Dear Saint Augustine,
Today we celebrate the Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. In the Gospel, we hear Jesus tell two parables each especially relevant at this time of year when our fields and gardens teem with growing plants. To describe the Kingdom of God, first Jesus compares it to someone scattering seed on a fertile field. Then he compares it to a tiny mustard seed which grows into a huge plant. Let today’s reading move us to examine our own faith and how we sometimes underestimate what God can do with “just a little” to bring about the AMAZING results – when we believe!
Join us via our YouTube Channel for the livestream of the 12:30 p.m. Mass as we thank God for the grace He has placed upon our lives.
Remember to stay connected with the parish with our weekly bulletin which also posts Father Pat's Sermon Notes. Click here or download the attachment to read!
As you are all aware, a few months ago our entire HVAC system suffered catastrophic failure and must be replaced. We immediately began moving through a very thorough process with the Archdiocese, which is required for major capital expenditures. We have met all requirements and have selected a contractor. As I am sure you noticed, last Friday, we installed a temporary mobile air conditioning unit to cool us through much of the summer. The cost of replacing the HVAC ($250,000.00) plus the cost of the temporary AC unit brings our fundraising goal to just over $300,000.00. I will be sending a letter out this week to parishioners AND posting it on our website for all of our friends and live streamers out there who want to support our efforts to meet our fundraising goal as rapidly as possible! Thank you everyone for your patience. I look forward to getting started and finding out for ourselves just how far only a mustard seed of faith can go to meet and exceed our every expectation!
We encourage you to send in your donations either by mail, text to donate, or Faith Direct. For more information, please click https://saintaugustine-dc.org/stewardship. Thank you for your generosity!
On the Feast of the Holy Trinity we recognized Cynthia Morris and Lester Smith for their dedication and service to our parish. We thank them for obeying the call of Christ and pray that they remain open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Cynthia Morris
Vincent Brooks Awardee 2021
Ms. Cynthia Morris has been a parishioner of St. Augustine Catholic Church for over 37 years. Throughout that time, she has faithfully served on many ministries at St. Augustine, including as a Lector for more than 35 years, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion for more than 35 years, and Liturgy Coordinator for 20 years. In addition, Cynthia Morris served as a member of the Parish Pastoral Council for several years, Sunday School teacher for more than 15 years, and a member of the St. Augustine Sodality for more than 30 years, including as its Prefect. She also served as Chair of the St. Augustine Family Retreat that was held every year for several decades.
Cynthia played a key role in the Reinstate Our Youth Altar Servers Program more than 20 years ago, volunteered with the Social Justice and Social Services Ministry, served as part of the leadership team for the Improve My Personal Act with Christ (IMPAC) retreats, and has worked within the parish to promote the Black Catholic perspective.
With grateful hearts, we congratulate Ms. Cynthia Morris on being awarded this year’s Vincent Brooks Service Award.
Lester Smith
Vincent Brooks Awardee 2021
Lester Smith has been a parishioner of St. Augustine Catholic Church since the early 1990s. Described as a silent leader, Lester Smith has faithfully served the parish in several ministries including the St. Augustine Self-Help and Resource Exchange Food Network (SHARE) Ministry.
People are empowered through SHARE to stretch their family’s food budget, access information on health and nutrition, and develop partnerships to prevent hunger in communities. SHARE serves an average of 12,000 families monthly in the Washington, DC metro area through a network of 300 volunteer host organizations of which St. Augustine is one.
For many years, Lester Smith has been team lead of the St. Augustine SHARE Ministry, which partners with the Capital Area Food Bank and Friendship Baptist Church, among other organizations, to distribute nutritious groceries monthly to those in need. Lester’s commitment to SHARE and those it serves has remained steadfast despite significant health challenges he’s faced in recent years. His humble and unwavering service to combat hunger is both admirable and inspiring.
In addition to his dedicated service to SHARE, Lester Smith has supported the St. Augustine Sodality for many years, served as a Minister of Hospitality (Usher), and has volunteered his time, together with others, in ensuring that the garden around the church premises is well maintained.
With grateful hearts, we congratulate Mr. Lester Smith on being awarded this year’s Vincent Brooks Service Award.
Message from Our Local Shepherd
Cardinal Archbishop Wilton Gregory is urging all of us to receive the COVID-19 Vaccines at the earliest opportunity. He, and our pastor have been fully vaccinated and hope that we will do the same.
Thank you for doing all you to make the COVID 19 pandemic far behind us!
Thank you for doing all you to make the COVID 19 pandemic far behind us!
PRAYER GROUP
Join our monthly meeting
this Friday, April 18
from 7:00 p.m - 8:30 p.m.
via Zoom Online or by dialling 301 715 8592 then enter
Meeting ID: 858 2727 1959
this Friday, April 18
from 7:00 p.m - 8:30 p.m.
via Zoom Online or by dialling 301 715 8592 then enter
Meeting ID: 858 2727 1959
Passcode: 396542
To find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcVX5VPiRr
“You Go Into the Vineyard Too…” Matt 20:4
Is God calling you? Do you feel the good burn? Well, the Spirit of God is upon YOU! He wants to send you out on mission to consecrate the world. But first, He wants to equip you.
This summer—in partnership with the Washington Archdiocese Office of Catechesis—St. Augustine Parish will host a Faith Foundations Course as part of our ongoing Adult Faith Formation mission. You will encounter Christ in community through fellowship and sharing witness in small groups, and enkindle your personal relationship with Christ. The courses are approved for catechist certification in the Archdiocese, and are designed for you—disciple of Christ—to deepen your knowledge of the truths of the Catholic faith, and prepare you for your unique mission: to make Disciples.
Are you ready to answer the call? Please email parishoffice@saintaugustine-dc.org so we can contact you. Thank you!
The Garden of Eden
We need volunteers! We will be meeting every Saturday during the summer and fall at 8:30 a.m. in the church parking lot.
A green thumb is not required, but a generous spirit is desired.
For more information:
Pease call Michael Lohri at
202-604-5434 or
email: MichaeLohri@yahoo.com
Thank you!
We encourage you to continue checking our website at https://saintaugustine-dc.org and our social media pages listed below for upcoming events and resources.
Blessings,
St. Augustine Parish
Blessings,
St. Augustine Parish
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StAugustineRCDC
Handle: @StAugustineRCDC
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/staugustinercdc/ Handle:@staugustinercdc
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/staugustinecatholichurchdc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/staugustinercdc/ Handle:@staugustinercdc
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/staugustinecatholichurchdc/