St. Augustine of Canterbury (604 A.D.) is the patron saint of our parish and school. St. Augustine, or Austin, as he is popularly called, was chosen by Pope Gregory the Great to be the "Apostle to the English." Augustine converted King Ethelbert of Kent to Christianity.
Tradition holds that St. Augustine met King Ethelbert under an oak tree, the tree associated with the virtue of hospitality. Our parish and school logo incorporate an oak tree branch and acorn, both symbolizing hospitality to others and our own individual openness to graciously receiving God's life within.
Moreover, the acorn itself represents new life. Just as the acorn grows into an oak, Augustine's efforts in the service of the Gospel helped establish the Church of England, which grew in stature, influencing the entire world.
As members of St. Austin Catholic School community, we pray that each of us lives in the service of the Gospel, following the example of our patron.