A Word from the Pastor
This weekend marks 25 years since the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center.
Sadly, as a people or country, we have still not learned that war solves nothing. I recently wondered why my dad never spoke about his experiences during World War II. He was on the ground in Europe after assisting pilots during the Normandy Invasion. My Godfather was wounded in Belgium, and this forever changed his life. He too could not speak of the horrors he witnessed.
Pope Leo continues to reiterate what popes have been saying for decades: In his Message for the 11th World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, Pope Leo warns that war has consequences that destroy far beyond the battlefield and says that We are to imitate the Lord&39;s offering of peace to work toward peace in the world.
By Deborah Castellano Lubov (from the Vatican news page)
“In place of the weapons of war, the God of peace grants us the strength to heal, to reconcile and to build a civilization of love.”
Pope Leo said this in his Message for the 11th World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, published on Thursday by the Holy See Press Office.
The Church observes the World Day on September 1st, with this year’s theme:
“They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks” (Isaiah 2:4).
In this way, the Holy Father insisted, we are called to safeguard the many “ecosystems” entrusted to us: the ecosystems of creation, of human relationships and of the human heart itself. “The true tools for building peace,” Pope Leo underscored, “are not weapons of destruction: instead, they are truth, dialogue, patience, goodness, justice, mercy, understanding, care and love,” which he said, “flow from hearts shaped by the Gospel and sustained by God’s grace.”
Healing Wounds of our World
Only these qualities, he acknowledged, possess the power to transform individuals, renew communities and heal the wounds of our world. The Holy Father confirmed that the path before us is not easy but is clear.
“We are called,” he said, “to allow our hearts to be renewed, so that we might seek peace and care for creation.”
Called to Collaborate with God to combat Crises and Suffering
In his message, the Holy Father observed that if we take up this task with humility and faith, we will become collaborators in God’s work of renewal. He lamented that today we are witnessing many crises and much human suffering. At the same time, he noted that it seems the disruption to the harmonious balance of creation is accelerating.
The path of authentic ecological conversion
“What has been used for destruction,” he reflected, “can be redirected toward life, toward the care of the poor, the nourishment of the hungry, and the safeguarding of creation.”
With this as the path of authentic ecological conversion and “where the effects of our encounter with Jesus Christ become evident in our relationship with the world around us,” he said, “Peace begins in the heart and flows outward to our relationships, communities and the broader world.” Despite the “enormous” challenges, Pope Leo reassures that God does not leave us without the means of healing and transformation.
Finally, he prayed: “May the Lord grant us the courage to walk along this path, so that in our time, swords may indeed be beaten into plowshares, and the promise of the Gospel may take deeper root in our world, and the peace of Christ may reign over all of creation.”
Pray for an end of all war! Pray for peace each day! Work for peace and justice!
Interested in helping with Kinderchurch or the Sunday
Religious Formation Classes?
Please contact our Faith Formation Coordinator
Martha Gamino to find out how you can help.
Click on the link to register.
If you have any questions contact Martha Gamino at martha@sttheresaoakland.org
Please mark your calendars for a Saint Theresa Men’s Club regrouping
meeting on Sunday, September 13th at 8:00 AM in the Hall.
Our Men's Club has not formally met since the start of the COVID pandemic, and it is now time to reassemble and establish the club's future direction. At this meeting, we plan to address several key questions:
- Parish and School Events: What activities should the club undertake to
- assist with these events (e.g., parish picnic, back-to-school, pancake
- breakfast, school auction, ravioli dinner, others)?
- Social Activities: What social activities should the club host (e.g., Monday
- Night Football at Kingfish, golf, summer play in the park, others)?
- Other Activities: What other initiatives should the club conduct or support?
- Leadership: Who will serve as the club's officers?
- Meeting Schedule: How often should we meet, and when should the
- meetings be held?
Best Regards,
Basil Fedynyshyn 925-899-5404
ENCYCLICAL LETTER
Magnifica Humanitas
Of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV
On safeguarding the Human Person in
the Time of Artificial intelligence
St. Vincent de Paul
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 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.
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.
Diocesan Priest Retirement Benefit Trust Appeal
September 12th & 13th
Parish Maintenance and Improvement Fund, October 3 & 4
Catholic Voice, October 10 & 11
World Mission Sunday, October 17 & 18
Sunday Collections (August 31 - September 6)
Online Giving: 58 Donors $ 3,723.00
Mass Donation: 39 Donors $3,724.00
Parish Maintenance and Improvement Fund
Online Giving (Aug. 3 - Sept. 6): 43 Donors. $ 2,027.00
Mass Donation: 28 Donors $1,340.00
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 Cecile Cuttitta at cecile@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 Cecile Cuttitta at cecile@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 Yvonne Gabor at volunteer@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, 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.
Mass Intentions
September 12 - 20
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 341.202.0077
After Hours Medical Emergency:
510.547-2777, Option #4
Parish Office 341.202.0077
Yvonne Gabor volunteer@sttheresaoakland.org
Carla Gaul volunteer@sttheresaoakland.org
Renee Lorda renee@sttheresaoakland.org
Rev. Robert J. McCann, Pastor
341.202.0159
rjmccann@sttheresaoakland.org
Rev. Ngema W. Enow, In Residence
341.202.0137
ngemawil.enow@gmail.com
Cathy Brady, Consultant
341.202.0086
cathy_b@sttheresaoakland.org
Rob Cakebread, Music Ministry Director
341.202.0139
rob@sttheresaoakland.org
Cecile Cuttitta, Liturgy Coordinator
341.202.0077
cecile@sttheresaoakland.org
Martha Gamino, Faith Formation Coordinator
341.202.0076
martha@sttheresaoakland.org
Sophia Kassab, Parish Communications
341.202.0134
sophia@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:
Carolyn Mahoney
carolyn.mahoney675@gmail.com .
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
Shannon 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: 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
Bishop's Ministry Appeal - 2026
St. Theresa Parish Goal
$35,800
Percentage Achieved 46%
$ 16,540
as of August 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