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The Advent season is a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time and also to the anniversary of the Lord’s birth on Christmas. We hope you will join us for the following opportunities to celebrate a hope-filled Advent at St. Catherine, click here for details.

Everyone is invited to La Posada beginning at 6:30 p.m. in Johnson Hall. La Posada is a traditional Spanish religious festival that celebrates the journey that Mary and Joseph made from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of a safe refuge (a Posada, an Inn or Shelter) where Mary gives birth to the baby Jesus. La Posada is sponsored by the ACTS Community, the Amigos Club, and the Knights of Columbus. Traditional refreshments, hot chocolate, pan dulce, and cookies will be served after the Posada.

All are welcome to bring a memento or photo of your loved one for the Dia de los Muertos altar to be displayed until In November, the "Book of the Dead" will be displayed in the Narthex for you to add the name of loved ones past.

The funeral for our beloved Fr. Oliver will commence with a Visitation and Rosary at St. Catherine of Siena on Sun., Oct. 13 at 6:30 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Catherine on Mon., Oct. 14 at 10 a.m.  Burial will follow immediately after at Cook Walden Forest Oak. There will be a reception in Johnson Hall after the burial.  Please bring a dessert to share with the community.

Beginning on Sunday, Sept. 15, we will begin a new Bible study, "A Biblical Walk with Mary" after the 9:30 a.m. Mass. Join us in the Cenacle from 10:45 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

We are excited to introduce the parish to our new Youth Minister, Livia Telles-Rodriguez. She will be working with our Middle School & High School Youth. Livia has been involved with faith formation for children and youth since 2014. Originally from El Paso, she has lived in Austin since 2000. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics. Livia has been working towards her certification as a Youth Minister and Director of Religious Education through the Diocese of Austin. Livia joined the staff at St. Catherine’s at the beginning of June, and is excited to work with our Youth. You can contact her at livia.telles-rodriguez@stcatherine-austin.org.

VBS at St. Catherine was held June 10 - 14. We had 173 children participate in Athens: Paul's Dangerous Journey to Share the Truth. A special “THANK YOU” to the 107+ volunteers, including the core team members, who have been meeting and planning since February. Also, thanks to the many families that donated supplies, food and money. VBS could not happen without your continued support! It's true!

Join us in ancient Athens where we'll explore what life was like for the Apostle Paul on his dangerous journey to share the truth. VBS will be held June 10-14th from 9:00 AM to Noon. Open to children entering kindergarten through 5th grade. Deadline to register is May 19. For information and to register, please click here or visit the Summer Programs section of Children and Youth Faith Formation.

Our Ignite Middle School Youth will be collecting donations after all Sunday Masses for this nationwide program. As our country prepares to watch and celebrate the Super Bowl, we are invited to be mindful of those in our community who struggle daily with food insecurity and hunger. The collection will be donated to the non-profit Hungry Souls, which provides food and cookware to families whose children qualify for free and reduced school lunches. Please be generous!

That Man is You returns to St Catherine’s of Siena this Fall!  Paradisus Dei has developed an entirely NEW year of TMIY, The Vision of Man Fully Alive.  It's unlike anything they have done before!  Featuring 9 dynamic presenters, new personalities, and incredible new topics, it's sure to invigorate and set a fire in your hearts!  The program will start on Friday, Sept. 14.  

The weekend before school starts, we will have a special blessing and prayer for all students. Join us on Sunday, Aug. 19, at the 9:30 a.m. Mass. We will also have a special blessing and prayer for all students, teachers, and school staff. Students are welcome to bring their backpacks to Mass.

Are you and your child ready to launch a new school year? Don't miss this popular workshop that helps parents learn what teachers wish you knew when sending your Pre-K through 3rd grader to school. Learn how to organize your mornings and discover strategies to decrease anxiety, resistance, and stresses that can make the start & end of the school day a frustrating experience. Click here for details.

Parents, don’t miss this special presentation by Dr. Michael Brooks, author of "Tech Generation: Raising Balanced Kids in a Hyper-Connected World." Click here for additional information and to register.

On Sat., June 3, 2018, the parish community of St. Catherine of Siena honored graduating high school seniors at the 11:30 a.m. Mass. Fr. Lou Brusatti led a special blessing after Communion. Click here for more information and photos from the event.

All 2018 High School graduates are invited to a Graduation Mass on Sunday, June 3, at 11:30 a.m. Graduates should arrive in the Narthex at 11:00 a.m., wearing their cap and gown to line up for the procession of Mass. There will be reserved seating for the graduates and a special blessing after Communion. We look forward to celebrating this milestone with you! To participate, RSVP by Friday, May 25.

This summer, we are partnering again with our neighbors at St. Paul’s parish, who will host VBS on their grounds.  Save the date for VBS: " Shipwrecked, Rescued by Jesus," where kids discover how Jesus rescues us through life’s storms. VBS is for children entering kinder through 5th grade. REGISTER BY MAY 20! Click here for more information!

We are delighted to inform you that Bishop Joe Vasquez will come to St. Catherine to officially open our New Parish Center! The official opening will take place on Sunday, May 6, at 3:00 p.m. This will be followed with a simple reception. We are sending out an open invitation to anyone in the parish who would like to be present. At another date to be announced shortly, we will host an Open House weekend for all the parish to come and visit the New Parish Center at a more leisurely pace.

The Catholic Church is committed to ensuring the safety of children and young people and providing pastoral outreach to victims and survivors of sexual abuse by clergy. The Church’s mission to protect and heal stems from the Gospel: the life and teachings of Jesus Christ provide us with the perfect foundation for our efforts to create safe environments for children. Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Mt 19:14). Click here for more info.

Do you have or know a young college student earning an associate’s or bachelor’s degree? Could they use some extra love & support from St. Catherine’s parish, especially around final exam time? Our Faith Formation families will be sending College Care Packages in May, find out more information here.

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