A Welcome Note from Our Pastor

Dear Friends,

Welcome to the Parish of St. Augustine in Ossining New York. Our lovely
parish has served the Catholic community of Ossining and the surrounding
area since 1853. We continue to be a vibrant parish, active in our prayer life,
spiritual development, social ministries, and education. Please take a moment
to peruse our website to see all that we are and all that we do! And please feel
free to come and worship Almighty God with us!

With prayers and best wishes, I am,

                                           Faithfully yours in Christ,

                                           Fr. McSweeney  

 

RECEIVING HOLY COMMUNION  ON THE TONGUE    Understandably, everyone is eager to return to normalcy, and one day it will come, but the threat of the coronavirus is still very much with us. Even now, some areas of the country continue to experience new cases and increased fatality rates. This will certainly impact the way we worship and the rituals which are a vital part of our faith. Communion on the tongue is permissible, but we are hoping that for the foreseeable future, our parishioners will comply with the church’s request and receive on the hand for the safety and protection of the priests and the people. Perhaps if personal piety lead one to still receive on the tongue, they might try to receive towards the end of the line.     A reminder to everyone that Masks MUST be worn while in church for Mass and other services.  The wearing of masks is a courtesy to your fellow parishioners. St. Augustine on You Tube Now you can participate at Masses,  and the Stations of the Cross  with our priests. (click to go to link) Holy Mass will be celebrated on Saturday at 5:00pm; Sunday at 8:00; 10:00; 12:00 noon and 6:00 pm. The 10:00 and 12:00 Masses will be live-streamed. The church is limited to 25% capacity. Please wear a mask, maintain social distancing, purify hands and  FOLLOW DIRECTIONS OF THE USHERS to maximize seating. For those who can receive the live-stream from their vehicles... Holy Communion will be available in the parking lot at the appropriate time. Please be patient as we all adjust... Fr. McSweeney     MUCH THANKS AND GRATITUDE   TO OUR KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS AND PARISH USHERS FOR ALL THAT THEY DO TO PREPARE OUR CHURCH TO CELEBRATE PUBLIC MASS. THEY ALL HELP GREET, SEAT, AND SANITIZE OUR CHURCH AFTER EACH WEEKEND MASS.   THANKS FOR A JOB WELL DONE!   A very special “thank you” to the following people for keeping our grounds so beautifully maintained/decorated throughout the year:  Gae Savino for decorating the planters at the entrance of our Church and the garden below the sign at the entrance of our property AND Eric & Bob Peterson for maintaining the flowers along the walkway by the statue of St. Augustine in front of the Church.   Come let us adore Him! Eucharistic Adoration Spend a little time with Our Lord   Every Thursday from 9:00 am to 6:30 pm Holy Hour (Morning Prayer, Rosary,   Chaplet of Divine Mercy) from 9:00 am – 10:00 am Compline and Solemn Eucharistic Benediction at 6:30 pm.   While we can continue to remain safely at home for our sake and for the sake of others, we can still participate in the traditional services at 10:00 am and 12:00 Noon every Sunday.  A Dispensation from Sunday Obligation is still in effect for those who are not comfortable returning at this time.   Please stay connected via:     FLOCKNOTE Flocknote.com   WEBSITE Staugny.org   FACEBOOK Augustine Saint   YOU TUBE Saint Augustine’s Ossining   "You Are Not Alone On Your Grief Journey ..." St. Augustine Bereavement Support Groups continue to be conducted  via Zoom from 7:00 - 8:30 pm twice monthly for individuals grieving the loss of a loved one.   A schedule of the Bereavement Support Groups include: Monday, Westchester Addiction Bereavement Support Group Tuesday, Spousal/Partner Loss Bereavement Support Group Wednesday, Parent Loss Bereavement Support Group Thursday, Covid-19 Bereavement Support Group   Group is a safe space to share & seek support.  Members offer a caring, nonjudgmental presence as normal grief reactions & emotions are explored.  The Group experience provides comfort on your grief journey towards hope & healing.     An intake interview is a prerequisite to attend Group.  For more information, contact Gae Savino, LCSW, CT at (914) 391-5966 or ghsavino@aol.com.  All faiths welcome.  Individuals over 21+ are invited.  No fees to attend.     EVIDENCE SHOWS MASS IS SAFE WHEN GUIDELINES ARE FOLLOWED, DOCTORS SAY     The Catholic News Agency reported that evidence suggests that church services following public health guidelines do not present a greater risk of spreading the novel coronavirus than other similar activities, doctors said last week. Washing hands, social distancing, and mask requirements have helped prevent the spread of COVID-19, even in cases when contagious, pre-symptomatic parishioners took part in church events, three members of the Thomistic Institute Working Group on Infectious Disease Protocols for Sacraments & Pastoral Care concluded. Doctors authored an article for Real Clear Science on Mass attendance and COVID-19 Aug. 19. “For Catholic churches following [the] guidelines, no outbreaks of COVID-19 have been linked to church attendance, even though we have examples ... of asymptomatic, unknowingly infected individuals attending mass and other parish functions,” they wrote. “Their attendance could have led to an outbreak if appropriate precautions were not followed, yet in each case, we found no evidence of viral transmission.”  “This encouraging news should inspire confidence that the guidelines in place - based on CDC recommendations - are working to decrease COVID-19 transmission,” the doctors continued. “While nothing during a pandemic is risk-free, these guidelines mean that Catholics (and public officials) may be confident that it’s reasonably safe to come to Church for Mass and the sacraments.”   Over the last 14 weeks, they said, approximately 17,000 parishes have held three or more Masses each weekend, as well as daily services, combining to equal more than 1 million public Masses celebrated across the United States since shelter-in-place orders were lifted. By following public health guidelines, these Masses have largely avoided viral spread, the authors suggested.     The 2021 Mass & Sanctuary Candle Book is open. Please mail your requests with your offering of $15 per Mass Intention and/or Sanctuary Candle to Joan Pires in the Parish Office or email me at:  joan.pires@staugny.org, along with a phone contact.   ~ “In Loving  Memory” of someone or “For a Special Intention” for a loved one or friend who may need special prayers.  SANCTUARY LAMP Because of the honor given to Christ’s body and blood, a red votive candle,  known as the Sanctuary Lamp, is traditionally lit beside the tabernacle and reminds Catholics that Jesus is present in the tabernacle,  and parishioners often pray before the tabernacle and reflect on the mystery of Christ’s presence in the Eucharist. The Sanctuary Lamp can be reserved from a Monday to a Sunday in “Loving Memory” of someone or “For a Special Intention” for a loved one or friend who needs special prayers. The cost is $15. Please do not leave any donations for the Midnight Run in the blue bin until further notice.     During the pandemic, we had to remove our Missalettes from the Church.  Some parishioners have been asking where they can purchase a Missalette to use during Mass.    Here are some suggestions:    https://www.catholicgiftsandmore.com/product/ st-joseph-sunday-missal-complete-3-yr-cycle-edition-41701 OR https://www.comcenter.com/product/TWEN-855310/ Living-with-Christ-Sunday-Missal-2020-2021/       RE-OPENING OF CHURCHES ANNOUNCEMENT Archdiocese of New York Faith Forward  guidelines for the re-opening of Churches (Click here for document)

