Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
Cuarto domingo después de pentecostés

Join us in person this Sunday for services with precautions, or watch via St. Augustine's website or on Facebook.

Con sus debidas precauciones, únete a nosotros en persona este domingo para los servicios litúrgicos, o acompáñenos en línea a través del sitio web de St. Agustín o por Facebook.

http://www.facebook.com/staugmet

Readings | Lecturas

Diocese of Louisiana Hispanic Ministry
Diocesis de Louisiana Ministerio Hispano

The Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana cordially invites Spanish-speaking people to be part of the new Hispanic Ministry in our Diocese. This ministry has arisen under the inspiration and guidance of the Holy Spirit. After praying with faith and insistence, our Bishop Morris and the 2020 annual Diocesan Convention approved it for our Diocese. For this reason, on behalf of the entire Diocese, clergy, and laity, we invite you to integrate, to celebrate faith, life, and family with the leadership of Rev. Benjamin Sanchez.

The Diocesan Office is located at 3412 Haring Rd. , Metairie, LA 70006, second floor.
For more information, please write to bsanchez@edola.org or call (504) 887-4801.

- Rev. Benjamín Sánchez

+++

La Diócesis Episcopal de Louisiana, invita cordialmente a las personas de habla hispana a hacer parte del nuevo Ministerio Hispano en nuestra Diócesis. Este Ministerio nace bajo la inspiración y la guía del Espíritu Santo. Después de orar con fe e insistencia, nuestro Obispo Morris y la Convención Diocesana anual del 2020 aprobó este Ministerio para nuestra Diócesis. Por eso, en nombre de toda la Diócesis, clérigos y laicos los invitamos a integrarse activamente, para celebrar la fe, la vida y la familia con la guía y el liderazgo del Rev. Padre Benjamín Sánchez.

La Oficina Diocesana está ubicada en 3412 Haring Rd, Metairie, LA 70006, segundo piso.
 Para mayor información, por favor escribir a bsanchez@edola.org o llamar (504) 887-4801.
 
- Rev. Benjamín Sánchez

Spanish Language Eucharist Returning to St. Augustine's

On Sunday June 27 at 12:30 pm, the Rev. Benjamin Sanchez will celebrate Holy Eucharist for the first time as an Episcopal priest. This is an exciting time for St. Augustine's as a new ministry emerges to serve our community and the wider area as well. I do hope that you will spread the news and that you will be in attendance at this special event.

Blessings+
Fr. Brad

Sunday Adult Christian Formation

The Chosen is a TV series based on the true stories of the gospels of Jesus Christ. There are 8 episodes in Season 1, and we will watch them together over the summer. You don't need to watch in order, and it's OK to join at any time. A charismatic fisherman drowning in debt. A troubled woman wrestling with real demons. A young tax collector ostracized by society. A religious leader questioning his faith tradition. Join us as we watch episodes together and discuss the director's view of the gospels. The videos vary in length. We will start with Episode 1 this Sunday at 9:15. Episode 1 is titled “I Have Called You By Name,” and is a look at Mary Magdalene and her life before she meets Jesus and Jesus' future apostles. All are welcome, children and teens encouraged.

Updated COVID-19 Guidelines

Dear all,

With the recent news from the CDC regarding masking of vaccinated individuals, the following changes will be implemented at St. Augustine’s with the support of the diocese. These changes will be fully implemented on Sunday May 30th.

• Masks will no longer be required for fully vaccinated individuals. We will also not require social distancing. However, those who have not been vaccinated, because of health reasons, personal decision or vaccine eligibility, will be required to wear masks and maintain their own social distance. We will not check vaccine cards nor will we designate special areas for non-vaccinated persons. But please be aware of children under 12 years of age who cannot be vaccinated. Your honor is their safety.
• Congregational singing will be allowed. Choir members who are fully vaccinated will not be required to wear a mask. If a choir member or congregant is not vaccinated, they must remain masked.
• Please maintain hand hygiene protocols.
• Communion will be given by hand by the priest and can be consumed at the time of reception. Communion will continue to be offered in individual paper cups as has been the practice during the time of higher-level restrictions. The altar rail will not be used at this time and hand hygiene should be practiced by all who receive. The common cup (wine) will not be shared.
• The offering plate will be passed.
• Youth/Children’s formation will follow the state K-12th school and daycare guidelines regarding masks and distancing.
• We will maintain online worship and formation opportunities for those who feel safer gathering virtually.

