care Education Programs and ranked 4-Stars with Texas Rising Star.

SUNDAY NURSERY is a service for children 6 weeks to 4 years old. Offered each Sunday at the 9:30am and 11:30am Masses. Trained, salaried babysitters monitor children in a safe play environment while parents attend Mass. Children may be dropped off at Wozniak Hall 15 minutes prior to Mass.

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CHILDHOOD MINISTRY

A holistic approach to the faith development of children where the church and the home unite to immerse children in a faith that will serve them for life. Our mission is to know Jesus more fully though scripture, doctrine, tradition, and discipleship. Regular attendance at weekly classes (September-May) helps the children (Pre-K through 8th grade) to learn and grow in faith. Age appropriate sacramental preparation for Reconciliation and First Eucharist is also offered. Additionally, religious formation is offered for unbaptized children ages 7 and up. Catechist training and curriculum development are key elements to the success of this program.

CHILDREN’S LITURGY is held in the chapel during specified Sunday Masses for children ages 3 years to 2nd grade during the months of September through May. Children are dismissed after the opening prayer for their own Liturgy of the Word. Volunteer catechists lead the children to the chapel to sing songs, hear the readings and a children’s homily. Children are brought back into the main nave during offertory to continue the celebration of Mass with their parents.

CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD, a Montessori-based formation for children beginning at age three, is also offered. This program creates and facilitates a sacred, “hands-on” space for children called an atrium in which the children hear, ponder, and celebrate the most essential mysteries of the Christian faith as revealed in the scripture and liturgy.

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YOUTH MINISTRY

Youth Ministry at St. Louis focuses on meeting the social, developmental, spiritual, and physical needs of young adolescents in Middle School and High School in a positive, fun, faith-filled environment. A variety of social activities are offered each year such as retreats, lock-ins, dances, fellowships, diocesan rallies, and gym nights.

Confirmation preparation for our teens is an integral part of this program. We encourage positive socialization groups and we foster a sense of community involvement through service projects and leadership.

In addition, St. Louis offers quincea単era preparation for girls approaching their 15th birthday. Group quincea単era Masses are held at various times of the year and girls are catechized for this landmark event, using curriculum and guidelines developed for our parish.

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YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY

Young Adult Ministry serves men and women, ages 18-39, single or married. St. Louis Young Adults (SLYA) is a dynamic group. Our mission and ministry is to bridge the gap between youth and adult life through Catholic faith with prayer, scripture, service, social fellowship, faith exploration, and evangelization. The group meets at various times and locations monthly.

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ADULT AND FAMILY MINISTRIES Adult and Family Ministry focuses on the continual formation of men and women as disciples of Jesus Christ and as lay ministers in His church. We provide both faith enrichment and sacrament preparation for adults.

Our adult sacrament programs include: R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) prepares adults for the sacraments of Baptism, Holy Communion and Confirmation for unbaptized adults or baptized Catholics needing Communion and Confirmation. It can also be a path of entry into the church for individuals from other faith backgrounds.

ADULT CONFIRMATION helps baptized Catholics as well as individuals baptized in other faith backgrounds prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation.

MARRIAGE PREPARATION — Offers spiritual formation and practical preparation for engaged couples preparing for the Sacrament of Matrimony.

INFANT BAPTISM PREPARATION — Serves parents and godparents preparing to baptize infants through age 6.

Ongoing faith formation includes a variety of groups and programs offered at various times during the year.

Some of our current enrichment opportunities for adults include: SMALL CHURCH COMMUNITIES (SCC’S) MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT — Married ‘til are small groups of men/women that meet at a Buried offers married couples a supportive Catholic variety of days/times and explore a variety of themes community where they can continue growing in including: bible studies, book club, special topics, guest their understanding of God’s plan for their marriage through grace, prayer, discipleship, and fellowship. speakers, and DVD based programs.

Childcare provided.

CENTRAL TEXAS FELLOWSHIP OF ACTS RETREATS — Weekend retreats for women/ men (given separately). It is an opportunity to go away for a time and enter into a new or deeper relationship with our Lord and with one another as Christian women and men. The retreats flow from the themes of Adoration, Community, Theology, and Service (ACTS).

