My Brothers and Sisters, I m sure that you are aware that Fr. Bing Colasito will conclude a wonderful four-year ministry as Parochial Vicar (the ministry formerly known as Associate Pastor) with us here at St. Theresa at the end of June. We will celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving and send-off for Fr. Bing at 11:00AM on Sunday June 7 th, followed by a reception in his honor. On July 1 st, Fr. Bing will begin his new ministry as Parochial Administrator (for most intents and purposes, Pastor) of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Parish in Anthem. Interestingly, Fr. Bing is the successor to our own son of St. Theresa, Fr. John Muir, who has served as Parochial Administrator and then Pastor at St. Rose. Fr. John is going on to become Pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish and School in Avondale which is also the site of the yet to be built St. John Paul II Catholic High School to serve Anglo and Hispanic students in the far west Valley. Which brings us to the next link in this chain of priestly assignments This past week, Bishop Olmsted announced the appointment of Fr. Joachim Adeyemi, current Parochial Vicar of St. Thomas Aquinas, as the new Parochial Vicar of St. Theresa, effective July 1 st. Fr. Joachim ( joe-ah-kim ) completed his seminary studies with Fr. John Muir at St. Mary of the Lake Seminary in Mundelein, Illinois (in the Archdiocese of Chicago) one more connection! Fr. Joachim is a priest of the Diocese of Ilorin, Nigeria the same Diocese that Fr. Johnrita Adegboyega, who once served as our Parochial Vicar is from. However, since Fr. Joachim was formed and studied as a seminarian in the United States and has served in our Diocese for the past two years, he already has a high level of fluency in American English and familiarity with the ministries and operations of the Catholic Church in the United States. In my conversations with those who know him well (including Fr. John Muir and Fr. Kieran Kleczewski, current Pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas), Fr. Joachim is an outgoing, articulate, personable and energetic priest. He enjoys engaging in all aspects and ministries of parish life, and is very present to the young people in the parish school. It sounds like he has a personality similar to Fr. Bing s and, since I have thoroughly enjoyed sharing life and ministry with Fr. Bing over these past four years, I have a feeling that living and ministering with Fr. Joachim will largely be a continuation of that experience. Fr. Joachim was born in 1978 (my second year in graduate school, two years before my ordination I don t feel that old ) and was ordained in 2006. I know that Fr. Joachim will be a great addition to our team here at St. Theresa! But that s not all. Fr. Kevin Grimditch, ordained just this past June for the Diocese of Phoenix, will be joining us beginning July 1 st as Priest in Residence at St. Theresa while ministering full-time at Xavier College Prep. Much like Fr. Will Schmid who was in residence with us while in full-time ministry at Seton Catholic High School, Fr. Kevin will be available to assist us on many weekends and as his schedule allows. Last but not least, Frankie Cicero, a seminarian of the Diocese of Phoenix approximately two years away from priestly ordination, will be living in the rectory this summer while pursuing intensive training in Spanish. Because of his focus on language studies, Frankie will be serving on weekends at a local Spanish-speaking parish but you may have the opportunity to see and meet him around the St. Theresa campus. Our St. Theresa Community has a wonderful tradition of welcoming newcomers whether they be newly-arrived parishioners, staff or clergy. I know that you will do all that s possible to help Fr. Joachim, Fr. Kevin and Frankie Cicero feel at home here at St. Theresa! Grace and peace in the Risen Christ, Rev. Charles G. Kieffer, V.F. Pastor
SOLEMNITY OF THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD PARISH NEWS Vacation Bible School Registration Forms Are Available In The Church Vestibule Join Peter Pan, Tinkerbell & Captain Hook for Faith, Trust & Pixie Dust during Vacation Bible School June 22nd-26th from 9AM-Noon. Children four through fourth grade are invited to register for the week-long program that incorporates games, crafts, scripture, service and other activities into a fun environment that highlights the love of Jesus. Fee: $30 per camper. Register NOW! Adults, middle school, high school and college-aged students are needed to serve as camp counselors and station leaders. To help, call Gina Keating @ 602-840-0850. We Need Help With Materials To Build NEVERLAND This Summer For Vacation Bible School! Please drop off your donations to the parish office: empty cereal boxes, large buttons, ribbon, large appliance boxes, green tulle. THANK YOU! A GREAT Childcare Option During The 9AM Mass! Club Crayola is open to children 1-4 years of age during 9AM Sunday Mass. Club Crayola is a parent assisted co-op, so parents are asked to volunteer occasionally. All parents who use Club Crayola are required to take Safe Environment Training. If