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Sunday, September 27, 2020
Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Virtual Mass, September 19 & 20, 2020
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You can now hear audio only versions of our Masses by dialing 15033006862. When prompted then dial 114429#. Remember that the Mass times are: Noon, Wednesday - Friday, Saturday (vigil Mass) 4:00 p.m Sunday: 8;00 am and 11:00 am. First Fridays 10:30 am until further notice. |
Fr. Francis Homily for Sept. 19 & 20 (Click above to download)
From the pastor September 4, 2020
VIEW THE VIRTUAL MASS AND OTHER VIDEO MESSAGES FROM FR. FRANCIS ON FACEBOOK BY CLICKING HERE
PAST VIRTUAL MASS RECORDINGS CAN ALSO BE VIEWED ON YOUTUBE
(Click here to subscribe to the St. Augustine YouTube channel)
SEE BISHOP TALLEY'S DECREE REGARDING PUBLIC MASS BELOW
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Bishop Talley's Decree(s) Regarding Public Mass
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Published September 1, 2020
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Effective October 4, 2020
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Special Indulgences Granted by The Holy See
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Prayer for a Pandemic
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Rosary and funeral Mass for Sullivan Young are scheduled for Thursday, September 24 at 10:30am.
FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK
Sept. 19, 2020:
SALUTATION AND BLESSING
How are you today? I pray that God’s blessings of peace, consolation of the Holy Spirit, good health and joy be yours this day and always! The Lord said, “In the world you will have troubles but be of good cheer, I have conquered the world”(John 16:33).
WHY DO WE KEEP SUNDAY HOLY NOT SATURDAY?
Have you ever wondered whether we should keep Sabbath holy rather than Sunday? I have, especially when I read of many passages like this one:
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy (Exodus 20:8-11).
Since Monday is not the first day of the week, Saturday becomes the seventh day! Why then do we keep Sunday holy? The reason is that Sunday is the Lord’s Day. The two of the life changing events of the Christian Religion, the Resurrection and Pentecost happened on Sundays. Sunday - “the first day of the week - the third after Friday - is attested in the New Testament from a very early stage as the day when the Christian Community assembled for worship (cf. 1 Cor 16:2; Acts 20;7; Rev 1:10).” Those Bible passages give evidence for keeping Sunday holy rather than Saturday. This change was not as a result of theological speculation but extraordinary events like the discovery of an empty tomb and the descent of the Power from on high.
Writing in about late first century, early second century, St Ignatius of Antioch testified, “We have seen how former adherents of the ancient customs have since attained to a new hope, so they have given up keeping the Sabbath and now order their lives by the Lord’s day instead (the day when life first dawned for us, thank to him and his death” (Ad Magn., 9:1).
We must also note that we are not sola scriptura, “Bible alone” believers. We take the Word of God in its entirety - the Written form - the Bible and the Unwritten form Word of God handed on by word of mouth to through the prophets and Apostles - the Sacred Tradition. “Sacred tradition and Sacred Scripture form one sacred deposit of the word of God, committed to the Church. Holding fast to this deposit the entire holy people united with their shepherds remain always steadfast in the teaching of the Apostles, in the common life, in the breaking of the bread and in prayers (see Acts 2, 42, Greek text).” We keep Sunday holy because it is the Lord’s day. It is the day Christ rose from the dead and the Holy Spirit descended on the Apostles and the Blessed Mother.
By a tradition handed down from the apostles which took its origin from the very day of Christ's resurrection, the Church celebrates the paschal mystery every eighth day; with good reason this, then, bears the name of the Lord's day or Sunday. For on this day Christ's faithful are bound to come together into one place so that; by hearing the word of God and taking part in the Eucharist, they may call to mind the passion, the resurrection and the glorification of the Lord Jesus, and may thank God who "has begotten them again, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, unto a living hope" (1 Pet. 1:3). Hence the Lord's day is the original feast day, and it should be proposed to the piety of the faithful and taught to them so that it may become in fact a day of joy and of freedom from work. Other celebrations, unless they are truly of greatest importance, shall not have precedence over the Sunday which is the foundation and kernel of the whole liturgical year.
