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HOPEFUL EXPECTATION

Father Phil states that hopefully we can encourage and help each other, especially when we begin to drag and life seems rather burdensome. Let’s turn to Christ who heals, restores, and forgives.

Visit the In Touch Playlist where you can find Father Phil's weekly messages.

St. Theresa's YouTube

You are not alone! All are welcome to come home to receive God's grace, to unify with Him, and let the sacrament of the Eucharist live in you.

Join Us

FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONECEPTION

Deacon Larry Vaclavik discusses why we celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and what it means to us.

Reflection Questions

Why do we celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception?
What does the Immaculate Conception Mean to us?
What is the misconception of Immaculate?

Stay tuned! There is a new episode every Thursday. Follow reNEWed on iTunes, Spotify, Anchor, Player FM, or Pocket Casts.

THREE COMINGS OF CHRIST PREPARE US FOR ADVENT
What is the meaning of Advent? How can we truly prepare for Christ during this holy season? The word "advent" means "arrival". The season of Advent is the time in which we prepare for the arrival of Christ. But which arrival? There are in fact three comings, or arrivals, of Christ; his arrival in history (the first Christmas), his arrival in the present moment, and his future arrival at the Second Coming.

Advent is a beautiful time to reflect on all three of these "arrivals" of Christ and truly prepare our hearts for the Lord so that he might more fully enter into them. Let this Advent season be a time of prayer and meditation as you reflect on the coming of Christ - in the past, present, and future.

Watch the short video below to hear Bishop Barron reflect on the three comings of Christ and how to prepare for Advent.

Questions:

Which "coming of Christ" do you most often think about?
Where do you see Jesus "arriving" in your life today?

Omni Hotel Houston
Friday, April 21, 2023, at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets are now available
https://sttheresa.cc/2023gala

UNDERWRITERS AND HELP

Be an Underwriter and help us make the annual Gala and Auction a success with an underwriting gift! Underwriting opportunities start at $300.
All underwriters will be recognized in the auction catalog and on signage at the event. Printed material (bidder paddles $300, Menu $500, catalog $1,000), decor $2,000, raffle $2,500, emcee and hosting services $5,000, technology $5,000, venue $10,000. For more details about the Gala and Auction, reach out to the Gala Planning Committee at auction@sttheresa.cc.

Underwriters

IN THE STEPS OF THE NORTHERN SAINTS AND BEYOND

October 9 – 20, 2023
Fr. Phil invites you to the UK, the country of his birth to experience with him Edinburgh, Walsingham, Durham, York, and London. Spend a night at Ushaw, the college Fr. Phil attended!
First come, first serve basis early registration is highly recommended!

Please make checks payable to: Inspirational Tours, Inc.
Please mail checks, registration form and copies of passports to:
Inspirational Tours, Inc.
5433 Westheimer Rd., Ste 600
Houston, Texas 77056
Phone: 713-961-2785
Fax: 713-961-7496
Toll-Free: 1-800-231-6287
Email: moses@inspirationaltoursinc.com

For further information, please contact: Enrique Benitez at 713-869-3783 or e.benitez@sttheresa.cc

Details and Registration

SEASON OF HOPE 2022

St Theresa is pleased to announce its annual seasonal charity, Season of Hope, starting on November 19th. This year, you are invited to be the hope for our neighbors in need by providing the requested items written on the colorful ornament cards in the narthex. Items can also be purchased off our Amazon wishlist and shipped directly to our church.

Amazon Wishlist

JOIN US THIS SUNDAY

Children are invited to join the Liturgy of the Word on

Sunday, December 11th, during the 10:00 a.m. Mass in the Red Room.
Liturgy of the Word for Children is a program in which the Sunday scripture readings are proclaimed and explained on a level appropriate to children in grades Pre-K through 2nd.
Please contact Kendall Sole at k.sole@sttheresa.cc for more information or in helping with this ministry.

SUPPORT OUR PARISH MISSION

In the Gospel of Luke he says “Who is my neighbor?” As a faith community, we continue, to walk in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in need. From the foundation of our parish, a priority has been placed on answering Jesus’ call to us to “love our neighbor.” Thank you for continuing to respond faithfully and generously to our neighbors in need. St. Theresa Parish is a special place because of the people who care, the people who give, and the people who share in life and worship.

Support our church today using your debit or credit card or checking or savings account. Click the button to get started.

Online Giving/Mass Collection

GIVING AND RECEIVING CATHOLIC HOSPITALITY

Share and listen to stories from people whose lives were changed or are still being changed through giving and receiving Sunday hospitality.
December 11th, after the 10:00 a.m. Mass in the Fellowship Hall.
Please feel free to directly borrow any book from the library and returned it when you finish. If you would like to be part of this ministry please contact Claudia Blanco at c.blanco@sttheresa.cc.

