Parish history

On July 4, 1920, 12 parishioners of St. Ambrose Cathedral petitioned Bishop T.W. Drumm to establish a new parish on the west side of Des Moines. Rev. John Noonan was appointed the church’s first pastor, articles of incorporation were filed, and part of the old Iowa State fairgrounds at 42nd Street and Grand Avenue was purchased for $20,000. Designed by Boston architect Charles Maginnis, whose works include the high altar of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City, St. Augustin Church was formally dedicated on February 3, 1924. Its stained glass windows were created by Boston artist Charles Connick and are documented in the book “Art of Prayer.” A seven-room school was constructed at 4320 Grand Ave. in 1926 and staffed by Adrian Dominican Sisters.

St. Augustin Parish Mission & History

Our mission is to give glory to God by making Jesus Christ known and loved through worship, evangelization, community fellowship, reconciliation and stewardship.

In 1928, Rev. James Manning was appointed pastor, and the rectory was added to the church building. Rev. Francis O’Connell served from 1933 until his death in 1948. During his pastorate, the interior furnishings of the church were completed, the school was enlarged, and the debt was eliminated. Msgr. Gerald Walker served from 1948 until his retirement in June 1981. He

oversaw the construction of a second school building. In August 1981, Rev. Frank Nugent was appointed pastor. The church was repaired and a new parish hall was completed in 1986. In 1988, the lower level of the parish hall was completed. Rev. Nugent died in October of 1989, and Rev. Thomas Crowley served as parish administrator until the appointment of Msgr. Frank Bognanno as pastor in 1990. Msgr. Bognanno expanded the school building and church parking lot. Rev. James Polich, who served from 2000 until his death in 2011, purchased additional property at the corner of Grand Avenue and 40th Street. Rev. James Livingstone served as parish administrator until the appointment of Rev. Christopher Hartshorn in 2012.

St. Augustin Parish Mission & History

religious eDuCation

Public school students explore their relationship with God and develop their

Catholic faith in the St. Augustin Religious education program. The program includes academic catechesis, individual prayer, spiritual development through group experiences and community service. As youth progress, they prepare for and receive the sacraments of Reconciliation, First Communion and Confirmation. Our goals are to foster spiritual

growth, encourage participation and empower young people to live as Disciples of Christ.

St. Augustin Parish Catechesis

We are committed to the vows made when each child was baptized to raise them in the Catholic faith. Through our Religious Education program and St. Augustin Catholic School, we help young people experience Catholic identity, integrate Catholic values and express Catholic beliefs. Adults are welcomed into the Church through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA).

st. augustin CatholiC sChool

Founded in 1926, St. Augustin Catholic School provides quality Catholic education for children from preschool through 8th grade. We foster an environment that supports and encourages spiritual, intellectual, social and personal growth.

We are committed to sharing the teachings of the gospels and encouraging students to embrace these teachings in all they do. A dedicated and highly qualified faculty and staff, in collaboration with supportive parents, help students recognize their personal worth and set and achieve high

goals. This commitment has resulted in a National Blue Ribbon designation by the u.S. Department of education and a Gold Healthier Schools Award with Distinction from the u.S. Department of Agriculture.

We welcome the opportunity to share our good news and invite interested families to visit us and experience the amazing spirit at St. Augustin Catholic School.

rCia

This program provides an incremental process for men and women to enter the Church. Through the RCIA, adults encounter Jesus in sacred scriptures, immerse themselves in the Catholic tradition and discover the Risen Christ present in our sacraments. The Rite concludes with a period of “mystagogy” in which new parishioners delve deeper into their faith.

St. Augustin Parish Catechesis

saCraMents oF initiation

Baptism: A baby’s baptism is a time of joyous celebration. Interested parents may contact our baptism coordinator through the church office. Interested, unbaptized adults and parents with children older than five may contact our RCIA coordinator.

Confirmation: The preparation process for this final rite of initiation involves study, prayer, service and faith community experiences.

eucharist: Holy eucharist is celebrated at each Mass. First eucharist is ordinarily celebrated in the spring when a child is in second grade.

saCraMents oF healing

reconciliation (Penance): Reconciliation includes conversion, confession and celebration, and brings God’s unconditional forgiveness.

anointing of the sick: This sacrament is administered for the remission of sins, and for the provision of spiritual strength and physical health.

saCraMents oF VoCation

holy Matrimony: Marriage is a life-long commitment freely made. engaged parishioner couples should contact our wedding coordinator no less than 12 months before their planned wedding date.

holy orders: each vocation is a cause for great joy. Please contact a parish priest if you or someone you know is interested in Religious Life.