THE ROSARY OF SEVEN SORROWS
Many of us know about Immaculee Ilibagiza, she was left to tell the story of the horrors children of God experienced in Rwanda. She knew suffering and she brought wisdom and treasures she gathered from her experience to bear on the book of devotion to Mother of God -The Rosary of Seven Sorrows. Could I urge everybody to discover this devotion that came from the heart of the Mother who loves us beyond all telling.
A CALL TO GLORY - SULLIVAN YOUNG!
Our illustrious brother Sullivan Young transitioned into the everlasting life a few hours ago this night of Friday, September 18, 2020. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Sullivan was ready and he wanted us to lift him up the Lord in prayers and not to eulogize him. Please offer Masses for him. Keep also his beloved wife Betharene and all the Young’s family in your prayers. It is not easy to lose a loved one.
THE PLACE FOR TABERNACLE
Our tabernacle is hidden away from view. Have you ever seen where the Master’s bedroom is placed in the garage? That is what it is like when the tabernacle is not in the sanctuary. Could we correct it? I would like us to give our Lord a befitting place right in the sanctuary - the holy of the holies.
CATECHETICAL SUNDAY : This coming Sunday is the Catechetical Sunday. We honor our catechists and teachers of the faith. The Bishop is the chief Catechist of the Diocese. Here at St Augustine, may we honor Mrs Anneye Hughes, our DRE, Mrs Gilmore our RCIA Coordinator and all our PRE teachers past and present.
WHAT IS MORE?
“The discipline of the LORD, my son, do not spurn; do not disdain his reproof; For whom the LORD loves he reproves,as a father, the son he favors” (Proverbs 3:11-12).
Father Francis Chiawa
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
Father Francis Chiawa acknowledged 24 years of his ordination to the priesthood with Mass on Monday, August 17. Parishioners and well-wishers thanked him with a drive-by celebration as well. We love you Father Francis and we ask for God's continued blessings upon you.
WELCOME OUR NEW DEACON - REV. ANDREW TERRY!
What a gift for us to receive another firebrand preacher of the Word as a replacement for Reverend Deacon Alexander. His name is Reverend Deacon Andrew Terry. Many of us already know Deacon Terry because he used to be here at St. Augustine before he was transferred to St Paul. Now, he is making a second missionary journey to his beloved St. Augustine Parish. We are blessed to have him back. You know, of course, that our revered and beloved brother Deacon Talley is not going on any transfer. He is very much around. His health is improving, thanks be to God.
Sept. 19, 2020:
SALUTATION AND BLESSING
How are you today? I pray that God’s blessings of peace, consolation of the Holy Spirit, good health and joy be yours this day and always! The Lord said, “In the world you will have troubles but be of good cheer, I have conquered the world”(John 16:33).
WHY DO WE KEEP SUNDAY HOLY NOT SATURDAY?
Have you ever wondered whether we should keep Sabbath holy rather than Sunday? I have, especially when I read of many passages like this one:
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy (Exodus 20:8-11).
Since Monday is not the first day of the week, Saturday becomes the seventh day! Why then do we keep Sunday holy? The reason is that Sunday is the Lord’s Day. The two of the life changing events of the Christian Religion, the Resurrection and Pentecost happened on Sundays. Sunday - “the first day of the week - the third after Friday - is attested in the New Testament from a very early stage as the day when the Christian Community assembled for worship (cf. 1 Cor 16:2; Acts 20;7; Rev 1:10).” Those Bible passages give evidence for keeping Sunday holy rather than Saturday. This change was not as a result of theological speculation but extraordinary events like the discovery of an empty tomb and the descent of the Power from on high.
Writing in about late first century, early second century, St Ignatius of Antioch testified, “We have seen how former adherents of the ancient customs have since attained to a new hope, so they have given up keeping the Sabbath and now order their lives by the Lord’s day instead (the day when life first dawned for us, thank to him and his death” (Ad Magn., 9:1).