FEAST OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE

Monday, December 12
5:00 p.m. Holy Rosary (Spanish) in the sanctuary
5:30 p.m. Procession with mariachi departs from the sanctuary
6:30 p.m. Mass (Spanish)
7:30 p.m. Reception after Mass in the Fellowship Hall

GIVING AND RECEIVING CATHOLIC HOSPITALITY

The JOY (Just Older Youth) Group will be sponsoring Hospitality Sunday on December 18, after the 10:00 Mass in appreciation of your support throughout the year. The group is also hurrying making a special treat for each child.

Please come and join us. For more information about this event, please contact Claudia Blanco at c.blanco@sttheresa.cc or call 713-869-3783.

TAMALE SALE
Support St. Theresa's Knights of Columbus on Sunday, December 18th, by buying USDA-certified facility tamales for $15 a dozen, after the 10:00 a.m. Mass until 12:00 p.m. in the Narthex.
For more information please call Austin P. Joyce at 713-202-7077.

POT LUCK LUNCHEON

Are you a senior looking for social engagement opportunities? St. Theresa Senior Luncheon offers interaction with others, meaningful time, involvement in the community, and mental health.
Connect with others and meet new friends at this monthly senior luncheon on Tuesday, January 10th, 2022, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. All seniors are invited.
For more information, please send an email to Claudia Blanco at c.blanco@sttheresa.cc or call 713-869-3783.

WELCOME THE STRANGER AMONG US: UNITY IN DIVERSITY
NATIONAL CONFERENCE CATHOLIC BISHOPS 2020

Thursday, January 12^th at 7:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall.

What would you do if you had to flee your country because of war or religious persecution? The Catholic Network led by The NCCB is responsible for resettling almost 20 percent of all refugees in the United States. Please join the Social Justice in Action Ministry Team as we explore together the reality of the migrants and refugees with a panel of local citizens working on this issue.

A light meal will be served.

“You shall love the stranger for you were strangers in the land of Egypt”

Deuteronomy 10:18

Please RSVP to Claudia Blanco at c.blanco@sttheresa.cc.

PLEASE COME AND DONATE THE GIFT OF LIFE

Giving blood is one of the most selfless things you can do. Your donated blood can potentially help save up to three lives.
Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center will be holding its quarterly blood drive at St. Theresa on
Sunday, January 15th, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the school gym.
All donors will receive a blanket. For any questions, please contact Claudia Blanco at c.blanco@sttheresa.cc

Sign Up Here

Mondays January 30th, February 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th at 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
Beginning this January St. Theresa will serve as a host parish for Formation Towards Christian Ministry. FTCM is a 3-semester adult formation program conducted by the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Over the 3 semesters, participants will cover Catholic Beliefs, Catholic Spirituality, Catholic Church History, Liturgy and Sacraments, and Scripture (Old and New Testament).
For this semester participants at St. Theresa will cover Introduction to Scripture, Old Testament, New Testament, and Bible Spirituality.
To register or for more information please visit
https://www.archgh.org/oec/ftcm

Courses

REGISTER NOW
Join the St. Theresa team on Saturday, February 11, 2023, see you on race day!
Registration fees and donations directly benefit the students of St. Theresa Catholic School. Join our team (select St. Theresa – Houston).

If you have any questions about this event please contact the Steps for Students Committee at steps4students@sttheresa.cc,

Sign up and donations

NOW FORMING

The purpose of this group goes beyond a typical Alzheimer’s Association support group discussion. Our focus will be the dimension of support and care for our loved ones, preserving their dignity within their mental and spiritual consciousness.
If you are a caregiver interested in participating, please get in touch with the Church office at 713-869-3783 or our support group leader, Linden Price at 281-217-0549 or LHP346@gmail.com.

MEALS ON WHEELS

On December 10th and 11th in the Narthex, we will have a Second Collection for Meals on Wheels at all the Masses. Interfaith Ministries’ meals on Wheels of Greater Houston and Galveston County program provides home-delivered meals to over 7,300 homebound seniors and adults with disabilities. This nutritional support helps people stay independent in their homes.

Our support is vital, particularly during these times of inflation and uncertainty.
Every little bit helps. There will also be information available and how you can help as a volunteer. Look for the Meals on Wheels truck parked outside as a reminder!

THE HOMEBOUND MINISTRY IS LOOKING TO REACH NEW PEOPLE
Several Homebound parishioners whom we were visiting have died in the past 2 years. If you know other sick or homebound parishioners who would like to receive weekly Communion, we would like to know about them. Please call the church office at 713-869-3783 or send an email to info@sttheresa.cc.

JOIN THIS MINDFULNESS MEDITATION GROUP

The Meditation Group is meeting online on Monday evenings for Rosary at 6:15 p.m. followed by Lectio Divina and meditation. Please call the parish office for more information at 713-869-3783

READING THE WORD OF GOD

If you want to participate in this ministry, please contact Father Phil after mass. For more information about lectors, please go to https://sttheresa.cc/lectors or send an email to info@sttheresa.cc.

This week the following parishioners will be reading at mass:
Saturday, December 10, 2022, 5:00 p.m.
Joseph LeBlanc (1)
Anne Coles (2)

Sunday, December 11, 2022, 10:00 a.m.