CATHOLIC MEN — Open to all men of the parish, 18 years and older, who gather to focus on scripture, Church teachings, and to share their faith experiences.

Meets Sunday evenings at 7:00p.m. in the narthex.

WOMEN OF FAITH focuses on women’s spirituality in a small group setting. Various topics are explored in discussion and prayer. Morning meetings are held on Wednesdays from 7:45–9:15am in the Parish Education Center - Basement. Evening meetings are held Thursdays from 7:00pm-9:00pm in the school library.

CATHOLIC SCRIPTURE STUDY — Open to men/women throughout the diocese. Meets Wednesday mornings September-April.

THE KING’S MEN — A transforming and empowering ministry open to all men of the parish.

It identifies and helps men embrace authentic male leadership. Meets weekly on Friday mornings, September through May, for a breakfast program, 6:007:30a.m. in Wozniak Hall.

MOTHERS OF YOUNG CHILDREN (MOYC) – provides fellowship, support and spiritual nourishment for all mothers with children, preschool aged and younger. Meets the first and third Fridays of each month in the Parish Education Center at 10:30am. The second and fourth Friday morning meetings are held off campus.

PARISH MISSIONS — Special events for the whole parish community offered periodically.

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MINISTERIOS HISPANOS

HISPANIC MINISTRY

SERVICIOS A NUESTRA COMUNIDAD HISPANA PARA VIVIR LA FE

Por gracia de Dios en Nuestra Parroquia la Comunidad Hispana crece y se fortalece en la vivencia de la fe mediante la práctica de los sacramentos, la oración, la liturgia y la convivencia diaria en donde comparten incluso sus dificultades pero ante todo la ayuda mutua, la cual se ofrece a través de los distintos ministerios parroquiales.

SACRAMENTOS SACRAMENTOS DE INICIACIÓN DE INFANTES Y ADULTOS – Ofrece la preparación a padres y padrinos de los niños y niñas que van a recibir el Sacramento del Bautismo. Estas clases se dan en cuatro sesiones de dos horas cada uno. Los adultos que recibirán los Sacramentos de Iniciación Cristiana son instruidos durante un año escolar comenzando en Septiembre y culminando en Mayo.

UNIDOS EN EL AMOR DE DIOS – un programa de preparación matrimonial para parejas comprometidas, casadas solo por lo civil, o que están viviendo en unión libre y quienes desean recibir el sacramento del matrimonio y bendecir el amor de su familia.

FORMACION CRISTIANA GRUPO DE ORACIÓN – Congrega a las familias a tener un encuentro con Dios a través de Su Palabra, del canto y las alabanzas para que la fe se fortalezca compartiéndola con los demás. Este grupo se reúne los días martes de 7:00 a 9:00 p.m.

CATEQUESIS/LITURGIA DE LOS NIÑOS – Todos los niños de tres años de edad hasta el segundo grado escuchan las lecturas del domingo y reflexionan a su nivel durante la misa dominical. El sacerdote los despachara después de la oración colecta a la capilla con sus catequistas, y regresan a la Iglesia durante el ofertorio. Se ofrece la liturgia para los niños durante la misa de 1:30 p.m. y 5:00 p.m.

ESTUDIO BÍBLICO – Este ministerio está abierto a toda la comunidad con el fin de instruir y llevar al conocimiento de la Sagrada Escritura según la enseñanza de la Iglesia Católica. La misión de este ministerio es leer, estudiar, profundizar, reflexionar y vivir la Palabra de Dios en nuestra vida diaria. Este grupo se reúne los días martes de 7:00 a 9:00 p.m.

CRISTO RENUEVA SU PARROQUIA (CRSP) – Ofrece 4 retiros al año orientados por un grupo que han vivido este proceso espiritual y de formación el cual pretende renovar la fe a hombres y mujeres de la parroquia.

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MINISTERIOS HISPANOS

HISPANIC MINISTRY

GRUPOS DE LA DIOCESIS GUADALUPANAS – Este ministerio existe en nuestra parroquia desde el 2005. Está abierto para mujeres mayores de 21 años con el fin de honrar a nuestra Sra. de Guadalupe a través de servicios sociales y en la organización de su fiesta Guadalupana el 12 de diciembre. Se reúnen el primer domingo de cada mes a las de 10:30 a.m. Asistirán al Tercer Encuentro de Guadalupanos el próximo sábado, 26 de Julio de 8:00 a.m. a 3:30 p.m. en San José Catholic Church en Austin.