interested, please contact Shannon Braccio in the Parish Office @ 602-840-0850 or stop by Club Crayola before or after the 9AM Mass on a Sunday morning to speak with Anne Aubuchon, Club Crayola Coordinator. St. Theresa Saint Vincent De Paul Conference Is In Need Of A Volunteer With A Pickup Truck Or SUV... to pick up our food allotment at the Downtown Warehouse at 7th Ave & Watkins (southwest of downtown) once a month. This includes loading items at the warehouse and delivering them to the food pantry at St. Theresa. Pickup hours are: 6:30AM to 4PM on Monday thru Friday. We are very grateful for your continued generous support in assisting the needy within in our parish neighborhood. To volunteer, contact Andy Niebling @ 602-390-9518. St. Theresa Girl Scout Troop 700 Really Needs Your HELP!!! Troop 700 is collecting bottles of sun protection for the 70 children living at Sunshine Acres Children s Home in Mesa for this summer. The Christian-based organization houses children separated from their parents and provides a stable environment. Troop 700 will host a sun protection party for these children in June. All donors will be entered to win a Girl Scout Cookie Thank You Basket! Please include your name and phone number with your donation to be entered into the drawing. Please drop off your donations to the Parish Office or in the donation box located in the south entrance of the church. For any questions, please call Shannon Braccio @ 602-840-0850. Thank you! Bible Class News Plan to join Bible Teacher Kevin Saunders as he makes his way through the Gospel of Luke. Class meets each Thursday evening from 7-8:30PM in Fr. Feeney Hall. New students are always welcome and you are free to attend as a guest before you decide to officially join the class. STP Pastoral Council Corner Father Chuck and the members of your Parish Council are seeking your comments on how we may improve the spiritual life of all parishioners, improve the physical plant, and reach out to our neighbors as Pope Francis directs us to do. All comments, suggestions, recommendations, and criticisms are important and need to be heard and addressed. Upon receiving your email a member of the council will reply to you and submit the feedback/question for investigation. You re encouraged to send your question or comment via e-mail to: pastoralcouncil@sttheresaphx.org. We hope this interaction will improve the parish life for all as we live out our Parish Mission statement: Growing in Faith, Serving with Hope, Christ-centered in Love, We are the Roman Catholic Community of St. Theresa.
Spiritual Adoption Update: Hooray! Your spiritually adopted baby is going to be born sometime between Mother s Day and Father s Day. THANK YOU for praying for your child to be protected from abortion! To celebrate the births of these children, please pick up a baby bottle today at church. Fill the bottle with your loose change and cash. Return your bottle and your donated money when you come to Mass on the weekends of June 7th, June 14th, and June 21st. All donations will benefit First Way, a pregnancy resource center, to help mothers and their babies, providing pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, counseling and support, and maternity and baby items. Covenant Of Love All married and engaged couples are invited to our next evening of marriage enrichment Friday, June 12th from 6:30 8:30PM in Father Feeney Hall. Join us to hear Guest Speaker Fr. Fred Adamson speak on Marriage. Fr. Fred is the Vicar General for the Diocese of Phoenix and a former Associate Pastor at St. Theresa Parish. The evening is free. Light refreshments will be served. Tell your married or engaged friends about this wonderful opportunity to grow in appreciation of our spouses and the covenant of our marriages. Childcare available for children over a year old. Please RSVP childcare to stpdatenights@gmail.com. VOLUN- TEERS NEEDED If you both can t make the Date Night, we always need more Safe Environment Trained Adults to help with childcare. Contact Olivia @ 480-262-5916 for more information on how to help. The Music Ministry Has Formed A NEW Choir A Handbell Choir and we still need 4 more people to join us. If you are interested or would like more information please contact Robert Carson at the Parish Office @ 602-840-0850. USHERS NEEDED! St. Theresa Parish is in need of ushers. Ladies and Gentlemen to serve in the House of the Lord. The Ministry of the Usher is an important part of the life of the Church. Ushers greet and seat people, collect the offering and distribute Church bulletins. Please consider joining us. Please contact Robert Carson in the Parish Office @ 602-840- 0850 or by email at rcarson@sttheresaphx.org. Pray For Those... Who Are Sick: Joy Standley Who Have Died: Nayeli Parra HEALTH & WELLNESS Health & Wellness Ministry will be offering free blood pressure screening after all morning masses in the PJP Room, please stop by this will be the last opportunity until fall. PASTORAL CARE Duet Has Helped Us With So Many Of Our Homebound Adults lets see if we can help them now! If you would like to become a Duet volunteer please join us on Saturday, June 13th from 9-11AM in