St. Louis @
Kitchen Help: Warms up turkeys and the side dishes, plates the food for serving. Washes dishes throughout the event with general clean-up, beginning 1:00 p.m. Greeters: Greet guests as they arrive, matching them with family volunteers. Plate Table: Hand out the plates according to the guests dining in or out. Servers: Serve guests food, drinks and desserts. Dessert Table Volunteers: Slice and prepare desserts to serve all the guests. Drink Station Volunteers: Prepare drinks; maintain drink stations throughout event. Bussers: Bus tables and assist with trash collection, refilling drinks as needed, assisting families with young children.
Twelve years ago, Parish Social Ministries started the tradition of feeding our needy brothers and sisters a great Thanksgiving meal on Thanksgiving Day. The 2015 annual Feast of Giving will be on November 26th at Wozniak Hall from 11:00am – 2:00pm. The last few years, over 800 individuals have been served annually with over 150 volunteers. The act of sharing not only allows volunteers to give of themselves to others, but brings the true meaning of this holiday to those who receive the meals. If you would like to volunteer for this ministry, the Social Ministry team could use at least two and a half hours of your time on Thanksgiving Day or the night before. Preparations and decorations are made on Wednesday evening from 6:00-8:00pm and cooking begins at 8:00am on Thursday morning and lasts until 2:00pm. For additional information on volunteering, please contact Bea Dela Rosa at (512) 454-0384 x 265 or bea.delarosa@st-louis.org Volunteers must preregister in advance by going to www.signupgenius.com and search for 12th Annual Feast of Giving. We are so grateful for your willingness to help, but unexpected walk-in volunteers add to the chaos of trying to serve 800+ in a 3-hour period. Please assist us by telling us in advance that you will be there to help!
Food Donations: Needed by Wednesday, November 25th, donations of smoked turkeys only, boxes of stuffing, gravy packets, instant potatoes, brown sugar, marshmallows, canned mushroom soup, French fried onions, cranberry sauce, etc. are Kids’ Corner: Assist kids after lunch, in to be delivered to the PSM Building. On Thanksgiving Day only (from 8:00-11:00am) playing and coloring in the Kids’ Corner. homemade or purchased desserts (all kinds) and bread/rolls are requested. A newsletter of st. louis catholic church • 7601 burnet road, austin, tx • www.st-louis.org
Parish News
and
Updates
November Publications Deadline MASS FOR
November 5th will be the deadline to send in your news items for the December-January edition of our monthly parish newsletter. This two month issue helps us deal with publication deadlines over the holidays and to preadvertise those activities held in January. Thank you for your cooperation in planning ahead and helping us publish this two-month edition in a timely manner!
ALL SOULS DAY MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2ND 7:00 PM MAIN CHURCH
Advent Penance Services DECEMBER 2ND
Please mark your calendars for these parish penance services to be held early in Advent. On Wednesday, December 2nd at 2:00pm and 7:00pm, there will be multiple priests available to hear your confession. We urge you to take advantage of this opportunity to reconcile with God before the Christmas rush!
Join us for this annual observance, where we remember the souls of all those who have passed away during the year prior. You are invited to bring a photo of your deceased loved one to that Mass and place it on the provided table in the sanctuary. The Parish Choir will sing a full Requiem Mass setting, further enhancing the depth and prayerfulness of this most solemn liturgy.
St. Louis Women’s Club Gives Support to Saint Louise House In his book, Bishop John McCarthy wrote, “Saint Louise House is quite simply the most meaningful social effort with which I have ever been involved”. Intrigued by this reference, the St. Louis Women’s 46 families. Unlike some other programs helping the Club invited Emily Hawarny, Volunteer Coordinator homeless, residents at SLH do not have an arbitrary date for Saint Louise House, to speak at its September 16th for achieving self-sufficiency. Some families stay a few meeting. months; others several years. Ms. Hawarny shared stories Saint Louise House (SLH) was founded in 2000 to of the families the organization has served and talked address the drastic shortage of safe housing and supportive about the extensive support of professionals who help the services for homeless women and children. It provides women create an emotionally stable, economically viable deeply affordable and supportive housing for low income environment for their children and themselves. homeless women and their children with the goal of As a token of support for the work of SLH, St. Louis helping families develop long-term stability. Saint Louise women provided a cart-full of household necessities. For House has grown from five apartments in 2001 to two more information about Saint Louise House, visit the web 24-unit apartment complexes and the capacity to serve site at saintlouisehouse.org or call 512-302-0027.
