Top 9 Blog Posts of 2015

9. Five Augustinians Celebrating Their Anniversaries of Priesthood

This year, five men celebrated their anniversaries of priesthood at the Augustinian's Province Retreat.  Congratulations once again to Fathers Jim Friedel, O.S.A.; Martin Laird, O.S.A.; Fred Taggart, O.S.A.; Jerry Van Overbeek, O.S.A.; and Terry Deffenbaugh, O.S.A.!

 
 

8. "My Ministry As An Augustinian" by Fr. Jim Halstead, O.S.A.

Father Halstead talks about his unique experiences in his life of ministry as an Augustinian.  He has spent many years in education, particularly at DePaul University in Chicago.  Read his perspectives and reflections on his ministry in this article.

 
 

7. "My Lifetime Commitment and Dedication to the Augustinian Way of Life" by Bro. Richie Mercado, O.S.A.

In anticipation of professing his solemn vows at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago this past August, Brother Mercado offered this reflection.  He is now preparing to be ordained to the diaconate on January 2, 2016 at St. Rita of Cascia Parish in Chicago.  Read his article now.

 
 

6. Summer 2015 Issue of The Midwest Augustinian

The Midwest Augustinian is published quarterly for our donors and other friends.  This particular issue focused on the reflections offered at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago as part of the Feasts of St. Augustine & St. Monica.

 
 

5. Augustinians Recognize 17 with Highest Honor

In April 2015, Augustinian Communities across the Province affiliated 19 individuals to the Order (Adele Laureen Britz and Gus Getz and Adele were featured in a separate blog post).  "Affiliation of the Faithful to the Order" is the highest honor that the Augustinians can bestow upon an individual.  Learn who was recognized with this honor this past April in this blog post.

 
 

4. Celebrate Your Departed Loved Ones:  An All Souls Novena

This particular is over by now, but the thoughts and prayers for our deceased loved ones has far from ceased.  This year, dozens of our supporters submitted their prayer intentions to be included in the Augustinians' All Souls Novena.  Thank you to those who sent in your intentions, as well as those who joined us in praying for the deceased.

 
 

3. Congratulations to the Newly Professed!

This past August, four men professed their first vows in the Augustinian Order on the campus of Villanova University.  As part of their continued formation, three men are continuing their studies at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.  One young man has found a different vocational calling since professing his first vows, and we pray that God and the Holy Spirit will guide him on his new journey.  Thank you for your prayers in support of Augustinian Vocations!

 
 

2. Augustinians Announce New Online Vocations Efforts

This past spring, the Augustinians of North America announced a new initiative to engage men discerning a religious vocation.  We did so by having Patrick T. Murphy, the Associate Director for Communications of the Midwest Augustinians, assume the new digital marketing responsibilities.  Learn more about these efforts in this blog post.

 
 

1. An Invitation to Sunday Mass:  Parishioner's Video Highlights Ministries at St. Jude Parish in New Lenox, IL

John Ruane, a parishioner at St. Jude Parish, is so grateful for the effective ministries of the pastoral staff there that he made a video to tell the world about it and to invite more people to be part of the parish community.  Watch the video below or click the link for more information about the video itself.

 
 

Thank you for your prayers and support of our mission in 2015!  May God bless you and your loved ones into and throughout 2016!

Patrick Murphy

Patrick Murphy has been working with the Augustinians in fundraising and communications since 2010. He began working with the Augustinian Vocations office in 2015. He also holds a Master of Science in Nonprofit Management.