Fr. Feeney Hall. For further information please contact the Pastoral Care Office at 602-586-7429. The Order Of Malta Presents: Memory Over The Lifespan Tuesday, June 9th at 2PM Parish Office Conference Room Join us for a very timely and informative presentation by Dr. Anna Burke, parishioner of St. Theresa, geriatric psychiatrist, and expert in the field of Alzheimer s disease & related dementias. Dr. Burke will speak on Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), which affects almost 20% of people 70 and older. While the likelihood of MCI becoming Alzheimer s disease is high, there are many strategies that people with MCI can implement to enhance daily living. The relationship between MCI and Alzheimer s disease will be explored along with current treatment options and ongoing research efforts. Dr. Burke will set time aside for questions and answers following her presentation. The Order of Malta will provide refreshments. For reservations please contact the Pastoral Care Office @ 602-586-7421 or e-mail bstich@sttheresaphx.org. Pastoral Care Needs Ministers To Bring Communion To The Homebound If you can help, please know your love and service to our parishioners who are homebound will be a moment of true GRACE. Contact Bobbie @ 602 586-7429. Help Wanted Parishioner with automotive business is looking to hire a talented mechanic. If interested please call James Garnand @ 602-224-0941.
SOLEMNITY OF THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD Parents - Introduce Your Children To Adoration! Children like to talk to Jesus from the quiet of their heart and Jesus loves to hear the prayers of children. It takes parents to put this together. Adoration takes place every Thursday from 9:00AM to 8:30PM in the Convent Chapel. Call the Parish Office @ 602-840-0850 for the Code to the Chapel. Bunco Time Again! Monday, May 18th from 1:45-4PM in Feeney Hall. Share the fun and bring a family member or friend. Sharing an afternoon with laughter and good people makes everyone happy. If you need further information please call Patty @ 602-952-0802 or Charlotte @ 480-284-6188. Alzheimer s Support Group Tuesday, May 26th from 4-5PM in the Parish Office Conference Room. Different stages require different strategies. Share your concerns and listen to the answers that will help reduce frustrations. SCHOOL NEWS St. Theresa Catholic School Is Accepting Applications For Membership On The School Advisory Board (SAB) St. Theresa Catholic School parents and active, participating St. Theresa parishioners are eligible to apply to be on the Board. This Board advises and makes recommendations to the Pastor and Principal regarding STCS matters. For more information please contact Kate Morris @ katefmorris@gmail.com or 602-920-5912. Pancake Breakfast Sunday, May 31st Hosted by the STCS Dad s Club Following the 7:30 and 9AM Masses in the Msgr. McMahon Center Last Breakfast of the School Year!!! Can t Stay? Try Our To Go Option! DIOCESAN NEWS Rosary At Planned Parent Headquarters With Bishop Olmsted Planned Parenthood has moved their local headquarters to a new building in central Phoenix. It was previously located at 5651 N 7th Street, and now will be at 4751 North 15th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014. It is under construction currently, but rumored to open in early June. Bishop Olmsted will lead a rosary at this new location on Friday, May 22 at 9AM. It is vital that we cover this place in prayer starting now! John 17 Movement Join thousands of Christians of various denominations on Saturday, May 23rd at the Phoenix Convention Center to celebrate Jesus Christ. The daylong bilingual program of praise, worship, prayer and exhortation includes a variety of noted Christian leaders, including Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted. Pope Francis, who speaks passionately about Unity in Diversity, is taping a special message for this event. The celebration is being organized by the John 17 Movement, a group of influential local and international Christian pastors, priests and lay leaders who have been meeting regularly to promote Christian unity in the Phoenix area for more than a year. The event runs from 9AM to 5PM at the Phoenix Convention Center, West Ballroom, third floor, 100 N Third St. in Phoenix. Admission is free. For more information visit www.john17movement.com. Worldwide Marriage Encounter I prayed that this weekend would help bring us back to how we were when we were first married. It didn t. Instead, we are better than when we first married!! Strengthen, renew, and rekindle your marriage sacrament by attending a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend. May 29th- 31st in Tucson or July 10th-12th in Phoenix. For more information please visit www.wwmearizona.com. Mass & Miracle Healing Service Saturday, June 6th from 7-9:30PM at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Scottsdale. The Most Rev. Eduardo A. Nevares will celebrate a Healing Mass followed by Prayer and Command Miracle Healing Services. Co-hosted by Renewal Ministries and City of the Lord. All are welcome! Congratulations To The St. Theresa Catholic School Graduating Class Of 2015!!!