AUXILIADORES DE MARIA GRUPO DEL ROSARIO – Su misión es difundir el amor a la Santísima Virgen y la devoción al Santo Rosario rezándolo antes de cada Misa, en los funerales y en las familias. Se reúnen el segundo domingo de cada mes a las 10:30 a.m.

VÍA CRUCIS – Se reúne con el fin de crecer en la espiritualidad y prepararse a la realización del Vía Crucis en vivo el Viernes Santo. Sus reuniones son cada 15 días, sábados de 7:00 p.m. a 9:00 p.m.

POSADAS Y NOVENA DE NAVIDAD – Una preparación comunitaria de 9 días que culmina en la Noche Buena en espera de la Navidad. Se celebra en un ambiente familiar en donde participan los diversos grupos y ministerios de la comunidad hispanos.

MINISTERIO DE MAKARIOS – Los hombres y mujeres solteros, viudos, divorciados, casados pero separados, se reúnen para un día espiritual de devoción y de oración para caminar con Jesús que nos invita a conocer y meditar las Bienaventuranzas (Makarios). Ayuda a entender que son solteros pero que no están solos ni abandonados.

MOVIMIENTO FAMILIAR CRISTIANO– Este ministerio está conformado por parejas de matrimonios sacramentales quienes acompañan a otras parejas a vivir los valores cristianos en la familia.

TALLERES DE ORACIÓN Y VIDA – Sigue la enseñanza del Padre Ignacio Larrañaga, sacerdote español. Estos ejercicios espirituales enseñan a los fieles a vivir un encuentro personal con Dios atraves de la oración en donde Su amor los hará transitar por caminos de fe, perdón, abandono, alegría y paz en Cristo Jesús, y orar para aumentar la paz interior.

El taller consta de 15 sesiones, una por semana con duración de dos horas.

ST. LOUIS PARISH LIBRARY

The library is home to a large collection of religious material in print and faith-based multi-media resources. Located in the Parish Education Center, the Library is staffed by volunteers and open for published hours.

GRUPO JUVENIL HISPANO “SEMILLEROS DE ESPERANZA”– Este ministerio esta conformado por jóvenes (hombres y mujeres) solteros mayores de 18 años que se reúnen cada viernes de 7:00 a 9:00 de la noche para orar y compartir sus vivencias de fe y con ellas atraer a otros jóvenes a conocer a Cristo y su Iglesia.

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SENIOR MINISTRY

Our senior ministry program provides resources that assists seniors in growing spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically toward Christ. Activities include field trips to interesting and educational destinations and events, presentations by speakers, and entertainment.

PERIODIC SPIRITUAL RETREATS, BIBLE STUDY, AND ADULT EDUCATION — Available on a regular basis. Please check the weekly bulletin for coming events and opportunities.

FRIENDSHIP GROUP — Meets on Wednesdays and offers opportunities for socialization, potluck luncheons, and birthday celebrations.

FELLOWSHIP

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ST. LOUIS WOMEN’S CLUB is an organization for all parish women, hosting five socials and programs of interest to women each year. The club’s service committees include the Altar Guild, Baptismal Mementos, Chrismon Committee, St. Michael’s Thrift Shoppe volunteers, and representatives to the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women. Additional standing committees assist the club in communications, hospitality, reception rentals, and other projects. A club directory is distributed each fall. All club projects are funded through the generous donations of its active membership, solicited annually each summer.

LADIES AUXILIARY OF THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS — Members are any ladies over 18 years of age, Catholic or non-Catholic, whose husband, father, or son is a member in good standing of a Knights of Columbus Council or any widow or daughter of a deceased member. The group encourages its members to enrich their spiritual life, promotes a spirit of friendship, and sponsors its own charitable projects and contributions to the parish. Meetings are held monthly in the evening.

