Saint Theresa of Avila Parish
A Roman Catholic Parish in the Archdiocese of Boston
2078 Centre Street  
West Roxbury, Massachusetts 02132
617-325-1300

Christ has no body now on earth but yours,
no hands but yours, no feet but yours;
yours are the eyes through which Christ's compassion looks out on the world,
yours are the feet with which He is to go about doing good
    and yours are the hands with which He is to bless us now.    
                                     Teresa of Avila

 


Welcome to St. Theresa of Avila Parish Home Page

St. Theresa of Avila Parish is a large Roman Catholic parish located in the Boston neighborhood of West Roxbury. In 1995 the Parish celebrated its centennial anniversary adopting as our theme "Saint Theresa Parish: Beginning our Second Century of Faith, Worship, and Service." This theme well describes life in our parish. We are a community bound together by our shared faith in God. We gather weekly, and for many, daily, in worship. We take very seriously our call to discipleship and our obligation to service. Our faith and our worship give us the grace and commitment to go into the world as followers of Jesus Christ. We sincerely hope that this web page will provide a modest introduction to our parish. Please contact us by e-mail, telephone, fax, U.S. mail, carrier pigeon or any other way. We would love to hear from you. Please come visit our beautiful church and join us for Mass. The schedule for Mass and confessions is printed below.


Pastor's Greeting

Sacraments

Mass Schedule  

Monographs by Raymond Helmick, SJ on the Tabernacle Tower and Mosaics:  https://www2.bc.edu/raymond-helmick/   Directory:
*Parish Staff
 
*Telephone   
*Office hours
  
*Directions

This Week's  Note
from Monsignor Helmick

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Parish News

Preserving Our Legacy; Ensuring Our Future

Ministry schedule:
 Cantors  
(updated 3/16)  
and  
Extraordinary Ministers 
of Holy Communion
(updated 5/8) 

Religious Education
News and more

 

Parish Music Notes  
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CYO News   
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Retirees
Schedule of events!

Around town: The Church beyond our parish
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Volunteer Opportunities
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Archdiocesan News & Events 

Citations for 
Daily Scripture Readings 

Question of the Week
 

Life of our Patron, 
Saint Theresa of Avila 

A brief video of the life of Theresa of Avila 

 Mass Times

Mass schedules for traveling Catholics (link)


Links
~ interesting web sites. 
  

News from Catholic TV

 
Saint Theresa School News

Photo Album:
our church
our parish staff




Parish Staff

Pastor:                   The Reverend Monsignor William Manning Helmick

Parochial Vicars:    Reverend Richard S. Bradford (Wednesday and Thursday, and Friday a.m.)
                                    

In Residence:         Reverend Raymond G. Helmcik, S.J.
                             The Most Reverend Emilio Allué, SDB, DD

Religious Education:
Office: 617-469-2898
Grades K - 6:             Mrs. Anne Barden
Grades 7 -12:             Mrs. Diane Flynn
RCIA:                        Susan Abbott

Music Director:        Mr. Brandon Santini

School Principal:      Mrs. Jane Gibbons (617-323-1050)

CYO Coordinator:    Diane Murphy

Outreach Director:  Sister Virginia Kelleher, CSJ (617-325-9171)

Parish Secretary:     Mrs. Carol O'Brien

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Directory

Saint Theresa of Avila Church
2078 Centre Street 
West Roxbury, Massachusetts 02132

Parish House: 10 Saint Theresa Avenue, West Roxbury, MA 02132

RECTORY OFFICE HOURS 
Monday through Friday:               9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.    
Saturday and Sunday:                   8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.        
    
If a parishioner is sick and needs to receive the sacraments, a priest can always be reached by calling 617-325-1300.  The answering service will contact the priest on duty to respond to emergency calls of this nature. 

Telephone: 617- 325-1300Fax: 617-325-0380

Religious Education Office: 617-469-2898

Parish Outreach Office:       617- 325-9175

St. Theresa School:               617-323-1050

Music Director:                     617- 325-1300 extension 126

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Saint Theresa  Church and Chapel are both handicapped accessible through our Pavilion. Entrance to the church parking lot is from St. Theresa Avenue, off of Centre Street.

