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
Alleluia! Christ is Risen! Happy Easter to all and welcome one and all to our Easter Day Masses. We rejoice in the four adult women who were baptized, confirmed, and received the Eucharist at the Easter Vigil! How happy are we who celebrate the children’s baptisms last night and for several in the weeks to come.
I offer some reflections again from Deacon Greg Kandra that I hope will help us celebrate.
“Several years ago, my wife and I made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. One of the young women on the trip was a new Catholic; she had just joined the Church at the Easter Vigil.
I was curious and at one point asked her: “What was it that made you want to be Catholic?”
What she said surprised me. “It was my boss,” she said. “I saw how he treated his family, his friends, those of us who worked for him. He’s the kindest, most giving person I know. There is a light in him that never goes out.”
That, she explained, is what it did. She summed it up:
“I wanted what he had.” I’ve never forgotten that story. It challenges me every day.
Would anyone say that about me? I know my light sputters and flickers and sometimes it can be hard to see. But would anyone see that and see Christ? Would anyone say about me, “I want what he has?” Would anyone say that about any of us?
The Gospel today and for the next weeks of Easter will continue to try to describe what we celebrate: “At that time, Jesus revealed himself again to his disciples…”
Fundamentally, this is a story of revelation. Of realization. Of discovery. We read these accounts of the appearances of Jesus after the resurrection, and we are amazed and moved. They fill us with wonder. But we may forget:
Jesus hasn’t finished revealing himself to a waiting world.
He didn’t just appear to the women outside the tomb, or the apostles in the Upper Room, or the people on the way to Emmaus or the fishermen by the seashore.
He reveals himself today. And not just through the scripture we hear or the Eucharist we are about to receive.
He does it through us. All of us. In every walk of life. In our own day, Jesus reveals himself through religious sisters caring for lepers in Calcutta.
He reveals himself through volunteers at the Catholic Worker, feeding the helpless or the hopeless with bread and with the Word of God.
He reveals himself through a parent welcoming a new child into the world. Through a woman praying a rosary in an empty church. Through a priest getting up from his dinner table to hear a confession of a dying man in hospice. Through thirty five parishioners who travel to a poor place to build a house via Corazon for a family that has waited.
He reveals himself through a boss who treats his workers with dignity and compassion and something resembling love.
Wherever the Gospel is lived, wherever love is proclaimed, wherever life is affirmed, and mercy is offered, Jesus is revealed.
The fact is: part of our baptismal call is to live in such a way that we make Christ present to others, through us. When we are baptized, the priest or deacon hands over a flickering candle, the light of Christ, and asks us to keep it burning.
How well are we doing that? How sure is the flame of faith? How bright is the light?”
Let us not allow the current hostilities to continue to have grave repercussions on the civil population, by now at the limit of its endurance, and above all on the children. How much suffering we see in the eyes of the children: the children in those lands at war have forgotten how to smile! With those eyes, they ask us: Why? Why all this death? Why all this destruction? War is always an absurdity; war is always a defeat! Let us not allow the strengthening winds of war to blow on Europe and the Mediterranean. Let us not yield to the logic of weapons and rearming. Peace is never made with arms, but with outstretched hands and open hearts. Pope Leo last week boldly reaffirmed this truth of Catholic beliefs.
May the Risen One make the light of his face shine upon migrants and on all those who are passing through a period of economic difficulty and offer them consolation and hope in their moment of need. May Christ guide all persons of good will to unite themselves in solidarity, in order to address together the many challenges which, loom over the poorest families in their search for a better life and happiness.
May the light of the resurrection illumine our minds, convert our hearts, and make us aware of the value of every human life, which must be welcomed, protected and loved.”
Thanks to all who travelled and prayed with our parish this Lent! Fr. Ngema’s Bible study received rave reviews, the Seder Dinner was a wonderful, relaxed moment among friends, decorating for Lent, Palm Sunday and today, Easter was effective and easy with many who came to help. I hope a few of St. Theresa’s wisdom will guide us beyond this time!
Remember, Easter is not just today, but because it is so central to our faith the Church celebrates for the next six weeks and then some. I too say: “A happy Easter to all!”