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Christ has no body now on earth but yours, no hands but yours, no feet but yours. Yours are the eyes through which Christ’s compassion is to look out to the earth, yours are the feet by which He is to go about doing good and yours are the hands by which He is to bless us now. Hands of Mercy is the theme for this year’s annual Catholic Services Appeal for the Diocese of Austin. Your donation to the CSA is a powerful witness of God’s love. By helping those in need, promoting a culture of life, supporting religious vocations, and educating our youth, you are becoming an instrument of Christ’s love and providing him with the hands through which he is to bless the world. Through your donations to the CSA, you are assisting the Church of Central Texas in five key ways. • Clergy Formation: Educating 42 seminarians, 164 deacons and 16 deacon candidates, and caring for 35 retired priests. • Catholic Education: Supporting 5,137 students and 564 teachers in 22 Catholic schools plus 16,000 catechists serving 32,000 children and 10,000 adults. • Spirituality and Worship: Supporting 250 leaders and volunteers involved in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and hosting 350 retreats serving more than 7,000 people. • Life, Charity and Justice: Assisting 5,000 volunteers advocating for justice, ministering to the incarcerated, protecting life at all stages, handling 800 calls received by the diocesan Pro-Life Helpline. Helping 9,500 individuals and families seeking a better life through Catholic Charities, Gabriel Project Life Centers, Immigration Legal Services, Financial Stability programs and Disaster Response. • Pastoral Ministries: Reaching out to 64,000 youth, young adults and college students through youth programs and campus student centers, including more than 2,400 high school students attending DCYC. Please prayerfully consider donating to the Catholic Services Appeal this November. Parishioners will be receiving a letter from Bishop Vasquez and a personalized envelope to donate in this year’s campaign. Envelopes will also be available in the Church pews November 7-8. You may donate a one-time gift or pledge a certain amount over the next ten months, paying by check, credit card or bank deduction. Your participation, no matter how large or small, indicates that you want to help your diocese reach out in meaningful ways to spread the Good News to our Central Texas community. Thank you for being Christ’s hands of mercy!
Music Ministry THE SOUND OF MUSIC AT ST. LOUIS CHURCH
Music Ministry Benefit Concert SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7TH AT 7:00 PM, MAIN CHURCH
Benefit Concert for Drive-a-Senior FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4TH, 7:30 PM, MAIN CHURCH
Join us for this annual neighborhood benefit concert for Drive-a-Senior. The churches that support this community outreach to our senior citizens come together with Advent and Christmas music in a traditional celebration of ecumenical unity. Concert is free but donations are gratefully accepted and benefit this wonderful ministry. Festive Organ Concert Drive-a-Senior (formerly North Central Caregivers) helps neighborhood shut-in seniors stay in their own homes, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8TH AT 7:30 PM, with volunteers offering regularly scheduled rides to doctors MAIN CHURCH and grocery stores. Volunteers from all the supporting Join us for an exciting concert, featuring the music of French neighborhood churches give two-four hours a week in composer Cesar Franck! Chris Oelkers, along with members support of our seniors. of the local chapter of the American Guild of Organists will present this varied program in the main church. Admission Concert of Czech Music is free, and you are also invited to attend Compline in the chapel, which follows immediately after the concert. The University Choir from UNT will present a concert of music by Czech Advent Lessons and Carols composers, on Tuesday, December On Monday, November 30th at 7:00 1st at 7:00 pm in the chapel. This pm, there will be a Service of Advent promises to be a really interesting event. Lessons and Carols in the main Czech composers are generally underchurch. If you’re familiar with our represented in concerts, and they have Lessons and Carols which precedes Midnight Mass, then you will love produced some of the most beautiful music. A special this service, in which the readings and the music follow a feature will be the Christmas Mass setting by Jakub Jan similar format, but touch on themes of Advent rather than Ryba (1765-1815). Be sure and get this on your calendar. Christmas. The service will last about 1 hour, and presents Admission is free. you with a prayerful way to commence the Advent season. Members of our 11:30 a.m. Mass choir, along with Cody Ireland, piano and James Gibson, guitar, will present a very special program of contemporary music in the main church. Admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted!
Advent Organ Concerts The Advent Organ Concert series is a long-standing and beloved musical tradition at St. Louis Parish, continuing this year with a couple of outstanding performances in store for you: • Tuesday, December 1st: Chris Oelkers, organ, and Robert Laguna, trumpet. • Tuesday, December 15th: Storm Knien, organ (Director of Music at St. Albert Parish).
Austin Civic Wind Ensemble Concert SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12TH, 7:30 PM, MAIN CHURCH
The ACWE returns for another Christmas Spectacular! Don’t miss this fun, family-oriented event which has in a The concerts take place at 12:00 noon in the main church few short years become a tradition at our parish. Admission and are free. A nice hot lunch may be had in the parish hall is free and open to the public. afterward, for $7.00.
SENIOr MINISTRy
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FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART
Advent Retreat An Advent Retreat will be presented by Father Justin Udomah, Pastor of St. Ferdinand Parish in Blanco and Good Shepherd in Johnson City. Father Justin will present some of the main ideas of Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment ‘Laudato Si’. He will also recommend ways that we can apply the teachings. The retreat will be on Saturday, November 14 from 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. It will begin with 8:00 a.m. Mass in the church and then continue in Wozniak Hall. A donation of $6.00 is requested to help defray the cost of the afterMass refreshments and lunch. Everyone is invited. For reservations and/or more information, please contact the Senior Ministry office by November 12 at coral.migoni-ryan@st-louis.org or (512) 454-0384 x 206.
