A Word from the Pastor
May is usually the month we celebrate our mothers, First Communions and Confirmations, a re-dedication of our ministers, end of the school year field trips and the sending forth of our eight graters to different high schools.
Pentecost is the feast of the Holy Spirit that completes our celebrations of Easter. As I mentioned, last week thirty two high students received the Holy Spirit at the Confirmation Mass celebrated by our bishop at Corpus Christi parish with students from there, St. T’s and Our Lady of Lourdes. May God help them to follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit in their lives. The following is from the past week’s Office of Readings that I hope will help all of us reflect on the gift and role of the Holy Spirit in our lives!
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From the treatise On the Holy Spirit by Saint Basil the Great, bishop
The work of the Holy Spirit
“The titles given to the Holy Spirit must surely stir the soul of anyone who hears them and make him realize that they speak of nothing less than the supreme Being. Is he not called the Spirit of God, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, the steadfast Spirit, the guiding Spirit? But his principal and most personal title is the Holy Spirit.
To the Spirit all creatures turn in their need for sanctification; all living things seek him according to their ability. His breath empowers each to achieve its own natural end.
The Spirit is the source of holiness, a spiritual light, and he offers his own light to every mind to help it in its search for truth. By nature, the Spirit is beyond the reach of our mind, but we can know him by his goodness. The power of the Spirit fills the whole universe, but he gives himself only to those who are worthy, acting in each according to the measure of his faith.
Simple in himself, the Spirit is manifold in his mighty works. The whole of his being is present to each individual; the whole of his being is present everywhere. Though shared in by many, he remains unchanged; his self-giving is no loss to himself. Like the sunshine, which permeates all the atmosphere, spreading over land and sea, and yet is enjoyed by each person as though it were for him alone, so the Spirit pours forth his grace in full measure, sufficient for all, and yet is present as though exclusively to everyone who can receive him. To all creatures that share in him he gives a delight limited only by their own nature, not by his ability to give.
The Spirit raises our hearts to heaven, guides the steps of the weak, and brings to perfection those who are making progress. He enlightens those who have been cleansed from every stain of sin and makes them spiritual by communion with himself.
As clear, transparent substances become very bright when sunlight falls on them and shine with a new radiance, so also souls in whom the Spirit dwells, and who are enlightened by the Spirit, become spiritual themselves and a source of grace for others.
From the Spirit comes foreknowledge of the future, understanding of the mysteries of faith, insight into the hidden meaning of Scripture, and other special gifts. Through the Spirit we become citizens of heaven, we enter into eternal happiness and abide in God. Through the Spirit we acquire a likeness to God; indeed, we attain what is beyond our most sublime aspirations—we become God.”
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As another Memorial Day is marked, let us sometime over this weekend say a prayer for all who have died in wars especially for our country. May their sacrifice sustain the freedom and peace we enjoy!
On a completely mundane note: This coming week a fence will surround the grassy area next to the Event Center which has been overpopulated with gophers and with them yellow jacket nests. Since the holes have caused a danger to the children who play out there and a good number have been stung by the inhabitant yellow jackets, the parent board and school have put together funds to redo this area and hopefully rid it of these pests. It will be closed for a couple of months so a new lawn can grow in. Thanks to the school community for making this improvement to our site!
Pentecost
Wear red to Mass this weekend.
Our theological tradition names seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. Which of these do you most need right now?
St. Theresa Parish Sunday Mass Time Survey
"It is in listening to His word, in nourishing ourselves with His Body and His Blood, that He moves us on from being a multitude to being a community, from anonymity to communion." ~ Pope Francis
In the spirit of 'community in communion', we recognize that the Church is made of living stones—the people of this parish. As we look to make our Sunday Liturgy as vibrant and accessible as possible for our parish community, we are evaluating our Sunday morning Mass schedule. Your input is vital to this effort.
Please complete this brief survey by June 1st, 2026 to help us better serve our parish family.
Your responses will directly shape how we gather together on Sunday at the Table of the Lord. Please note that this survey is anonymous, and we appreciate your candid responses.
Mass Survey Link: https://forms.gle/2KoaUQvou1No8Yr58
This year our Men's Club Summer Outing at Woodmister will be Carousel on Sunday July 12.
The play is at 8:00 pm preceded by out optional regular picnic dinner beforehand inside the theater, above the stage. Doors open at 5:30 pm.
The adult half-price tickets are $32/each. Please contact Luigi Bonacini at labona@sbcglobal.net with your request by Monday, July 6.