Lenten Fasting and Abstinence
Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of universal fast and abstinence. Fasting is obligatory for all who have completed their 18th year until the beginning of their 60th year. Fasting allows a person to eat one full meal. Two smaller meals may be taken, not to equal one full meal. Abstinence (from meat) is obligatory for all who have completed their 14th year of age. If possible, the fast on Good Friday is continued until the Easter Vigil (on Holy Saturday night) as the “paschal fast” to honor the suffering and death of the Lord Jesus and to prepare to share more fully and celebrate more readily his Resurrection.
Fridays in Lent are obligatory days of abstinence (from meat) for all who have completed their 14th year.
As always, anyone for whom fasting or abstinence would pose a health risk is excused.
Serving Hearts in Times of Need:
Join Our Consolation Ministry
Our parish family is built on supporting one another, especially during life’s most difficult moments. The Consolation Ministry is looking for compassionate volunteers to help us provide comfort and hospitality to grieving families during funeral receptions. Whether you have a talent for baking or simply a willing set of hands, there is a place for you in this vital ministry.
How You Can Help
We are looking for volunteers to assist in the following areas:
- Bakers: Provide homemade cookies or light treats to add a personal touch to the reception.
- Setup Team: Help transform the Meeting Rooms or Event Center into a welcoming space before the family arrives.
- Reception Staff: Assist with serving food/drinks and offering a warm presence during the event.
- Cleanup Crew: Help with "take down" and restoring the rooms after the reception concludes.
Why Join?
The gift of a shared meal and a stress-free environment allows families to focus on honoring their loved ones and finding peace. Even if you can only help once or twice a year, your contribution makes a profound difference.
If this is something you think you would like to be a part of, please let Cecile Cuttitta know. She can be reached by email at cecile.cuttitta@att.net or feel free to talk with her after Mass.
Memory Bears
If you have questions, need additional information, or would like a bear made, please get in touch with Marlene McShane at 510-653-2688 or Cecile Cuttitta at cecile.cuttitta@att.net.
Christus resurrexit! Cristo è risorto! Christos Aneste!
In any language, Christ Is Risen! A very happy and blessed Easter season to all from St. Theresa’s Memory Bear makers! Yes, we’re still here and still sewing, stuffing and decorating bears for those suffering the loss of a loved one and for those in hospice care. So, if you, or someone you know, are mourning the loss of a loved one and would like a special remembrance of that person, we would be happy to make a small bear(s) out of a favorite article of their clothing at no cost to you. You’ll have a lovely (or handsome) little bear filled with your memories and made with our love.
Social Justice Committee:
Help Us to Use Our Gifts
God of love, help us to use the gifts you give us for the people who need us.
Help us to see their suffering and their need and inspired by you Son,
Reach beyond ourselves
Beyond our institutions,
To the very margins
And bring all to you, the Center.
May all we do be in preparation to serve more fully, seeking you in the world that we are invited to create with you.
Send us your Spirit to keep us burning with the desire of justice. Amen!
Our world faces urgent needs as more families struggle with hunger and poverty. Wars are making things even worse as many families are displaced. Catholic social teaching teaches us that we are one human family.
Please remember to pick up your CRS (Catholic Relief Services) Rice Bowl.
To give locally, remember you can bring canned goods to the vestibule for our St. Vincent de Paul conference.
Many volunteer opportunities thru the St. Vincent de Paul Dining Room and at the Alameda County Food Bank.
And join Faithful Witness – Protecting Immigrants Peace Accompaniment on April 16th at 630 Sansome St. (SF Immigration Court) from 8am -10am. Training and Prep via Zoom on Tuesday April 14th. For more information email: Gamaliel.genesisca@gmail.com
Stay tuned for more service opportunities.
The St. T morning rosary group invites you to join them in praying the Holy Rosary, Monday through Friday, from 8:00–8:30 a.m. in the church. Drop the kids off and then slip into the church for a little peaceful prayer time.
The Rosary is a powerful prayer that draws us closer to Christ through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother. It brings peace to our hearts, strength to our lives, and guidance for the day ahead. We’d love to have you join us as we gather in prayer, asking Our Blessed Mother to intercede for our families, our parish, and the needs of the world. What better way to start your day than spending 30 minutes with the Blessed Mother?
Come one day a week or every day. All are warmly welcome.
St. Vincent de Paul
Thank You for Your Generosity Our St. Vincent de Paul Conference extends heartfelt thanks to our parish community for your continued generosity. Because of you, we collected 350 pounds of food from the church vestibule just last month—a tremendous blessing during a time when many families are struggling due to reductions in SNAP and other welfare benefits. Your donations go directly to stocking our pantry and supporting neighbors who are facing real and immediate hardship.