Saint Theresa Church is located at 2078 Centre Street at the corner of St. Theresa Avenue, in West Roxbury. It is easily accessible by public transportation. From Forest Hills station (Orange Line) the Charles River and Stimson Street buses stop directly across from the church. The Needham Local Commuter Rail train runs Monday through Saturday; West Roxbury station is one block from the church.  Check schedules and routes at http://www.mbta.com

Driving Directions
St. Theresa of Avila Church is easily accessible from Route 128/Route 95.   
Map and directions: http://mapq.st/x8KtH8

From the south
From Route 128/95, take exit 15A (Dedham).  This brings you to onto Route 1.  You will pass several stores and restaurants (Best Buy, TGI Fridays).  Stay straight, passing the Dedham Mall (Sears) and several fast food places.  At the intersection of VFW Parkway (Route 1) and Spring Street, (there is a donut shop across the street and the V.A. Hospital marquee is ahead) take a right onto Spring Street.  Stay on Spring Street, past Tony's Restaurant and Shaws Market.  You will see the church steeple up ahead on the right.  Spring Street becomes Centre Street (Kfoury Funeral Home on right and Tedeschi's on left).  Take a right at the church, onto St. Theresa Avenue, the church parking lot is the first left.  

From the west:
Take Route 9 east. At Barnes & Noble (across from the Chestnut Hill Mall), take exit for West Roxbury/Hyde Park. Stay to the right on the ramp and you will be on Hammond Pond Parkway.  At the rotary, take the second right onto LaGrange Street.  Stay on LaGrange, keep to the right when the road spurs to the left.  You will cross VFW Parkway (Carrigg Monuments on the corner).  Remain on LaGrange. The second lights after VFW Pkwy is Centre Street.  The Corrib Pub will be ahead on the left, Blanchards is on the right.  Take a right from LaGrange onto Centre Street.  Get in the left lane, Saint Theresa of Avila Church is just ahead on the left.  Take a left at the lights
onto St. Theresa Avenue, the church parking lot is the first left.    

From downtown Boston:
Take Storrow Drive west bound and exit at Fenway.  Get into the right lane on the exit ramp, stay right onto Boylston Street (outbound).  Pass by Yawkey Way and Fenway Park.  Stay straight.   Boylston Street becomes Brookline Avenue at the intersection with Park Drive (Emmanuel College will be ahead on the left).  Take Brookline Avenue past the hospital area (Beth Israel, Deaconess, Dana Farber).  Take a left onto the Riverway, which becomes the Jamaica Way.  Stay on the Jamaica Way until the rotary at the Jamaica Way and Centre Street.  Do not go around the rotary, take a right at the rotary onto Centre Street.  Pass the Faulkner Hospital and VFW Parkway, staying on Centre Street.  At the rotary at Holy Name Church, take the second right - still Centre Street.  Go through the business district, pass Starbucks, Roche Brothers supermarket, CVS, fire station and library.  As you approach the intersection of Centre and LaGrange Streets (Corrib Restaurant and Blanchards on the corners) you will see the church steeple ahead.  Get into the left lane and take a left at the lights in front of the church, onto St. Theresa Avenue.  The parking lot is the first left.

Get driving directions at http://www.mapquest.com/

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Mass Schedule 
Saturday: 4:00 and 5:30 p.m. 
Sunday: 7:30, 9:00, 10:30 a.m. and 12 Noon

Vigil of holydays: 4:00 and 7:30 p.m. 
Holydays: 6:30, 9:30 a.m.; 12:15 and 7:30 p.m.

All weekend and holyday Masses are celebrated in the main church.

Weekday Masses are celebrated in the Chapel, Monday through Friday, 6:45 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., and Saturday morning 6:45 a.m.

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in the Chapel every Saturday following the 6:45 a.m. Mass, with Benediction at 3:30 p.m.

Weekday Mass Schedule in Our Area:
St. Theresa of Avila~~  6:45 A.M. Mon.-Sat.;  4:00 P.M. Mon. –Fri.
Holy Name Parish~~    8:00 A.M. Mon.-Sat.
Sacred Heart Parish~~ 8:30 A.M. Mon-Sat.
St. John Chrysostom~  9:00 A.M. Mon.-Sat.

