A Word From Our Pastor
School in back in full swing, the days seem to be growing shorter, and our hot weather is back before a wet Fall ahead. Next weekend, we are all invited to celebrate our parish again. The annual Feast Day celebration changes the Sunday Mass time to 11am, so that immediately afterwards the games, comradery and food can help us celebrate the 101st anniversary of our parish. I hope you will all plan to be there.
Last week, I attended the mandated diocesan priest’s retreat. All priests are required to make a retreat each year and our bishop mandated that we all participate in a retreat he sponsors every other year. On the off year, we are free to make a retreat on our own at one of the many possible places of our own choosing.
About forty priests all working in the Diocese of Oakland, prayed the Divine Office together each morning and evening, celebrated Mass and listened to the retreat director that guided us. This year, we were honored to have the Bishop for all the Melkite Catholics in the United States. He is a scripture scholar and was a pastor for ten years in Orange before the Melkite Synod elected him as their bishop.
I also had some dialogue with Bishop Barber and the pastor of the community the bishop is saying will join our site as they will need a church for worship and activities when their church site is sold next year. I had prepared a draft for making this a smooth transition and we met with a couple of other priests to work on this. Please pray for this transition that will affect us next spring. I intend to invite all to an open meeting when more details have been worked out. The bishop commented on how he keeps hearing how welcoming St. Theresa has been throughout the years.
Bishop Barber came to be with us on Thursday, and we had an open forum on Thursday night with him. Unfortunately, he reported that the day before he was again in the Bankruptcy court which continues to drag on. I ask everyone to pray that a fair and just settlement will be achieved soon. The judge will make that determination in the next few weeks, we hope and pray!
As the Church celebrates the Marian month of October, the Church is inviting everyone especially families to pray together for peace, especially on October 22, the feast of Pope St. John Paul II who gifted the Church with the Luminous Mysteries to the other fifteen.
The Catholic Church dedicates the month of October every year to the Holy Rosary, during which we are reminded that through Mary, Queen of Peace, we are drawn closer to her Son.
The late Pope Francis often reminded the Church of the Rosary’s power to heal hearts and transform history.
In keeping with the Pope’s appeal that “Mary, Queen of Peace, intercede so that peoples may find the path of peace,” the invitation was extended to the wider world and universal Church, and many thousands across the globe joined in a Rosary for peace.
As Pope Leo XIV recently emphasized, “Mary is the Mother of the faithful here on earth and is remembered as the Queen of Peace. In entrusting our prayers to her, we recognize that peace is not achieved through human effort alone, but through God’s grace.”
In this spirit, the Church invites all people of every age, language, and nation to join in hosting another Global Rosary for Peace throughout the month of October.
Last day to place your food order is Thursday, October 1st.
There will not be a 9am Mass on October 4th. Join us for Mass at 11am.
Feast of St, Theresa
October 1, 2026
(Thursday)
8:30 am Mass
Blessing of Animals
October 2
(Friday)
8:10 am
In the School Yard
First Friday Adoration
October 2, 2026
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Benediction
4:30 PM
Our St. Vincent de Paul Conference and the school will kick off their annual sock drive, otherwise known as Socktober, to support the St. Vincent de Paul Community Center. Donating to this initiative is easy. Simply buy some socks, any size - kids or adults, and place them in the bin that will be in the vestibule of the church.
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
The Church is in a historic moment!
The Synod on Synodality is now in its implementation phase—and Pope Leo XIV has committed to carrying that work forward. Local communities everywhere are being asked the same question: how will we take part?
Join us for an educational gathering on what the Synod's Final Document teaches about women’s participation and leadership in the Church, how the implementation phase works, and how you can participate – through prayer, learning, and sharing your own voice as part of a national synodal consultation.
You will:
· Learn what the Synod's Final Document says and where things stand today
· Hear how Discerning Deacons is gathering Catholic voices worldwide to share with the Vatican
· Find out how to add your own voice through an upcoming Listening Session
This is not just a presentation—it's an invitation. The Spirit is moving. Let's journey together.
Questions? Please contact: ltdeck@me.com
Friday Flocknote and Bulletin
St. Theresa needs you! Our parish is seeking a dependable, creative volunteer to craft and send our weekly digital and print communications, ensuring our parishioners receive clear, timely, and visually appealing updates. This is a n opportunity, to donate your creative talents to serve the Church, support our ministry efforts, and keep hundreds of families connected, informed, and engaged with parish life.
Key Responsibilities
- Friday Flocknote: Draft, design, and schedule the weekly email newsletter sent out every Friday.
- Sunday Bulletin: Layout and edit Sunday communications and promotional graphics to support parish life and upcoming liturgy details.
- Visual Design: Use templates and custom graphics to present parish news in a clean, inviting format.
- Timely Delivery: Coordinate with parish staff to meet weekly publishing deadlines consistently.
Qualifications
- Software Skills: Proven experience using Canva (or similar graphic design tools) and comfort navigating digital newsletter platforms (Flocknote experience is a plus, but training is available).
- Communication: Strong editing, proofreading, and writing skills with an eye for detail.
- Reliability: Excellent time management to consistently meet tight weekly deadlines.
- Parish Alignment: A heart for service and an understanding of the mission and culture of the Catholic Church.
Send an email to admin@sttheresaoakland.org if you are interested.
Submission Deadlines
Bulletin and Friday Flocknote articles are due Tuesday evening for inclusion in the Friday and weekend publications. The publications are produced and printed on Wednesday. Send to admin@sttheresaoakland.org
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:
The St. Theresa Conference would like to sincerely thank our parishioners for their generous contributions to our last Fifth Sunday appeal. The need has definitely never been this great and they really stepped up. Our Neighbors in Need salute you!
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.
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.
Parish Maintenance and Improvement Fund, October 3 & 4
Catholic Voice, October 10 & 11
World Mission Sunday, October 17 & 18
October 31 & November 1, Parish Maintenance & Improvement Fund
November 14 & 15, Diocesan Campaign for Mercy
Sunday Collections (September 14 - 20)
Online Giving: 43 Donors $ 2,118.00
Mass Donation: 29 Donors $ 2,751.00
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 26 - October 4
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 Ruth Tarnowski
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
Basil Fedynyshyn
mensclubsttheresa@gmail.com
Legion of Mary
Tom Wallace
tomw1313@sbcglobal.net
WINGS
Deb McJilton
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