Holiday Closures Church Offices will be closed on Wednesday, November 25th at Noon, and Thursday - Friday, November 2627 for the Thanksgiving holidays. St. Louis School and the Early Childhood Development Center will be on holiday Wednesday through Friday, November 25-27. All offices and classes resume as usual on Monday, November 30th.
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, November 8th. 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.
Planning Marriage in the Future? The Sacrament of Marriage involves many steps, but your faith community is here to assist you. While you don’t have to be a member to marry here, it is the support and tithes of our generous parishioners who make our marriage programs and facilities possible. Consequently, fees for the rental of facilities are assessed according to parishioner or nonparishioner status. If you have been a registered member and documented giver (through checks or envelopes) for at least six months before coming in to plan a future wedding, you will be eligible for the discounted parishioner rate at a savings of $600. Call our Church Office for more information on this and all questions related to the marriage preparation process (512) 454-0384.
Early Childhood Ministry SERVING OUR YOUNGEST PARISHIONERS
HOW DO CHILDREN LEARN? Children learn through play. Children learn by experimenting. That’s why we offer learning That’s why it’s okay to make centers. mistakes. Children learn by doing. That’s why we sing and move. Children learn through their senses. That’s why we provide multi-sensory activities. Children learn through language. That’s why they need to talk. Children learn on their own level. That’s why we create open-ended activities. Children learn through encouragement. That’s why we cheer and celebrate with them.
Children learn by interacting with their friends. That’s why we encourage partner and small group activities. Children learn in a safe, nurturing environment. That’s why we strive to create a happy classroom community. Children learn through wholeness. Heart – mind - body are dynamically interrelated in that wonderful child!
Every experience in the classroom is connected in the brain to construct knowledge. There’s not a song that you sing or a game that you play or a book that you read or an art project that you do that isn’t Children learn through repetition. important. It doesn’t have to be “rigor” for children That’s why we have games they’ll want to play again to learn!!! and again. Children learn through imitation. That’s why we model what we want them to do.
CALENDAR NOTES ECDC WILL BE CLOSED Wednesday, November 25-27 for Thanksgiving
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24 ECDC Thanksgiving Feast at 11:00 a.m. and Early Release
WE WILL BE COLLECTING canned food for Social Ministry during November
The Spirit of St. Louis
Want to Create a Different Kind of Conversation about Abortion?
Taking Abortion from Debate to Dialogue An Interactive Workshop given by Justice For All
Interactive Workshop Date: Thursday, November 12, 2015 Time: 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Check-in starts at 6:30 p.m. Place: Saint Louis King of France Catholic Church , 7601 Burnet Rd., Austin, TX 78757 Register: www.jfaweb.org/register or contact Eva at (316) 683-6426. Learn to create productive dialogue about abortion by asking questions with an open heart, listening to understand, finding genuine common ground, and sharing the truth about abortion in a loving way. You will also learn how to respond to the most common and most difficult pro-choice arguments, all within the context of being a faithful ambassador for Christ. Join in JFA’s mission of changing hearts and saving lives through conversations with your friends and neighbors!
To Register: Go to jfaweb.org/register or call (316) 683-6426
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NEW ICONS TELL OF JESUS’ MERCY Adult and Family MiNistry & THE PERPETUAL PROTECTION OF YOUNG ADULT, ADULT AND FAMILY FAITH FORMATION MINISTRIES THE BLESSED VIRGIN MOTHER
word icon (from theSACRAMENTS Greek eikon, or image) OUR fies a holy image that provides a conduit the worshipper toOUR Christ,FAITH his mother Mary, “The purpose of the is to of ther saints. According to sacraments the Council sanctify men, to build up the Body of Christ ea (787), "The honor which is paid to the and, finally, to give worship to God.” e passes on to that which the image (Catechism the Catholic esents, and he whoofdoes honor toChurch123) the image honor to the person represented in it." The BAPTISMS h-century theologian John of Damascus d the faithful to" embrace icons with the SEPTEMBER 6 – OCTOBER 5, 2015 the lips, the heart, bow before them, love Jordan Lopez-Zavaleta . . ." Sebastian Ramirez Maria DeLos Angeles Soto-Espino Byzantines accorded icons extraordinary, Juan Manuel Soto-Espino miraculous powers to answer prayers, heal Isaac Leonel Cederstrom sick, and provide protection. They were Chapman rated at homeParker and Dylan in church, and were ed in public processions along Lilliana Mae Finestreets and battle. In 626 an icon of Christ was credited Roxana Aguirre saving Constantinople from a Persian Alexis Arias-Miguel ult. On the eve of the fall of Constantinople Reyes-Sierra e Ottomans inEmely 1453,Isabel the patriarch processed Benjamin Maximilian Mireles ecious icon around the city walls in a last t to prevent the inevitable collapse of what MARRIAGES & then remained of the Byzantine Empire.