We must also note that we are not sola scriptura, “Bible alone” believers. We take the Word of God in its entirety - the Written form - the Bible and the Unwritten form Word of God handed on by word of mouth to through the prophets and Apostles - the Sacred Tradition. “Sacred tradition and Sacred Scripture form one sacred deposit of the word of God, committed to the Church. Holding fast to this deposit the entire holy people united with their shepherds remain always steadfast in the teaching of the Apostles, in the common life, in the breaking of the bread and in prayers (see Acts 2, 42, Greek text).” We keep Sunday holy because it is the Lord’s day. It is the day Christ rose from the dead and the Holy Spirit descended on the Apostles and the Blessed Mother.
By a tradition handed down from the apostles which took its origin from the very day of Christ's resurrection, the Church celebrates the paschal mystery every eighth day; with good reason this, then, bears the name of the Lord's day or Sunday. For on this day Christ's faithful are bound to come together into one place so that; by hearing the word of God and taking part in the Eucharist, they may call to mind the passion, the resurrection and the glorification of the Lord Jesus, and may thank God who "has begotten them again, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, unto a living hope" (1 Pet. 1:3). Hence the Lord's day is the original feast day, and it should be proposed to the piety of the faithful and taught to them so that it may become in fact a day of joy and of freedom from work. Other celebrations, unless they are truly of greatest importance, shall not have precedence over the Sunday which is the foundation and kernel of the whole liturgical year.
THE ROSARY OF SEVEN SORROWS
Many of us know about Immaculee Ilibagiza, she was left to tell the story of the horrors children of God experienced in Rwanda. She knew suffering and she brought wisdom and treasures she gathered from her experience to bear on the book of devotion to Mother of God -The Rosary of Seven Sorrows. Could I urge everybody to discover this devotion that came from the heart of the Mother who loves us beyond all telling.
A CALL TO GLORY - SULLIVAN YOUNG!
Our illustrious brother Sullivan Young transitioned into the everlasting life a few hours ago this night of Friday, September 18, 2020. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Sullivan was ready and he wanted us to lift him up the Lord in prayers and not to eulogize him. Please offer Masses for him. Keep also his beloved wife Betharene and all the Young’s family in your prayers. It is not easy to lose a loved one.
THE PLACE FOR TABERNACLE
Our tabernacle is hidden away from view. Have you ever seen where the Master’s bedroom is placed in the garage? That is what it is like when the tabernacle is not in the sanctuary. Could we correct it? I would like us to give our Lord a befitting place right in the sanctuary - the holy of the holies.
CATECHETICAL SUNDAY : This coming Sunday is the Catechetical Sunday. We honor our catechists and teachers of the faith. The Bishop is the chief Catechist of the Diocese. Here at St Augustine, may we honor Mrs Anneye Hughes, our DRE, Mrs Gilmore our RCIA Coordinator and all our PRE teachers past and present.
WHAT IS MORE?
“The discipline of the LORD, my son, do not spurn; do not disdain his reproof; For whom the LORD loves he reproves,as a father, the son he favors” (Proverbs 3:11-12).
Father Francis Chiawa
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
Father Francis Chiawa acknowledged 24 years of his ordination to the priesthood with Mass on Monday, August 17. Parishioners and well-wishers thanked him with a drive-by celebration as well. We love you Father Francis and we ask for God's continued blessings upon you.
WELCOME OUR NEW DEACON - REV. ANDREW TERRY!
What a gift for us to receive another firebrand preacher of the Word as a replacement for Reverend Deacon Alexander. His name is Reverend Deacon Andrew Terry. Many of us already know Deacon Terry because he used to be here at St. Augustine before he was transferred to St Paul. Now, he is making a second missionary journey to his beloved St. Augustine Parish. We are blessed to have him back. You know, of course, that our revered and beloved brother Deacon Talley is not going on any transfer. He is very much around. His health is improving, thanks be to God.
