Saint Mary Cathedral

Make a pilgrimage to Fatima here in our own diocese!

Saint Mary Cathedral is hosting the International Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima on Friday, December 8 from 6:30 a.m. to 8:45 p.m., as part of the Fatima Centennial US Tour for Peace, in honor of the 100^th anniversary of the Fatima apparitions.

Many favors and graces, including cures, and countless conversions are associated with the historic Image. Join us for an extraordinary day of graces, healing and prayer with Our Lady.  All are welcome!

Say “Yes” to Our Lady!
www.fatimatourforpeace.com

     Catholic Charities of Central Texas’ Disaster Response Team Activates

As a result of Hurricane Harvey’s landfall, Catholic Charities of Central Texas’ Disaster Response program has activated. At this time we are monitoring the hurricane’s path and working with state and local officials across the State of Texas to coordinate assessments and activation efforts, as well as with Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops and Catholic Charities USA. In addition to our 25 county service region, our neighbors on the coast will require assistance once the rain has passed and flood waters have receded.

In an effort to coordinate all the resources needed for deployment we need your support in four key areas:

1. Pray- Please pray for Texas.

2. Volunteer- In preparation for deployment, we are seeking names and contact information for volunteers willing to lend their time and talent to our Disaster Response program. Volunteer roles will range from administrative to direct work with families impacted by the flood. If you are willing to volunteer with us, please email Claire Bordelon at Claire-Bordelon@ccctx.org and we will follow-up with opportunities in the short and long-term relief and recovery efforts across the southern region of Texas.

3. Financial donations- We know that families are going to need food, clothing and shelter. The most effective way we can help families is raise funds and then empower families to feel some sort of normalcy again by being able to purchase their own food items, clothes, etc. In short, financial donations cut down on hidden cost and prevent delays in getting families exactly what they need to begin the recovery processes. To make a secured online donation, please visit http://www.ccctx.org/donations-form.html.

4. Keep Us Informed- For anyone impacted by the floods, please call our Disaster Number at 512-766-7111.

The Vincentian Family Center and Thrift Store, are opening their doors to help our neighbors from Houston and across Southeast Texas. They are currently distributing food, water, clothing vouchers, and toiletries to those affected by Hurricane Harvey. Their office will be providing these services on Monday/Wednesday/Friday from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm, on Tuesday and Thursday from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm, and Saturday from 10:00 am - 12:00 noon. 
 
To assist those displaced by the hurricane, they are seeking support from our community partners, including local parishes. They have a few ways that you can help your neighbors in need today: 
 
Financial Support
Make a gift online at www.ssvdp.org/donate-online. In the online form, select "disaster relief fund" to designate your gift for our disaster response efforts. These programs include immediate assistance at the Vincentian Family Center and Thrift Store and long-term assistance through House in a Box, a program that replaces household items and furniture following disasters. Please contact Director of Marketing and Development Katie Conyers at katie@ssvdp.org  to make a gift. 
 
In-Kind Donations
The Vincentian Family Center and Thrift Store is accepting the following donations to support disaster response efforts: blankets, towels, clothing, diapers, water, and nonperishable food. Please email disaster@ssvdp.org for inquiries or to make a donation.
 
Volunteer Opportunities
We can use extra hands at the Vincentian Family Center and Thrift Store during our hours of operation. Please contact Client Services Program Coordinator Donna Barnhill at donna@ssvdp.org for more information on available opportunities. 
 
We are grateful for your support during this time of crisis. Together, we can help our Texas neighbors rebuild their lives.  

Are you in preparing for marriage and need to complete the Diocesean required marriage workshop? Saint Mary Cathedral is offering the Together in God's Love workshop this Fall. The workshop is 4 weeks and scheduled for Sunday October 8, 15, 22, 29, 2017 from 6:45 p.m.-8:45 p.m. All sessions must be attended to receive a certificate of completion. Click here for the registration form. Email weddings@smcaustin.org with any questions. 
                              

We welcome Sebastian to Saint Mary Cathedral! He is joining us this year for his Pastoral Year.  
      
"I was born and raised in a small town called Nyabitusi, in Uganda (East Africa). I am one of 9 siblings, 6 boys and 3 girls. I am the third oldest, with two older brothers, Innocent and Lawrence, who are both married with 4 and 2 children respectively. I moved to United States in the summer of 2008, after completing 6 years of high school seminary in Uganda. I joined St. Joseph’s Seminary College in Covington Louisiana from fall of 2008 to May 2012. I graduated with BA in Liberal Arts with a major in Philosophy. I joined St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston in the fall of 2012. After further Discernment, I returned to Uganda where I completed a Master’s of Science in Public Health. I returned to formation with the diocese of Austin in spring 2016, at St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston, where I have completed my second year of Theology. 
Outside of my prayer life and formation, I do enjoy spending time outdoors, hiking, running, playing sports; my favorite being soccer. I however enjoy playing basketball, volleyball, swimming, kayaking and spending time with friends (people in general)."
 

                                                                  
  Miguel Flores, Diocesan Seminarian                         Christopher Yeager, Diocesan Seminarian
     (St. Mary's Seminary, Houston)                                       (Pastoral Year, St. Louis, Austin)