CONVALIDATIONS
s are made in different but most are SEPTEMBER 6 –media, OCTOBER 5, 2015 en in tempera on wood. Although panel Adolfo V. Villarreal and ing declined inChrista Western Europe after the end Victoria Almaguer ntiquity, knowledge of how to mix and blend ments to model figures and give them a sense Thomas Ross Turner and volume continued Byzantium. MadelineinCraig Garnett The ortation of Byzantine icons would trigger a and in the West for works alla greca and RECENTLY DECEASED red the revival of panel painting in Europe. Stephen Christopher Johnson Anthony George Benner
Is Your Information Correct? Do we have your most up-to-date address and phone information? Are you receiving church envelopes monthly or quarterly in the mail? If not, please contact Belinda at the church office to update your records (512) 454-0384 ext 201 or Belinda.bryant@st-louis.org
Praying The Divine Mercy Chaplet During The Year of Mercy As we approach the beginning of the Year of Mercy, as proclaimed by Pope Francis, the Eucharistic Apostles of Divine Mercy at St. Louis King of France Catholic Church invite you to join us in praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet weekly in the Chapel every Sunday at 3:00 p.m. The Year of Mercy will be from The Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Tuesday, December 8, 2015, through the Feast of the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, Sunday, November 20, 2016. Therefore, we will begin the weekly intercessory prayer of the Divine Mercy Chaplet and selected prayers from the Diary of St. Faustina on Sunday, December 13, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. The Divine Mercy devotion was given to us by Our Lord Jesus Christ, through St. Faustina Kowalska. St. Faustina was a Polish nun who lived from August 25, 1905 through October 5, 1938. She entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy in 1925. During her time in the convent, our Lord Jesus Christ chose her as the Apostle and Secretary of His Mercy. She recorded the various aspects of her mission in a diary, which she kept at the specific request of her confessor and spiritual director, Fr. Michael Sopocko, and later at the command of the Lord Jesus Himself. Her mission consisted in three main tasks: • Reminding the world and the Church of the truth of God’s mercy for every human being, as revealed in the Holy Scriptures • Entreating Divine Mercy for the whole world, especially for poor sinners, through the practice of devotion to the Divine Mercy • Initiating the apostolic movement of Divine Mercy, the followers of which proclaim and entreat Divine Mercy for the whole world and strive to practice the works of mercy following the example of St. Faustina
The Spirit of St. Louis
A Day in the Life of St. Louis
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parish social MINISTRy SERVING THE NEEDIEST AMONG US
SANCTUARY CANDLE MEMORIALS
FREE MAMMOGRAMS
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: September 20 – 26 In Memory of Yazmin Corona by Corona Family (C & M/N) September 27 – October 3 In Memory of Michael Williams by Williams Family (M/N) In Memory of Rosalinda Benavides by Randy & Patty Hernandez (C)
NOVEMBER 24, 2015
If you are 40, uninsured and low income, please call 512-324-3375 Appointments are required.
Baby banks are due back now!
Baby Banks were distributed in September and are due back November 1st. These donations will help sustain pro-life efforts like Gabriel Project in our parish and other activities throughout the diocese like the Help Line; Project Rachel and the Sidewalk Ministry to name a few. Thank you for your continued support.
November 1st Marks Last Day For The 40 Days of Life Campaign
Thank you to all who were able to attend and pray over the last 40 days. Please continue to pray for the conversion of hearts and minds of those who still believe it is okay to kill a child in its mother’s womb. There are many worthy pro-life organizations that focus on key areas: legislation, advocacy, education, and support services for women facing unplanned pregnancies.
For Whom The Bell s Toll Please remember to keep in prayer the souls of those inmates who have been executed and those who may be executed.
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Please remember to keep in prayer the souls of those inmates who have been executed and those who may be executed. Pray also for the victims of crime, the executioner and all of their families. The schedule is subject to change due to stays and appeals.
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New leadership in Your Ministry? If you have elected new officers or other leadership in your ministry/organization that meets on the St. Louis campus, be sure the new people are certified in the Ethics and Integrity in Ministry policies of the Diocese of Austin. They must have completed an Application for Ministry for a background check and should have attended an EIM workshop. Call Brenda Beltran (512) 454-0384 x 211 or contact her by email to report names of new leaders or to check on EIM status: brenda.beltran@st-louis.org
The Farm Ministry Thank you to everyone who came out to help at the Fall Farm Work Days! We had two very productive Saturdays and we look forward to watching the Farm bear the fruits of your labor. If you had a great time, or if you couldn’t make it those weekends, please join us during weekly work hours, which are every Thursday from 4-6pm and every Saturday from 9-11am. With the cooler fall days and new crops needing nurturing, it’s the perfect time to come out and help us in our mission to provide fresh vegetables to the St. Louis Food Pantry! The Farm is located at the south eastern corner of the church property, near the corner of St. Joseph and Hardy Street. If you have questions, please email stlouisfarmatx@gmail.com
Thanksgiving Mass
SANCTUARY CANDLE MEMORIALS CONT’D October 18 – 24 In Memory of Lucille Hardy King by Loiselle Family (C) In Memory of Mercedes Ramos by Roland Ramos & Patricia Cantu (M/N) November 1 – 7 In Memory of Thomas Devaney (M/N) In Memory of Emma S. Gonzales by Lottman Family (C) November 8 – 14 In Memory of Aloysius Roling by Janice Roling (C) In Memory of Ramon Castro by Patsy Alvarez & Alicia Castro (M/N)
9:30 AM - NOVEMBER 26
The only Mass to be held on Thanksgiving Day will be at 9:30am. You are welcome to bring canned goods and non-perishable food items for the Food Pantry. Please join us in thanksgiving for the countless blessings we have received. There will be no 7:00am or 6:00pm Masses on this national holiday. Regular Mass schedules resume the following day.
