"The Holy Spirit having taken up His abode in the Christian soul, enlightens, quickens and strengthens it to run in the way of perfection". Father Isaac Hecker, founder of the Paulist Fathers
Whether you're 6 or 60, you are always in need of more education as a Catholic. The process of being formed in our faith never stops, and we believe it's just as important for a grandmother to learn more about her faith, as it is for her to be sure that her grandchildren are being brought up as Catholics. Permanent Deacon Bob Atkins heads PRE.
Our programs cover three major areas:
Children - We begin with kindergarten children and bring them along through confirmation. The sacrament of Confirmation is often received by teenagers as they begin those years. The children are prepared for their first Communion when they are at the "age of reason" - normally about seven years of age. In between those sacramental highlights a child learns about many of the details of what it means to be a Catholic and comes in contract with religion as a necessary and important part of life. Each Sunday morning from early September until late May, children are expected to attend parish religious education classes from 9:45 to 10:45 in the school. The greatest help for a child's religious education is their parents' insuring that they are present for classes each Sunday.
Youth - Religious Education does not end with Confirmation. The Youth Groups at St. Augustine blend social activities with learning opportunities, so that those who are not yet adults can begin to grapple with the realities and mysteries of being Catholic.
Adults - St. Augustine parish is deeply engaged in helping adults learn more about their faith so that they mature as Christians, even as they are maturing as adults. Bible Study is available twice a week on Tuesday (Women's) and Thursday (Men's) evening. On Sunday, while the children are at Sunday School, there are courses for parents and any one else who might be interested in learning more about their faith.
Seniors - As the retired grow with grace into their elderly years, there is a constant need to stay in touch with matters of faith. On Thursdays at 11:00 AM some of our seniors gather for a time of faith reflection, Mass, discussion, lunch and games. It's a time for the elders among us to deepen the wisdom of God in their lives, as they continue to share with all of us.
RCIA - We are constantly aware that many people wish to join us at St. Augustine, and to share fully in our faith commitments. In order to do so, it's important that those who have no church family, or who are anxious to learn more about Catholicism take part in the Ritual of Christian Initiation for Adults. This eight month program helps people who are searching for answers to what it means to be Catholic, to take the journey that leads to Baptism as a Catholic or full profession to our faith as Catholics. Generally, those who wish to take part in the RCIA, meet on Sunday mornings at 9:45 am, in Mizicko Hall with Bertha Gilmore, the RCIA Sponsor. For those who are unable to meet at that time, personal instructions on the journey to Adult Initiation are provided.
Convalescent/Nursing Homes
(Parkway Health & Rehab) Mrs. Arlene Hardaway
(St. Peter Villa) Mrs. Isabel Samuels, Mrs. Willie Evelyn Malone
(Metro Community Care Home) Mr. Floyd Shavers
Ill at Home
Mr. Herbert Allen, Mr. Joseph Alsandor, Mrs. Monique Meacham Bethany, Mr. Gerald Bond, Mrs. Lula Crawford, Mr. Robert Crowley, Mr. Greg Duckett , Mrs. Judy Epps, Mrs. Wendy Funches, Mr. Turner Gilmore, Mrs. Marshia Gilmore, Mr. Emory Gordon, Mrs. Lottie Gordon, Ms. Jacqueline Guerrero, Mrs. Annie Hines Atkins, Mr. Darrell Hollimon, Mr. Willie Hollimon, Mrs. Helen Hoof, Mr. Robert Hooper, Mrs. Annie B. Jones, Mrs. Mary M. Jones, Mrs. Teresa Kimbrough, Mrs. Marie Lawson, Mr. Ashton Charles Lewis, Mrs. Mary Monroe, Mrs. Maurice McDonald, Mrs. Florine McMillan, Mr. John Parker, Mrs. Bobby Redmond, Mr. Frank Reynolds, Mr. Stanley Robinson, Mrs. Allura Tate, Mrs. Forrestine Weed, Mr. Johnnie Weaver.