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Information for St. Augustine Parishioners:
First Saturday Mass has been changed to First Friday Mass and will be held each month at 10:30am. Afterwards, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will be observed
During this time of uncertainty please be aware of these facts developed by our parish leaders to help guide us on a closer walk with Jesus.
Daily Mass has resumed at 12 noon on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
Confessions: (Call the church office - 901-774-2297 or email for an appointment for Confessions in the Chapel or Off-Site location determined By Father Francis)
Holy Eucharist: Father Francis will offer on behalf of the entire parish
Find daily and weekly Mass celebrations, news and other updates at the Diocesan website www.cdom.org and on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CatholicDioceseofMemphis/
and EWTN www.ewtn.com
Parishioners are encouraged to download the free parish mobile App at www.parishsolutionsco.com/augustine for your phone or tablet in order to receive parish updates via Push Notifications. Also available for Android devices at the Google Play Store and for Apple IOS devices at the App Store
Tithes/Offertory and "I Will Build My Church" donations should be mailed as separate checks to the church office at 1169 Kerr Ave, Memphis, TN 38106
Parishioners can take advantage of a systematic giving method that is currently available by completing an Automatic Withdrawal Form available for download on the parish website https://www.staugustinememphis.net/donate.html. Currently, this is available only for your regular tithes/offering. Simply complete the form and mail it to the church office.
eGiving from this website, mobile app or text is still in development for secure offertory donations by checking account directly to the St. Augustine account(s). This will make collection counting quicker and improve bookkeeping efficiency in the church office
Information you can use
A NOTE FROM OUR HEALTH MINISTRY
The current status of the COVID-19/coronavirus has shifted globally quickly. It requires unequivocally vigilance and care. Due to privacy laws, we are not at liberty to discuss any personal information about anyone. We want to encourage you to remain vigilant in following all preventive tips and responsive protocol outlined by the health department, which we believe will be your best source of the latest and most useful Information. In addition to following the instructions of the health officials, check the following link for the latest information and recommendations from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) http:/www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/
Some of the symptoms of COVID-19, may appear 2-14 days after contact may include
fever, cough, shortness of breath. Illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness to include: trouble breathing, persistent cough, persistent pain and or pressure in the chest, bluish lips or face, new confusion or inability to arouse.
If you have any symptoms please seek testing and limit your contact with others until you do. Contact your medical provider for other concerns.
- From a local community leader - "Call this number for food stamps for everyone. 1-855-635-4370."
- Tennessee COVID-19 Case Tracking website (State and County info) - myutk.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/a4614b1566f44f559d9c5995ebe9c49d
- Health Department COVID-19 Data for Shelby County (includes numbers of confirmed cases by zip code; updated daily) - https://insight.livestories.com/s/v2/covid-19-data-page/8a6ba562-bc6f-4e58-bdcc-c211b6be539c
In Memoriam
The brother of Nevada Gates died recently. Please pray for Ms. Gates, her friends and family and for the repose of the soul of Mr. Glenn Worsham.
Belated condolences to Mrs. Elizabeth Stewart. Her brother Mr. Vernell Jackson died in May of this year.
Please give Elizabeth your condolences and add her family to your prayers.
Claudia Jackson, sister-in-law to Mrs Bertha Gilmore and Auntie to Raymond Jackson transitioned yesterday peacefully in her sleep. Please pray for the eternal repose of her gentle soul. Please offer Masses for her. Pray also for God's consolation for Mrs Gilmore and family.
Thelma Walton, our dear Sister in the Lord, transitioned to the life beyond. She was the mother of Billy Walton, a sister to Emma Pickett Williams, a relative of Mrs. Tuesday Hudson, and aunt to Thomas, Stephanie and Rhonda Williams. May the soul of Thelma and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Please lift her up to the Lord continually. The funeral Mass and the rosary were held at St Augustine.
Mrs. Audrey Allen went home to Eternal Glory July 5. The Mass of Christian Burial was held Friday, July 10 at St. Augustine. Please keep her family and all the souls of the dearly departed in your prayers.