ALLELUIA

Based upon the good reports from around the
archdiocese today with the reopening of weekday Mass, baptisms, weddings and funerals, Cardinal Dolan would
like to announce that, in the Hudson Valley counties of Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and
Westchester, Sunday Mass will resume on June 14, the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, including the anticipated Mass on Saturday evening at 25% of the
capacity of the church provided that physical distancing
and other guidelines are followed. All precautions must
be taken (wearing of masks, maintaining a six-foot
distance, no physical contact except for communion,
frequent washing of hands, and sanitizing surfaces).
Our first priority is the safety of the clergy and
people, and self-care of all ministers.
The second priority is to resume in-person worship.
A Dispensation from Sunday Obligation is still
in effect for those who are not comfortable
returning at this time.

Fr. McSweeney

 

Organizations

Lectio Divina ~
in the Church and every other Wednesday.
Gather for Prayer and Meditation.

St. Genesius Cinema Circle ~ 
Help plan Movie Nights Monthly meetings and showings.  

The Holy Rosary
(click on title to go to Holy Rosary website)

Rosary Prayers


The Prayer,
We Fly to Thy Patronage

We fly to thy patronage, O holy Mother of God;
despise not our petitions in our necessities,
but deliver us always from all dangers,
O glorious and blessed Virgin.
Amen.

May the Divine assistance remain always with us!
Amen.
 

Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel
 

St. Michael the Archangel,
Defend us in battle,
Be our protection against the
malice and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we
humbly pray.
And do you, O Prince of the
heavenly host, by the divine
power, thrust into hell Satan
and all evil spirits who prowl
about the world, seeking the
ruin of souls.
Amen.

Let us remember relatives and friends who may have strayed
from attending Mass and the Sacraments. 
Consider asking someone you know to come with you to Mass.
Your encouragement may be all that they need.
 

CALLING ALL CONVERTS

Attend Daily Mass


 

Do you sometimes wonder what you are going to do during the day? Have you ended your day feeling that you really did not accomplish much? Perhaps you have time on your hands?  Have you asked yourself: how can I make a difference in the lives of family, friends, strangers, even the world? Well, have you ever thought about attending Mass daily or a few times a week? If you think about it, there is no better way to spend part of your day; no better way to praise God; no better place to pray for yourself or anyone for whatever intentions, including your own! Join fellow parishioners, along with people who work in the area, in adoring, praising and petitioning God in his house and at the table of the Lord. Here at St. Augustine’s, we have two daily Masses at 6:30 and 8:30 AM. Give it some thought.
 

How (and Why) to Return to Sunday Mass
and on the bottom of the same Page is:
How (and Why) to Return to Confession

“To fall in love with God
is the greatest romance;
to seek him the greatest adventure;
to find him, the greatest human achievement.”  
―  Saint Augustine of Hippo
 

The Saint Augustine Roman Catholic Church Facebook
page is not our parish's official Facebook page.

This is our official Parish Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/augustine.saint.7

The Facebook logo link at the top of this page will
connect you with our Official Facebook page.

Our other official pages are: 

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/StAugustineNY

Flocknote:
https://archny.flocknote.com/

Website:
http://www.staugny.org

---

 

Dealing with Coronavirus Anxiety
(click on title to open article)
Prepared by: Gae Savino LCSW, CT, St. Augustine Parish, Bereavement Support Groups & Catholic Charities’ Parish Counseling Network service. 

Contact us at:
914 -391-5966
or
ghsavino@aol.com
for further support.

Please refer to Home Page and Organization pages for latest cancellation information.

Do not refer to Calendar below.

Thank you.
 

LET YOUR MINDS BE RESTFUL
 
The company that cleans our church and school have been trained and certified by Mount Sinai Hospital on how to deal with the coronavirus.

OUR CHURCH WILL REMAIN
OPEN FOR PRIVATE PRAYER
DURING THE CORONAVIRUS CRISIS.

If you know a veteran who is in need of food from the Montrose V. A. food bank, please have them contact the Knights of Columbus Council #311 @  stephencalcuttiknights311
@gmail.com. 

Praised be
Jesus Christ,
now and forever!

If you haven’t already, you might consider enrolling in WeShare.  WeShare  is an alternative means of support for St. Augustine Parish instead of using envelopes.  In lieu of weekly collections, the WeShare program will collect monthly contributions via your checking, savings, or credit card account.  There is NO cost to you to participate in the program.
 

How do I enroll? 

To safeguard your personal information, enrollment can be done directly at the 
WeShare website: 
(click on this link)
https://staugny.churchgiving.com 

OR

by calling WeShare Customer Care at 1-800-950-9952, press #3 and then press #2 .  The process takes less than 5 minutes. 

OR

--mail a weekly check to
Mary Anne Dempsey,
our Parish Financial Administrator,
at St. Augustine Parish Office,
381 North Highland Avenue,
Ossining, NY 10562. 

If you have already signed up for WeShare and you do not wish to receive the weekly donation envelopes, please notify the Parish Office.
 
For those parishioners who make their donations through WeShare, please know that the “donation slip” that can be put into the collection basket may be found on our website (www.StAugNY.org) under the Donate/WeShare tab on thIs page (Home Page), or on your donation page at the WeShare site.
 

If you have any questions regarding the WeShare program, please contact: mary.anne.dempsey@staugny.org
or
call her at
(914) 941-0067, Ext. 102.

 

The Archdiocese of New York takes stewardship of your donations seriously. If you have knowledge of or reason to suspect misconduct, please report your concerns via a toll-free hotline at 877-820-0541 
or on the
internet  http://www.reportlineweb.com/ADNY. Both are available 24 hours per day. 
 

 
PLEASE REMEMBER ST. AUGUSTINE’S ENDOWMENT
IN YOUR WILL. 