November 15 – 21 In Memory of Mrs. Lucille Hardy King by Loiselle Family (C) In Memory of Sonny Beyer by Pat Beyer (M/N)
St. Vincent de Paul Society
November 22 – 28 In Memory of Gustavo Olivares by Olivares Family (C & M/N)
WELCOMES NEW SLATE OF OFFICERS
Congratulations to the new slate of officers leading the parish St. Vincent de Paul Society. President Alex Wadleigh Vice-President Javier Maldonado Treasurer Dr. Virgilio Escutia Secretary Linda St. Clair Spiritual Advisor Deacon Rob Embry Special thanks to Linda St. Clair who served as President of the conference for the past six years.
November 29 – December 5 In Memory of Paul Vincent Navarro by Julie Navarro (M/N) In Memory of Jose Felix Estrada by Julie Navarro (C)
ST. LOUIS CATHOLIC SCHOOL NEWS PREPARING THE LEADERS OF TOMORROW WITH THE LIGHT OF CHRIST AS THEIR GUIDE
Success
STARTS HERE
WWW.SLCSAUSTIN.ORG 512-614-6622 2114 ST. JOSEPH STREET AUSTIN, TX 78757
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/SLCSAUSTIN @SLCSAUSTIN
HSA hosted our first Family Fun event with a Super Hero themed dance. Students and parents had a great time sharing the evening and it was a great night.
Save the Date! • Green and White Night, Dinner and Auction, February 6th, 2016 DoubleTree Hotel Austin • Cougar Classic, Golf Tournament,April 26, 2016 Twin Creeks Country Club
Welcome to Our Interim Principal, DR. TINA JUAREZ-BAILEY
Dr. Bailey serves as the Director of Religious Education here at St. Louis and brings with her a rich experience in education. Previously she held multiple positions within the AISD school district and served as an adjunct professor at the University of Texas. Students have enjoyed seeing her in classes and we look forward to the rest of the year.
We enjoyed sharing our first Friday devotionals with Fr. Alberto and students have enjoyed seeing Fr. David at Mass. Our community is blessed to have these two additional Priests on campus and we are so thankful!
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We were able to bring our community together for a Worldwide Children’s Eucharistic Holy Hour. It was nice to see our students join together to reverence the Eucharist. Students also gathered around campus to pray the rosary with each other in reverence of the Month of the Rosary. Pictured is our Pre-K through 2nd grade gathering together to pray.
Hospitality Ministry Needs You!
St. Louis Bereavement Ministry
Hospitality Ministers assist in all parts of the sacred liturgy and you are invited to join one of our Hospitality teams! These teams welcome and greet our church members and visitors as they arrive to worship at weekend Masses. They help keep order during the proclamation of God’s Word and recruit families to assist with the Procession of the Gifts at Offertory. They assist with the flow of parishioners during the Communion Rite and are available should a church member need assistance during Mass. They pass out collection baskets, hand out bulletins and help tidy up after Mass in preparation for the next Mass. This is a “working” ministry and they provide on-site training! To volunteer, please contact Philip Tucker at Ptucker001@att.net or call the parish office and ask for Bea Lamb (5512) 454-0384 ext. 213.
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 512-4534823 or leave your name and number at the Church Office for more information
Welcome Ministry Greets Newcomers
Perpetual Adoration
Are you a friendly and outgoing individual? Do you greet new people with a smile? Do you love your parish and can’t wait to tell others about it? Then you might consider joining the Welcome Ministry, a ministry that is available at the 9:30/11:30 Masses, and may soon expand to the 5:00pm Saturday Vigil. This group is knowledgeable about the parish and willing to specifically greet and answer questions from newcomers and visitors. They wear the yellow tags, hand out newcomer packets and will soon be planning periodic campus tours and newcomer gatherings. Join us in making St. Louis an inviting and welcoming destination! Please contact Bea Lamb (512) 454-0384 ext. 213 for more information and training schedules.
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 please contact Mr. Earle English g_e_english@ yahoo.com or (512) 672-9253.
