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.
A Word from our Pastor
I am happy to report that I have finally received a longer email from Fr. Abraham. He was sad to leave us earlier than he had planned, but our current broken Immigration situation put him in a difficult, no appeal status. Leaving before the end of January levels a penalty that he cannot enter the U. S. for three years. Had he stayed longer as he had originally intended, the penalty would have been a ten-year ban.
I want to share some of the email that I received from Fr. Abraham in Ethiopia:
“ I cannot express enough gratitude for everything you and St. Theresa’s have done for me during my stay. Your generosity and the way you treated me have truly helped me succeed in my studies, and that is something I will always treasure. … I have come to know wonderful people who have supported me in both my physical and spiritual wellbeing.
I am deeply moved by how the people showed their love and appreciation after my last Masses at St. Theresa. I am grateful for the farewell gifts, which have been immensely helpful.
Currently it is the dry season here in Ethiopia, with temperatures from 80 to 90F during the day and cooler at night. This is the best season for hiking, and I am maintaining my ritual of late afternoon hikes, covering about 8 miles every day.
Please say hello to all especially to the weekday Mass crowd. For now, my internet access is limited, but I will try to email whenever possible.
Peace, Fr. Abraham”
Fr. Abraham told us before he left that internet access is limited. He also said that on many days there is simply no electricity for eight or more hours. I will write back to him with regards from all. Through most of the 100 years, St. Theresa always had a second and sometimes a third priest assigned to work in the parish. Fr. Luke Ssemakula was the last associate formally assigned to us. I am so grateful for the presence of Fr. Abraham, Fr. Ngema, Fr. Teghi who just stopped to visit us, Fr. now Archbishop Peter and others through the years who find housing and support living here while helping us out with some of the needs of the parish. Let’s keep them in our prayers and hope the Lord protects and sustains them in their current ministries.
Unfortunately, it is difficult going forward to keep welcoming these priests who come at the request of their superiors or bishops to work for a higher degree so they can return and be a benefit to their communities and dioceses. I affirm the right of our nation to write laws that will keep us safe and ensure the care of our citizens, but the system is broken, and it needs to be fixed.
I don’t care who you voted for or what politics you embrace, the Immigration laws in our country are broken and politics on all sides keeps preventing them from being fixed. Our Holy Father and Church have strong teaching on this, and I would encourage you to be open to the age-old teachings of the Church that some politicians think they are expert on and are not. I encourage you to contact your representatives and to vote for people who will put aside the politics and fix problems that are fixable. We can reach the moon, eradicate Ebola, produce abundant food so we should be able to fix a system that is broken respecting the basic dignity of every person made in God’s image and likeness while maintaining our national interests.
The Social Justice committee is working on some presentations that will offer some of the basics of Church teaching on these matters and I hope you will be open and will attend these opportunities.
Catholic Organizations Helping Migrants, Refugees, and At-Risk Populations
*Catholic Relief Services (CRS) -- Operation Rice Bowl and other funds
*Jesuit Refugee Services
*Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC)
St. Theresa 100th Jubilee Year
Upcoming events.
The parish is celebrating its 100th Jubilee. There will be monthly events celebrating our Jubilee .
If you would like to be a part of the planning process for these events, send an email to anniversary@sttheresaoakland.org.
Upcoming Events
March 8: Irene Crosetti Ravioli Dinner
Order your tickets at: https://sttheresaoakland.org/Ravioli_Dinner
March 9: Celebration of OCIA (formerly RCIA, Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
There will be a bin in the church vestibule where you can drop off the coats.
Social Justice Corner
Join the Social Justice committee as we pray and meditate on the Themes from Catholic Social Teaching **
Life and dignity of the human person: The Catholic Church proclaims that human life is sacred and that the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society.
Call to family, community and participation: We believe people have a right and a duty to participate in society, seeking together the common good and wellbeing of all, especially the poor and vulnerable.
Rights and responsibilities: The Catholic tradition teaches that human dignity can be protected and a healthy community can be achieved only if human rights are protected and responsibilities are met.
Option for the poor and vulnerable: A basic moral test is how our most vulnerable members are faring. We must put the needs of the poor and vulnerable first.
The dignity of work and the rights of workers: Work is more than a way to make a living; it is a form of continuing participation in God’s creation. If the dignity of work is to be protected, then the basic rights of workers must be respected.
