Follow Jesus’ Way The Pulse of L.I.F.E.

L.I.F.E.is… “Living in Faith Everyday” “Forming Adults to Create Households of Faith”

Welcome Back! May 5, 2013 Sunday of Easter Cycle C John 14: 23-29

Where L.I.F.E.has taken us most recently: March…Father Manuel Clavijo, Global Fellow for CRS, invited us into the world of the poor served by CRS…but also into the theology of our service in solidarity with the poor and the recognition of Christ in His disturbing disguises. April…We explored the Church’s teachings on Mary through the lens of ecclesially “recognized” apparitions.

This month, did you…  Have a favorite insight from a homily?  Bring items to the food cart?  Try preparing for Mass by studying the readings in advance?  Look at one of the L.I.F.E-recommended websites?  Hear something about our faith that enlightened or challenged you?

Biblical thoughts we pondered…as we journeyed within the Easter Season… April 14…”Revelation”…for the 3 rd time to the disciples, now in bread and in fish; and “Command”, 3 times, for the care of sheep. We are to be the tenders of sheep?? April 21…Sheep, again, now they are those who hear the Son, follow the Son, and know that the Father and Son are one. We are to be the sheep?? April 28…Commandment, again…but anew! We are to be disciples who are called to love each and every sheep?? And, then, Christ left??

May 10St. Damien de Veuster May 13Our Lady of Fatima May 14St. Matthias May 15St. Isidore May 18St. John I May 20St. Bernadette of Siena May 21St. Christopher Magalianes Feast Days (May 5-June 9): any favorites of yours ?

May 22St. Rita of Cascia May 25Sts. Bede, Gregory VIII, and Mary Magdalene of de’Pazzi May 27St. Augustine of Canterbury June 3St. Thomas June 5St. Anthony Zaccaria June 6St. Maria Goretti

W e & the world contemplate and share this season… May 1May Day, Law Day, Loyalty Day May 5Cinco de Mayo May 7National Teacher Day May 12Mother’s Day May 15Shavuot (Jewish holiday commemorating God giving them the Torah) May 18Armed Forces Day May 27Memorial Day 2013 May 31World No Tobacco Day

What is St. Augustine all about? Can you see these happening????.... Fellowship and feeding! Outreach within and beyond our borders! Formation for all…ongoing, ongoing, ongoing!

L.I.F.E (Living in Faith Everyday) What was St. Augustine Parish doing to bring about the reign of God during the last month? Our Food Pantry… feeding about families this month. ***See the bulletin for special needs and requests!! Where can I find this?? ***Help the pantry: participate in Food Lion Community Rewards program Collecting and posting names, and praying for those in our church family separated from us by military service or the Peace Corps in areas of conflict and unrest. Offering funeral receptions for our bereaved. Operating a seasonal children’s clothing closet.

and…“Healthy Bodies and Big Smiles” come weekly… Tuesdays in St. Augustine’s parking lot ….a wonderful sight when the Bon Secours CARE-A-VAN and the VDH Dental ”Smiles” vans pull in! So very many children and adults being given good care…and such a visible sign of our support of their work!!

…and, on Care-a-van Tuesdays!!! JAMES HOUSE is now offering, on site, their counseling services in areas of domestic violence and sexual abuse…

…& a great service on Mondays! Commonwealth Catholic Charities …has individual and group counseling at St. Augustine on Mondays. Contact Ms. Rodriguez Perez at

…&…Caring for God’s Creation Improved recycling can become a reality! It’s not easy being Green! Are you & yours part of the effort already? What happens in your life every April 22nd? Does Earth Day happen?

What can you do?????...BEGIN! Begin…bring your own cup to L.I.F.E.! Begin to participate in recycling at home. Begin to buy “green” whenever possible. Begin to think “green” in all that you do and in all that you teach your children & grandchildren.

and…St. Augustine continues… Providing food for the Men’s Shelter Serving as mentors in local schools & reading to children at the CARE-A-VAN Adopting a highway Caring for the homebound and hospitalized Providing prayer shawls for so many in need of comfort Sponsoring children and the aged within CFCA Please come join others in these ministries!

…and in the wider community… We continue in our role as a Red Cross disaster shelter site. We continue our involvement with CCHASM…assisting our own parishioners as well as our neighbors. We continue to pray for the needs of the wider Richmond community, joining many other Christian Churches and Richmond Hill. When?

Small Group Study EveryWoman: Women of all ages gather prayerfully to systematically study & to share insights on worldwide efforts toward a just and peaceful world. They have continued to gather since 2010 and, this Lent, quietly explored the saints in the life of the Church and in their own lives while still contributing to worldwide efforts on behalf of women and girls in need. Ecumenical Men’s Bible Study: Men of St. Augustine & of St. John Episcopal meet 2x monthly on Saturday mornings (Deacon Eric has attended!...and breakfast is integral). Contact Darren Van Guilder here today to consider joining these men. These men and women join others in on-going small adult communities sharing & pondering our weekly Scripture readings. **Tuesday a.m. group meets after daily Mass and is open to all! Would you like to be part of small groups like this? Men & women, call Eileen!

