On the Feast of Pentecost in 1980, the Archdiocese of New York presented a Mission Statement, intended to clarify for us, as a people, our call from Jesus Christ "to proclaim His message of salvation by word and deed, to give us eternal life and the means to attain it."  Every Parish is especially a focal point for the Church universal, a place where every family and every Catholic can find a true home - a home in which God is our father, Jesus our brother and the Holy Spirit our inspiration.

 Such has been the goal of St. Augustine's since its foundation over forty years ago, and it will always remain the same.  However, changing times demand new attitudes, and new challenges seek new answers.  The Church of 1957 has undergone numerous changes and will continue to do so, into the next millennium.  These changes may be viewed with mixed emotions.  Some may be very enthusiastic about them; others may be less than pleased.  The changes have not necessarily been the decision of the Church, but have developed with the needs of the times.  These changes affect the parochial activities of worship, education, and administration in a special way.  Each one places new emphasis on the role of laity in the Church.  The vernacular word calls for greater participation from both priest and congregation on Sunday.

 Perhaps today some of the grandeur of the Gregorian Chant has been lost, but a new attention to the treasures of Sacred Scripture has stirred our hearts in worship.  St. Augustine's has a strong history of concern for developing a healthy and expanding liturgy.

 In the field of education, we have an intense commitment to our parochial school and religious education program.  Both are staffed by dedicated laity and religious sisters.  As a Parish, we have an ongoing responsibility to further enhance this prophetic dimension of the Church's life.

 The area of administration is a role in which laity have long been active, and this must continue in the future.  The Parish Council and its committees play an important role in developing a true and committed service to our Parish family and community.  However, we must not forget that the Church is dependent on the role of the priest in its worship, education and administration activities.  Our underlying responsibility is to pray and encourage our young people to consider a full religious commitment.  These are true gifts of the Holy Spirit, and they can be achieved through our dedicated prayer and commitment as a worshipping people of God.

 The Catholic people of St. Augustine's Parish are called by God to action.  To hear His call and respond to it successfully, our Parish community must be a people of prayer asking the Father, who does not grow weary, to strengthen us; asking the Son, who abhors timidity, to give us courage; and asking the spirit who has banished division, to unite us in love.