St. Augustin Parish Sacraments

adult Faith Formation develops and implements catechistic programs for adults.

altar & rosary society offers prayers and service projects benefiting the parish.

altar servers assist with Mass.

Baptismal Preparation provides a faith formation program for new parents.

Blue Knights Boys Club teaches the concept of knighthood based on virtue.

Board of education, an elected group, oversees Catechesis for Adult Faith Formation, St. Augustin School, and the Religious education Program.

Boy scouts of america is a boys’ service organization.

Building & grounds Committee oversees physical needs of the church facility.

Bus Committee provides transportation to Mass.

Cantors lead the assembly in sung prayer at Mass.

Catholic scripture study is a weekly Bible study program.

Catholic Widows and Widowers is a faith-sharing and fellowship group for those who have lost a spouse.

Challenge Catholic girls Club a club for girls to grow in virtue, friendship and their Catholic faith.

Children’s liturgy of the Word gives young children a special liturgy during the 5:00 P.M. Saturday Mass.

Choirs sing during the 10 A.M. Sunday Mass and the 5 P.M.. Saturday Mass.

St. Augustin Parish Ministries

Communication Committee designs the parish newsletter and directories.

Dowling Catholic Board of education representative represents St. Augustin on the board.

elizabeth Ministries offers hope and healing for women and their families on issues related to childbearing, sexuality and relationships.

eucharistic Ministers assist at Mass by being extraordinary Ministers of the eucharist.

Finance Council an advisory committee that assists the pastor in the administration of parish financial matters.

Food Pantry coordinates the parish’s food donations for the needy.

Foundation Board an advisory board that assists the pastor through fund development and oversight.

gardening angels maintain the parish flower gardens and landscaping.

girl scouts of america is a character-building, service organization for girls.

home & school association, a booster association, supports St. Augustin School.

Knights of Columbus is a men’s service and social organization.

lectors are readers of the Word during the Mass.

library Committee maintains the library and selects new materials.

little Flowers girls Club teaches what it means to be a Catholic girl and eventually a Catholic woman.

St. Augustin Parish Ministries(Continued)

liturgy Committee focuses on the parish’s celebration of the Mass and sacraments.

Marriage Preparation sponsor Couples meet with engaged couples to help them prepare for marriage.

Merciful Meals furnishes temporary meal assistance to new parents or the sick.

Moms’ Playgroup provides a social group for moms and young children.

nine to Dine groups meet for monthly potluck dinners in homes.

nursery provides child care during the 10 A.M. Mass.

Parish Council a nine-member elected group that serves as an advisory board to the pastor.

Pastoral Care brings communion and community to those unable to attend Mass.

Perpetual eucharistic adoration involves volunteers who pray in the chapel 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Prayer Chain relays prayer requests to parishioners who have offered to pray for others.

Prayer shawl Ministry provides comfort and peace to parishioners through the shawls it constructs in prayer.

Pro life Committee and Project gabriel offer alternative solutions to abortion.

rCia (rite of Christian initiation of adults) is a faith formation process for adults interested in becoming Catholics.

religious education provides educational instruction for children of the parish who attend public school.

St. Augustin Parish Ministries(Continued)

saint Vincent De Paul society, our parish chapter of a national group, is dedicated to assisting those in need and seeking charity and justice.

social Justice Committee offers services to those in need and works for justice and peace.

social supper Club meets monthly for dinner, entertainment and fellowship.

st. augustin Catholic school is the education institution, preschool through grade 8th, for children of the parish.

st. Joseph Family shelter Meals enlists parish families to prepare meals for residents at the shelter.

stewardship Committee develops the time, talent, and treasure of the parish.

ushers greet people and help them find seats in the church. They also assist with collections during Mass.

Vacation Bible school offers young children a summer program of instruction, crafts and recreation.

Vocations Chalice, a prayer program, encourages parishioners to pray for vocations.

Vocations Committee supports the call to the priesthood, deaconate, and consecrated life, and encourages the laity to answer the call to service to the Church.

St. Augustin Parish Ministries(Continued)