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 Sacraments


Reconciliation
: Confessions are heard in the Chapel on Saturday afternoons, 3 - 4 p.m. and on the Thursday before First Friday, 4:30 - 5:00 p.m.

Baptism is celebrated on the second and fourth Sunday of the month at 1:15 p.m. in the Chapel.  A preparation meeting for parents and Godparents is held on the Friday evening prior to the second Sunday of the month at 7:30 p.m. in the Chapel. Parents are asked to contact the Parish House at least two weeks before the Baptism. If you are expecting your first child, or are new to the parish, please contact the Parish House one month before your baby's due date. Baptism is the sacrament of welcome into the community of faith. For this reason, and because of the large number of Baptisms at Saint Theresa's each year, the parish cannot offer private Baptisms.

Marriage: Couples planning to be married at Saint Theresa's should make an appointment with one of the priests at least six months prior to the wedding date.

 

  Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults: The RCIA is a formation process involving both liturgical and educational opportunities for adults seeking membership in the Catholic Church. The RCIA is for the unbaptized, for those baptized in other Christian churches, and for Catholics who have been baptized but have not yet received Eucharist, Penance or Confirmation.   For further information contact the Parish Office 617-325-1300.

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Pastor's Greeting

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to our parish home page. Saint Theresa Parish is willing and able to use the tools of technology to reach parishioners, visitors, and anyone just curious about our parish and the Catholic Church. We are proud of our parish.  Our web page contains information about what the parish is doing to bring parishioners of all ages closer to the Lord and the Catholic Church.

The Pastoral Staff at Saint Theresa's is dedicated to serving our parish community: young, old, and in-between, large families, small families and households of one. Our liturgies, programs, and services help make Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, an integral part of our lives.

We cordially invite you to visit us - here in cyberspace or in person. Our beautiful church is a gem of Gothic architecture, our liturgies are celebrated with grace and reverence, our parish choir enhances our worship each Sunday at our 10:30 Mass, September through June. To those Catholics who live here in West Roxbury but have not been with us at Mass, I extend a very special invitation to join us on Sunday. What happens here at Mass each Sunday, each day, gives each of us the strength and support we need to get through our week. The love and grace of the Lord is boundless! Come and see for yourself.

With the assurances of a prayerful remembrance for you and all those you hold dear, I am

Sincerely in Christ,

Reverend Monsignor William M. Helmick
Pastor

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 A Note from Monsignor Helmick

May 20, 2012

NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD  

Every now and then, we try to put limitations on what God can do. We fall into the trap of thinking that, if there is something we cannot do, then God cannot do it as well.  We believe that God knows us by name, but, every now and then we get to thinking that we cannot know everyone by name, and so, it must not be possible for God to know everyone by name.

On the Feast of Our Lord’s Ascension into heaven, which we celebrated last Thursday, we are given a glimpse of our final destination. Our Lord has ascended bodily into heaven, to be at the right hand of Our Father. Where the Lord has gone, we hope to be. We have Our Lord’s promise: “I will come back to take you with Me, that where I am, you also may be.” Our own entrance into eternal life will be the fullness of the Lord’s gift of salvation.  And yet, we also believe that the Lord’s words to His Disciples are true: “I am with you always.” We may get to thinking that He cannot be in heaven, bodily present, and also, at the same time, with us always.

When these words come to mind, we should be at peace, with the realization that nothing is impossible with God. We always need to have Faith and trust in God, realizing that He can do anything that is good. It is to our great advantage that, even though the Lord Jesus has ascended bodily into heaven, He, nonetheless, is with us always. This is especially true of His Real Presence in the Eucharist, in which He gives us Himself to strengthen us in our daily efforts to be faithful to Him.  Our Lord’s Presence is not something we can see, feel, and touch. But, we have His word, He cannot deceive us, because He is God Himself, and God is the God of Truth, not the God of falsehood and empty promises. And so, we can count on His promises, we can count on His Presence among us. “Wherever two or three are gathered in My name, there I am in the midst of them”, Jesus said. His presence is found in the homes of the Faithful. He is present in the Church, He is present in the Sacraments- - - in the Sacrament of Penance, He is present to us with His mercy and His forgiveness for our sins.