The play is at 8:00 pm preceded by out optional regular picnic dinner beforehand inside the theater, above the stage. Doors open at 5:30 pm.
The adult half-price tickets are $32/each. Please contact Luigi Bonacini at labona@sbcglobal.net with your request by Monday, July 6.
St. Vincent de Paul
Dear St. Theresa Parishioners,
Your generosity through our 5th Sunday collections makes a profound difference in the lives of our neighbors in need, and we are deeply grateful for your continued compassion and support.
Because of your kindness, families in our community facing difficult circumstances have found hope, stability, and the reassurance that they are not alone.
This year, however, the need has grown significantly. For the first time in many years, our parish St. Vincent de Paul Conference is depleting its bank balance as requests for help continue to increase. Funds that in past years could be shared with the District’s Aid to the Needy Fund or our downtown Community Center, which provides free meals, showers, laundry services, and diaper distribution, are now being used directly to assist struggling local families with urgent rent and utility payments, helping them avoid eviction, homelessness, or the loss of essential services.
In just the first two weeks of May, our conference helped three families remain in their homes through advocacy with landlords and financial assistance within our means.
This is the quiet but powerful work of St. Vincent de Paul: meeting people in moments of crisis with compassion, dignity, and practical help.
As the need continues to grow, we appreciate your continued support, not only through financial donations, but also through the gift of your time. If you have ever felt called to put faith into action through service to neighbors in need, we would warmly welcome new volunteers to join our conference ministry.
Thank you for being the hands and heart of Christ in our community. Your generosity brings hope where there is fear, stability where there is uncertainty, and love where it is needed most.
With gratitude,
St. Vincent de Paul, St Theresa Conference
For more information about our conference’s work or to get involved, contact conference secretary Judy Bojorquez: jtsbojorquez@yahoo.com
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. Contact Basil Fedynyshyn at st.theresa@svdp-alameda.org 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.
Social Justice Committee
The Corpus Christi Living Our Faith Community in conjunction with St. Theresa’s social justice committee has agreed to accompany a family sponsored by the non-profit organization Welcome the Stranger and its sister organization Shelter in Place.
Nancy Midlin and Lydia Deck happened to be at a WINGS meeting where Anna Rossi the founder of Shelter in Peace had come to share her heartfelt mission.
"Welcome the Stranger" (WTS) is a community-based initiative, often supported by faith-based organizations and non-profits, dedicated to assisting refugees and immigrants with housing, resettlement, and integration. A key component is often the Shelter In Peace program, which provides 6–12 months of transitional housing for families by partnering with landlords to secure below-market rentals.
Key Aspects of Welcome the Stranger Housing Programs:
Shelter In Peace: Acts as a master tenant to bridge the gap for refugees who lack credit history or resources, allowing them to establish stability.
Support Services: Often includes finding housing, furnishing apartments, providing rental assistance, and offering mentorship to help families become self-sufficient.
Partnerships: Frequently operated through partnerships with groups like Catholic Charities and Jewish Family & Children’s Services to provide comprehensive support, including emergency housing and legal services.
Stay tuned as next week we will introduce to you the sweet family we are accompanying: Parents- Carlos and Katherine and their two sweet kids- Alexcia and brand new baby- Amayrani
It is important these days to welcome the stranger. It’s important to let many know that they are not alone.
Blessings,
Lydia Deck and the Social Justice Committee
Theme for the 2025/2026 year
”Pilgrims of Hope ”
Summer Break
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.
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. 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.
May 30 & 31 St. Vincent de Paul
June 6 & 7, Parish Maintenance and Improvement fund
June 13 & 14, Catholic Communications
Sunday Collection (May 4 - 10)
Online: 47 Donors $ 2,393.00
Mass Donations: 36 Donors $ 2,535.00
Catholic Charities of the East Bay
Online: 4 Donors $ 215.00
Mass Donations: 22 Donors $ 1,180.00
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.
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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, Betsey Thornton, Karen May, Tom Wallace, John Cocores, Olivia Cors, Aglaia Panos, Keri Nims.
Mass Intentions
May 23 - 31
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
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
Basil Fedynyshyn
st.theresa@svdp-alameda.org
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
Bishop's Ministry Appeal - 2026
St. Theresa Parish Goal
$35,800
Percentage Achieved 17%
$ 6,069
as of April 30, 2026
Thank you for supporting the Annual Bishop's Ministries Appeal
https://www.oakdiocese.org/bishops-ministries-appeal
Checks must be made out to Roman Catholic Bishop of Oakland.
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