Decree Relegating the former St. Augustine Church at 102 W. Market, San Augustine to Profane but not Sordid Use
Having opened and dedicated the new St. Augustine Church on August 28, 2019, and issued a decree so testifying (Prot. N. 2019/C-0360); and
Having consulted the pastor of St. Pius Parish, which is the territorial parish to which the Mission of St. Augustine is assigned, regarding the community’s lack of need for the former St. Augustine Church and their to desire to sell that property; and
Having considered that the former church is no longer needed for divine worship, the present condition of the building, and the cost of repairing and maintaining said edifice in good and usable condition for other use; and
Having determined that no persons can claim legitimate rights in St. Augustine Church; and
Having removed the altar and all sacred objects previously located within the former St. Augustine Church and brought them into ecclesiastical custody; and
Having consulted the Presbyteral Council on January 16, 2020; and
Having ensured the Catholic faithful of San Augustine are provided for and the good of souls of all concerned suffers no detriment;
Therefore, after carefully considering the law and the facts and in accord with canons 1212 and 1222 §1, I hereby decree that the former St. Augustine Church, located at 102 W. Market in San Augustine, Texas, be relegated to profane but not sordid use. Therefore, it is no longer a sacred place and has lost its blessing, dedication, and consecration.
I further decree that the former St. Augustine Church and parcel is to be used or sold as deemed appropriate by competent authority according to the provisions of canon and civil law, provided it is not given over to any use unworthy of its dignity as a former sacred place.
I direct that this decree be published on the website for the Diocese of Tyler which will be presumed the official notification of this action. A petition for revocation or emendation of this decree is subject to canons 1732-1739.
The relegation of the former St. Augustine Church to profane but not sordid use is to become effective February 28, 2020, nothing to the contrary withstanding.
Given at Tyler, at the Diocesan Curia, on the 28th day of January 2020.
+ Joseph E. Strickland
Bishop of Tyler
Peyton Low
Chancellor