In this transitional time, we must remain sensitive to the needs and continual pastoral concerns of those who worship with us. Some individuals may wish to remain masked for any number of reasons. Although we strongly suggest vaccination, we must remain aware of the issues that are a part of this transitional period, especially with older children who are just now eligible to receive.

Blessings+
Fr. Brad

Prayer Requests

Prayer Requests for the bulletin should be submitted to Kate Smith. Names on the Prayer List will be removed after 4 weeks but may be renewed as needed.

Updated COVID-19 Guidelines

Dear all,

With the recent news from the CDC regarding masking of vaccinated individuals, the following changes will be implemented at St. Augustine’s with the support of the diocese. These changes will be fully implemented on Sunday May 30th.

• Masks will no longer be required for fully vaccinated individuals. We will also not require social distancing. However, those who have not been vaccinated, because of health reasons, personal decision or vaccine eligibility, will be required to wear masks and maintain their own social distance. We will not check vaccine cards nor will we designate special areas for non-vaccinated persons. But please be aware of children under 12 years of age who cannot be vaccinated. Your honor is their safety.
  
• Congregational singing will be allowed. Choir members who are fully vaccinated will not be required to wear a mask. If a choir member or congregant is not vaccinated, they must remain masked.
  
• Please maintain hand hygiene protocols.
  
• Communion will be given by hand by the priest and can be consumed at the time of reception. Communion will continue to be offered in individual paper cups as has been the practice during the time of higher-level restrictions. The altar rail will not be used at this time and hand hygiene should be practiced by all who receive. The common cup (wine) will not be shared.
  
• The offering plate will be passed.
  
• Youth/Children’s formation will follow the state K-12th school and daycare guidelines regarding masks and distancing.
  
• We will maintain online worship and formation opportunities for those who feel safer gathering virtually.

In this transitional time, we must remain sensitive to the needs and continual pastoral concerns of those who worship with us. Some individuals may wish to remain masked for any number of reasons. Although we strongly suggest vaccination, we must remain aware of the issues that are a part of this transitional period, especially with older children who are just now eligible to receive.

Blessings+
Fr. Brad

MOSA

Men of St. Augustine,
 
It has been a long time coming but we are now able to meet for fellowship in Byrd Hall. We will have slight meal restrictions but we have figured out a great meal, individually wrapped and ready for enjoyment.
 
So, join us June 8th at 6:30 in Byrd Hall. We will have Pulled Pork sandwiches, coleslaw, bag chips (variety to choose from) and cookies!!
 
We have the option to play some games or if you all want to watch a movie on the big screen we can do that too! In fact, our meeting is on June 8th one day after D-Day. Do you all want to watch Saving Private Ryan or other relevant film? I can bring my large screen and projector if we want to go BIG!!!
 
Let me know and more importantly come out and join us back in full force in Byrd Hall.

- Tim Gagliano

​Updated COVID-19 Guidelines

Dear all,

With the recent news from the CDC regarding masking of vaccinated individuals, the following changes will be implemented at St. Augustine’s with the support of the diocese. These changes will be fully implemented on Sunday May 30th.

• Masks will no longer be required for fully vaccinated individuals. We will also not require social distancing. However, those who have not been vaccinated, because of health reasons, personal decision or vaccine eligibility, will be required to wear masks and maintain their own social distance. We will not check vaccine cards nor will we designate special areas for non-vaccinated persons. But please be aware of children under 12 years of age who cannot be vaccinated. Your honor is their safety.
• Congregational singing will be allowed. Choir members who are fully vaccinated will not be required to wear a mask. If a choir member or congregant is not vaccinated, they must remain masked.
• Please maintain hand hygiene protocols.
• Communion will be given by hand by the priest and can be consumed at the time of reception. Communion will continue to be offered in individual paper cups as has been the practice during the time of higher-level restrictions. The altar rail will not be used at this time and hand hygiene should be practiced by all who receive. The common cup (wine) will not be shared.
• The offering plate will be passed.
• Youth/Children’s formation will follow the stat K-12th school and daycare guidelines regarding masks and distancing.
• We will maintain online worship and formation opportunities for those who feel safer gathering virtually.

In this transitional time, we must remain sensitive to the needs and continual pastoral concerns of those who worship with us. Some individuals may wish to remain masked for any number of reasons. Although we strongly suggest vaccination, we must remain aware of the issues that are a part of this transitional period, especially with older children who are just now eligible to receive.

