St. Theresa Mission Statement
We are a welcoming, active Catholic Community
united by our faith, open to transformation, growing spiritually
and reaching out to love and to serve others as Jesus taught us.
St. Theresa Parish Lenten Opportunities
The retreat will be recorded and will be available to view later in the day following each session, on the Lenten Retreat Page of the parish website https://sttheresaoakland.org/Lenten%20Retreat
Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fast and abstinence.
The obligation of abstinence begins at age 14.
The norms on fasting are obligatory from age 18 until age 59.
The law of fasting allows one full meal and two smaller ones.
The law of abstinence prohibits the eating of meat. The Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence in the United States.
Tickets will be on sale following Mass,
February 17 & 18 (cash or check only).
Your order has not been processed if you do not receive a thank you for your order notification.
A Word From Our Pastor
Happy Lent! I invite you to have a good journey and to check out the possibilities offered by your parish to help that journey. Deacon Mike will be leading the annual retreat over the Sundays of Lent. In addition, several trained ‘spiritual directors’ are available to you for individual guidance and counsel.
Fr. Ngema once again will lead those interested on Tuesday nights deeper into the Scriptures. He has been making great progress in his scriptures and has much to offer. The school will participate in Stations of the Cross each Friday, and you are welcome to join them. The schedule is on the website.
Once again, a Seder dinner is planned. We remember that in three of the Gospel accounts, the Last Supper takes place at a Jewish Seder dinner and commemoration. If you have never been or want to renew and see how our Mass is now inspired by this commemoration, plan to attend. Details in the Flocknote and on the website.
Lenten books that provide a short meditation each day are available in the vestibule. They have guided many through the years and we hope this year’s edition does the same. Your offering defrays every increasing cost of providing this book to all in the parish.
Did you see the ‘Super Bowl commercial’ with Mark Walhberg inviting us to pray during Lent? Help make the 7 million that someone paid worth their money. The short 30 seconds was indeed inspiring and unexpected in the middle of our tense watching of the game.
With Lent so early, we will be celebrating First Communion and Confirmation in April this year. I invite all to pray for our young people who will receive these sacraments, that God will enrich their lives forever with these gifts of our salvation.
Much can be said of Lent, but a few words from our Holy Father, I hope will inspire a good forty days:
It is time to act, and in Lent, to act also means to pause. To pause in prayer, in order to receive the word of God, to pause like the Samaritan in the presence of a wounded brother or sister. Love of God and love of neighbor are one love. Not to have other gods is to pause in the presence of God beside the flesh of our neighbor. For this reason, prayer, almsgiving and fasting are not three unrelated acts, but a single movement of openness and self-emptying, in which we cast out the idols that weigh us down, the attachments that imprison us. Then the atrophied and isolated heart will revive. Slow down, then, and pause! The contemplative dimension of life that Lent helps us to rediscover will release new energies. In the presence of God, we become brothers and sisters, more sensitive to one another: in place of threats and enemies, we discover companions and fellow travelers. This is God’s dream, the promised land to which we journey once we have left our slavery behind.
I invite every Christian community to do just this: to offer its members moments set aside to rethink their lifestyles, times to examine their presence in society and the contribution they make to its betterment. Woe to us if our Christian penance were to resemble the kind of penance that so dismayed Jesus. To us too, he says: “Whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting” (Mt 6:16). Instead, let others see joyful faces, catch the scent of freedom, and experience the love that makes all things new, beginning with the smallest and those nearest to us. This can happen in every one of our Christian communities.
On more mundane matter, please get your Irene Crosetti Ravioli tickets. You don’t want to miss this great social in our parish.
Also, we congratulate and are so proud of all the St. Theresa Students who were sent to the Diocesan Science Fair. All eight won and placed at the competition which brought 180 different projects from most of our Catholic Schools. The list of winners can be found on the school webpage. One student won the top award and will go to the County and then State Science fair. We should all be very proud of these accomplishments.
