St. Augustine 

“Be very close to the people of God, make each one feel loved and accompanied, help everyone to perceive that the church does not close its doors to anyone, but is concerned that no little one risks life or is forgotten,” Pope Francis.

Summary of a message from our Archbishop:

As our local shepherd he wants to assure us of his continued prayers for us. These are challenging times that call us to seek God witih all our hearts. This painful reality is an invitation to deepen our faith and live it more fully. Though we are fettered the wind of the Spirit blows where it wills. God is still here for us and we remain part of the family of faith that is the Catholic Church. Please keep in your prayers all our priests, decons, women and men religious and all the lay faithful who in different ways exercise pastoral care and responsibilities. The Church in western Oregon is enriched by our commitment and selflessness. We are all called to witness to the example and challenge of Jesus, who came to serve and not to be served. Mary, the Immaculate Conception patroness of our Archdiocese, pray for us!
 
Messages from our Pastor:

Our parish church will be open from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm each day, so that for our spiritual necessity the faithful can make prayerful visits. Again, the state limits and social distancing requirements must be observed.

Let us pray the Our Father to keep our solidarity as a parish at 12 noon every day. This will be a way for our parish to connect spiritually.

I put each one of you on the altar of God when I offer my private daily mass. You may join me spiritually at 10:00 am every morning.

Wash your hands often.
Keep social distance.
 

Please see Archbishop Sample's statement below for complete details.

While masses are suspended for the next four weeks church expenses will continue. Therefore, we are prayerfully asking for continued financial support from our church community. You can continue to support St. Augustine by sending your weekly/monthly offering through the mail. Your continued financial support of our church will be greatly appreciated. I pray that you stay healthy and safe in your homes until this pandemic is over. 

Father Joseph Sebasty

If you are interested in livestreamed masses please visit the Archdiocese of Portland website at:
https://archdpdx.org/live-masses

 

Dear Parishioners and Friends,
 
For more than ninety years, St. Augustine Church has been a beacon of light in Lincoln City, and a gathering place of prayer, worship and service.

Please click here to find out more
Please click here to help
 

Fifth Sunday of Lent (3/29/2020)

          Today we celebrate the fifth Sunday of Lent. Our meek, humble and hopeful journey into Lent is meant to lead us into the very heart of God, who is our Resurrection and our Life. From the creation, people are aware that sins brought death into society and into their lives. Challenged by the scripture readings of this Sunday, let us acknowledge what needs to be changed in our life, so that we may be able to come out of our tombs of sin and death and emerge into a situation of life and life-giving. Today the whole world is emerging into a situation of life and life-giving. It is a crucial time for everyone to realize the dignity and worth of our lives.
          In the first reading, God promises life and liberty to the Israelites. God tells them who are captives in Babylon that He will do for them what He did for those “dry bones” raise them from the death of bondage to the promise of restoration and life.
          In the second reading, Saint Paul reminds the Romans that they must strive to overcome their sinful natures so as to live in union with Christ. He says that if we live in the Spirit, then our dead bones (sin and fear) will rise by the power that raised Jesus from the dead.
          In the Gospel, Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead and makes the bold proclamation that those who believe in him will never die. We see the human Jesus weeping at the death of His friend, Lazarus. But we also see the divine Jesus calling him out of the tomb and restoring him back to life.
          Today’s Gospel reading is filled with thoughts and reflections of human frailties. First, we encounter the suffering surrounding us, dying people, illness, fear and uncertainties. People are concerned about others. We see this with our own eyes and hear with our ears. The Church is praying to their Healer, Jesus. The scripture encourages us to have hope in the Lord. People ask him to cure their loved ones. Second, we see threats to human safety. Leaders, healthcare professionals and front line workers risk their lives for the safety of others. Day and night scientists are trying to invent new medicines for this virus. Some people doubt God and his existence. Third, we see people mourning someone they loved. We see people lamenting the loss of their family members. We see people comforting each other. We see people praying to Jesus, true God and true man. Finally, we see confusion and misunderstanding. We see people do not know what to do. We see people do not know what to do. We see people continue to have hope in God. God never abandons people who have trust in him.
          All of this human, frailty tells us that we must have faith. Faith! Martha and Mary become examples for faith. Jesus says that He is the resurrection and the life. All of this human suffering will turn around because of faith. Faith convinces us of Christ’s victory over death. Faith in the Resurrection rests on faith in God who is God of the living. Today’s Gospel is not just about Lazarus. It’s about ours. All our human suffering, losses and doubts are reimagined in light of our faith in Christ. This faith is a gift of the Holy Spirit. With the Holy Spirit, we can overcome anything, even death itself. We are to listen to Jesus. We must believe that he is the Resurrection and the life and those who believe in him will never die. Jesus will transform death into new life. Jesus calls us to come out of our tombs of sin, fear and uncertainties. Do not be afraid! With Jesus, joy abides in our hearts, hope is reborn, suffering is transformed in peace, fear into trust, hardship into an offering of love. Let us be united in prayer and charity. Let us continue to be healthy and strong. Let us walk with Jesus who is full of life and love. We will surely see the ray of hope in Jesus. This is our Good News.

Weekly Readings
 
 Monday, March 30, 2020 -      
First Reading: Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62                                     
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 23:1-3, 3-4, 5, 6
Gospel: John 8:1-11 

Tuesday, March 31, 2020 -                                         
First Reading: Numbers 21:4-9       
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 102:2-3, 16-18, 19-21
Gospel: John 8:21-30       
 
Wednesday, April 1, 2020 -     
First Reading: Daniel 3:14-20, 91-92, 95          
Responsorial Psalm: Daniel 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56
Gospel: John 8:31-42      
   
Thursday, April 2, 2020 -
First Reading: Genesis 17:3-9  
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 105:4-5, 6-7, 8-9
Gospel: John 8:51-59
 
Friday, April 3, 2020 -                                        
First Reading: Jeremiah 20:10-13
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 18:2-3, 3-4, 5-6, 7
Gospel: John 10:31-42

Saturday, April 4, 2020 -                                    
First Reading: Ezekiel 37:21-28
Responsorial Psalm: Jeremiah 31:10, 11-12, 13
Gospel: John 11:45-57 
 
Sunday, April 5, 2020 -                                      
First Reading: Isaiah 50:4-7     
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24  
Second Reading: Philippians 2:6-11   
Gospel: Matthew 26:14-27:66