There’s a Saint for That Parish Library Highlights Patron Saints By Eileen Boske
November 1, All Saints Day - We begin this month reminded of the many holy people whom we now venerate as saints. As we turn to them in prayer, we honor their memory and recognize their unity with God. We do not pray to the saints; rather, we ask them to pray to God with us and for us. Over time, saints came to be depicted in ways based on events in their lives. These ‘patrons’ of various situations convey the idea of people in heaven protecting us. From this came the tradition of asking for a saint’s intercession with God concerning a particular cause. There are patron saints who reflect and protect ordinary walks of life such as family, sickness, death and trades. In addition to the books listed below, the parish library has a large selection of individual biographies. What is often most intriguing is the reason for a particular saint’s patronage. By reading the details of the person’s life you will get a better understanding of what made someone a patron of a specific cause. Whichever saint you choose for intercession, may their example help you to strive for holiness in your own life. Saintly Advice: A Prayer for Every Problem, by Staff of The Philip Lief Group, Inc. -- This book presents short biographies of the saints and explains the basis for their patronages. Included are pictures of the saints, depicted with their trademark symbol, and accompanied by original, beautifully written prayers.
Heaven Help Us: The Worrier’s Guide to the Patron Saints, by Alice La Plante and Clare La Plante -- “Who do you call when your heart’s broken, your house won’t sell, or you suspect that last check won’t clear?” The patron saints, of course. Categorized by anxiety for easy reference, and filled with lively biographies of dozens of saints as well as step-by-step instructions for performing the long-established rituals to enlist their aid, this book Saints: Their Cults and Origins, has the remedies to cure all your modern-day woes. by Caroline Williams -- The author examines how the veneration of saints came about, and discusses their roles of intercession as patrons Making Saints: How the Catholic of trades, nations, and conditions.The Church Determines Who book is filled with fascinating insights, Becomes a Saint, Who Doesn’t, as well as numerous illustrations of statues, medallions and Why, by Kenneth L. Woodward and paintings. -- Not specifically about patron saints, this is an in-depth explanation of how and why someone is declared a saint. Working from church A Litany of Saints, by Ann Ball -- An documents, the author shows how explanation and history of the Litany of the Church decides who is worthy Saints followed by information on all the of its highest honor. He describes the investigations into saints named in the litany. Unique facets lives of candidates, explains how claims for miracles are of each saint are explored through art, approved or rejected, and reveals the role politics, papal devotional customs, sacramentals, and and secular, plays in the ultimate decision. relics.
SEEKING GOD THROUGH Spiritual DIRECTION By Deacon Tony Pynes
We talk about our relationship to God and how as children of God we are always journeying to return to our Father. The Gospels and all of scriptures strive to bring man closer to God, to know God, to understand and find our path back to the Creator of all. Jesus Christ walked among us so he could be a bridge between man and God, created and creator. For God so loved us He sent His son to become one of us and thus divine becomes human and human becomes divine. During Mass when the deacon pours water into the Chalice he says, “By the mystery of this water and wine may we come to share in the divinity of Christ who humbled himself to share in our humanity.” It has always been about man seeking God, God loving man, desiring the beloved who went astray and became broken through original sin to join him once again. So what are we doing about it? I know most of us spend time in prayer, we thank Him for our blessings, we honor Him and bring Him our petitions and challenges, our hopes and our dreams. We spend Sunday at Mass and many attend daily Mass. Chances are you picked up this newsletter after attending Mass. But how much of our day do we spend, not just in prayer, not just in ensuring we stay away from sin and are being charitable in our actions, but rather in seeking God in an intimate and direct way? Are we truly asking to grow closer to Him, to understand Him, and to understand His purpose and direction for us? Most of us want to know our purpose and the direction God has for us. We move through our day and hear competing requests for our time, our resources, and our blessings. We may be asking which voice to listen to and which should we avoid. Which direction and desire will lead me to God and a life of joy and which leads me to conflict? Others may be asking serious life event questions regarding career or marital state. What feeling is inside us, what internal
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motivation calling us is worthy of being a child of God and which one is from the evil one? Aren’t these questions we all want to know? Don’t all of us want to know God’s plan for us? We all want the best relationship with God where we can have the Holy Spirit fill our lives and hearts, where the questions are answered and where God’s voice is clearly heard and we find clarity of vision and purpose. It isn’t necessarily about praying more or dedicating more time to devotions or even Mass, but allowing ourselves to be open to his voice and direction for our life. It is about identifying which spirit, which voice, which path is God’s desire for us. I have spent the last year, as have Deacon Al Cuevas and his wife, Nola Flores, in training to become certified as Spiritual Directors for the Diocese of Austin. We have learned a great deal and have personally found ourselves drawn to the ministry of Spiritual Director. As we finish up our formation, we are looking for parishioners who would like to focus on their relationship with God and take very deliberate steps toward personal growth as children of God. Over the next month we will be working with those in our own parish first before we accept diocesan directees. Whether you are a new Catholic seeking to grow closer to your new faith or have been a Catholic all your life, spiritual direction is available to help you grow in relationship with God. Did you know that all priests, religious and deacons are required to meet monthly with a spiritual director? The diocese and church recognizes how important it is to have someone help us in our spiritual journey. But it is not just for ordained and religious. I invite you to call the Church office (512) 454-0384 and ask to schedule an introductory meeting with one of us to learn more about Spiritual Direction and what it can mean for you. There is no charge for this service. Spiritual direction is about seeking relationship with God by using a spiritual director to help you stay on course. There is no commitment and the directee, not the director, is in control of the pace and journey. The director is there to help you on your way and provide support only. What can you expect? The first meeting will be more of an introduction. So we can get to know you. You learn more about us and what to expect if you decide to continue. Most spiritual direction sessions are an hour long and are scheduled once a month. I am very excited to be able to offer this opportunity to our parish and look forward to hearing from those who would like to start on a journey that will challenge you and enrich your relationship with God.