WINGS “Women in God’s Spirit” …a ministry of encouragement & enrichment for women of all ages who seek to deepen their faith and grow in their relationship with God and one another …groups will meet weekly during the school year & have 3 different seasons, focusing on three areas of spiritual growth: 1) Catholic teachings; 2) Scripture; 3) Spiritual witness talks.

Book Club started April 8! Join a group reading the books currently offered by the Worship Committee… Daytime Session: Mondays 2-3:30p.m. Evening Session: Mondays 7-8:30 p.m. First book: “Everybody Needs to Forgive Somebody”; books available at $3

St. Augustine Formation Events Summary… Daytime Learning Opportunities Monday:Book Club 2-3:30p.m. Tuesday:Bible study after daily Mass in Room PC 1-2 Wednesday: WINGS 9:45a.m.-11:30 a.m. in Room PC 1-2 (in the Fall) Thursday: Women’s Scripture Group in individual homes Saturday:Men’s Breakfast Study Group (every other week) Evening Learning Opportunities Mondays: Book Club 7-8:30p.m. Tuesdays (2 nd and 4 th ): “EveryWoman” …for every woman and about every woman! Books, critical topics, good discussion, and outreach activities are a part of this group’s focus!

Upcoming St. A’s Events **( YEAR of FAITH: Oct Oct. 2013) May 9 or 12Feast of the Ascension of the Lord May 19Feast of Pentecost May 19Welcoming & Orientation for New Parishioners (w/ POOR BOX Breakfast) 10:30a.m. May 21Holy Hour 7 p.m. May 26Men’s Shelter 6p.m.

Seniors unite in interests! “Seniors” recently brainstormed, with Deacon Al, about their common interests in gathering. They considered exercise (chair yoga happened!), trips, some social events with a possibility of daytime Holy Hours and other para-liturgies. They will meet the 4 th Thursdays from 1-3p.m. in PC 1-2.

Great Area-wide Opportunity Bon Air Interfaith Trialogue In late April/early May, members of the Jewish Congregation Or Ami, the Christian churches in Bon Air, and the Islamic Center gather in three locations, on three different evenings, for interfaith conversation on topics chosen by the planning group. Wonderful ethnic food is often a part of the gatherings! **Keep an eye in the bulletin for more info!

AND WHERE WILL L.I.F.E. TAKE US THIS MONTH?

What do we see in the gospel of LUKE? The “historical context” was highlighted: it confirms dates of the events of the time. Worship and Prayer were central: Jesus was at prayer before, during, and after each significant event. A “Theology of Glory” was presented: The disciples suffer…but joyfully. Food was prominent: Jesus revises table etiquette! We are now in Year C/Luke’s Gospel

Father Mike and Mark Hoggard always ask of us… Remember that the Lectionary has a specific purpose in its arrangement of readings. BUT,…this often causes readings to be heard “out of context.” During this “Year of Luke” (Year C), we are challenged to gradually read Luke …chapter by chapter, verse by verse, immersing ourselves in its revelation of Jesus’ character & mission.

And…why is John back again? Always, for John, there is focus on the “Risen” Lord and the revelation of Christ to the people who surround Him and…most importantly for us, the revelation of Christ to all…throughout all ages. For all the weeks of Easter, our need for this deeper understanding of the Pascal Mystery is fulfilled by this fourth Evangelist.

…and today???? Michele Morris presents “Teresita”

Word of the Month Anniversary Happy 6th

Website of the Month Carmelgoal.com

A Warm WELCOME! To everyone newly registered in L.I.F.E. and to all guests today

…and, today, for whom shall we pray?

…and, always, prayer for those journeying toward full initiation into the Catholic Faith!  Allie DickenCatechumen  Michael AllenInquirer

An invitation… If you, or someone you know, has questions about becoming Catholic, please consider a time of thoughtful inquiry, of welcomed questions, of discerning conversation… Call Eileen Brown , ext. 1113

…need Adult Confirmation ? If you are a Catholic adult who has never been confirmed and would like to prepare for this sacrament of initiation, please contact: Eileen Brown at the Parish Office , Ext Call Eileen also if you are in need of a CATHOLIC BIBLE!

Where will L.I.F.E. take us in June? We continue exploring our faith in the Year of Faith with… “Who were the people of the early church?” **Bring a friend to a “Slice of L.I.F.E.”

To Adults with Youth in L.I.F.E. A reminder : the handout “Disciples at Home” is to be used in the coming week to be a source of good “faith- dialoguing” with your children in grades 7 through 12. A reminder : youth/children/adults are not to be texting or using cell phones during L.I.F.E. Do have that discussion!!

Reminder for all in L.I.F.E. Registration Dates for L.I.F.E. June 29 th -30 th July 13 th -14 th July 27 th -28 th August 10 th -11 th