My Brothers and Sisters, Today we have the privilege of celebrating the October 1 st Feast of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, the Patron Saint of our Parish Community, in place of the 26 th Sunday in Ordinary Time. When the feast of the patron saint of a parish falls on a Sunday (and that particular Sunday is not already designated to celebrate a higher feast, e.g., Easter) the Church allows the patronal feast to take precedence over the regular Sunday, since the feast actually becomes a Solemnity on that Sunday in the parish. Our Patroness is known by various names: Thérèse of Lisieux, Theresa of the Child Jesus, the Little Flower, to name three she lived a humble (one might say obscure) life in the small French town of Lisieux, entering the local Carmelite convent at a young age and dying of tuberculosis at the age of 24 in 1897. Yet, this young woman who dedicated her life to God literally revolutionized the Church as a result of her spiritual insights and writings that were published following her death. Theresa became renowned for her spiritual treatise insights in her autobiography The Story of a Soul. In it, she urged all to follow the little way the way of love. To do all things, even the seemingly insignificant, with great love was her path to holiness and a model for each of us to attain holiness in our lives. What a precious and powerful insight: to do all things with great love! How could following the Greatest Commandment of Jesus possibly be made any more clear than by our embracing this little way of St. Theresa? So profound and insightful was the teaching of St. Theresa, she was recognized for her holiness and was canonized in near-record time in 1925. So wise was her teaching, Pope St. John Paul II proclaimed St. Theresa a Doctor of the Church in 1997. It seems to me that the real wisdom of St. Theresa s teaching was in its utter simplicity. There was no complicated theology, no convoluted penances, no repetitious prayers, no requirements to follow multiple steps of any sort. The key is simply to allow oneself to be loved by God, and then to become an instrument of God s love in the lives of others not necessarily in any grandiose way, but in the simplest and most subtle ways: being patient with an irritating colleague or family member, reaching out with care to someone who s lonely or sad, gently practicing works of mercy. In essence, resolving oneself to be God s love in the world. Centuries before the life of our Patron Saint, another great saint named Paul recognized the crucial role of love in the Christian life as he wrote to his community at Corinth: Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a). St. Theresa understood and lived these words. As we celebrate the Patron Saint of our community, we give thanks to God for St. Theresa for teaching us her little way the way of love. We ask God, through the intercession of St. Theresa, for the grace and strength to embody the little way of our Patroness today and every day. With love and prayers, Rev. Charles G. Kieffer Pastor
FEAST OF ST. THERESA OF THE CHILD JESUS PARISH NEWS Congratulations to St. Theresa Parish Boy Scout Troop 147 Eagle Scout - Sam Goodman! Sam is now a freshman at ASU in the business college with plans to start his own business and become his generations Mark Cuban! Sam's eagle project was a land reclamation project for the national parks. The area that Sam focused on was very scarred from years of unlawful vehicle use. A recent visit to the site of Sam's Eagle project showed great improvement in just 9 months! Way to go Sam, St. Theresa's parishioners and Troop 147 are very proud of you! Are You Interested in Advertising in the St. Theresa Parish Bulletin? Please call Al Mendoza with Trinity Publications if you are interested in placing an ad for your business or personally. You can reach Al on his cell phone @ 512-461-8191 or call Trinity Publications at 1-800-633-1122. TODAY SUNDAY, October 1st at 1PM Our Lady of Guadalupe Courtyard All of God s Creatures are Welcome! Fall Adult Confirmation Are you a practicing Catholic over age 19 who somewhere along the way, missed celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation? Preparation sessions have begun and are being offered Sundays after the 11AM Liturgy in the Convent Upper Room at noon. Candidates must be registered members at St. Theresa Parish and must provide a copy of their Baptism Certificate. All registration materials will be provided. All are welcome to join us to learn & celebrate more deeply in our chosen religion. Call the Parish office for more details. Praise F or Parents PFP will offer uplifting presentations that will highlight the MINISTRY OF PARENTS. Offered biweekly on Monday mornings at 8AM in the office upstairs from the School Office on October 2nd & October 16th. These brief 30 minute offerings will accommodate busy schedules and work schedules and will uplift parents in understanding that the ministry of parenting is one of the primary focusses of our church and our society. This promises to be fun as well as informative and will set a positive tone for your week! Light refreshments as well as connecting us to God and each other will be the focus. For further information see Peggy Sandahl or Dr. Dertinger in the School Office or catch one of the priests on campus.