SCOUTING PROGRAMS are sponsored by St. Louis School and Parish. Religious scout awards are awarded annually during weekend Masses. There are active groups for Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Girls Scouts.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS COUNCIL 5967 A Catholic fraternal organization for men that emphasizes church, community, council, family, and youth activities. Founded on the principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism, men who are 18 years or older are welcome. KC’s sponsor Sunday breakfasts, Lenten fish fry dinners, tamale sales, and others to fund their charitable donations to altar servers, seminarians, St. Vincent de Paul Society, St. Louis Food Pantry, scouting, North Central Caregivers, St. Louis Choir, and much more.

NAOMI’S CIRCLE is a support group for parish ladies who have lost their husbands through death.

They meet on the third Tuesday of each month at the church or various other locations for an evening of food, fellowship, games, or various projects.

ST. LOUIS PRAYER BLANKET MINISTRY meets on the third Monday monthly, in members’ homes, to sew special blankets that are then blessed and sold through the parish. Proceeds benefit parish projects. These blankets make great gifts for those who are sick and dying or for loved ones celebrating special occasions. Newcomers with sewing talents are welcome!

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PARISH OUTREACH

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earing and learning about the Word of God enables us as a people of God to follow these teachings through the service and ministry organizations offered at St. Louis. In particular, our Parish Social Ministry Program (PSM) offers its volunteers countless ways to serve and fulfill the Gospel message. Knowing the teachings of Jesus is the first stage of discipleship. Putting “feet to our faith” means becoming a true disciple of God. Through our Parish Social Ministry Program, our congregation works to advocate for peace and justice, feed the hungry, care for the homeless and the sick, assist the incarcerated, find clothing and housing for the neediest, and press for needed political reforms. PSM also sponsors projects such as health fairs, giving trees, Feast of Giving, blood pressure checks, blood drives, and mammograms. Opportunities abound for volunteers in all of these outreach ministries.

FOOD PANTRY provides food assistance to the needy of our community and is the largest church pantry in Austin. Volunteers distribute food on Saturday mornings from 8:30-10:00 a.m. Opportunities for service include data entry, interviewing clients, sacking and distributing food, picking up food orders, and stocking pantry shelves. Bilingual volunteers are especially needed.

MOBILE LOAVES & FISHES is a social outreach ministry to the homeless and working poor. Meals, clothing, blankets, and toiletry items are distributed from the MLF truck to those who live on the streets.

“Make Ready” teams are responsible for assembling sandwiches and stocking the truck for the evening’s run (2–2 1/2 hours). The “Crew” teams are responsible for taking the truck on various runs, using the website to create an itinerary and handing out items stocked in the truck (2–2 1/2 hours).

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY — A worldwide organization of lay men and women who help those in need of material assistance such as utilities, rent or medicines. Volunteers answer phones and interview clients Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.—12:00 noon. Other members of the society visit people who have requested assistance. The St. Vincent de Paul Society meets weekly on Tuesday evenings from 7:008:30 p.m. Bilingual volunteers are especially needed.

JAIL AND PRISON MINISTRY volunteers offer one-on-one spiritual companionship to our young incarcerated brothers and sisters. Teens at the juvenile justice center are provided a weekly prayer and praise service at the facility. Volunteers share reflections on the Gospel and prayer as a preparation for ministry.

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ST. LOUIS BEREAVEMENT TEAMS — This ministry is an outreach program that provides a source of food and comfort to our registered families grieving the loss of a loved one. Teams serve in rotation, providing the deceased parishioner’s immediate family with a meal in their home either before or after the funeral. A Mass is offered for the deceased if the family does not need a meal. Occasionally, several bereavement teams may coordinate a meal in Wozniak Hall for larger funerals, if space is available.

ST. LOUIS BREAKFAST MINISTRY prepares and offers a buffet-style breakfast and fellowship every Saturday morning from 7:30-9:30 a.m. to families who live in low-income apartment complexes and whose lives have been changed drastically due to a life threatening illness.

THE ST. LOUIS FARM cultivates half an acre or more of St. Louis property, raising seasonal vegetables that are given to the St. Louis Food Pantry. This enables the Food Pantry to feed the neediest among us with fresh produce. Volunteers work in teams and are always needed! Green thumbs are not necessary and families are welcome!

