A Word from the Pastor

Pope Leo XIII laid the foundation for Catholic labor teaching with his 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum, which champions workers' rights, fair wages, and the right to form unions. [1, 2] Rerum Novarum and the Working Class

• Fair Wages: Employers must pay a wage high enough to support a worker and a frugal family.
• Human Dignity: Work is not merely a commodity; human labor deserves respect and safe conditions.
• Right to Organize: Workers are permitted to form private associations and unions to protect their material and spiritual interests.
• The "Third Way": The encyclical rejects both unbridled capitalism (liberalism)     and state socialism, offering a balanced moral framework for economic life. [ 2]

When Robert Prevost took the name Leo after he was elected pope, many believed he would continue to build on these teachings of the previous Pope Leo over a 100 years ago. His first encyclical confirms this belief, but we should reflect on the foundation which he is building and will continue to build on during his pontificate.

The Catholic Church looks back on these principles to evaluate modern labor practices in every decade. Successive pontiffs—including , John XXIII, Paul VI, John Paul II, and Pope Leo XIV—have continued to invoke these teachings, applying them to modern issues like artificial intelligence, globalization, and the preservation of human dignity in the workplace.

Labor Day is more than the unofficial end of summer. It is a time to honor the dignity of human labor and recognize the resilience and dedication of workers everywhere.

In his encyclical Laborem Exercens, St. John Paul II emphasized the profound dignity of human work. He reminded us that through work, we not only earn our daily bread but also participate in the advancement of science, technology, and the common good. He wrote that work sets human beings apart from the rest of creation — for only we are capable of shaping the world through the gifts God has given us.
From the very beginning, God called us to labor: to “subdue the earth” (cf. Gen 1:28), not in domination, but in stewardship and creativity.

Labor Day invites us to reflect on this vocation to work, not simply as a means of survival, but as a form of participation in God’s ongoing creation. Every job, no matter how big or small, carries dignity and value. From those who labor with their hands to those who lead with ideas; from first responders and healthcare workers to educators, tradespeople, and service providers. Each plays a vital role in the fabric of our society and the life of our Church.

As we mark this day, may we take a moment to give thanks for the countless men and women whose labor strengthens our families, communities, and parishes. And let us also pray for those who are unemployed, underemployed, or working in unjust conditions — that they may be supported and uplifted by our care and our advocacy.

Whether you are enjoying a well-earned rest or continuing your service to others this weekend, know that your work matters — and it is deeply appreciated.

Wishing everyone a safe, restful, and meaningful Labor Day!

Clarewood and Mandalay Gate Weekday Schedule

Effective August 18, 2026

Friday Flocknote and Bulletin submission Deadlines

Bulletin and Friday Flocknote articles must be submitted for inclusion in the Friday and weekend publications no later than Tuesday evening. The publications are produced and printed on Wednesday.

Send your submissions to Renee Lorda at renee@sttheresaoakland.org

Fellow Parishioners:

You may not know that your 5th Sunday collections are the fuel that funds the St. Theresa Conference of St. Vincent de Paul. Lately there has been a need like we’ve not seen in many years. We try to keep to a strict budget prioritizing those with the greatest need but there’s only so much we can do without your help.
It is true that we can go to the District’s Aid to the Needy Fund when our money runs short. Ironically St. Theresa used to be one of ATNF’s biggest contributors but the shoe is now on the other foot and we find ourselves asking for their funds.

Last month we were able to help ‘Latasha,’ a single mother with two boys, 5 and 14. She had recently moved back to Oakland from Texas, found a job with no problem but then lost it due to illness. She was almost $1000 behind on the rent and their only furniture was blowup beds. Our Conference helped her catch up on the rent plus we were able to get them both a bed and a sofa bed from our Fremont resale store.

The calls keep coming in but we can only help others when you help us with your contributions to our St. Vincent de Paul 5th Sunday collections. If you are more interested in hands-on contributions email Judy Bojorquez, jtsbojorquez@yahoo.com. We’d love to see you at one of our meetings on the third Saturday of the month, too!

 St. Vincent de Paul, St Theresa Conference 

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.

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."

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Weekend Mass Schedule

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

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Weekday Mass Schedule

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Sacrament of Reconciliation

Matt Mercier, Heidi Parmelee, Dolores Gomez, Alegria Hipolito, Betty Wharton, Juanita Estrella,  Olga Lamberti, 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, Susan Buller, Ann Springer, Ray Bertolotti, William McCarthy, Cindy Crimmins, Fred & Lidia Loupy, Rebecca Rogers, Kathleen Guevara, Clarence Robinson, Armando Diaz de Leon, Bonnie & John Bouey, 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, Tom Salvatore,  Pauline Shear.

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:          Martha Gamino ~ martha@sttheresaoakland.org

Middle School Youth Ministry (Grades 6-8):                  Martha Gamino ~ martha@sttheresaoakland.org

High School Youth Ministry/Confirmation:                   Martha Gamino ~ martha@sttheresaoakland.org

O.C.I.A.  Order of Christian Initiation of Adults:           Lydia Deck ~ lydia@sttheresaoakland.org