Blessings+
Fr. Brad

​Vestry Update

The Vestry held its annual retreat on Sunday, May 23rd.

We have instituted new practices regarding the weekly collections and will continue to review and improve our financial policies this year. Once appropriate COVID protocols are in place, we will also be revising our policies as to outside groups using our facilities to ensure the safety of our campus.

Our new Vestry officers are: Dotty Suthon, Senior Warden; Dan Daly, Junior Warden; and Donovan Ohrt-Champagne, Secretary.

Most of the work done by the Vestry is accomplished through its Action Teams. The Action Teams and the Vestry members assigned are: Outreach, Susan Scotton, Paula Belanger Sanchez; Building and Grounds, Dan Daly and Ronald Coats; Fellowship and Hospitality, Kathy Chiles, Susan Tramontana, Susan Scotton; Ministries, Dotty Suthon and Kate Smith; Communications, Kate Smith; and, Finance and Administration, Donovan Ohrt-Champagne, Dotty Suthon and Marina Gregorio.

Please reach out to any Vestry member if you would like to be a part of a committee or to express any concerns.

The Search Committee’s work is going well and moving ahead full speed! With small group discussions and surveys complete, the committee is currently creating a parish profile which will be available online soon.

Message from Canon Duckworth

The Rev. Ben Sanchez to be Received into the Episcopal Church on
Saturday, June 5 at 10 a.m. at St. Augustine's, Metairie

By the Grace of God,
The Right Reverend Morris K. Thompson, Jr.
Eleventh Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana
will receive the Holy Orders of

the Rev. Ben Sanchez

into the Episcopal Church

on Saturday, the fifth of June
two thousand and twenty-one
at ten o'clock in the morning.

St. Augustine's Episcopal Church
3412 Haring Rd.
Metairie, Louisiana

Your presence and prayers are requested.

Clergy: White Stoles

Those attending will be required to follow all COVID guidelines.

The service will be livestreamed on the
St. Augustine's Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/staugmet

Benjamin's Reception

The Vestry and ECW are planning a reception to celebrate the ordination of Benjamin Sanchez on Saturday, June 5th at 10am. Please check out our Sign Up Genius link and sign up if you are interested or call Susan Scotton.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0C45A5A82FAAFA7-benjamins

Join us in person this Sunday for services with the same precautions, or watch via St. Augustine's website or Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/staugmet
​
Readings for Services

Updated COVID-19 Guidelines

Dear all,

With the recent news from the CDC regarding masking of vaccinated individuals, the following changes will be implemented at St. Augustine’s with the support of the diocese. These changes will be fully implemented on Sunday May 30th.

• Masks will no longer be required for fully vaccinated individuals. We will also not require social distancing. However, those who have not been vaccinated, because of health reasons, personal decision or vaccine eligibility, will be required to wear masks and maintain their own social distance. We will not check vaccine cards nor will we designate special areas for non-vaccinated persons. But please be aware of children under 12 years of age who cannot be vaccinated. Your honor is their safety.
  
• Congregational singing will be allowed. Choir members who are fully vaccinated will not be required to wear a mask. If a choir member or congregant is not vaccinated, they must remain masked.
  
• Please maintain hand hygiene protocols.
  
• Communion will be given by hand by the priest and can be consumed at the time of reception. Communion will continue to be offered in individual paper cups as has been the practice during the time of higher-level restrictions. The altar rail will not be used at this time and hand hygiene should be practiced by all who receive. The common cup (wine) will not be shared.
  
• The offering plate will be passed.
  
• Youth/Children’s formation will follow the state K-12th school and daycare guidelines regarding masks and distancing.
  
• We will maintain online worship and formation opportunities for those who feel safer gathering virtually.

In this transitional time, we must remain sensitive to the needs and continual pastoral concerns of those who worship with us. Some individuals may wish to remain masked for any number of reasons. Although we strongly suggest vaccination, we must remain aware of the issues that are a part of this transitional period, especially with older children who are just now eligible to receive.

Blessings+
Fr. Brad

Sunday Adult Christian Formation

Sunday Adult Christian Formation – Resumes Sunday at 9:15 in Byrd Hall

Fr. Brad continues leading The Discovery Series. Whether you are new to the Christian Faith, new to the Episcopal Church or a life-long Episcopalian, this course will provide you with information and insight as you continue your journey with Christ. The topic for today is an Instructed Eucharist.