Parish / School Workday ~ March 9th
We will have a work day where volunteers come together to help with facility and maintenance projects on the campus. Lunch will be provided!
The latest email scam attempt:
This was sent to a parishioner using another parishioners name as the sender in an attempt to obtain the parishes account information.
What's the current available balance in the account? And do we have Zelle or Venmo Linked with our bank account? Also, You need to process the payment immediately to the vendor for our Website Upgrade . Kindly get back to me Asap.
A number of people have once again received phony emails from Fr. Bob and/or our principal Alicia Ortegon asking for gifts cards. If you receive an email from either of them requesting help with gifts, gift cards, money ..... PLEASE IGNORE and DELETE. It's a scam! They will never request help from you in this manner.
Parish Finance Committee
The Finance Committee has a need for someone whose background includes being a controller.
It will not be a big time commitment but we need your skills. If you'd like to explore this, please call Carolyn Mahoney at 510-918-1987.
Our theme for the 2023/2024 year is:
”Walking the Journey of Faith”
WINGS continues this Winter on Wednesday mornings throughout the months of January and February. This faith enhancement group for women encourages spiritual growth through prayer, scripture study, life-sharing and community. Our Winter session meetings, each with a different expert speaker generally focusing on scripture and different aspects of our faith, takes place, from 9:15-11:15am, on Wednesday’s in the Meeting Rooms. Our engaging speakers will uplift you and keep you informed. You’ll experience a welcoming community as we support each other in our spiritual growth. Feel free to invite a friend! Women from local parishes and other denominations are most certainly welcome. If you’re new to WINGS or wish to sample a meeting, feel free to attend the meeting at St. Theresa’s. If you have any questions, contact Denise at mollend@aol.com.
February 21st
Rev. Bob McCann
Pastor, St. Theresa Church
What Do You Fear, What Do You Hope For?
Social Justice Corner
Join us this lent as we follow the meditations and prayers with the Ignatian Solidarity Network.
Lent 2024: it’s time to refresh.
In a world filled with personal and structural sin that allows injustice to grow, we are invited to refresh our souls and our imaginations to make space for the Spirit to work through us:
To reshape a dehumanizing immigration system into one that centers human dignity.
To recommit to making racial justice a reality.
To renew trust in abundance versus scarcity so that all people’s needs are met while safeguarding a fragile planet.
During the Lenten season, Psalm 23 reminds us of God’s intent that we find times of refreshing:Beside restful waters he leads me; he refreshes my soul.
St. Ignatius of Loyola refers to these times of refreshing as consolations: a deep-seated sense of God’s presence leading to spiritual growth.
How are we being refreshed and consoled in our lives, in our Church, and in our work for justice?
Throughout Lent, writers from the Ignatian network will guide us ina season of refreshing.Join us each day to be replenished, reinvigorated, and refreshed.
Here is the website for you to register but we will be highlighting some of their postings on Flock Note.
https://ignatiansolidarity.net/lent-2024
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Join us for our first social justice committee meeting on February 15th at 7pm via zoom. Join us planning on how we can respond as community to social justice issues that abound in our community and globally. What little tasks can we do as a parish community?
Contact Lydia Deck for more information and zoom link. ltdeck@me.com
Join the social justice committee on February 18th as we participate in this program called “Racial Wealth Gap Learning Simulation” This learning activity if an interactive tool that helps people understand the connections among racial equity, hunger, poverty, and wealth. We learned about this program from Meg Bowerman who is a volunteer coordinator for Just Faith in the East Bay. The program will be held at Epworth United Methodist Church (Fellowship Hall)– 1953 Hopkins Street in Berkeley; Gather time 12:30pm and Presentation at 1pm.
Text to Donate
Text “GIVE” to the number above to receive a link to our online giving page.
During Lent we are reminded to develop a more conscious spiritual life and share what we have with those in need, One practical way to achieve this goal is to make the change to eGiving for St. Theresa parish.
