Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church

3433 Somerset Ave, Castro Valley CA 94546

Phone: 510-537-0806  Fax: 510-537-6281

www.olgcv.org

Secular Augustinians   Friars   Sisters  Children's Home 
St. Augustine
One Mind and Heart Intent Upon God
Who was St. Augustine?

St. Augustine,
Bishop of Hippo was born at Tagaste in Africa on November 13th, 354.  His father was named Patricius and his mother, Monica.   He was dedicated to God but not baptized until 386. Augustine was very well educated and wrote profusely on a variety of subjects.  One of his most famous works is his "Confessions" in which he very honestly relates the story of his early life and conversion.  Augustine had a close relationship with his mother, had a child out of wedlock, was married, suffered tremendous loss, experienced an incidence of religious ecstasy, and more.  It is a fascinating read and highly recommended. 

Augustine became a great defender of the faith and was so highly regarded by many that he was essentially pushed into service as priest and bishop.  Augustine founded a religious community who bound themselves to religious poverty.  Centuries later, another Augustinian community was born.  The pastoral staff at Our Lady of Grace is part of that community whose charism  emphasizes hospitality.  To learn more about St. Augustine and Augustinian community, click the links to the left:   



World-wide Augustinian Site
West Coast Augustinians
Augustinians Everywhere!
Catholic Encyclopedia 
Augustinian Blog

Visit Augustine on My Space! 
 

Learn what Augustinians do

Be sure to visit the Hogar Infantil La Gloria website to see how your contributions make a lasting difference in lives of hundreds of children

 

Be an Augustinian

 

Secular Promises 2007

Secular Italy Pilgrimage

(Photos taken during Augustinian
Pilgrimage to Italy, 2007)
Augustinian Seculars
Chapter of Blessed Stephen
Bellesini of the Greater East Bay

Augustinian Seculars are lay men and women of the Augustinian family who are called to live Christian lives inspired by the Augustinian spirituality.  An Augustinian Secular is governed by the Order and shares in its work.  Not taking vows, the Rule for Seculars is designed for people "living in the world."

Spiritual Activities:
Liturgy of the Hours
Retreats
Study Sessions
Holy Hour
Celebration of the feast of St. Augustine

If you are a practicing Catholic, over 18 years of age who wishes to live a deeper spiritual life in the spirit of St. Augustine under the guidance of the Augustinians and would like further information, contact:
President, Chapter of Stephen Bellisini
c/o Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church
3433 Somerset Avenue
Castro Valley, CA 94546
(510) 537-0806
kramvaz@sbcglobal.net


Learn about Blessed Stephen Bellesini - When Stephen Bellesini was beatified on 1 November 1904 by Pope Pius X, he became the first pastor to be elevated to the honors of the altar.
His feast is celebrated by the Augustinian Family on 3 February.


 
Fr. Whelan
Fr. Tom Whelan, OSA
Contact Fr. Tom at: (415) 387-3626
Email: Vocation Director
Augustinian Friars

Fr. Tom Whelan is the Province Formation Director and Chaplain of the Augustinian Seculars, Chapter of Blessed Stephen Bellesini which meets at OLG.  Read the interesting way in which Fr. Tom became a priest!

Check out the Current Events here 
 


Sisters of Saint Rita
Contact the Sisters at (262) 639-1766
Email: SOSRita@sistersofstrita.org
Augustinian Sisters

As Augustinian women, we strive to "live together in harmony, as one heart and soul on our way to God." (Rule of Saint Augustine) The heart plays a central role in Augustinian spirituality; we cannot live religious life on a superficial level, but rather from the very depth of our heart.

We follow the lead of our patroness, Saint Rita of Cascia, by offering our services of caring for those in need. This includes education, health care, assisting the poor, pastoral ministry and counseling, hospice and responding to the needs of today's world.

To meet the Sisters and learn more about their work, visit them online at:
Sisters of Saint Rita, Racine, WI