And so, we need to remember that the all- powerful God can do what we can not do. Nothing is impossible with God, for which we should always be so grateful to Him. At one and the same time, He is, bodily, at the right hand of the Father, in heaven, interceding for us- - - and He remains present to us, mysteriously but truly present, helping and supporting us in every way, in each and every circumstance of our lives.

 Reverend Monsignor William M. Helmick 
Pastor

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         Sunday Mass   Why?      

CREATE IN ME A CLEAN HEART O LORD


NEWS OF THE WEEK  
   

 for those living in the Parkway area.....
WELCOME NEW PARISHIONERS  

New parishioners are always welcome at Saint Theresa’s Parish.  Our parish is enriched by new members. Our activities benefit from your presence, but more importantly, your presence with us at our weekly celebration of the Eucharist strengthens us as a community of faith.
To register for the parish and to receive the envelopes or sign up for the EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) you may stop by the rectory or call 617-325-1300. Envelopes or EFT are the only ways we have of keeping track of your contributions should you need a list of donations for tax purposes. We thank our parishioners who use envelopes or EFT routinely and encourage you to contact the rectory to sign up for either program.

MAY DEVOTIONS 
All are welcome to join us in the Chapel each weekday at 3:30 during the month of May as we recite the Rosary in honor of Our Blessed Mother. 

 

SECOND COLLECTION~~ MAY 19/20 
Catholic Communication Campaign Next week’s second collection supports the Catholic Communication Campaign (CCC). CCC develops   media programming, projects and resources that promote Gospel values. 50 % of the collection supports local communication efforts, such as televised Masses and diocesan newspapers. The other 50% supports the development and production of a wide range of national media programming. Please visit www.USCCB.org/ccc for more information

PARISH OUTREACH 
There will be a meeting of the Parish Outreach volunteers on Tuesday evening, May 22 in the Pavilion at 6:30 P.M. If anyone would like to join us, you would be most welcome. We look forward to seeing you there. 

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION 
Many thanks to all our Religious Education students who returned their Rice Bowls at the end of Lent. We raised $162.00 to help feed the needy children of the world. 

RCIA
The RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is the official collection of rites of the Roman Catholic Church for initiation of adults and the reception of baptized candidates into the Church. The RCIA is a process rather than a program.  It is a process by which adults “after hearing the mystery of Christ proclaimed, consciously and freely seek the living God….By God’s help they will be strengthened spiritually during their preparation and…..will receive the sacraments fruitfully.” And it is a process of formation in prayer, information on the teachings of the Church, and transformation, an awareness of a need for, personal conversion toward Jesus Christ. All of this is done within the context of a community of faith – the parish.
Participants in the RCIA are at different stages on their faith journey
The RCIA is for: 
people who were never baptized, or
those baptized in another faith, or
those who were baptized Catholic but have never received the sacraments of Eucharist or Confirmation.
If you are interested in the Catholic faith, or have a friend or relative who may be interested in making this journey of faith, please invite the person to contact the rectory. Meetings begin mid-October.

For weekly adult enrichment and reflection, please look at the Question of the Week section on our Scripture page. Daily Scripture Readings

Second Collection~~ May 26/27 
Seminarians
Next week’s second collection supports the formation and training of seminarians in the Archdiocese of Boston at Saint John’s Seminary in Brighton and Blessed Pope John XXIII Seminary in Weston for service, we pray, as future priests. We are blessed that many are responding to the call to serve as priests. Please be generous to support these seminarians on their journey toward their ordination to the priesthood. For more information, please visit www.VocationsBoston.org 

MEMORIAL DAY CEMETERY MASSES 
On Monday, May 28, Memorial Day, Masses will be celebrated at three local cemeteries. The schedule is as follows: 

SAINT JOSEPH CEMETERY MAIN GATE OFF LAGRANGE STREET
10:00 A.M.

MOUNT BENEDICT CEMETERY  409 COREY STREET
10:00 A.M.
TENT AND SEATING AT MAIN ENTRANCE

NEW CALVARY CEMETERY 800 HARVARD STREET, MATTAPAN 
11:00 A.M. FOLLOW SIGNS TO SECTION 23—CHAPEL CANOPY AND SEATING

We celebrate these Masses at the cemeteries each year to give people an opportunity to pray for their deceased loved ones. All are most welcome to attend.

EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT
Faizal Westcott
My Eagle Service Project is a collection drive that will provide electronic entertainment for the men and women of the armed services and the Veterans Hospital. Did you know that our troops only have electronic entertainment media that they own themselves? When the Navy and Coast Guard, for example, go out to sea for long periods of time they have very limited items to keep themselves entertained. Do you have movies, videogames, books on tape lying around that you would like to give to our soldiers and veterans? Do you have CD players, unused gaming consoles like Xboxes, PS3s, and Gameboys? Anything that you donate will be greatly appreciated by our troops and veterans. There are many men and women at the Veterans Hospital who are bedridden who could happily use these items to entertain themselves while they get better. Please help out by donating your no longer used entertainment for our troops and veterans. This project will show how we appreciate what they do and have done for our country. If you would like, I will list your name and what you have donated in my Eagle Project. I will be collecting items before and after the Masses in St. Theresa’s Pavilion on Saturday, June 2, Sunday June 3, Saturday June 9, and Sunday June 10.

LECTORS ~~ EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF THE EUCHARIST kindly are asked to fill-out the form below concerning their availability during the months of July-September. Please return this form to the Rectory by June 10. Thank you. 
Quarterly Form
July, August, September

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Name_______________________________________________

Lector _____ EM_____

Weekends not available to serve:_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

THE CATHOLIC APPEAL
As of Tuesday, May 15, 293 parishioners from Saint Theresa Parish have pledged $69,232.15 to the 2012 Annual Catholic Appeal.  We thank you for your generosity to this most worthy appeal which does so much to help those in need in the Archdiocese of Boston, beyond the boundaries of our parish. If you have not yet contributed to this Appeal and would like to do so, forms are available at the doors of the Church or in the Rectory office. For whatever sacrifice you may be able to make for those less fortunate, Cardinal O’Malley and I will be deeply grateful.

 

SAINT THERESA PARISH RETIREES
SUNDAY, JULY 1, 2012 ~ SAIL BOSTON BICENTENNIAL COMMEMORATION – WAR OF 1812
SUNDAY, JULY 8, 2012 ~ Tanglewood & The Pops 
                     Only 7 seats remain for our trip to Tanglewood. Please contact Marie Fox if you would like to attend. 
f
or more information about these trips click on Retirees.


PHYSICIAN ASSISTED SUICIDE
Keep informed on this truly vital issue.  
The “Death with Dignity Act”, if passed in November 2012, will legalize doctor-prescribed suicide in Massachusetts. Do you know about this law? Do you know how it will affect medical care in Massachusetts? Experts in medicine, law and ethics will explain how you can oppose doctor prescribed suicide at one of the following workshops:
Thursday, May 17, 2012 Pastoral Center, Braintree 1-3 P.M.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012 Saint Mary Dedham 7-9 P.M. in Mary Hall below the Main Church 
Thursday May 31, 2012 Saint John Chrysostom West Roxbury 7-9 P.M.
To register contact for a workshop contact: ann_cussen@rcab.org  phone: 617-779-3644; fax: 617-779-4570
For more information go to: www.suicideisalwaysatragedy.org 
Read more here.

BIBLE STUDY

Q: What kind of man was Boaz before he married?   A: Ruthless

Q: Who was the greatest female financier in the Bible? 
A: Pharaoh’s daughter. She went down to the bank of the Nile and drew out a little prophet.

Q: What excuse did Adam give to his children as to why he no longer lived in Eden? A: Your mother ate us out of house and home.