You can use our online giving platform to deepen your commitment to the church and the ministries you care about most. Your recurring gifts will sustain our mission month after month. You will also help our parish by cutting costs for envelopes and paper, and allowing our staff to spend less time processing cash and checks and more time on ministries.
Thank you for your continued support of St. Theresa.
You may also use Online Giving for Second Collections.
March 2 & 3 - Parish Maintenance & improvement Fund
March 9 & 10 - Catholic Relief Services
March 29 - Holy Land (Good Friday)
Sunday Offering: February 5 - 11
Online: 59 Donors, $3,894.50
Mass/Drop-Off/Mailed: 47 Donors $3,128.00
Assisted Listening available at Weekend Masses
There are two ways to enjoy crisp, clear audio in the church for our weekend Masses.
Option 1:
Download the app, connect to the church wireless network, put in your earbuds, open the app and you are set.
The WiFi password you will need to connect to our wireless network will be available at the sound system desk before and after Mass.
Option 2:
Assisted Listening Devices are available at our weekend Masses. You can check out a device at the sound system desk prior to Mass.
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If you have any questions contact Cathy Brady at cathy_b@sttheresaoakland.org
St. Vincent de Paul
Our Parish SVdP Conference meets bimonthly, every third Saturday at 9:30am. If interested in learning more about our Conference’s work, contact Judy Bojorquez at jtsbojorquez@yahoo.com with any general questions. Call 510-547-0911 if you have a specific question.
You may use online giving to make a donation to the St. Theresa St. Vincent de Paul conference. https://sttheresaoakland.org/donate.
Volunteer for a Liturgical Ministry
Please consider volunteering for one of our Liturgical ministries. Liturgy is the work of the people and we need your assistance.
What is your gift, passion, what do you really like to do? Do you like to read, talk with people, serve people, work behind the scenes, electronics? Turn that passion into a ministry, there is something for everyone. Prayerfully consider one of the following ministries.
Contact Cathy Brady at cathy_b@sttheresaoakland.org to volunteer or for more information.
https://sttheresaoakland.org/ministries/liturgical-ministries
Thank you for your faithful support.
Lector
Eucharistic Minister
Sacristan
Altar Server
Greeter
Usher
Projectionist
Video Ministry (9:00 am Mass)
Altar Linens
Weekend Mass Schedule
5:00 pm Saturday
9:00 am Sunday
The 9:00 am Sunday Mass is live-streamed on our YouTube channel for the ill and Homebound.
The link for the live-stream will be on our Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/sttheresaoak
YouTube channel link
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn5JX1e3QrqXTsa_7qmNCIw
Low Gluten hosts are available at all weekend Masses.
The hosts are less than 20 parts per million gluten, under .002%
For additional information go to https://www.parishcrossroads.com/low-gluten.htm
Please use the presider's communion station to receive a low gluten host.
Weekday Mass Schedule
Monday - Friday
8:30 am
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Saturday ~ 4:00 pm to 4:30 pm
Please remember in your prayers all those who are ill especially:
Matt Mercier, Heidi Parmelee, Dolores Gomez, Alegria Hipolito, Betty Wharton, Juanita Estrella, Olga Lamberti, Wendy Parmelee, Roger Baylocq, Alicia Gonzalez, Susan Springer, Wendy Jones, Orlanda Gonzalez, Kevin Chapman, Diane Cerille, Tom Wilberding, Shirley Roberts, Danny Ramos, Mark Leonard, Christopher Rodriguez, Maryanne Walsh, Rhonda Santeen, John Whatley, Bishop John Cummins, Nancy Coyne, Kevin Stallone, Della Spinelli, Jeanne Cuttitta, Susan Buller, Ann Springer, Guy Wallace, Ray Bertolotti, William McCarthy, Cindy Crimmins, Fred & Lidia Loupy, Rebecca Rogers, Kathleen Guevara, Clarence Robinson, Armando Diaz de Leon, Fr. Ron Schmidt, Laura Jones, Jeff Mills, Bonnie & John Bouey, Susan Rubio, Fr. Paul Schmidt, Isabella Guillot Williams, Ann Kirkman, Hal Lauth, Phil Stover, Joey Smith, Raymond Buckley, Jr., Norma Ninalga, Betty Jo Olson, Jennifer Walwark, Greg Govan, Anita Lim, Marilyn McCabe, Helen Lightner-Smith, Steve Lauth, Mary Malloy, Peter Cuttitta.
