Fr. E. Philip O’Hern Council 10776,

New Construction Tour:

The new campus of St. Austin Catholic Church has been under construction for two years now – the end is in sight! Several Council members and wives were given a tour on 4/20. The view from the top is spectacular. We’re looking down at the church from the top of the new school building. Note the backhoe for scale! St. Austin Catholic School plans to occupy the new building in time for classes starting this September.

Grand Tour:

St. Austin Catholic School (SACS) conducted a spring fund-raiser at the Veloway in southwest Austin on 4/22/23. The school kids rode their bicycles around the track as many miles as they could to earn pledges of donations. All that riding works up an appetite. The school dads grill up hamburgers and hot dogs which the Knights serve to the hungry riders. Two Council members are setting up the serving line.

Spirit of Hecker Award:

Also on 4/22/23 in the evening the Council was honored with the Spirit of Hecker Award given by the Paulist Fathers for our Council's work all year, "exemplifying in a wonderful way-with enthusiasm, joy and hope-the charism of Fr. Hecker and the Paulists." Fr. Isaac Hecker was the founder of the Missionary Society of St. Paul the Apostle, known as the Paulist Fathers, which is the first community of Catholic priests founded in the United States. The Knights participate in Council activities and serve in many ministries in our parish. This award shows that we put our faith into action.

Micah 6 Meal:

On 4/29 the Council provided a meal for the Micah 6 Street Youth Drop-In Center consisting of fried chicken, biscuits, 3-bean salad, watermelon and brownies, sufficient to serve 20 people. Three of our members, including our newest and youngest, stayed to serve the meal to homeless young adults. Several churches in the West Campus area do this on a weekly rotation; we are up again in September.

50^th Ordination Anniversary:

Our Council Chaplain, Fr. Bruce Nieli, CSP, was feted in a big way on 5/6/23 for the 50^th anniversary of his ordination as a Paulist priest in 1973. The entire St. Austin community turned out to celebrate this important milestone. Council members helped with setup, serving and cleanup for the big party. We took a moment to present Fr. Bruce with a special card and a monetary gift.