GABRIEL PROJECT is a lay ministry that provides support to women in crisis pregnancies. Gabriel project Angels are trained volunteers who help mothers by maintaining contact with them throughout their pregnancy. An Angel offers love, care, spiritual, and material support to the mother. All Angels receive training and helpful resources from the Diocesan Office of Pro-Life Activities and Chaste Living.

LIFE, DIGNITY AND JUSTICE MINISTRY – Our faith invites us to embrace both our rights and responsibilities in ways that foster the common good. Church teachings call us to a way of living and thinking that is different from the consumerism and individualism prevalent in our American culture.

By working together with the Austin Diocese and the Texas Catholic Conference this ministry will be exploring not only Pro-Life and Gabriel Project, but issues on the death penalty, immigration, disabilities ministries, criminal justice and Catholic social teachings, witnessing the wisdom of our faith to those who influence public policies.

SPIRITUAL MINISTRY

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THE SACRAMENT OF HEALING, including the laying on of hands and anointing, is offered on the second Sunday of each month during Compline.

Compline is the last liturgical office of the day, held weekly at 9:00pm in the Chapel on Sunday evenings.

This meditative service includes beautiful Gregorian chant sung by the Compline Choir and the Sacrament of Healing is part of the worship on the second weekend.

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT — Visitors and teams of volunteers pray before the Blessed Sacrament in the parish Adoration Chapel, located on the south end of the narthex. Key pad code is required after hours for security of worshipers.

PRAYER GROUPS — English and Spanish groups meet weekly to share group prayer and offer prayer intentions for individuals and the community.

ROSARY MINISTRY — English and Spanish teams serve as rosary leaders before designated weekend Masses, after weekday Masses, and for funerals.

DIVINE MERCY CENACLE explores the Diary of St. Faustina using Scripture, the Catechism, Pope John Paul II’s encyclical Rich in Mercy, and the Divine Mercy Formation Manual. Meetings are held weekly, September – June.

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LEADERSHIP & SERVICE

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PASTORAL COUNCIL — Established in 1979, the Pastoral Council consists of discerned, ex-officio, and appointed parishioners who serve in staggered three-year terms. On Pentecost Sunday each year, the parish is asked to prayerfully discern who they believe God is calling forth as leaders in this faith community. Persons may put their own name or the name of someone else whom they believe God is calling to serve. Those called forth will be invited to a discernment session where they prayerfully reflect on whether God is calling them to serve the St. Louis community as a member of the Pastoral Council. The Council is an advisory board to the pastor and establishes parish policies and guidelines as necessary. The Pastoral Council meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month (except December and July) at 5:30 p.m.

FINANCE COUNCIL — The Finance Council oversees the budget of the parish and advises the pastor in financial matters. The pastor appoints members with experience in accounting, budgeting, finance, and legal or business professions. Regular meetings review the parish monthly financial reports and discuss pertinent topics.

Ex-officio members include the Pastor, Business Administrator, and parish accountant.

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WANT TO SERVE IN MINISTRY AT ST. LOUIS?

We welcome your participation as a volunteer, but all volunteers and staff must fulfill diocesan Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) requirements. These include an online application, criminal records check and attendance at an EIM workshop every three years.

The Catholic Diocese of Austin Application for Ministry must be submitted to the Diocese (and the background check completed) prior to EIM workshop attendance, or as soon as possible after attendance. All applicants shall participate in an EIM abuse prevention training workshop within 60 days of completing the Application for Ministry. All three requirements of the EIM process (application, background check and EIM training workshop) must be completed before anyone may begin serving with minors or vulnerable adults.

Applicants should be registered members of the parish/school community for at least six months prior to beginning work or service in any ministry. Exceptions may be made by the pastor or principal only. The Bishop’s office has mandated that all employees and volunteers in the diocese must attend an EIM workshop every three years; however, there is no need to complete a second application for ministry. A list of workshops in the diocese is available online at the diocesan website: www.austindiocese.org Workshops in the parish are offered in both English and Spanish at scheduled times of the year. Please watch for dates/times in all parish publications and on the parish website: www.st-louis.org

7601 BURNET ROAD AUSTIN, TX 78757

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WWW.ST-LOUIS.ORG

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(512) 454-0384