Find the Sunday Bulletin-Worship Aid here.
PARISH STAFF UPDATES
Sr. Ann Announces "Semi-Retirement"
Sr. Ann Pennington, director of senior adult ministry and outreach for the parish, has announced that she will be moving to Waco Feb. 1st to enjoy “semi-retirement."
She will be renting an apartment in the independent living section of Providence Park where she will be actively involved in ministry. "Waco is quite familiar to me since I am a Baylor graduate and spent several years there in various types of ministry including church music and chaplaincy in hospital, long-term care, and hospice settings," she said. "When I called to ask about apartment availability, a former colleague answered the phone. A short time later, I was told that, out of appreciation for my years of ministry in Waco, Providence Park had decided to waive my entrance fee of $1800."
We will miss Sr. Ann's ever joyful spirit and her inspired pastoral care and guidance for the elderly of the parish. Sr. Ann started the senior adult ministry at St. Theresa six years ago, including not only pastoral visits to the sick and homebound, but also many opportunities for seniors to gather for cards and games, socializing, bible studies, day trips and more.
Sr. Ann noted it has been a joy and a privilege "to be part of a parish whose members live out their faith in service and support to each other and to the community at large."
Her order, Sisters For Christian Community, has no retirement fund or facilities for sisters. For those of you who would like to show your love and appreciation to Sr. Ann, we have set up a retirement gift page where you can donate online.
Also, cards and gifts can be sent to the parish office before January 31st.
Dr. Morris Stevens Moves into Role of Music Director
We welcome Morris Stevens as the new Director of Music Ministry at St. Theresa, after serving for 29 years as our assistant director of music. Morris received his Bachelor’s degree from UT Austin and his Master’s degree in Choral Conducting from the UT San Antonio. He completed his Ph.D. in Music Education at the University of Texas at Austin in 2001. Morris has an impressive resume which includes 13 years at St. Edward's University as Assistant Professor of Music and Assistant Music Director. He also taught music and directed choirs for more than two decades at area high schools in addition to publishing music literacy textbooks.
Welcome New Director of Middle School Youth Group
We are excited to announce that Austin Choate will be spearheading our Middle School Youth Group starting this semester! Austin will be working with Chase Crouse in the Youth Ministry department to help expand our ministry and keep it growing. Austin is also the new middle school religion teacher at STCS. He has a BA in philosophy, religious studies, and Great Books from UT, an MA in philosophy from the University of St. Thomas, and is currently completing his PhD in theology. He and his wife have three young children.
RCIA Orientation Monday at 7 p.m. via Zoom
- Do you have questions about the Catholic faith?
- Are you considering becoming Catholic?
- Are you an adult Catholic needing to celebrate any of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Communion, Confirmation)?
If you have answered yes to any of these questions or if you know someone that might be interested, please reach out! Contact Amy Allert to discuss the various options available. Inquiry orientation January 11th, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m., via Zoom.
Catalyst Resumes on Wednesday Mornings
Men of St. Theresa's Parish, would you like to deepen your faith and strengthen your fellowship with other Catholic men during 2021? If so, Catalyst invites you to join 50-60 other men by Zoom every Wednesday morning, 6:15-7:20 a.m., as they explore how to become better disciples of Christ in a world that sometimes seems turned upside down. Email menofcatalyst@gmail.com to receive the session video content and a Zoom link.
Bible Study on Joshua Starts Jan. 20th
Join us for this new study on The Book of Joshua, from Steve Ray and Fr. Scott Courtney. We all need role models to encourage us through the mess that daily life can become. Joshua was no stranger to this challenge, especially when charged with picking up where Moses left off, and leading the Israelites with prudence and
patience. Choose Wed. 7 - 9 p.m. (on Zoom) or Thurs. 9:15 -11:15 a.m. (in-person with masks).
Celebrating a Milestone Anniversary in 2021?
If you are celebrating a milestone anniversary for your Sacrament of Marriage in 2021, we’d like to honor you with a certificate from the Bishop. See the article on our website for more information.
Hospice Guide
If you have a loved one who may be eligible for hospice care soon, or have questions about how hospice fits with the Catholic faith, you may want to check out this helpful information on our website compiled by Sr. Ann Pennington who is a former hospice chaplain.
Called by Name Sunday
Next weekend is Called by Name Sunday, a new initiative by the Diocese of Austin with a special focus on vocations and recruitment. Envelopes will be available in the church for nominating someone you know who you think would be a possible candidate for the priesthood or religious life. You can also do so online here: cn.godiscalling.me God delights in accomplishing His will with our cooperation, so let’s say “yes.”
Pray to End Human Trafficking
Bishops in Texas are urging all Catholics to set aside next week to pray for an end to human trafficking and to take time to learn more about this horrific crime that impacts many innocent victims in our Texas communities. Learn more and see the daily prayers for the week at txcatholic.org.
Foundations Communities residents are moving In and enjoying Welcome Home Baskets from St. Theresa!
"On behalf of our residents at Waterloo Terrace, we want to give a HUGE thank you for your donations and time. The Welcome Home Baskets you have provided are truly making a difference for our residents, many of whom are moving in without the supplies they need to make their home comfortable. With your help, we have been able to give residents the resources to feel more at home in their community. We are blown away by your thoughtfulness- inclusion of items like wall art, 2021 calendars, and artificial plants have definitely brought smiles to our residents’ faces. Thank you again for your support! "
- Trinica Sampson, Supportive Services Program Manager, Foundation Communities
Take a video tour of the new Waterloo Terrace.
See the latest news from St. Theresa School in this week's Tiger Times.
Have a blessed and peace-filled weekend!