We welcome all who come to worship every Sunday; we welcome them with open arms into our parish family. But it takes more than attending Mass to truly become part of the parish family. It requires a purpose of spirit, an opening up of your heart to the needs of your brothers and sisters.
All of the ministries listed here are in existence because of others who have found it within themselves to share of their time, talent and treasure. There are many and varied opportunities to share of yourself with others in the community, whether by taking part in the Christmas Giving Tree, volunteering to teach our youngsters in Religious Education, taking part in the various St. Augustine fund-raisers, or by joining with any of our parish ministries.
We ask that you look deep within yourself, give thanks for what our Lord has given to you and to your family, and give back to others some of what you have to share. May you find peace, love and contentment withn God's community.
A Catholic family fraternal service organization. Its principles are Charity, Fraternity, Unity, and Patriotism. Join the team committed to church, family, and community.
Learn more...Works to identify and help those in need in our parish and our community in a variety of ways. If you are struggling and just can't make ends meet, please call Kathy Zmetra at 508-883-4070 or Ann Lesperance at 508-883-6873.
Learn more...Mission: To assist Pastor and/or Administrator in defining, prioritizing, and offering potential solutions in the pursuit of spiritual betterment for the entire St. Augustine Parish Community.
Represents all ministries as well as at-large members elected by the parishioners. The Council assists the pastor in all aspects of the parish life. It is working to expand parish outreach and develop youth activities.
Mission: To assist and recommend to the Pastor or parish administrator a financially sound operational and capital budget process that maximizes the effectiveness of parish contributions and protects all parish assets
Members of the committee include Rev. Lawrence J.Esposito, Pastor; Rev. Daniel E Moreno, Associate Pastor; Gerald Finn, Chairman; Joe Walden, Acting Secretary; and Paul Grimaldi, Mary Ryan, and Chris Allard, members. Members may be contacted through Lisa in the church office or directly at the following:
Gerald Finn Cell phone: 508-284-1923 or Email: Finna93@charter.net
Joe Walden Home phone: 508-883-4428 or Email: jwalden@jhwc.com
Paul Grimaldi Home phone: 508-883-0559 or Email: grimaldipaul@hotmail.com
The At Home Ministry works to visit nursing home, hospitalized and at home parishioners. If a family member is ill, hospitalized, or confined to a nursing home and would like a pastoral visit, please call the rectory or Lois Salome at 508-883-5857.
The women's group within the parish. The Guild provides spiritual, social, and cultural activities for parish women. It supports parish and community activities.
When a death occurs, members of the Bereavement Ministry are available to either help with the liturgy, or help with the reception or to assist with both.
Liturgy planning - assistance to the family in providing readers and gift bearers.
Reception - team members will set up St. Monica's Parish Center and assist with the reception after cemetery services. This includes setting up tables, table coverings, centerpieces, providing home-baked pastries, coffee and cold drinks, assisting with serving, packing up leftovers for the family, and cleaning up afterwards. All of these services, as well as the use of the hall, are provided at no charge to parish members. Should a private caterer be hired by the family to provide sandwiches or hot food, Bereavement Ministry members will still provide the items and help mentioned above.
Once the Parish Office Administrator has been notified of a death in the parish, and the family's wish for help with the liturgy, reception or both, one of the teams begins their preparation to assist the bereaved family.
When there is a death in the family, it is a difficult time, and we have found that this Ministry has been both helpful and much appreciated. It has also been a most rewarding experience for the members of the Bereavement Ministry.
This ministry includes parishioners of all ages who assist with the celebration of the Mass and includes Lectors, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Eucharist, Altar Servers, and parishioners responsible for sanctuary settings and altar accoutrements.
In addition to assisting in the Mass, Extraordinary Ministers visit homebound parishioners, nursing homes and hospitals to share the Eucharist with those unable to attend mass and bring the prayers and blessings of the entire church community.
God created life…it is our mission to preserve and protect the dignity of life. With God’s grace and guidance, we educate ourselves and witness to all how God’s teachings relate to present day issues, especially for the most vulnerable.
The Respect for Life Ministry meets on the last Thursday of the month in St. Monica's Hall at 7:00 p.m. It is our hope to expand our message to all at St. Augustine so that we truly are a community that respects all life, from conception to natural death. Please join us as we discuss current issues facing us as Christians in our mission to protect the life God has given us in this secular society.
St. Augustine Church is committed to ensuring the safety of all individuals from all forms of abuse. The Diocese of Worcester has created a Safe Environment program for all individuals in the diocese to help promote awareness of sexual abuse, help to prevent abuse, and to encourage survivors of abuse to seek the healing they deserve. These programs were created by individuals and experts in the field of sexual abuse.
Here at St. Augustine, we follow the guidelines of the USCCB Charter for the Protection of Children & Young People approved by the US Bishops and the policies of the Worcester Diocese in screening those who work with children in our care and in helping victims of abuse find healing.
For questions, information or help please contact the Victim Assistance Coordinator for the Diocese of Worcester at 508-929-4363 (direct line and confidential voicemail is available).