A Word from the Pastor
Happy Summer! Happy Father’s Day!
We honor our fathers, grandfathers, godfathers, and all who have been in any facet a father to us. For better or worse, they have been influencers in our lives. When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray, he gave us the Our Father prayer. It is one of the first prayers we learned, and Jesus says it is a model for how we can form our own words in prayer.
In the Office of Readings this past week, some of St. Cyprian’s work was presented on how to find the meaning Jesus intended when he gave this prayer.
Cyprian make two very important points at the start of these essays: ‘we say Our Father, not my Father. The word “Father” is very formal when Jesus is intending a closer relationship with our God, similar to when we call our own father, Dad or Papa.
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Bill Gavin on the Vermont Catholic website writes the following:
“Jesus showed us how the Father takes delight in His children (Mt 3:17), loves unconditionally (Mt 5:45), is provident and responsible (Mt 6:26), pays close and caring attention (Mt 6:8), forgives (Lk 6:36, 15:11-32), teaches (Mt 11:25-26, 16:17, Jn 6:44), lovingly disciplines (Heb 12:5-11), works hard (Jn 5:17, 36), and shares his life (Jn 6:40). All of these are guideposts for earthly dads.
Pope Francis reminds us that “a good father knows how to forgive from the depths of his heart. Certainly, he also knows how to correct with firmness: he is not a weak father, submissive and sentimental. The father who knows how to correct without humiliating is the one who knows how to protect without sparing himself.
More fatherly guidance is given to us by Pope Francis who says that God sets the father in the family so that by the gifts of his masculinity he can be “close to his wife and share everything, joy and sorrow, hope and hardship.”
He continues: “And to be close to his children as they grow — when they play and when they work, when they are carefree and when they are distressed, when they are talkative and when they are silent, when they are daring and when they are afraid, when they stray and when they get back on the right path. “
Remember that closeness the next time you say an “Our Father.” God wants to be close to us in our play, work, when we are carefree, distressed, talkative, and silent….”
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May God bless all our parents again for when they imitate and do the above, they give us a glimpse of the unconditional love God has for each of us always! Celebrate them, because when you do, you celebrate God! Remember, when you show any of the above facets of love to your children, friends, neighbors, the stranger, you show them a glimpse of God.
On the more mundane side of parish life: the new lawn looks beautiful and is trying to root in a field without gophers. The racoons have already pulled up the sod a few times looking for grubs in all the places they can. As posted on Nextdoor, please stay off and keep pets off this area for the duration of the summer so the grass can be firmly established by the time the children are back at school and our annual Back to School concert takes place in August.
ENCYCLICAL LETTER
Magnifica Humanitas
Of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV
On safeguarding the Human Person in
the Time of Artificial intelligence
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.
Social Justice Committee
Welcome the Stranger-Summer 2026
The Corpus Christi Living Our Faith Committee in conjunction with St. Theresa’s Social Justice Committee has agreed to accompany a family sponsored by the nonprofit organization, Welcome the Stranger. Welcome the Stranger (WTS) and its sister organization Shelter in Peace (SIP) were established as nonprofit organizations in 2017. The mission of Welcome the Stranger is to accompany families (immigrant or immigrant-descended) for a period of approximately one year, helping them to achieve financial, social and educational stability. Each family is given the opportunity to live in affordable housing and is additionally supported by an Accompaniment Team. The housing is arranged by SIP while the Accompaniment Team is arranged by WTS.
Meet the Family
- Katherine, Carlos, Alexcia (5) and Amayrani (newborn)
- Living in Alameda until December
- Rent & Utilities covered through June
What We’ve Done
- Connected with food bank resources & community college access
- Connected with doula & midwife support
- Created a family budget
- Purchased baby essentials (car seat, stroller)
Current Situation
- Family income should cover expenses after June
- Saving toward financial independence by December
- Still financially vulnerable to unexpected cost
Our Commitment
- Ongoing guidance and support
- Financial assistance through December 2026, if needed
How You Can Help
- Contribute to 2026 Community Care Fund - goal: $10,000 (to be held in trust through Living Our Faith at Corpus Christi)
- Enable us to cover (if needed) rent, utilities or other essential expenses
How to Give
- Zelle (see QR Code)
- Check payable to Corpus Christi Church (Note 2026 Community Care Fund on the check)
Thank you for your generosity---Your support provides our family with stability, dignity and hope.
Scan here to donate!
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.
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.
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.
Holy Father (Peter's Pence), June 27 & 28
Parish Maintenance and Improvement fund, July 4 & 5
Parish Maintenance and Improvement fund, August 1 & 2
Sunday Collection (June 9-14)
Online: 44 Donors $ 3,088.00
Mass Donations: 30 Donors $ 1,742.00
Catholic Communications
Online: 1 Donors $ 25.00
Mass Donations: 16 Donors $ 568.00
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
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.
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, Jerome Deck, Sr, Tom Salvatore.
Mass Intentions
June 20 - 28
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
After Hours Medical Emergency:
510.547-2777, Option #4
Parish Office (direct line) 341.202.0077
Cecile Cuttitta
Yvonne Gabor volunteer@sttheresaoakland.org
Carla Gaul volunteer@sttheresaoakland.org
Renee Lorda renee@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 33%
$ 11,720
as of May 31, 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