OUR LADY OF FATIMA (To Jesus Through Mary) The young shepherd children probably had the most frightening moment of their lives with Our Lady s first secret revelation: the vision of hell. They greatly feared the sight of suffering souls in hell. Mary had told them that God loved them very much, and one day they would be with Him in heaven. However, Mary knew that this terrible vision would keep them from sin in their lives here on earth if they realized that the devil and hell were real. The second secret was a revelation that World War I would come to an end, but if Russia did not convert to Christianity, a second devastating war would come to pass (World War II). Our Blessed Mother promised the children that she would be victorious in the end. These two secrets were revealed to the Church leaders in 1941 by Lucia after she had grown up and had become a Carmelite nun. The third secret was a vision for the children of a high mountain with a cross at the top. Many people were walking toward the cross led by a Bishop dressed in white. When these pilgrims reached the top of the hill, soldiers killed the Bishop and his followers as they made their way to God. This vision was fulfilled in 1981 when Pope John Paul II was shot in a large crowd in Rome. The date was May 13 the anniversary of Our Lady s first appearance to the children! Our Holy Father explained his survival with the following words: it was a mother s hand that guided the bullet s path and in his throes the Pope halted at the threshold of death. (May 13, 1994) The Church did not reveal this secret until 2000 when Pope John Paul beatified Francisco and Jacinta on the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima. Queen of Peace, Pray for Us. Pray For Those... Who Have Died: Oryless Kessler Who Are Sick: John Mark Houle, Mary Kaspor, Patricia Maguire & Theresa Ryan Covenant of Love Date Night At St. Thomas Parish In October All married and engaged couples are invited to an evening of marriage enrichment at St. Thomas the Apostle (24 th St & Campbell) Friday, October 6th, 6:30 8:30PM in the Parish Hall. Our October Date Night will include a presentation from Guest Speaker Sister Teresa Christi, of the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist. The evening is free, and 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. RSVP childcare to datenight@staphx.org. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED If you both can t make it, we always need more Safe Environment Trained Adults to help with childcare. Call Ann Marie at 602-315-0258 for more information. How Do I Find Out More About Becoming Catholic And The RCIA Process? The best way is simply to begin! If you are an adult that has never been baptized and is interested in becoming Catholic, The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Inquiry is for you. Inquiry Sessions are every Sunday in September in the Convent Upper Room following the 9AM Liturgy at 10:15AM. Attending an Inquiry Session does not obligate you to join the RCIA process. "Come and See" Jn 1:39 33 Days to Morning Glory With Father Michael Gaitley, MIC In these hectic days and times, Saints John Paul II and Mother Teresa knew that the quickest way to be transformed in our faith is through a Consecration to Our Blessed Mother Mary because she leads us directly to the Heart of Jesus. Join us for six Wednesdays this fall to discover a quick path to finding peace within yourself with Mary s help. When? October 25th through December 6th (excluding Thanksgiving week) 1-2:30PM or 6:30-8PM. Where? Convent Upper Room. Registration Fee? $18 per participant for all materials. (If you have already completed this Consecration to Mary and have all materials, join us at no cost. However, you must complete the registration for this retreat.) Register online at www.sttheresaphx.org and click on the 33 Days to Morning Glory link. Payment may be made with credit card. No Credit Card or have a question? Call 602-956-4434 and leave a message. Registration Deadline: Monday, October 9, 2017. We will return your call promptly. Through daily readings and weekly meetings with videos by Fr, Michael Gaitley, MIC, we will share our insights and grow in knowledge about our faith. Prayerfully consider joining us. To Jesus Through Mary
FEAST OF ST. THERESA OF THE CHILD JESUS CHILDREN S SACRAMENTAL PREP 2nd Grade Reconciliation Dates: Sundays, October 15th & November 5th: Parent/Child meeting, 10:30AM, Fr. Feeney Hall Monday, November 6th: Parent/Child meeting, 6PM, Fr. Feeney Hall Saturday, November 18th: Retreat & Sacrament, 10:30AM, in the Church For questions call Gina Keating at 602-840-0850, ext.. 111 or email Gina at gkeating@sttheresaphx.org. ELEMENTARY RELIGIOUS ED PASTORAL CARE Hospitalized Or Homebound? If you or a loved one is in need of communion, anointing of the sick or confession, please contact Maureen Schaaf in the Pastoral Care Ministry Office at mschaaf@sttheresaphx.org or call 602-586-7429. Alzheimer s Support Group Meets... Tuesday, October 31st at 4PM in the Parish Office Conference Room. If you are caring for someone with Alzheimer s or dementia and need support, stop in and see if this is the