Sunday School Spirit (1)
School Spirit Sunday (2)

Sunday, December 11, 2022, 5:30 p.m.

Kaitlin Trostmann (1)
Marie Valenta (2)

Register today

WEEK OF DECEMBER 10TH

Saturday, December 10th
5:00 p.m.

† John Brophy
† Ed, Martha and Keith Cornicelli
† Enrique Ramirez
† Denise Bostic

Sunday, December 11th
10:00 a.m.

Pro-Populo (Parishioners)
5:30 p.m.

† Robert Braun
† Janet C. Lodge
† Robert C. Torres
† Karen Elwood
Zariah Savedra (L)

Monday, December 12th
7:00 a.m.

† Norman Chersky
† Sherri Taylor

Tuesday, December 13th
7:00 a.m.

Christy Jordan
† Joyce Alford

Wednesday, December 14th
7:00 a.m.

† Phillip, Christine, and Jody Tusa
† Lisa Russo
8:05 a.m.

† Pamela Ann Slade

Thursday, December 15th
7:00 a.m.

Communion Service
6:30 p.m.

† Gebhard Braun

Friday, December 16th
7:00 a.m.

Peace for Anne and Melissa

If you like to request a mass intention please go to https://secure.qgiv.com/for/sthe/event/781517/

CHRISTMAS FLOWER DONATIONS

St. Theresa's Altar flowers depend upon donors who sponsor the flowers. Please consider sponsoring an arrangement with a donation of $75 in memory of a loved one, a celebration of an anniversary, a First Holy Communion or Confirmation, a birthday, or any special event.

Please contact Mary-Ann Virgilio at 352-212-2961 or at maryann.virgilio@sttheresa.cc to place your request two weeks in advance.

ST. THERESA'S PANDEMIC PROTOCOLS

The parish will continue practicing safe health actions for all parishioners, visitors, and friends of St. Theresa.

Masks are recommended
Hand sanitizer will be available by the narthex doors
All pews will be available for use
Distribution of the Precious Blood is still suspended.
Reception of the Holy Eucharist may be received on the tongue, or in the hand
We will continue to refrain from shaking hands at the Sign of Peace and from holding hands during the Our Father
Collection baskets will be available at the beginning and end of Mass
We will continue to disinfect the church after each Mass

We thank you for showing care, love, and compassion for others. Let's continue praying for the end of this pandemic, for those who are suffering due to the Coronavirus Disease, and for those who suffer the loss of a loved one.

Please find Cardinal DiNardo's announcement here on new modifications to current COVID-19 pandemic protocols.

The obligation to attend mass has been reinstated. You can read more in Daniel Cardinal DiNardo's letter to the faithful.
https://bit.ly/2022MassObligation

Dispensation or freedom from the obligation to attend Sunday or a Holy Day of obligation is still granted according to Canon 1248 to those who are ill, are of advanced age, caring for a sick person, have underlying health concerns, or are at high risk for contracting COVID-19.

If you are not able to attend due to one of these conditions please consider streaming the liturgy or some other form of prayer.

https://www.sttheresa.cc/online-mass or on our Youtube channel.

GIVING BEYOND ST. THERESA

GIVING AS A CATHOLIC BEYOND ST. THERESA

The following link contains some agencies that are worthy of support should you be looking beyond the parish itself to share some of your financial blessings. https://sttheresa.cc/giving-beyond

JUNIOR HIGH RALLY

CHRIST: YESTERDAY, TODAY AND FOREVER

Amazing speakers, activities, mass and prayer experiences.

February 18th, 10:30a.m. - 9:00p.m.

Email radams@archgh.org for more information.

CO-CATHEDRAL OF THE SACRED HEART

LESSONS AND CAROLS

Join Cardinal DiNardo on December 15 at 7:30 p.m. for the inaugural Festival of Lessons & Carols at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart (1111 St. Joseph Pkwy, Houston, TX 77002). The Festival will be presented by the Cor Jesu Choir of the Co-Cathedral.
This event is appropriate for all ages. All are welcome to attend!

This event is free and open to the public. Registration is not required but encouraged!
Find out more and RSVP here: https://www.archgh.org/lessonsandcarols?bbeml=tp-Y0AbgT1RPE-ymXR_tp-wPA.jp48YZo3bmEKADyUrpri0sQ.rUd5EjE3W-0CIkQzelyFHHQ.lh3Y6r0W-O02qAlBeEiFQZw

HELPFUL WEBSITES

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): www.aa.org
American Red Cross: redcross.org
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov
Christian Community Service Center: www.ccschouston.org
Counseling (Grief, Family, etc.): www.catholiccharities.org
Domestic Violence: thebridgeovertroubledwaters.org
Families of Addicts: al-anon.org/
Houston Police: If you have a life-threatening emergency, call 911. Non Emergencies: https://www.houstontx.gov/police
Narcotics Anonymous (NA): www.na.org
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Center: suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat
Overeaters Anonymous (OA): www.oahouston.org
Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA): saa-recovery.org
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services www.txabusehotline.org
United Way of Greater Houston: www.unitedwayhouston.org