Suggested wording:  “I give
St. Augustine Church,
381 N. Highland Avenue,
Ossining, New York  10562
the sum of $_________________
for general purposes”. 

Thank you.
 

RESPECT LIFE:
END OF LIFE DECISIONS

HEALTH CARE
PROXY FORM
(Click here for form.)
 

AMAZON SMILE 

Shop at Amazon.com, using our custom link:
https://smile.amazon.com/
ch/13-1740331
and a portion of your eligible purchases will be donated to our parish.
Please bookmark this link as your starting point for your visits to Amazon.com to ensure we receive credit for all of your eligible Amazon purchases.

An overview of this program is available via our custom link (above) or directly via: http://smile.amazon.com/
gp/chpf/about/

A WORD OF WELCOME
TO OUR NEW PARISHIONERS!

Please introduce yourself to
Fr. McSweeney, Fr. J.P.,
and/or
Deacons Steven, Cliff or John
so that we may better serve you. 
We hope that you
will become involved
with our parish
and we look forward
to your presence and
participation each week!!
 

THE 2021 MASS &
SANCTUARY CANDLE BOOK IS OPEN.

Please mail your requests with your offering of $15 per Mass Intention and/or Sanctuary Candle to Joan Pires in the Parish Office or
email me at:  joan.pires@staugny.org, along with a phone contact..
 
MANY 6:30 AM AND 8:30 AM 

PLEASE KEEP IN
YOUR PRAYERS

St. Augustine is
wheelchair accessible.

ARE YOU A REGISTERED PARISHIONER?

 
From time to time people come in or call the Parish Office asking for a Sponsor Certificate, which states that they are members in good standing of this parish, who worship here on a regular basis.  The only way we can comply with this request is if the individual is, indeed, a registered member of the parish.  The registration process takes only a few minutes.  Just call the Parish Office at 941-0067 during office hours or stop by in person.

 

---

We pray to the Lord that God may hear the cry of the unborn threatened by abortion.  

Birthright’s hotline is 

1-800-550-4900
or
(914) 737-0344.

PRAYER FOR OUR TROOPS

Please God…
Grant them courage
when times are bleak.

Grant them strength
when they feel weak.

Grant them comfort
when they feel all alone.

And most of all, God,
please bring them all home safely
 

PLEASE DO NOT PARK AROUND THE CIRCLE IN FRONT OF THE CHURCH.
Emergency vehicles need access to our property at all times.  Parking around the circle not only ruins the grass, but might prevent emergency vehicles from getting through to an emergency. Please be considerate, lives might be at stake.

Need of Assistance of A Personal Matter?

If you are or know a parishioner who is in need of assistance of a personal matter, please contact Deacon Steven DeMartino at (914) 330-3727.  All calls will remain confidential.

♦♦♦

ANNULMENTS ~

Pope Francis overhauled the process of obtaining the Church Declaration of the Nullity of a Marriage that took place in a Catholic Church: the NY Archdiocese can now handle the procedure, no matter where in the world the Marriage took place;  the process is reduced to one step rather than a second review that was formerly required; the application form to begin the process may be downloaded from the internet! If you were married in the Catholic Church and, regrettably, the Marriage has broken up, you are invited to speak with one of our priests or the deacon.

JOIN ST. AUGUSTINE'S
ADULT CHOIR! 

Music enhances a beauty of the Holy Mass and provides joy, comfort and inspiration and musical prayer for our liturgies. 

If you can carry a tune and want to learn how to sing, come join us. Don't miss the opportunity to become a member of such a unique ministry. 

For more info, please contact our

Choir Director,
Bozena Romano,
at 
(914) 739-3527.
 

You CAN Help!  

The Ministry of the Usher needs volunteers like you.  There will be an interest and planning conference --  regular weekly help is needed at several Masses.  Interested?  Join us!  Many thanks to all current Ushers and helpers!  Any members of the community that are able to step up and pitch in - simply contact us at usher@sterlingsolved.com and let us know.

Our Lady of Fatima will visit YOU!  Members of the Legion of Mary will bring a parish statue of Our Lady of Fatima to your home and they will pray the rosary with you.  Our Lady will stay with you for one week.  Spending time with our Lady in your home, praying the rosary is filled with many blessings for you and your family.  To schedule a visit, please call Patty Barbera at (914) 310-0558.