Say what? Yep, you read that right! Austin, Texas is starting to feel a little more like home.
Austin is an interesting city, I was captivated with the live music, delicious eats, and all the new things to explore. Very quickly, after moving here, I was over it. The long lines, traffic and very strongly opinionated hipsters every where. Hardly anyone living here is actually from Austin, or even Texas. For this born and raised San Antonio, Texas girl, it has definitely been a learning cultural shock experience. Some of my co-workers tell me “this is Austin, not Texas.” Well, I sass right back to them ” Bless your heart, since Austin is in Texas, I guess by your logic, that makes Texas even better.”
If you’ve read any of my previous articles, you read of my homesickness and how much I miss the community. Well, remember that St. Ignatius retreat I went the other day? There was also announcement about a Catholic Young Professionals happy hour. I mentioned it to my friend, Vanessa, and we decided to go ahead and check it out.
Upon running toward the entrance of the W Hotel to escape the cold, we noticed a pretty big crowd in the window. I mentioned to Vanessa that the group we’re looking for is probably a lot smaller. But after wondering around, we found out that large group was actually the Catholic Young Professionals happy hour group. My heart jumped for joy! As we mixed and mingled I was so excited to meet so many people, a community, that shares the same faith.
Prayer to St. Joseph the workman, was recited in a great warming unison.
O Glorious St. Joseph, model of all those who are devoted to labor, obtain for me the grace to work conscientiously, putting the call of duty above my natural inclinations, to work with gratitude and joy, in a spirit of penance for the remission of my sins, considering it an honor to employ and develop by means of labor the gifts received from God, to work with order, peace, moderation and patience, without ever shrinking from weariness and difficulties, to work above all with purity of intention and detachment from self, having always death before my eyes and the account that I must render of time lost, of talents wasted, of good omitted, of vain complacency in success, so fatal to the work of God. All for Jesus, all through Mary, all after thine example, O Patriarch, St. Joseph. Such shall be my watch-word in life and in death. Amen
This was followed by an exciting announcement, of the Emerging Leaders Program. Applications will need to be submitted by January 30, 2015. Candidates selected will have the opportunity to meet and learn with leaders in different occupations and learn to excercise their faith. Kind of reminded of the Marianist LIFE camp (minus the actual camp) from high school. I am definitely interested in applying. The rest of the time was spent with a little more mixing and mingling. I learned about other churches in the area I have not attended, but mostly excited about this communtiy.
More information can be found on their Facebook Group:Young Catholic Leaders in Austin