We are also deeply grateful for your support of our Parish Festival bake sale, where we raised $800. These funds, together with the special 5th Sunday collections earmarked for our parish conference, help us keep families housed, assisting with essential rent and utility payments.
Thank you for living out the Gospel call to love our neighbors. Your kindness makes a real difference.
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.
Theme for the 2025/2026 year
”Pilgrims of Hope ”
April 8, 2026
Easter Break
St. Theresa 100th Jubilee Year
Watch the Jubilee Video at
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.
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)
Urge Congress to Protect the Persecuted
“It is the historic policy of the United States to respond to the urgent needs of persons subject to persecution in their homelands. . . . Congress further declares that it is the policy of the United States to encourage all nations to provide assistance and resettlement opportunities to refugees to the fullest extent possible.”
These opening lines of the Refugee Act of 1980—the law creating the statutory authority for the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP)—communicates the importance of responding to the needs of those forced to flee their homes because they are persecuted on the basis of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. Carrying out the Gospel’s mandate to care for the “least of these” (Mt. 25:31-46), the Catholic Church has served refugees in the United States since well before USRAP’s creation. Learn more about USRAP and the Catholic Church.
Today, no refugees are being resettled through USRAP. This ban impacts thousands of refugees who had already been fully processed, undergone extensive security checks, and approved for refugee status by the federal government while outside of the United States. This includes many persecuted Christians, as well as Afghans who had been approved for special immigrant visas because of the assistance they provided to the U.S. mission and U.S. service members in Afghanistan.
The indefinite suspension of USRAP is the result of an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on January 20. The order requires the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State, to submit a report by April 20, 2025, regarding whether refugee resettlement is in the national interest. However, the order leaves the decision about whether to resume refugee resettlement to the President alone, without any timeline stated for that decision.
On January 24, the State Department issued suspension notices to domestic resettlement agencies, including the USCCB, impacting their ability to carry out services under the Reception and Placement (R&P) Program. The R&P Program provides crucial assistance to refugees and Afghan special immigrant visa holders during their first three months in the United States to support their successful integration and help them to achieve self-sufficiency as quickly as possible. Services provided through the R&P Program include help finding initial housing, securing employment, enrolling children in school, scheduling medical appointments, and English language classes.
The chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Migration, Bishop Mark Seitz of El Paso, addressed the suspension of USRAP on January 22, stating: “Indefinitely halting refugee resettlement is unmerited, as it is already proven to be one of the most secure legal pathways to the United States.”
Ask your members of Congress to lift up their voice in support of upholding our nation’s bipartisan legacy of refugee resettlement.
Send this Message to Congress
Support Refugee Resettlement to Protect the Persecuted
As a Catholic and your constituent, I urge you to engage with the Administration to resume the resettlement of refugees and Afghan special immigrant visa (SIV) holders.
Being a place of refuge for those fleeing oppression, including Christians and other people persecuted for their faith, is fundamentally American. The U.S. Refugee Admissions Program has safely and effectively fostered this, with strong bipartisan support, for almost 45 years.
The President’s recent executive order providing for the indefinite suspension of refugee admissions leaves thousands of thoroughly vetted people, who in some cases have waited years to experience freedom, in a state of grave uncertainty. Stop-work orders issued to domestic resettlement agencies also threaten the support promised to recently arrived refugees and SIV holders, undermining their prospects of self-sufficiency.
Protection of people fleeing persecution and those who risked their lives to support our country is not only in the national interest but a moral responsibility. Please urge the Administration to immediately resume refugee resettlement.
Click the link below to log in and send your message:
https://www.votervoice.net/BroadcastLinks/YserWGk94GHOgzS7fAtZ2w
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.
April 4 & 5, Parish Maintenance & Improvement Fund
May 2 & 3, Parish Maintenance & Improvement Fund
May 16 & 17, Catholic Charities of the East Bay
Sunday Collection (March 23 - 29)
Online: 47 Donors $ 2,923.00
Mass Donations: 42 Donors $ 2,883.00
St. Vincent de Paul Collection
Online: 16 Donors $ 997.00
Mass Donations: 27 Donors $ 1,325.00
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."