PARISH OUTREACH ~ FISHER HOUSE 
We received the following letter from Ralph Marche, Chief of Volunteer Services at the West Roxbury Veterans Affairs Medical Center:
Dear Outreach Committee:
On behalf of the West Roxbury-VA Boston HCS patients and staff, we would like to extend our appreciation to you for your donations of dinner for the Fisher House families. Your thoughtfulness reflects the concern that you feel for our veterans and for the service they provided to all of us while in service to our country. Without your support, we could not provide for the smaller niceties that make hospitalization more bearable. Your thoughtfulness also reflects the concern and compassion that our community feels for our veterans.
Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Ralph Marche
Chief, Voluntary Service

ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER (EFT)
We have made arrangements with Parish Pay to have contributions to the “Preserving Our Legacy, Ensuring Our Future” Capital Campaign for Saint Theresa’s Parish made electronically. Parishioners may go to the following link to start their pledges electronically. http://www.parishpay.com/customer/donation.asp?id=34582 Contributions to the weekly offertory may also be made through the EFT Program. Call the Rectory for more details (617-325-1300).

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Catholic Charities Food Pantry
Urgent Need for Pasta!!  The Catholic Charities Food Pantry is in desperate need of pasta donations. Pasta is a staple at the food pantry, and the supplier has been unable to keep up with the great need that exists. The situation is urgent!! 
You can bring your contributions of food to the school office Monday through Friday from 8:00 A.M. to 2:30 P.M. For anyone who cannot get to the school office during the week, contributions of food can be left at the rectory office on Saturday mornings from 9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. 
I am most grateful for your generous response to this prolonged appeal for food, and I know that the officials of Catholic Charities and the recipients of the food are most grateful to you as well.
Reverend Monsignor William M. Helmick, Pastor

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DID YOU KNOW THAT… 
The Archdiocese of Boston, through the Office of Religious Education, has partnered with the
University of Dayton, a Catholic Marianist Institution, to provide online learning opportunities for interested adults.  Courses are five weeks long, earn 2.5 credits, and are conducted throughout the year, in seven cycles.  Cost to participants in the Archdiocese of Boston is $40.00, payable directly to UD. Courses include: Catholic Beliefs, Scripture, Ecclesiology, Social Justice, and Morality – just to name a few!  Access to a computer with Internet connection is the only requirement. Participants do not have to be computer experts but should be comfortable using the computer.  The VLCFF staff provides excellent support for those who are anxious about participating in an on-line course. To learn more, see the extensive list of courses, or sign up, check out the VLCFF web site: http://vlc.udayton.edu  

CatholicTV  

 CatholicTV is available to parishioners of Saint Theresa Parish on the following channels: 
Comcast Cable ~~ Channel 268 Digital Set Top Box Required 
Verizon FiOS~~ Channel 271 
Sky Angel IPTV~~ Channel 142 
RCN~~ Channel 85 
and always and everywhere at: www.CatholicTV.com 

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  Parish Music Notes   

Music and Song are more than an embellishment of worship; they are themselves part of the liturgical action. Solemn sacred music...is not therefore a kind of addition that frames the liturgy and makes it more pleasing but an important means of active participation in worship.                                                                            Pope Benedict XVI; Alte Kapelle, Regensburg    

PARISH MUSIC MINISTRY

Come Join the Parish Choir
Have you thought of singing in the Parish Choir, but have been putting it off? This is the year to join!  We are a friendly group of folks from young adults to seniors who enjoy singing and contributing to the Parish’s worship.  We meet on Wednesday nights from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. to practice and sing for the 10:30 Sunday Mass. Ability and experience are helpful, but not required!  You can learn “as you go.”   We meet in the choir room, which is located below the sacristy; the entrance is from the parking lot, across from the rectory.

Children's Choir and Choristers 
Do you want your child to learn how to sing and enjoy music in a warm and friendly environment? Then the Children's Choir and Choristers here at Saint Theresa Parish is for your child. Rehearsals take place on Wednesdays in the Choir room of the Church. 
Children's Choir is for students in grades 2 and 3, as well as for students in grade 4 who have never sung in the choir. It meets from 2:30  to 3;25.  
Children's Cantors is for students in grades 4 through 9 who are cantors or wish to train as a cantor, or song leader at Mass. It meets from 3:30- 4:00. 
Choristers is for students in grades 4 through 9. It meets from 4:00- 5:15pm and includes Children's Handbells. (Please note that it is also for students who attend St. Theresa's Religious Education program (CCD) who are in lower grades and who are unable to attend Children's choir rehearsal.) 
The choirs sing at the 9:00 Sunday Mass about twice a month. Additional concerts and events are included, such as the Advent/ Christmas Concert and choir workshops. For more information contact Mrs. Sophia Korniyasov sophia.raniuk@verizon.net

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CYO

REMINDER: CYO is open to all High School students, grades 9-12. Stop by the Rectory anytime to join! 