Society of Our Lady of Guadalupe CELEBRATES 10TH ANNIVERSARY
This active parish ministry, known as the Guadalupanas, is celebrating its 10th year of formation at St. Louis. The installation of this group originally took place on August 25, 2005 when Fr. Larry Covington and Fr. Victor Mayorga commissioned the first seven members of the Society. Mrs. Louise Smith of the parish was instrumental in launching this group because as a member of the St. Louis Women’s Club, she was hopeful that a similar community for Hispanic women would be a popular addition to the parish. The founding members included Amelia Rivera-Galvan, Belinda Bryant, Bernie Perez, Felipa Villanueva, Lupe Ramirez, Miriam Casas and Ramona Lopez. Many of these members are still active today. Our parish Guadalupanas Society serves in a variety of ways within this parish, but they are also part of the larger Federation of Guadalupanas within the Diocese of Austin. As part of the diocesan Federation, their objectives are “to promote a deeper knowledge of our faith and the Doctrine of the Church, to obtain a greater understanding of liturgical life, and to develop a fervent devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe”. Each Society at the parish level identifies and promotes activities that address these objectives and that provide support to their own faith community.
sanctuary, purchasing a new chasuble, dalmatic, veil and burse set for the Blessed Mother’s Feast Day, supporting pro-life activities in the parish and diocese, volunteering in our Parish Social Ministries, making donations toward repairs in Wozniak Hall’s kitchen or toward missions or seminarians’ education. They have partnered with the Women’s Club and other parish groups in hosting parish receptions and they have been willing participants at diocesan events. Per their by-laws, these ladies are also EIM certified, and many of them personally serve in a variety of parish ministries other than their Society.
Last year the Matachines also joined the Guadalupanas, bringing their special veneration of our Mother Mary to the annual celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe, December 12th. Together they are already beginning to plan for this year’s celebration in the parish. Watch future bulletins for additional details. For more information or to join the Society, please call Belinda Over the last ten years, our local group of ladies has Bryant at 512-454-0384 ext 201 or Amelia Galvan done just that: promoting the building of the new 512-873-9328.
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IN HONOR OF
Our Lady of Guadalupe 10TH ANNIVERSARY
celebration of the St. Louis’
Guadalupanas Triduo December 9th, 10th, and 11th 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
in the Chapel.
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe December 12th 4:00 a.m.
in the Main Nave.
All are invited to bring their gift of flowers. • 6:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - all parishioners are welcome to visit and pray with their families in the Shrine of our Blessed Mother
Fellowship After the Mass 6:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
• •
in Wozniak Hall.
Matlachines, Folkloric Dances, Food, Games, Prizes, and more... 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Mariachi Guadalajara
$5
Evening Celebration
Hosted by Jovenes Adultos Ministry & Guadalupañas per person Tickets available after each Mass or in the Church Office
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Supper/Pageant: Plate served with tamales, refried beans, salad, dessert, and drink. Pageant of the Apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe by the Via Crucis Ministry
7:00 p.m. - 7:25 p.m.
Matlachines
7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Dance/Concert by Mariachi Estrella
For more information call 512/454-0384 and ask for Sumayah; Belinda or Elsy or visit: www.st-louis.org/OurLadyofGuadalupe
Around the Diocese and beyond Cedarbrake Catholic Retreat Center
For registration on any events, contact cedarbrake@ austindiocese.org or call at 254-780-2436. November 4 | How to Grieve – a day of reflection will be held from 9:00am – 2:00pm. Walking through grief can be the most difficult part of life’s journey. Mourning can seem to intensify as the holidays approach. During this day of reflection, Judy Hoelscher, a Hospice chaplain, will explore Scripture, look at the natural journey of grief and discover ways to face grief and seek healing. The cost is $35 and includes lunch. November 6-8 | Merciful Like the Father – a weekend retreat that will be led by Deacons, following the course of salvation history from Eden to the presentation with Our Lady, St. John Paul II and St. Faustina. The cost is $195 for a private room, $160 person for shared room and $85 for commuters. November 13-15 | Worldwide Marriage Encounter Retreat for couples wanting to deepen their communication, rekindle their romance and renew their sacrament of marriage. For more information, visit www. austinme.org or contact Steve and Linda Jaramillo at (512) 667-9963. Upcoming Advent Events: December 3 | Advent Dinner with Bishop Danny Garcia December 4-6 | Silent Advent Retreat
St. Dominic Savio FALL PARENT INFORMATION SESSIONS
Prospective parents are invited to attend one of the parent-only Information Sessions at St. Dominic Savio Catholic High School. During these sessions, parents will learn about the school, enjoy a student-led tour of the campus and hear about the admission process. Did you know that Savio offers bus transportation at locations in south, central and north Austin? Space is limited for the November 18 (6:30-8:00pm) session, so reserve your spot. Go to their website: saviochs.org>Admissions>Visit St. Dominic Savio or contact Holly Bologna, Director of Admission at 512-388-8846 ext. 5504.