Search Committee Update

Sunday is the last day to fill out and turn in the Parish Survey. You can take the survey either online or in paper form.  The survey is anonymous, and here’s how to take it:
 
The survey is:
·        online at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/staugsmetairie;
·        available at the back of church, along with an anonymous drop box.

Dear all,

With the recent news from the CDC regarding masking of vaccinated individuals, the following changes will be implemented at St. Augustine’s with the support of the diocese. These changes will be fully implemented on Sunday May 30th.

• Masks will no longer be required for fully vaccinated individuals. We will also not require social distancing. However, those who have not been vaccinated, because of health reasons, personal decision or vaccine eligibility, will be required to wear masks and maintain their own social distance. We will not check vaccine cards nor will we designate special areas for non-vaccinated persons. But please be aware of children under 12 years of age who cannot be vaccinated. Your honor is their safety.
• Congregational singing will be allowed. Choir members who are fully vaccinated will not be required to wear a mask. If a choir member or congregant is not vaccinated, they must remain masked.
• Please maintain hand hygiene protocols.
• Communion will be given by hand by the priest and can be consumed at the time of reception. Communion will continue to be offered in individual paper cups as has been the practice during the time of higher-level restrictions. The altar rail will not be used at this time and hand hygiene should be practiced by all who receive. The common cup (wine) will not be shared.
• The offering plate will be passed.
• Youth/Children’s formation will follow the stat K-12th school and daycare guidelines regarding masks and distancing.
• We will maintain online worship and formation opportunities for those who feel safer gathering virtually.

In this transitional time, we must remain sensitive to the needs and continual pastoral concerns of those who worship with us. Some individuals may wish to remain masked for any number of reasons. Although we strongly suggest vaccination, we must remain aware of the issues that are a part of this transitional period, especially with older children who are just now eligible to receive.

Blessings+
Fr. Brad

Sunday Adult Christian Formation

Fr. Brad continues leading The Discovery Series. Whether you are new to the Christian Faith, new to the Episcopal Church or a life-long Episcopalian, this course will provide you with information and insight as you continue your journey with Christ.
 
Due to Canon Duckworth’s visit on May 16, there will be no Adult class on this day. The class will resume on May 23rd. The topic for that day will be an Instructed Eucharist.

What are we looking for in a priest, and what does St. Augustine's look like to a potential rector?

This Sunday, May 16, in between services, Canon Shannon will be in Byrd Hall at 9:15 a.m. to review the results received to date from the parish survey. This is a great opportunity to hear about the search process from an expert. But it's also an opportunity to be heard, and to guide the Search Committee in formulating our "Parish Profile." That profile is, in some ways, a job announcement for a new rector, but it's so much more, because being a rector is so much more than a job. The Parish Profile describes who we are as a church community, as we seek a match for someone to worship among us and guide us in spiritual growth. The Search Committee will formulate that profile, and we will be on hand this Sunday. Will the survey results allow the Search Committee to paint an accurate Parish Profile? The Committee will be there to listen, and with additional surveys available for those who have not had the opportunity to complete one.

Of course, if you would like the chance to complete the survey from the comfort of your own home, it is still available online. The link is in your parish email.

If you haven’t been able to participate in any of our scheduled small group discussions, we will also be hosting a virtual meeting on Monday, May 17 at 6:00 p.m. The Zoom information is also in your parish email.

The search for a rector is a process of discernment--and everyone in the church has a part to play, and a part to pray. Be sure to attend this meeting this Sunday at 9:15 a.m. with Canon Shannon no matter where you are in evaluating your own thoughts; this is a time for collective reflection.  

Rector Search

What are we looking for in a priest, and what does St. Augustine's look like to a potential rector?

This Sunday, May 16, in between services, Canon Shannon will be in Byrd Hall at 9:15 a.m. to review the results received to date from the parish survey. This is a great opportunity to hear about the search process from an expert. But it's also an opportunity to be heard, and to guide the Search Committee in formulating our "Parish Profile." That profile is, in some ways, a job announcement for a new rector, but it's so much more, because being a rector is so much more than a job. The Parish Profile describes who we are as a church community, as we seek a match for someone to worship among us and guide us in spiritual growth. The Search Committee will formulate that profile, and we will be on hand this Sunday. Will the survey results allow the Search Committee to paint an accurate Parish Profile? The Committee will be there to listen, and with additional surveys available for those who have not had the opportunity to complete one.

