A Word From Our Pastor
We thank God for the rain last week and pray that it will be the first of many rainfalls through the season that will end the drought we have been in for the past few years. When we see the devastating fires in California and several other states and countries, this parish is especially aware and remembers the Oakland fire that caused the loss of life and several hundred homes in our parish.
There are still members among us who lost their homes or remember when it came very close to the parish plant and neighborhood. I have been awed by the faith of those who lost so much. I was reminded of this again when I spoke with Nancy Sweetland’s children who told me that after the fire, Nancy comforted them by saying: ‘we just lost stuff.’ It is good that one can become so detached, but we pray for all that they will not experience this tragedy. So, keep praying for rain!
After the fire, St. Theresa became the center for people to find each other and for people who lost everything to find a coat, food, and consolation. My predecessor, Msgr. Bernie Moran is remembered with great affection for his presence, walking the neighborhood to console, and leadership after this disaster. I hope I never have a similar task, but this is a part of what it means to be part of a parish community.
We are sisters and brothers who walk with each other through joys and sorrows reminding us that God himself also walks with us on that sometimes-treacherous path. This is why we celebrate our feast day and our parish.
Next Sunday please plan to celebrate with an outdoor Mass and the parish picnic that will follow. Games of all sorts and for all ages will welcome the children to enjoy. The Men’s Club will host keeping us hydrated and please get your order in today and volunteer to help via the Flocknote or parish website for a great lunch. Like any family, we gather to celebrate good times so we can be there for each other when we face challenges.
God has called us his own and we are beloved for all the ages. Celebrating our patron who was an example of trusting God and encouraging each other is all part of God’s plan. Let’s help each other cooperate with that plan.