Eagle’s Wings Retreat Center in Burnet, Texas
For registration and information on these events, contact Sherie Zebrowski (512) 715-0017 November 17 | Prayer and Personality Types Have you ever struggled with your prayer life? Do you ever wonder why some people seem to have it so easy when it comes to prayer? Join us for a presentation on “Prayer and Personality Types” and discover how your personality can enhance your spiritual life. Discussion will include an understanding of the four basic personality types and varying prayer styles that accompany each one. Presenter: Nola Flores, MA in Theology with over 20 years of experience in a wide variety of ministries. She is a gifted presenter at both the parish and diocesan level and is a St. Louis parishioner and wife of Deacon Al Cuevas! December 8 | When Two Seasons Collide: Grief and the Holidays Join us for an in-depth understanding of grief and how it affects the whole person: physically, spiritually, emotionally, family dynamics and socially. We will review the stages and the feelings of grief; how the holidays can trigger grief and how you can use the holidays for healing. Presenter: Lori Burdick, MA and over 22 years as a licensed professional counselor in private practice and accomplished retreat facilitator.
Annulment: Pathway to Healing • Are you in the process of completing a formal petition for an annulment? • Are you someone who is reluctant to begin this lengthy process? The Diocese of Austin Tribunal wants to help you begin the journey toward healing that is involved in seeking an annulment. Sessions held at the Diocesan Pastoral Center can help you understand the process. The first session will be held on Friday evening, January 22 from 7:00-9:00pm, followed by a Saturday session, January 23, from 9:00am4:00pm. Divorced Catholics, who have not received an annulment but want to marry, may often remarry in a civil ceremony. Unfortunately that civil union prevents them from full participation in the Church’s sacramental life. The Church wants to help you return to full communion with the faith. You are urged to first consult with a priest or deacon in your own parish to see what path you need to take. If a Declaration of Nullity is required, consider attending these sessions in January to begin the journey toward healing and hope.
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Diocesan Collection
Considering the Diaconate?
CATHOLIC CAMPAIGN FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT The annual Catholic Campaign for Human Development will be held on the weekend of November 21-22. It is the largest national funding program for self-help projects of low-income people. By promoting communitycontrolled, self-help organizations and transformative education, the U.S. Bishops hope to address the root causes of poverty in America. Each diocese keeps 25% of this national collection to use in their own local human development programs. Please use the separate envelope for this purpose in your envelope sets (or use your own personal envelope labeled CCHD) and put them in the regular collection the weekend of November 21-22. . Thank you for your generosity!
• Are you a Catholic man between the ages of 30 and 57? • Have you recently become aware of a desire to deepen your faith life, but not sure why? • Have you felt a greater need to know Christ more intimately or to follow Him more fully? • Has your awareness increased about the needs of the materially and spiritually poor? • Do you have a desire to respond to those needs in a meaningful way? • Do you live a mature faith, love the Church and follow Church teaching, but want to do more?
2016 Texas Catholic Pro-Life Day T-Shirt Contest In preparation for January 23rd, the Diocese of Austin is searching for a new design for T-shirts. The design must be submitted by December 1st to Yvonne-saldana@ austindiocese.org and must include the following text: Texas Catholic Pro-Life Day centraltexasprolife.org January 23, 2016 Hundreds will wear the design as they attend a day full of pro-life activities including a prayer vigil, living rosary, Mass, march and rally. The winner will be selected by the event committee and will receive five free T-shirts!
St. John Paul II Life Center 5TH ANNUAL BENEFIT DINNER Fr. Mike Schmitz, one of the leading Catholic speakers in the world today, will be the featured speaker at the JPII Annual Benefit Dinner on Wednesday, November 11th, 7:00pm, Renaissance Hotel, 9721 Arboretum Blvd. Save the date for this “Stars of Hope” dinner. For sponsorships and tickets, go to www.jpiilifecenter.org The St. John Paul II Life Center has a three-fold mission: (a) offering state-of-the-art holistic women’s healthcare at The Vitae Clinic; (b) promoting life by offering 3D/4D sonograms and ongoing services to mothers facing unexpected pregnancies; (c) providing education about NaPro TECHNOLOGY fertility care, chaste living and more.
If you answered yes to some of these questions, the Holy Spirit might be calling you to explore the permanent diaconate. Talk to your pastor about your reaction to these questions and, with his permission, consider attending an Inquiry session (in Spanish and English) at the Pastoral Center, 6225 Highway 290 East, Austin on either November 15 or April 10. The diaconal formation class of 2022 will begin forming in January 2017. For additional information, call 512-949-2459 or email diaconateformation@austindiocese.org