Mass Intentions
February 17 - 25
To request a Mass Intention contact Melody Marr
at
510.547.2777, ext. 120
or
melody@sttheresaoakland.org
Please remember in your prayers,those who have died especially Violet Chancey, the aunt of Cecile CuttitA; Loretta Kelly.
Parish Office Hours
Tuesday - Thursday, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Safe Environment Training for Parish & School Volunteers
For many parish and school volunteers it is time for you to renew your training. You will or have received an email reminder with a link for you to complete the online training. Please complete the training by the renewal date in the email.
If you have any problems or questions contact Cathy Brady at cathy_b@sttheresaoakland.org.
To renew or register for the first time, click on the link in your email or go to https://www.virtusonline.org or click on the link in the upper right corner of the parish website sttheresaoakland.org.
Please remember that in order to volunteer at the parish in any capacity (Lector, Eucharistic Minister, Catechist, Choir Member, St. Vincent de Paul, Legion of Mary, CYO etc.), or school, you must complete the training.
Rev. Robert J. McCann, ext. 121
Pastor
rjmccann@sttheresaoakland.org
Rev. Abraham Addam, ext. 122
In Residence
Rev. Ngema W. Enow, ext. 128
In Residence
ngemawil.enow@gmail.com
Cathy Brady, ext. 126
Liturgy Director
cathy_b@sttheresaoakland.org
Rob Cakebread, ext. 127
Music Ministry Director
rob@sttheresaoakland.org
Melody Marr, ext. 120
Parish Administrator
melody@sttheresaoakland.org
Keri Nims, ext. 124
Coordinator for Early Childhood Catechesis & RCIC
keri@sttheresaoakland.org
St. Theresa School
Alicia Ortegon, 510.547.3146
St. Theresa School Principal
a_ortegon@sttheresaschool.org
website: www.sttheresaschool.org
Parish Organization Contacts
Pastoral Council:
Paulette Tuckner
mtuckner@comcast.net
Finance Council:
Carolyn Mahoney
carolyn.mahoney675@gmail.com
St. Vincent de Paul Society
Greg Govan
glgovan@comcast.net
CYO (Catholic Youth Organization):
Clarence Robinson
sttheresaathletics@gmail.com
St. Theresa Men’s Club
Chris Bruni
mensclubsttheresa@gmail.com
Legion of Mary
Tom Wallace
tomw1313@sbcglobal.net
WINGS
Geri Tong
geritong1944@gmail.com
Social Justice Committee (SJC)
Lydia Deck
ltdeck@me.com
Consolation Ministry
Cecile Cuttitta
cecile.cuttitta@att.net
Men’s Faith Sharing
Jim Frei
jim@ottofrei.com
Cursillo
Geri Tong
gt4palancaoakland@gmail.com
Kinderchurch
Shanon Ciston
s.ciston@gmail.com
Baptisms and Marriages: by appointment admin@sttheresaoakland.org
To arrange a Funeral call parish office 510.547.2777, ext. 120
Family Faith Formation (Grades TK-5) & R.C.I.C: Keri Nims ~ keri@sttheresaoakland.org
Middle School Youth Ministry (Grades 6-8):
High School Youth Ministry/Confirmation:
R.C.I.A. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults: Cathy Brady ~ cathy_b@sttheresaoakland.org