group for you. The New Evangelization is a task of apostolic (or pastoral) Kitchen Angel Elementary Religious Education 3 Years - 5th Grade & Home School The 2017-2018 Year Has Begun! Please visit the Parish website at www.sttheresaphx.org or contact Rita Laguna at Rlaguna@sttheresaphx.org to register your child now! action. Authentic apostolic action is nothing other than acts of true love done for the love of God and for our brothers and sisters. Currently Pastoral Care is in need of Kitchen Angels to help with Senior Luncheons and Funeral Receptions. If you feel called to serve in this capacity or you have any questions, please contact Maureen Schaaf in the Parish Office @ 602-586-7429 or at mschaaf@sttheresaphx.org. Tuesday Book Study After a Summer recess, the Tuesday afternoon Book Group begins meeting again on October 3rd from 1-2:30PM in the Parish Office Conference Room. The group will resume discussing Resisting Happiness by Matthew Kelly. Come by and join in. BUNCO - Monday, October 16th at 1:45PM in Fr. Feeney Hall. Please call Patti Iannucci @ 602-952-0802 for further information. Intercessor: A Person Who Intervenes on Behalf of Another, Especially by Prayer. Pastoral Care has put together a group of Intercessors who are emailed (at least once a week) with the needs and intentions of the St. Theresa Community. If you would like to become a St. Theresa Prayer Intercessor, email Maureen Schaaf at mschaaf@sttheresaphx.org. If you don t have email and want to be included please call Maureen Schaaf at 602-586-7429 and a list will be mailed to your home each week. Adoration Of The Blessed Sacrament Every Thursday from 9AM-8:30PM in the Convent Chapel. Come spend an hour with Jesus. Hour of Prayer for Peace Every Thursday 6:00-7:00PM in the Convent Chapel ARIZONA ROSARY CELEBRATION: Sunday, October 22nd at the Phoenix Convention Center from 2-4:15 PM. Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Arizona State Council and assisted by the Diocese of Tucson and Phoenix, Legion of Mary, Catholic Daughters of America, and many other Lay Catholic organizations. For more information visit www.azrosary.com. SENIOR LUNCHEON: There will be a Mass at 10AM with the Nuestras Pequenas Hermanas group from El Salvador so please come early, if you are able, to join in this liturgical celebration before heading over to Fr. Feeney Hall for lunch. Mass of Remembrance 2017 will be held on Monday, 6 th November at 7PM. If you had a loved one pass away this year and their funeral Mass was not at St. Theresa Parish, you are invited to contact Maureen Schaaf in the Pastoral Care Office at 602-586-7429 or mschaaf@sttheresaphx.org with your loved one s names so we may include them in this celebration.
Mass Intentions & Celebrants (OCTOBER 2ND-OCTOBER 8TH) MONDAY, OCTOBER 2ND 6:30AM MARY KASPOR, SPECIAL INT.-FR. JOACHIM TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3RD 6:30AM PATRICIA MAGUIRE, SPECIAL INT.-FR. JOACHIM WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4TH 6:30AM +DR. GENNARO LICOSATI-FR. JOACHIM 10:00AM JOHN MARK HOULE, SP. INT.-FR. CHUCK THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5TH 6:30AM THERESA RYAN, SPECIAL INT.-FR. CHUCK FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6TH 6:30AM ALL STCS TEACHERS, SP. INT.-FR. JOACHIM SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7TH 8:00AM +FR. GERALD-FR. JOACHIM 4:00PM FOR THE PARISHIONERS-FR. JC SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8TH 7:30AM +JACK HARLOW-FR. JOACHIM 9:00AM +ESTHER KMETTY-MSGR. MOYER 11:00AM +BETTY GRUNENWALD-FR. PERI 5:00PM ALL STCS STUDENTS, SP. INT.-FR. CHUCK The Priest scheduled to celebrate the Mass IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. ~Readings ~ Week of October 1, 2017 Sunday Ez 18:25-28; Ps 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9; Phil 2:1-11 or 2:1-5; Mt 21:28-32 Monday Zec 8:1-8; Ps 102:16-18, 19-21, 29 and 22-23; Mt 18:1-5, 10 Tuesday Zec 8:20-23; Ps 87:1b-3, 4-5, 6-7; Lk 9:51-56 Wednesday Neh 2:1-8; Ps 137:1-2, 3, 4-5, 6; Lk 9:57-62 Thursday Neh 8:1-4a, 5-6, 7b-12; Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 11; Lk 10:1-12 Friday Bar 1:15-22; Ps 79:1b-2, 3-5, 8, 9; Lk 10:13-16 Saturday Bar 4:5-12, 27-29; Ps 69:33-35, 36-37; Lk 10:17-24 Sunday Is 5:1-7; Ps 80:9, 12, 13-14, 15-16, 19-20; Phil 4:6-9; Mt 21:33-43 Sunday 10:15AM RCIA (Convent Upper Rm) 1:00PM Blessing of the Animals (Guadalupe Courtyard) Monday 6:30PM Edge (Life Rm/Msgr. McMahon Gym) Tuesday 1:00PM Book Study (Parish Conference Rm) 6:00PM Adult Basketball (Msgr. McMahon Gym) Grief Group (Parish Conference Rm) 6:30PM SVDP Mtg. (Convent Conference Rm) 7:00PM Cub Scout Pack #147 Planning (PJP Rm) Knights of Columbus (Convent Upper Rm) Wednesday 9:30AM Centering Prayer (Convent Chapel) 11:30AM Senior Luncheon (Fr. Feeney Hall) 5:00PM Reconciliation (Church) 6:30PM Rosary (Convent Chapel) Thursday 9:00AM Adoration (Convent Chapel) 7:00PM Infant Baptism Orientation (Parish Conference Rm) Kevin Saunders Fall Session (Fr. Feeney Hall) Friday Saturday 9:00AM Reconciliation (Church) 5:00PM Dad s Club BBQ (Fr. Feeney Hall) 8:00PM Al Anon (Classroom 16) Alcoholics Anonymous (Classroom 17)