Brothers and sisters: As we hear of the passing of our Holy Father, Pope Francis, we unite in prayerful thanksgiving for his just over 12 years of faithful service to the Universal Church as the successor to St. Peter. Ever devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary and with her intercession, his commitment to social justice and a deep care for the poor and those on the peripheries of society will remain among his many legacies. The first pontiff from the Americas, Pope Francis brought a new perspective to the papacy, humbly saying to the crowds in St. Peter’s square the night of his election, “It seems that my brother cardinals have gone to the ends of the earth to get one (a Pope), but here we are”. I ask the people of the Diocese of Austin to join in prayer with the Universal Church and all people of goodwill to express our gratitude to God for the life of Pope Francis. We pray that our Holy Father, who has been received in the arms of our Lord will now rest from his earthly labors and hear the words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant (Mt. 25:21).” Through the intercession of Mary, under her title of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, we ask that God receive Pope Francis into his presence forever. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen Very Reverend James A. Misko Diocesan Administrator
Pope Francis passed away this morning. Please see the announcement on the Diocesan website: https://austindiocese.org/
We are seeing more attempts by scammers to cheat parishioners by asking for money for Father. Please remember that Father will NEVER ask for money via email, phone or social media.
We give praise and Thanksgiving to Almighty God for the upcoming ordination of Kyle Hammons to the Sacred Order of the Diaconate. Kyle‘s ordination Mass will be on Saturday, March 1st at 10:30am at San Jose Catholic Church in Austin (2435 Oak Crest Ave, Austin, TX 78704). All parishioners from Saint Mary’s and Sacred Heart are invited to attend. It is open seating, so if you plan to attend, please arrive early to ensure you have a seat. There will be overflow seating in the San Jose parish hall. A Mass of Thanksgiving for Kyle‘s ordination will be said at St. Mary’s on Sunday, March 2nd at 10am. There will be a reception to follow in the parish hall. All are welcome to attend. The meal will be provided and everyone is asked to bring a dessert.
Click here to read the letter from the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops read to the faithful on 1/26/2025. https://txcatholic.org/texas-bishops-call-for-just-and-humane-approach-to-migration/
Father James Misko, Vicar general has sent a letter providing information for anyone who would like to assist victims of the fires in Southern California: Fathers, As we continue to see the devastating effects of the fires in Southern California, you may have parishioners asking how to contribute to recovery efforts. Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) is assisting directly with humanitarian relief through various local agencies on the ground and will remain present throughout this sure-to-be prolonged recovery. Therefore, we ask that all fundraising be funneled through CCUSA at: https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/?form=25LAFires&utm_campaign=20250108_00270_LAFires25Comms&utm_medium=organic&utm_source=comms&utm_content=disaster These contributions will ensure that funds are available quickly for things like shelter, food, and other humanitarian aid – to those most in need. Please also keep apprised of social media posts on our diocesan media channels which you may push out on your parish and school social media channels as well. Thank you, FJM Very Reverend James A. Misko Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia
The mass schedule is: Vigil - Tuesday, 31 December, 6pm at Sacred Heart During the day - Wednesday, 1 January 8 am - Sacred Heart 10 am - St. Mary's This is a day of holy obligation.
Christmas masses will be held: Christmas Eve 8pm at St. Mary's 10pm at Sacred Heart Christmas Day 8am at Sacred Heart 10 am at St. Mary's 10:30am at Sacred Heart (Spanish)
Reconciliation will be held: Monday, December 16, 7:00 p.m., in Rockne, Tuesday, December 17, at 7:00 p.m., in Elgin Thursday, December 19, 7:00 p.m., in Lockhart
Learn more about indulgences and praying for the souls in purgatory. https://stmarysp.church/indulgences
FYI- I just received a spam email from Fr. Dariusz. Be sure to check the email address.
The July 27 Liturgical Meeting has been cancelled. This will be rescheduled at another date.
You can now make a gift to the church using Tabella. This feature is available from the "About" button listed in the menu when you open the 'St. Mary of the Assumption' community. Just scroll down to 'Donation Links' and tap 'Online Giving' this will bring you to the giving portal at Our Sunday Visitor. (This is just like using the Online Giving link on our website.) More information is available at https://catholic.irockne.com/page/view/online-offering (on our website). If you have questions, just let us know.
Father has received reports that there are emails circulating that say he is asking for money. These are fraudulent - Father never asks for money. Recommend that you send these messages to Junk or Spam without opening them.
