It is with great disappointment the Helping Hands Food Pantry at Saint Augustine Church is closing permanently effective today, March 16, 2024. Nevertheless, the parish of Saint Augustine - Saint Francis Xavier is committed to ensuring that families this pantry has served continue to receive assistance through alternative resources and nearby food pantries. A list of pantries in close proximity to the parish (within a five-block radius) has been distributed to these families to ensure they know exactly where to access the support they need. 

While feeding the hungry is an important mission of the church, so too is the protection of children. The church sex abuse scandal in 2002 prompted vigorous standards, set forth in the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, aimed at creating safe environments for all. The standards include mandatory VIRTUS training for church workers and volunteers. The live awareness session helps trainees recognize and understand signs of child sexual abuse, the methods and means by which offenders commit abuse and empowerment steps to prevent child sexual abuse. Additionally, all clergy, religious, employees and volunteers also must undergo a criminal background screening and endorse a code of conduct.

A recent audit conducted in April 2023 by the Safe Environment Office assessed the compliance of Saint Augustine and Saint Francis Xavier Churches. Unfortunately, the parish did not meet the required standards. The failure to provide a safe environment, along with the serious liability to the Diocese and parish, prompted the decision to close the pantry. These measures are in place to guarantee the well-being and protection of everyone engaged in the Church's diverse ministries.

A complete listing of nearby food pantries can be found here: 

Food Bank Catholic Charities Pantries 2024.pdf

March 14th 2024

Two years ago, when Fr. Tumino was assigned to Saint Augustine and Saint Francis Xavier only 225 people prayed at the three Parish Masses, with sadly only 10 children at Mass.  Under his care, weekend Mass attendance has approached over 500 adults along with 97 children who prayed together at three weekend Masses. 

Saint Augustine-Saint Francis Xavier is an ever-growing, vibrant community of faith.  Despite a critical financial situation at Saint Augustine, Fr. Tumino has worked to ensure that the historic Saint Augustine continues to exist as a faith community. He worked to ensure that a serious financial concern would be addressed allowing this work to continue. Father Tumino has exhibited no pattern of alienation, rather quite the opposite, he has worked to find ways to incorporate various divergent approaches to ensure the future of the traditionally service-oriented Catholic community at Saint Augustine-Saint Francis Xavier. 

The financial practices used by the Haitian Support Group, and other groups in question, despite good intentions, could not be supported by the parish. This group, in particular, was assisted by Fr. Tumino to utilize the Diocese of Brooklyn’s Office of the Propagation of the Faith to safely continue their work. This year, Saint Augustine-Saint Francis Xavier directed $3,812 from our parishioners, and an additional $2,000 from an anonymous individual who has supported this endeavor since its creation.  Sadly the other groups did not cooperate with Fr. Tumino as he had hoped. 

Unfortunately, there have been some programs which have failed to comply with parish, legal and Diocesan requirements. As such, the safety of all parishioners and the financial integrity of the parish cannot be compromised.

Saint Augustine and Saint Francis Xavier were each previously served by their own music directors. Sadly, the director at Saint Augustine passed away before Father Tumino assumed his pastorate. It was at that time the Music Director of Saint Francis became the music director at St. Augustine-St. Francis Xavier with a combined Choir now serving the Parish. No choir was eliminated as described.  The current choir is comprised of parishioners from Saint Augustine-Saint Francis Xavier Parish. 

The Helping Hands Food Pantry Board has failed to comply with mandates to help keep children and vulnerable adults safe, despite repeated communications, and many efforts and interventions over the last two years. Sadly reaching compliance was never achieved, with some key leaders encouraging volunteers not to comply. The program’s failure to create a safe environment for those serving, and being served, could not be ignored.

The network of food pantries throughout the Diocese of Brooklyn through Catholic Charities of Brooklyn and Queens are ready to serve those in need.  In addition, Food Bank NYC maintains pantries within blocks of Saint Augustine-Saint Francis Xavier. 

Despite the recent changes, there is much excitement at Parish Masses each weekend as new and existing parishioners see new ways of living the Catholic faith we profess."