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
Volunteering Made Simple
Have you thought about volunteering but worry about fitting it into your schedule? We know life is busy, but here's the good news - serving on Saturdays and Sundays is easier than ever! Out parish used Ministry Schedule Pro, so you can check the schedule online anytime, get reminders, and even request a sub when needed. If you're willing to volunteer, we'd love to have you! Come see me after church today, and I'm happy to help you get connected.
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, Danny Ramos, Mark Leonard, Christopher Rodriguez, Maryanne Walsh, Rhonda Santeen, John Whatley, Nancy Coyne, Kevin Stallone, Della Spinelli, Susan Buller, Ann Springer, Ray Bertolotti, William McCarthy, Cindy Crimmins, Fred & Lidia Loupy, Rebecca Rogers, Kathleen Guevara, Clarence Robinson, Armando Diaz de Leon, Fr. Ron Schmidt, Bonnie & John Bouey, Susan Rubio, Fr. Paul Schmidt, Marley Malone, Phil Stover, Joey Smith, Raymond Buckley, Jr., Norma Ninalga, Betty Jo Olson, Jennifer Walwark, Greg Govan, Anita Lim, Marilyn McCabe, Steve Lauth, Mary Malloy, John Donovan, Mary Martinez, James Spalding, Tiffany Converse, Adrian McEvilly, Joan Marchi, Diana Nelson Curtis, Charlie Schnellbacher, Maureen Carver, Vince Nims, Barrett Baker, Rick Fama, Eleanor Ceccarelli, Lois Johnson, Antoinette Tamburrino, Anne Marie Roseme, Greg Anderson, Judy Udove, Mary McCole, baby Gianna Sorbello, Yolanda Igano, Rick Arellano, Betsey Thornton, Karen May, Tom Wallace, John Cocores, Olivia Cors, Evelyn Baca.
Mass Intentions
April 4 - 12
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
341.202.0077
Please remember in your prayers, those who have died
especially
Richard Goss, cousin of Cecile Cuttitta
Mary Lynn Turano-Provenzano, aunt & great-aunt of Edward & Katie Turano
Judy Scuddeboom, cousin of Fr. Bob.
Schedule a Mass Intention Online
Parish Office Hours
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
The parish office is closed Monday, and Friday
Parish Office, ext. 120
Parish Office (direct line) 341.202.0077
Parish Office (direct line) 341.202.0077
Cecile Cuttitta
Yvonne Gabor
olunteer@sttheresaoakland.org
Rev. Robert J. McCann, Pastor
(direct line) 341.202.0159
rjmccann@sttheresaoakland.org
Rev. Ngema W. Enow, In Residence
(direct line) 341.202.0137 ngemawil.enow@gmail.com
Cathy Brady, Liturgy Director
(direct line) 341.202.0086
cathy_b@sttheresaoakland.org
Rob Cakebread, Music Ministry Director
(direct line) 341.202.0139
rob@sttheresaoakland.org
Sophia Kassab, Parish Communications
sophia@sttheresaoakland.org
(direct line) 341.202.0134
Keri Nims,Coordinator for Early Childhood Catechesis
& RCIC
(direct line) 341.202.0076
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
dolcedeb@yahoo.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
Kinderchurch
Shanon Ciston
s.ciston@gmail.com
Baptisms and Marriages: by appointment admin@sttheresaoakland.org
To arrange a Funeral call parish office 341.202.0077 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): Keri Nims ~ keri@sttheresaoakland.org
High School Youth Ministry/Confirmation: Keri Nims ~ keri@sttheresaoakland.org
O.C.I.A. Order of Christian Initiation of Adults: Cathy Brady ~ cathy_b@sttheresaoakland.org
Please be aware that a scam is going around involving our clergy, and staff (both parish and school) seeking gift card donations.
We will never contact you and ask you to purchase gift cards for us or the parish.
Always stay vigilant and verify all requests from the parish or school office or speak to a staff member.
Protect Yourself:
- Check the email address. The parish address ends in sttheresaoakland.org and the school address ends in sttheresaschool.org
- Always verify
- Trust Your Gut
- Look For Clues
- Skip Unknown Links
Bishop's Ministry Appeal - 2026
St. Theresa Parish Goal
$35,800
Collection March 21 & 22
Thank you for supporting the Annual Bishop's Ministries Appeal
Checks must be made out to Roman Catholic Bishop of Oakland.
https://www.oakdiocese.org/bishops-ministries-appeal