St. Augustine Catholic Church, a parish of the Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta, is a diverse and multicultural community freely living and proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Although the Catholic faith is the world’s largest organized religion, it was not until October 4, 1959 that the first Roman Catholic mass was held in Covington at the American Legion Hall. The Catholic community met in three other locations before the brick and mortar St. A’s, as it is affectionately known, was built on Hwy. 278 in 1970.
St. Augustine Catholic Church’s parish was officially established on September 29, 197 with 90 families. Today it has 350 registered families and an estimated 1,500 total parishioners. In June 2007, Rev. Roberto A. Orellano, D. Min. began his assignment as priest of St. A’s.
St. A’s celebrates four masses, including a Spanish mass each Saturday for the rapidly growing population of Latino parishioners.
St. A’s missions
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul was founded in Paris in 1833. The international organization dedicates itself to serving the poor and disadvantaged.
Volunteers at St. Augustine Catholic Church provide Newton County residents with housing, utilities, food and medicine in hopes of helping people get back on their feet. The local chapter serves an estimated 250 families yearly.
Volunteers of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul assisted a family several years ago with amazing results. After receiving assistance, the parent came back to the church, was able to obtain a job and subsequently was able to help her three children attend college with full scholarships.
Founded in 1882, the Knights of Columbus is the world’s largest Catholic service organization. The St. Augustine Catholic Church’s chapter, the sixth largest in Georgia, celebrated its 20-year anniversary in May 2014.
Its local chapter supports several programs, including Monastery of the Holy Spirit, Festival of Trees, Relay for Life, Special Olympics, Coats for Kids, Source Pregnancy Center, Pro-Life Program and food pantries.
In Georgia and all over the country Knights of Columbus supports VA and Military Chaplains, Food for the Poor Caribbean and Keep Christ in Christmas.
St. Augustine Catholic Church is located at 11524 Hwy. 278 East in Covington.