A Samaritan Church with a Missionary Heart

This past week, the Church celebrated the memorials of Saints Monica and Augustine (mother and son) on August 27 and 28. For over 30 years, Monica prayed for her son’s conversion. Ordained a priest in 391 ad, and made Bishop of Hippo just four years later, this mother’s prayerful tears for her son did not go unnoticed by God. Saint Augustine is considered one of the four great doctors of the Latin Church; in fact, he is called the “Doctor of Grace.” He is most noted for what is referred to as the first official western autobiography, “The Confessions,” outlining his sinful youth and conversion to Christianity. History, too, has preserved over 500 of his homilies.

This past Wednesday then, was the patronal feast day for our friends at St. Augustine Parish, Cleveland. For the past 37 years, our social justice ministry has hosted a benefit dinner to spread the word about the services and ministries offered by St. Augustine, shared a meal with one another, and helped provide much needed financial support. With a great sense of dignity, they provide food, clothing, furniture, appliances, and emergency funding for rent and utilities, as well as advocation for those seeking medical assistance, benefits, and housing.

Each fall, our parishioners are invited to support these noble efforts. This year, the annual benefit dinner is scheduled for Thursday, October 17. Further details will be forthcoming and mailed to your homes. In the meantime, you may contact our parishioner, Mary Bullen, with any questions. Please give this your prayerful consideration, whether it is your first time or thirty-seventh time!

Let’s work together to help this parish community in the city continue to provide a place where all who come can find acceptance and the love of God and neighbor. 

Fr. Terry

“The land will never lack for needy persons; that is why I command you:
‘Open your hand freely to your poor and to your needy kin in your land’” (Dt 15:11).