Solidarity: We are one human family whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic, and ideological differences. Loving our neighbor is important. We are called to be peacemakers. We must promote peace in a world surrounded by violence and conflict.
Care for God’s creation: We are called to protect people and the planet, living our faith in relationship with all of God’s creation. This environmental challenge has fundamental moral and ethical dimensions that cannot be ignored.
**Note text is drawn from the US Conference of Catholic Bishops and CRS
We have been invited to join Corpus Christi, in reading – All is Grace: A Biography of Dorothy Day by Jim Forest from now thru the month of March. Stay tuned for a gathering at the end of March to discuss this book; it will be sponsored by Corpus Christi’s Living Our Faith Group.
Stay tuned for more happenings. Peace from The Social Justice Committee
Heat in the church
We, were able to get the heater running at 20% capacity, so there is some heat in the church. So please bundle up when you attend Mass.
February 19
Dr. Mahjabeen Dhala
Assistant Professor of Islamic Studies, Graduate Theological Union
Fatima, an Early Muslim Female Theologian
WOMEN IN GOD’S SPIRIT (WINGS)
WINGS is a group of women from many parishes who seek to deepen their faith and grow in their relationship with God and one another. Through prayer, thought-provoking presentations on a variety of subjects, and small group faith-sharing and discussion of how the Spirit is working in their lives, women journey together. The theme for this year is Living in Hope. The Fall Season, will focus on spirituality
Gatherings are held on Wednesdays in the Meeting Rooms from 9:00 to 11:15. All are welcome. For more information, contact Dee McDonough at deesigns@comcast.net .
Reception of the Precious Blood
The reception of the Precious Blood guideline from Bishop Barber, dated May 15, 2023 states; "Other than the priest, no communicant may ever dip the Sacred Host into the chalice to communicate himself."
Text to Donate
Text “GIVE” to the number above to receive a link to our online giving page.
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 1 & 2 Parish Maintenance & Improvement Fund
March 22 & 23 Catholic Relief Services
Sunday Collection (February 3—9):
Online: 49 Donors, $ 3,379.00
Mass Donations: 42 Donors, $ 4,253.00
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
For St. Vincent de Paul Society, preventing homelessness begins with home visits.
https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/for-st-vincent-de-paul-society-preventing
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 Greg Govan at 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, 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, 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, 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, Diana Nelson Curtis, Charlie Schnellbacher, Theresa Joyce, Maureen Carver, Ernestine Pernecco, Vince Nims, Barrett Baker, Genevieve ‘Beth’ McElroy, Rick Fama, Eleanor Ceccarelli, Maureen Querio, Karin Milliman.
Mass Intentions
February 15 - 23
To request a Mass Intention you can use the online form at
https://sttheresaoakland.org/pray/mass-confession-times/mass-intention
or by email or phone at: admin@sttheresaoakland.org
510.547.2777, ext. 120
Schedule a Mass Intention Online
Parish Office Hours
Tuesday - Thursday, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Safe Environment Training for Parish & School Volunteers
It is that time of year when notices of expiring Virtus training will be arriving in your email. Please uuse the link in the email to lob into Virtus and take the training that have been assigned. Training must be renewed every three years.
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 or school in any capacity (Lector, Eucharistic Minister, Catechist, Choir Member, St. Vincent de Paul, Legion of Mary, CYO etc.), you must complete the training.
If you have any problems or questions contact Cathy Brady at cathy_b@sttheresaoakland.org.
Parish Office, ext. 120
Rev. Robert J. McCann, ext. 121
Pastor
rjmccann@sttheresaoakland.org
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
Joey Gutierrez, ext. 123
Youth Ministry Coordinator,
Middle School & High School
joey@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:
.
.
St. Vincent de Paul Society
Greg Govan
glgovan@comcast.net
CYO (Catholic Youth Organization):
Carlos Palacios
sttheresaathletics@gmail.com
St. Theresa Men’s Club
mensclubsttheresa@gmail.com
Legion of Mary
Tom Wallace
tomw1313@sbcglobal.net
WINGS
Cindy Crimmins
cyncrim@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 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): Joey Gutierrez ~ joey@sttheresaoakland.org
High School Youth Ministry/Confirmation: Joey Gutierrez ~ joey@sttheresaoakland.org
R.C.I.A. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults: Cathy Brady ~ cathy_b@sttheresaoakland.org