Mass Intentions & Celebrants (MAY 18TH-MAY 24TH) MONDAY, MAY 18TH 6:30AM +VIRGINIA ZEITLOW TUESDAY, MAY 19TH 6:30AM CARRIE VINESKY, SPECIAL INTENTION WEDNESDAY, MAY 20TH 6:30AM THERESA RYAN, SPECIAL INTENTION 8:30AM STCS 8TH GRADE CLASS, SPECIAL INT. THURSDAY, MAY 21ST 6:30AM LUSTRE MALONE, SPECIAL INTENTION FRIDAY, MAY 22ND 6:30AM ALL UNBORN BABIES, SPECIAL INTENTION SATURDAY, MAY 23RD 8:00AM ALL CANCER SURVIVORS, SPECIAL INT. 4:00PM FOR THE PARISHIONERS SUNDAY, MAY 24TH 7:30AM +ED MUSENBROCK 9:00AM ROSEMARY SAMS, SPECIAL INTENTION 11:00AM +CARMEN FIGUEROA MATUSKEY 5:00PM +PEGGY BOWERS The Priest scheduled to celebrate the Mass Sunday 8:30AM Blood Pressure Checks (PJP Rm) 1:00PM Infant Baptisms (Church) 6:00PM Life Night (Life Rm) Monday 1:45PM Bunco (Fr. Feeney Hall) 6:30PM Edge End Of Year Party (Life Rm) 7:00PM Boy Scout Mtg. (PJP Rm) Tuesday 6:30PM SVDP Mtg. (Convent Conference Rm) 7:30PM Adult Basketball (Msgr. McMahon Gym) Wednesday 9:30AM Centering Prayer (Convent Chapel) 3:00PM Children s Choir Practice (Music Rm) 5:00PM Reconciliation (Church) 6:00PM Choir Practice (Parish Conference Rm) 6:30PM 33 Days To Morning Glory Retreat (Convent Upper Rm) Rosary (Convent Chapel) Thursday 9:00AM Adoration (Convent Chapel) 7:00PM Infant Baptism Formation (Parish Conference Rm) Kevin Saunders Bible Study (Fr. Feeney Hall) Friday Saturday 9:00AM Reconciliation (Church) 8:30PM Al Anon (Classroom 16) Alcoholics Anonymous (Classroom 17) ~ Readings ~ Week of May 17, 2015 Sunday Acts 1:1-11/Eph 1:17-23 or Eph 4:1-13 or 4:1-7, 11-13/Mk 16:15-20(58) Pss Prop. Monday Acts 19:1-8; Ps 68; Jn 16:29-33 Tuesday Acts 20:17-27; Ps 68; Jn 17:1-11a Wednesday Acts 20:28-38; Ps 68; Jn 17:11b-19 Thursday Acts 22:30, 23:6-11; Ps 16; Jn 17:20-26 Friday Acts 25:13b-21; Ps 103; Jn 21:15-19 Saturday Morning: Acts 28:16-20, 30-31; Ps 11; Jn 21:20-25 Vigil: Gn 11:1-9 or Ex 19:3-8a, 16-20b or Ez 37:1-14 or Jl 3:1-5; Ps 104; Rom 8:22-27; Jn 7:37-39 Extended Vigil: Gn 11:1-9 or Ex 19:3-8a, 16-20b; Ez 37:1-14 or Jl 3:1-5; Rom 8:22-27; Ps 104; Jn 7:37-39