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About the Logo

For years, as the parish was reforming and recovering, the pastor and staff tried to put the parish "identity" into words. St. Augustine was so small, and so diverse finding a common thread was nearly impossible. Members called their parish a "here comes everyone" church. In 2007, it occurred to those who were listening, that nearly every new member at the new members lunch said that they chose the parish because they felt at home (Belonging), and that this belonging led them to a stronger faith (Believing). The logo reflects this belonging and believing identity. Hospitality and Welcoming have become parish buzz words. Sometimes it's true, but often, newcomers can worship at a Catholic Church and never be greeted, even if they have been there for months. Not so at St. Augustine. It is most likely a result of having nearly closed in 2000. Members understand the preciousness of each new person who walks in the door, whether they are there once, or choose to stay. The parish has a gift for embracing people. Belonging is a much better word. Hospitality might be offered to guests who come and go, worth a polite and momentary acknowledgement, an act of good manners. Augustinos have a gift for making anyone who enters the door feel as if they have been rediscovered by a long lost family. They have a talent for helping people feel that they belong, even if they live in Florida. In fact, we have "parishioners" who live all over the US. This talent for belonging is contagious. New people stay new for about five minutes (metaphorically speaking). They catch it, this contagious compassion, and take responsibility for ensuring that no one is ever left leaning alone against the back wall holding their coffee and donut. Common church wisdom, says that faith leads to belonging, that believing in Jesus is the starting point. The opposite is the real truth. When people find intimacy, when they have strong friendships (Belonging), their faith deepens (Believing). The love extended to those with whom we worship is powerful, the fertile soil where seeds of faith take root and grow. St. Augustine is a place to belong, and because of that, a way to believe for all who enter.

HISTORY: 2000-2012

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 Zielezienski 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. 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 grow.

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. Pastor and leadership now focused on deepening members' spirituality through some 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) in February.

In 2007, Finances stabilized. For the first time, the parish was able to pay 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 formed to serve the elderly and sick, our website was updated and "St. Augustine Notes", an online e-newsletter, was launched.

In 2008, "Growing an Engaged Church", a report on a study done by the Gallup Corporation on the causes of engagement in churches was important. The parish had hit a growth ceiling. Pastor and staff were happy to find this study because it offered specific information regarding next steps. From that book, the parish began to offer the Strengthfinder Talent Assessment, a tool that would help each member understand their God-given talents. Two coaches were trained to help members grow spiritually, and find greater life satisfaction through the use of their talents. Fr. Mark and his staff also began to develop small faith-sharing groups in earnest. One third of the parish met in small groups, during Lent and in the fall. Remarkably, the parish ran a capitol campaign that netted $380,000.00 in pledges to take care of the retrofit, painting of the school, and r4epairs on Elizabeth house. The results were amazing. The combination of these two ministries was the jump start that the parish needed.

2009 showed the fruits of small groups and individual talent coaching. In spite of the recession, income held steady and new members joined every week. The database reveals that as of October 2009 the parish has reached a family unit count of 373 active families and 651 active members. A part time Family Faith Formation director, Ms. Rebeccah Pelle, was hired to help the ministries to families grow in service to the surrounding neighborhood. With the retrofit of the church and rectory completed, as well as the painting of the school, some of the major facilities goals were reached. October count reached 404 in Mass attendance. Fr. Mark, the staff and community are looking to 2010 with a great deal of hope.