Welcome to
Friends of St Augustine
Australia!
“The Friends of St Augustine are a lay movement found around Australia born from an association with the Augustinian Friars of Australia. The movement began in 1999 as a way of bringing people together to be formed by the texts and spirituality of St Augustine. The Friends of St Augustine recently appointed two new National leaders, both of whom are based in Melbourne: Mary McCormick and Judith Duncan. Having been involved with Friends for many years they also work alongside Maureen Atkins, the Formation Coordinator and their newly appointed chaplain, Fr Dave Austin OSA from Sydney. While conscious of the responsibilities that come with their appointment, they are also ‘excited.’”
Friendship
“Mary, Judith, Maureen and Fr Dave have all been richly blessed by their shared commitment to read the works of St Augustine and to learn from him. Not only has Augustine become a friend to them, but their friendship with each other has also deepened over the years because of him.”
In the beginning
Anne Halloway of Sydney, wrote in 1999
“I see Augustinian Friends as an opportunity to develop one’s spiritual life with the support of others. When we share our faith we form a common bond, which in my experience, often leads to the formation of strong and trusted friendships through the experience of journeying together. Of the many quotes from St. Augustine’s writings along these lines, one that really appeals to me, is that we should live out our Christian journey ‘united in mind and heart intent upon God’. I see Augustinian Friends as a way of being united and supported on that journey.”
(FOSA History)
2015
Judith Duncan had this to say
“As Christians we understand that we need to seek God in our lives, to deepen our relationship with Him as we travel through this life in participation for the next. This journey to individual salvation is not easily taken alone, nor should it be, as Jesus reminds us that He is with us where ‘you are gathered in My name’. We need the help of experienced guides or mentors and the wisdom of others who share the journey in order to nurture our relationship with Him and to discover the presence of Jesus not only in our own lives but in all those with whom we share our existence.”
(FOSA History)
2019
Jacky Worthington (National Leader 2016—2023) wrote
“For the past 20 years Friends has sought to bring together those who desire to learn about Augustinian spirituality and more importantly explore ways to live as authentic Christians in a secular society. The Church faces many challenges at this time and there is an acknowledgement within the Church (although maybe not universally) that the laity has much to contribute to the formation of a modern and relevant Church. With influence comes responsibility and it is our responsibility to attend to our faith and seek formation so we can contribute in a meaningful way. Augustine’s writings endure in their relevance and continue to provide guidance regarding so many of the issues we currently face.”
(FOSA History)
Friends gather across Australia in the following places:
Mareeba, Cairns, Coorparoo & Gold Coast, in QUEENSLAND
North Harbour (Manly Vale & Balgowlah Heights) & St Clair, in NSW
South Yarra, in VICTORIA.
Information regarding these gatherings can be obtained from each Parish.
Being a Member of Friends of St Augustine, Australia,
means that you may share in some
4 Gatherings in a local centre each year.
Being a member means you receive quarterly copies of our
Newsletter, AMICI and the Prayer Resource.
Every 3 years members look forward to a National Congress for Laity.
In 2023 a National Congress was held in Coorparoo, Brisbane.
The theme was “WALKING TOGETHER“.
Congress time provides Friends with real spiritual nourishment,
wonderful hospitality and opportunity for friendships
to be celebrated and developed.
CONGRESS 2023
Jacky Worthington described it this way…
“Throughout the weekend, we lived out the things so dear to St. Augustine,
learning, hospitality, friendship and respectful and honest sharing”.
| Contacts: | Judith Duncan | 0417 309 747 | judithpduncan@outlook.com |
| Mary McCormick | 0419 134 075 | mary_mccormick@bigpond.com | |
| Dave Austin OSA | 0419 265 317 | dave.austin@osa.org.au |