A Word from the Pastor
November has arrived and the holiday season is beginning to appear all around us. Many thanks to all who helped us celebrate All Saints and All Souls days! Please remember those who have gone before us and who were instrumental in forming our faith. I was sorry we were not able to spotlight the many Sisters who staffed St. Theresa school during our hundred anniversary celebrations. It was mentioned and I hope as the school will soon mark seventy years of operation that there will be some attention given to these dedicated women.
With the rains coming and supposedly in force this year, we have tried to prepare by cleaning gutters and filling sandbags. If you or someone are away of a need because you can’t get on that ladder like other years, please let me know. I have a few people who are looking for service hours and might be able to help.
Last weekend, I attended the annual meeting of the Order of the Holy Sepulcher in Sacramento. At the meeting, the president and dean of Bethlehem University both who are Christian Brothers, spoke about the amazing university which welcomes Christians and Muslims who study together trying to better themselves, their families and Palestine by becoming nurses, doctors, accountants, managers, and the list went on. The Israeli government forbids any Jewish citizen from attending the university at this time.
I have many things that I would be happy to share with you if interested, but do not have the space here at this time. The bottom line that occurred to me is that there are many in our world that are doing concrete things to bridge differences and who work for peace.
A few weeks ago, the fortieth anniversary of a gathering took place in Assisi where we honor St. Francis. Pope St. John Paul participated, and Pope Leo intended to be there this year, but was unable due to his sudden cancer surgery. I encourage you to look online at some of the talks that were given and marvel at the representatives of over fifty countries and religious denominations who participated. I also encourage you maybe for the rest of the month or on every day of Advent to pray for peace. Several facets of peace might be considered or prayed:
- Peace Prayer of Saint Francis: A beloved petition asking to be an instrument of God's peace, love, and pardon.
- Prayer for World Peace: A petition asking Almighty God to end violence and injustice, inspire leaders, and unite nations under the reign of the Prince of Peace. At Christmas we proclaim Christ the Prince of Peace.
- Prayer for Peace of Mind and Anxiety: A personal reflection asking God to quiet anxious thoughts, transcend uncertain circumstances, and replace fear with trust. When we find peace in our own lives, it radiates to those around us.
- Again, the list goes on, and I welcome suggestions that I can give to the whole parish for their consideration.
May peace reign in our families, schools, parishes
and most importantly in our hearts.
May the Prince of Peace bless us!
Remember All Souls throughout November The month of November is traditionally reserved in the Church for remembering loved ones who have died. Throughout the month there will be a book in the sanctuary which will include any name you submit or that you write in yourself. Please feel welcome to write the names of your beloved in this book at any time during the month.
Beginning November 2nd there will also be a table in the sanctuary where you may place free standing framed pictures of your beloved dead. The table will be up for the month of November. Please make sure your name and phone number are on the back of the picture.
Beginning November 2nd there will also be a table in the sanctuary where you may place free standing framed pictures of your beloved dead. The table will be up for the month of November. Please make sure your name and phone number are on the back of the picture.
This weekend, Mark Pereira from Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services (CFCS) will share a brief overview at all Masses regarding the services CFCS provides to our community. Following Mass, he will be in the vestibule to answer any questions you may have and to provide additional information. Advance planning can be a great blessing to your family, bringing peace of mind and ensuring that your final wishes are taken care of without overburdening your loved ones.
Meeting
November 11, 2026
Catherine Regan, Ph.D.
Forgiveness - Grace the Fuel, Gratitude the Fruit
The Parish Photo Directory
has finally arrived!
If you haven't already picked up your Parish Directory, they will be available in the parish office Tuesday - Thursday..
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
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.
November 14 & 15, Diocesan Campaign for Mercy
November 28 & 29, St. Vincent de Paul
December 5 & 6, Parish Maintenance & Improvement Fund
December 12 & 13, Religious Retirement
Sunday Collections (October 26 - November 1)
Online Giving: 45 Donors $ 2,273.00
Mass Donation: 37 Donors $ 4,294.00
Parish Maintenance & Improvement
Online Giving (Oct. 5 - Nov. 1): 32 Donors $ 1,922.00
Mass Donation: 25 Donors $ 2,140.00
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
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, Larry Ritsch.
Mass Intentions
November 7 - 15
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
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.
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 55%
$ 19,820
as of October 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