Of course, if you would like the chance to complete the survey from the comfort of your own home, it is still available online. See your parish email for the link.

And, there is one last in-person small group discussion tonight, Thursday May 13, at 6:00 p.m. in Byrd Hall. You still have time to sign up here: https://bit.ly/staug-discussions

If you haven’t been able to participate in any of our scheduled small group discussions, we will also be hosting a virtual meeting on Monday, May 17 at 6:00 p.m. The Zoom information is also in your parish email.

The search for a rector is a process of discernment--and everyone in the church has a part to play, and a part to pray. Be sure to attend this meeting this Sunday at 9:15 a.m. with Canon Shannon no matter where you are in evaluating your own thoughts; this is a time for collective reflection.  

An Update from the Rector Search Committee

As you’ve no doubt seen and heard, the Rector Search Committee is hard at work. At this point in the process, we're doing our best to understand who we are as a church community and to identify our strengths, weaknesses, and areas of growth. We want to hear everyone’s thoughts and ideas about what we want and need in a rector. To make sure that everyone is adequately represented, we've prepared a survey for the congregation and will be hosting several small group discussions. It's our hope that, as a part of St. Augustine's community, you'll invest a little time to participate in both!

Survey

To discuss what she sees emerging from our survey responses, Canon Shannon will be meeting with the congregation on May 16 at 9:15 a.m. The more responses we get before then, the more meaningful and informative that meeting will be, and there is still time to participate!

The survey is:
·    online (see your parish email for the link)
·    available at the back of church (English/español), along with an anonymous drop box;
·    or can be requested by mail by calling Jamee Meisner at the church office (504) 887-4801

Small Group Discussions

We want to know your thoughts: Who is the rector we need now to progress as a loving family of God? What works well here? Where can we grow? These conversations will be held in Byrd Hall with our usual safety measures.

The current schedule is:
Monday, May 3 - 6:00 PM
Wednesday, May 5 - 6:00 PM
Thursday, May 6 - 6:00 PM
Sunday, May 9 - 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM
Thursday, May 13 - 6:00 PM

Seating is limited. Please register here: https://bit.ly/staug-discussions

If you have trouble with SignUp Genius, please e-mail Kate at kaitlinp@gmail.com with your information and she’ll get you signed up. If none of these times work for you, e-mail microdoc7@aol.com and Donovan will work with you to get something set up. More dates may be added depending on response.

Join us in person this Sunday for services with the same precautions
or watch via St Augustine's website or Facebook: 
​http://www.facebook.com/staugmet
Readings for Services

Reminder Regarding Prayer Requests:
Prayer Requests should be submitted to Jamee Meisner at jgmeisner@bellsouth.net.
Names on the Prayer List will be removed after 4 weeks but may be renewed as needed.

Sunday Adult Christian Formation is returning to St. Augustine’s!

Fr. Brad will be leading The Discovery Series. Whether you are new to the Christian Faith, new to the Episcopal Church or a life-long Episcopalian, this course will provide you with information and insight as you continue your journey with Christ. The first program in the series – The Path to Episcopal Worship – includes an instructed Eucharist, a history of the Episcopal Church and information about the Church’s traditions and governance.

This program is presented in 3 segments: April 25, May 2, May 9 – at 9:15 in Byrd Hall.

Seating is limited. Please reserve your place by sending an email to Jamee at jgmeisner@bellsouth.net

Are you ready for a quiz?

I hope so, and don’t worry, because there are no trick questions! 

The St. Augustine’s Rector Search Committee needs to hear from you.  The next steps in the search are for us to identify who we are as a church community.  So, the Search Committee has prepared a survey on a broad range of aspects of St. Augustine’s, all geared toward discerning and then describing ourselves to potential candidates.

Over the next couple of weeks, you can take the survey either online or in paper form.  The survey is anonymous, and here’s how to take it:

The survey is:
·        online (see your parish email for the link)
·        available at the back of church, along with an anonymous drop box;
·        or can be requested by mail by calling Jamee Meisner at the church office (504) 887-4801

To discuss what she sees emerging from our survey responses, Canon Shannon will be meeting with the congregation on May 16 at 9:15 a.m.  The more responses we get before then, the more meaningful and informative that meeting will be.  So, think of it as extra points for finishing this “quiz” early, and get to your survey today!