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 100th Anniversary
The parish will celebrate its 100th Anniversary in October 2025. There will be monthly events leading up to the Anniversary beginning this October.
If you would like to be a part of the planning process for these events, send an email to anniversary@sttheresaoakland.org.
We would like to have a special logo for our anniversary. Let us know if you would like to help create or submit a logo design anniversary@sttheresaoakland.org.
Both the First Communion and Confirmation Masses will be live streamed.
Use the link on our Facebook page to connect to the live stream.
A Word from our Pastor
Congratulations and we are so proud of our First Communion students celebrating this event this weekend at the 5pm Mass. Thanks to their parents, teachers, and many of you who have encouraged them through their special time of preparation.
Jesus gave us this most wonderful gift to assure us that we never walk alone in life. He nourishes us with his words and this sacrament to fortify us on our journey that we pray one day ends with Him. He demonstrated God’s love by freely giving his life for the forgiveness of our sins and that we ‘might have life and life to the fullest.’
May the good things that God has begun in each of our First Communicants be brought to fulfillment!
We as a parish also congratulate the fifteen young men and women who will celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation next Sunday at a special 11am Mass. (All are welcome to attend!) Last weekend and during the past week I have interviewed each Confirmation candidate before next Sunday’s celebration. I am edified by the growth I see in these candidates whom I have know and watched grow since grammar school and in each of the high schools they now attend.
The Church in its wisdom considers the person who is baptized, receives the Eucharist and has been confirmed to be considered a fully initiated adult member of the Church. During the interview I ask each candidate what ministry they might be interested in participating in now that they have reached this status. I am happy to hear several say they want to lector at Mass, or usher, or join the choir and even one or two become a member of the Parish Pastoral Council or a coach for CYO.
Each of us is called, fortified with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, to give back to the parish, Church, and community. This is a good point for all of us to ponder as we support one another on the journey of our faith. So, I hope the presence and witness of these young adults will get all to again think of what we can contribute for the benefit of all. Please let me or anyone at the parish office know if you are interested in becoming active in a ministry.
I want you to know that there are some immediate changes in our parish office. Melody Marr who has been on part time disability for over a year is immediately going on full time disability effective this past Friday. Many of her duties have been covered by Cecile Cuttitta and Yvonne Gabor who will continue their amazing volunteer service. Office hours will remain the same as we have even with Melody’s departure: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10am-2pm. Appointments with other staff members can be made directly with that person for other times.
The parish phone line will be answered during regular business hours as stated above. When the office is closed, the phone will allow a message to be left for the parish staff but will not be responded to until someone is back working at the office.
In an emergency situation (when a priest is needed for the Sacrament of the Sick) or if a family needs to begin the plans for a funeral during a non-office hour times, the published emergency number can be called for a fast response. This number is on the Contact Us page of the parish website https://sttheresaoakland.org/about-us/contact-us, but here it is again: 510-610-7715. A designated phone has been established for this purpose and one of the priests always has close access so a fast response can be made to these emergency needs.
I ask you to pray for Melody’s healing. We are grateful for all she has done for us and hope this period will bring her back to full health. I will be looking to hire someone to fill her place, so we don’t overwork our amazing volunteers. Please keep that intention also in your prayers!
Social Justice Corner
Join us for some Earth Day events hosted by the Social Justice Committee:
Sunday, April 21st after the 9am Mass, we will have a mini–Earth Day Fair. Come learn about composting, recycling, Catholic Climate Covenant and Common Home Corp, and Laudate Si and Laudate Deum, and gather some seeds for planting.
We are setting up a new distribution site at the North Oakland Senior Center and are in need of volunteers. Please see the details below and let me know if you would like to join. We are launching in a few weeks on April 25th.
Day: 1st and 3rd Thursday mornings of the month
Time: 8-10/10:30am
Location: 5714 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Oakland, CA 94609
Requirements:
1. Commit to 2 regular shifts per month
2. Collaborate with fellow volunteers to efficiently set up the room in 'farmer's market' style
3. Support unloading of the delivery truck when required
4. Create a friendly and welcoming atmosphere for our recipients to 'shop' for their groceries.
5. Interact respectfully and warmly with all individuals
6. Manage a specialized station (ex. a produce or perishable good) to ensure recipients take their allotted amount of food and maintain stock levels
7. Handle a mix of dry and perishable goods, wearing gloves at all times
8. Assist with pushing carts and packing bags as needed
9. Ability to follow and provide directions; work well as a team
10. Tasks may include bending, reaching overhead and light to moderate lifting (10-30lbs)
11. Ability to stand comfortably on feet for the duration of distribution (1.5/2 hours)
12. Provide translations if possible and needed
Contact Bob Hernandez if you have any questions. bob.hernandez@mac.com
St. Theresa School Annual Tuition Assistance Drive
Over the past few years, the parishioners at St. Theresa's have been extremely generous with their contributions to help our families in need and who strive to provide a Catholic education to their children. We ask that if you are able to make a donation, please send in or drop off the envelope that you should have received in the mail to the school or place in the weekly collection baskets. We are also able to accept electronic donations using the QR code below. We thank you in advance for your support.
Our theme for the 2023/2024 year is:
”Walking the Journey of Faith”
WINGS is a faith enhancement group for women that encourages spiritual growth through prayer, scripture study, life-sharing and community. Our session meetings, 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.
April 24th
Sr. Marilyn Lacy, RSM
Founder & Executive Director,
Mercy Beyond Borders
The Peril of Compassion
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.
April 20 & 21 Annual Bishop's Ministry Appeal
For the Appeal collection make checks payable to:
Roman Catholic Bishop of Oakland.
May 4 & 5 - Parish Maintenance & Improvement Fund
May 11 & 12 - Catholic Charities of the East Bay
Sunday Offering: April 13 & 14
Online: 51 Donors, $2,669.50
Mass/Drop-Off/Mailed: 39 Donors $3,978.39
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.
~~~~~~~~
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, Marley Malone, 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, James Lang, John Donovan, Mary & Leo Martinez, Sr., James Spalding, Tiffany Converse, Adrian McEvilly, Joan Marchi, Courtney Gaul Conway, baby Wynne.
Mass Intentions
April 20 - 28
Please remember in your prayers, those who have died, especially
Dan Thornton, husband of Elizabeth Thornton;
Miguel Palacios, brother of Carlos Palacios;
Guadalupe Vianueva, aunt of Carlos Palacios;
Tom Riley, son-in-law of Stan Fitzgerald
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
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:
Chris Colby
ccolby@well.com
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
mensclubsttheresa@gmail.com
Legion of Mary
Tom Wallace
tomw1313@sbcglobal.net
WINGS
Anne Dolan
anniemariedolan@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 or email admin@sttheresaoakland.org
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
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 and texts 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.
St. Theresa Parish Goal
$35,800
There will be a collection for the appeal on
April 20 & 21, 2024
Make checks Payable to:
Roman Catholic Bishop of Oakland.
Thank you for supporting the Annual Bishop's Ministries Appeal
You may make a donation using the QR code or the Oakland Diocese giving option.
