Who are we?

A Catholic Christian Community

We express Catholic identity by proclaiming Gospel values of love and justice in worship and in the way we live. We embrace all who wish to be part of our parish family, whether Catholic or not.

An Evangelizing Community

Professing our belief in God, in Jesus Christ who died on the cross, and who continues to guide us by the Spirit, we are committed to carrying the message by word and deed to others.

A Eucharistic Community

Celebration of Eucharist is the primary way we gather as a parish. We are committed to full, conscious and active participation for all, both in worship and the life of our parish community.

A Community of Stewards

We encourage each other to identify and use God-given gifts and talents to make holy our families, neighborhoods, workplaces, society, the world and ourselves. We are called by the Gospel, fed by the sacraments, united by Christ, and sent to make a difference by giving time, talent and treasure.

RECENT HISTORY

In 2000, because of financial difficulty and low membership (176 Sunday attendance), the parish nearly closed. But Bishop John Cummins who had been a member of the school and parish from birth, showed his faith in St. Augustine with a subsidy which would be reevaluated in 2004.

In 2001, parishioners were invited by the new pastor, Fr. Ray Zielienski, and associate Fr. Paul Minnihan, to participate in discussion groups to chart the parish’s future. Vision statements focused on liturgy, outreach, stewardship, leadership and education. These areas guided parish life for five years resulting in increased ministries, members, and income. In the first years of recovery the parish focused internally, although Elizabeth house and St. Vincent de Paul were part of parish life. Mass attendance increased from 176 to 260, through good preaching, the music ministry of Jim Gilman and the incredible hospitality of the members. Pastoral Associate Karen Miller reintroduced ministries with the work and support of dedicated parishioners.

In 2004, Fr. Mark Wiesner arrived as pastor. His preaching and energy drew many new parishioners. By 2006, Mass attendance had jumped to 402, making St. Augustine one of Oakland’s fastest growing parishes. Repair of aging facilities began to provide meeting space for the growing number of groups that formed as the parish grew. The most difficult event of 2004 was the closing of the school. Even with this apparent setback, the parish continued to thrive.

In 2005, members began to explore ways to serve needs beyond the parish. Relationship with Elizabeth house became a priority, and St. Vincent de Paul was given greater support. Financial health, diversity, work on facilities and increased membership continued to be goals.

In 2006, the major work of restructuring was done. Pastoral and lay leadership now focused on deepening members’ spirituality through small communities and evenings of prayer. Community service, social justice and the hiring of staff for family and adult education were chosen by parishioners (October count - 432) at a February meeting.

In 2007, finances stabilized. For the first time, we paid a percentage of the diocesan assessment, met the Bishop’s appeal goal, and ended the year in the black. Faith formation served 40 children and their parents. St. Vincent de Paul opened a food pantry for families and continued to feed the homeless who came to the door. An Evangelization council formed to respond to the 2008 goal of Evangelization. A pastoral care team was started to serve the elderly and sick, and our website was updated and we launched the weekly e-newsletter, "Saint Augustine Notes".