Mission Statement

As a welcoming, loving and serving faith community in communion with the Archdiocese of Baltimore as part of the mystical Body of Christ, we seek to share our prayers, worship and fellowship, to serve those in need, to provide for Catholic Educational Ministering to all parishioners, prepare ourselves as baptized Catholics for lay ministry and evangelize by the power of the Holy Spirit in living the Gospel message of Jesus Christ.

                           History of St. Augustine Parish

It was in 1851, when Father Henry Myers bought the Methodist church in Williamsport, Maryland which today is St. Augustine Church.  This original church, built in 1834, became the first Catholic Church in Williamsport, being consecrated and dedicated in 1851. 

Records indicate that this church was damaged in 1863 by shelling from across the Potomac River during the Civil War.

The Present church of St. Augustine was rebuilt in 1876 for approximately $2000 with many materials and much labor gratuitously provided.  On May 18^th, 1876, the cornerstone was laid under the direction of Father John M. Jones, pastor of St. Mary’s Church in Hagerstown.

In the deposit box or time capsule were placed the name of the President of the United States; Eli Stake, superintendent of building; Father Jones’ name; a bottle of Holy Water; the Bible; a Prayer Book; and several coins.

From 1876 to 1953, St. Augustine’s Parish was served by pastors and priest from St. Mary’s Church.  In 1953, Father Linus Robinson was named the first resident pastor to St. Augustine’s Parish.  The succeeding pastors were Father T. A. Hardesty, 1955-1969; Father Howard Yeakel, 1969-1972; Father Alfred E. Smith, 1972-2001; and Father John T. Carter 2001-2006. 

In 1982, Deacon Andrew Komarinski was assigned to St. Augustine Church and served the Parish until his passing in 2005.

In 2006, Father John Lesnick became the acting administrator of St. Augustine when Father Carter’s health failed and he had to retire.  In July of 2006, Father Stephen E. Hook was assigned as permanent administrator of St. Augustine.  Also assigned to St. Augustine at the same time as Permanent Deacon and Pastoral Associate was Deacon Joseph N. Gousie, Sr.  Deacon Joe served the parish until 2008.  Upon Fr. Steve's transfer to St. Ursula in January 2011, Fr. John Jicha was appointed temporary administrator of St. Augustine.

Currently, the parish serves approximately 300 families.  In addition to Father John Jicha, the parish staff consists of  April Dietrich, Confirmation Coordinator, Suzanne Rickard, Administrative Assistant, Sherry Brodnan, Coordinator of Religious Education and Kim Fortier, Bookkeeper.

  Biography of St. Augustine