Mrs. Emma Williams passed away June 28. The funeral services were held at St. Augustine Catholic Church on Monday, July 6, 2020. Please uplift Mrs. Williams and her family.
Ms Yvonne Lomax Bradford, niece of Hildred Lomax, passed June 6. Please keep her family and all the souls of the dearly departed in your prayers.
Parishioner David Wright entered into eternal rest on May 19. Please keep the Wright family and all the souls of the dearly departed in your prayers.
Parishioner Carolyn Shaw passed away on Holy Thursday, April 9. Please keep Ms Shaw and her family in your prayers.
Mr. Timothy Alexander, brother of our parishioner Mrs. Susie Swift, died on Saturday, April 4, 2020.
Mr. Alexander will be taken to Louisiana for the memorial. Please add him and Mrs. Swift in your prayers.
The funeral Mass was held for Dr. William H. Sweet on Friday, April 3. Please keep Dr. Sweet and his family lifted up in prayer.
Dr. Lenard Wells passed away Mar 21 in Milwaukee, WI. Please keep his wife Coreen and family in our prayers.
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God's servant, Rev. Chester Smith, SVD, co-founder of the Bowman Francis Ministry in Indianapolis, IN and the National Black Catholic Men's Conference went home to be with the Lord. Father Chester, who frequently celebrated Mass here at St. Augustine over the years, transitioned on Wednesday, April 8.
He fought the good fight, he completed his course, he kept the faith. Go brother and enjoy your eternal reward. All are requested to continue to uplift him and his family. The Fr. Chester Smith SVD Virtual Memorial Celebration can be viewed here |
Scriptures to guide through this COVID-19 Pandemic
Tap to pause the prayers, tap again to restart
Have you made your commitment to the "I Will Build My Church" Capital Campaign?
Please continue to support our effort by mailing you check to the church office (address below). |
Go to this Shelby County Election Commission link to get information about absentee voting in the next election Early voting for the Nov 3 election is Oct. 14-29 PLEASE PLAN TO VOTE EARLY!! Be a good citizen: Don't forget to complete the 2020 Census Join us for meditation every 2nd Sunday of each month beginning at 7:45am Click here to enjoy the St. Augustine Choir Reunion slideshow. Adult Faith Formation and other Parish Religious Education classes have been canceled until further notice. . Monetary donations to St. Vincent de Paul can be placed in the receptacle in the Narthex. Cash or checks payable to: St. Vincent de Paul St. Augustine Conference are acceptable. (The following will resume when the church is fully re-opened) All visitors are invited to come to the gym/fellowship hall following Mass for complimentary refreshments. |
Click News & Events for more details and
exciting Travel Opportunities
Click here for the latest images of happenings around St. Augustine
exciting Travel Opportunities
Click here for the latest images of happenings around St. Augustine
The 2020 Annual Catholic Appeal has officially begun. Please prayerfully complete your pledges or make donations.
Remember to return your pledge card by mailing it to the Diocese of Memphis or placing it in the offertory basket. If you did not receive a pledge card, copies are available in the narthex. To reach our parish goal, we are seeking 100% participation. Every gift is important and every gift helps.
For more information on how your donations are used go to the diocesan website.
The installation of Bishop David Talley live-streamed April 2, 2019
St. Augustine welcomes our new bishop, The Most Reverend David Talley of Alexandria, LA was installed as the sixth Bishop of the Diocese of Memphis on Tuesday, April 2nd, 2019 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
Father Francis Chiawa was installed at St. Augustine on Dec. 10, 2017 by former Bishop Martin Holley
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Click on the image above to view the Flame of Love Immaculate Heart of Mary video
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About Us
The Mission of St. Augustine Parish, as an American Catholic Church Community of Faith and Service, is to promote the growth and holiness of the Church locally and beyond. |
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At St. Augustine, our ministries assist parishioners and the community with basic needs, while supporting them spiritually along the faith journey. |
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