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EVENTS 'ROUND TOWN: Look What's Happening Beyond Our Parish ....

West Roxbury/Roslindale Massachusetts Citizens for Life 
Margaret O’Hara Chapter
Monthly meetings are held on the on the third Thursday of the month at the West Roxbury Police Station from 7:00-9:00 P.M. All are welcome to attend. 

 

Dance for Life 
The Margaret O’Hara West Roxbury / Roslindale Chapter of MCFL will hold their annual Dance for Life Fundraiser on Saturday, May 19 at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 110 Park Street, West Roxbury, from 7:00-11:00 P.M. Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance  from Joanne McGrath, 206 Stratford Street, West Roxbury, for $10.00. For more information, please call Marie (617-323-2287).

SENIOR PALOOZA~~ SENIOR PROM 
Join ETHOS in celebrating Older Americans Month at our Annual Senior Prom featuring lunch, dancing, and door prizes. This year’s theme is “A Night in Paris,” so wear your best night-on-the-town or festive attire. The event will take place on Thursday, May 24 from 12:00-3:00 P.M. at the Irish Social Club of Boston, 119 Park Street, West Roxbury. Space is limited. Reserve your seat today. There is no charge for this event , but lots of fun!! To RSVP, call Raymond  Santos, Community Relations Director, 617-477-6724 or email reservations to seniorpalooza@ethocare.org by May 18, 2012. All are welcome!!

the deutches altenheim german center 
located at 2222 Centre Street
Mother’s Day Bake and Gift Sale May 12, 2012 from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. 
Treat the Mom in your life to delicious baked goods and/ or find that perfect gift item to show you care. All proceeds benefit the Deutsches Altenheim Resident Activity Fund.  For more information, please call 617-325-1230.

Deutsches Altenheim, holds two Support Groups for people who know someone living with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia.  One group is for adult children and one is for spouses.  The groups are held monthly at the Deutches Altenheim Nursing Home, 2222 Centre Street.  For more information please call Susan O'Connell at 617-325- 1230 X 253 or Margaret Wright at 617-325- 1230 X 259.

IRISH EXPLORER! 
Come and join Tom Manguem, Music Director, Holy Name Parish
October 23 – November 1, 2012
$2,799 per person double
Aer Lingus non-stop from Boston, Superior Class Hotel Accommodations 8 Full Irish Breakfasts & 8 Dinners 
Newgrange, Boyne Valley,Cabra Castle, ‘Titanic Belfast’, Giant’s Causeway, Derry City, Antrim Coast, Malin Head Innishowen Peninsula, Donegal, Cliffs of Slieve League, Adara, Glencolumbcille, Co. Sligo, Tobernault Holy Well, Drumcliffe, Kilronan Castle, Belleek China Factory, Killary Harbor, Connemara, Kylemore Abbey, Galway City and so much more.

For further information and a brochure contact: Tom Manguem 617-325-4865 ext.21 
or call Eliesa at Carmel Tours 978-977-3062  email: carmeltour@aol.com

DEPOSIT DEADLINE BY JUNE 1ST, 2012!

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS MUSEUM EXHIBIT  
The Knights of Columbus Museum is privileged to announce the opening of a new Vatican exhibition dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Titled Full of Grace, Crowned Madonnas from the Vatican Basilica, this unique show was created by the Vatican just for the museum. This is the first time that the restored Crowned Madonna collection is being shown. It includes 90 beautiful works of art and a full-sized reproduction of Michelangelo’s La Pieta. Through the end of June, the special Pope John Paul II exhibition titled : “Blessed: A Tribute to John Paul II ” will still be showing, giving you an opportunity to see both of these magnificent exhibitions. Blessed includes paintings, sculptures, relics, mementos and gifts from John Paul II. For more information, visit kofcmuseum.org or call 203-865-0400.

 

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NEWS and EVENTS from the ARCHDIOCESE

PHYSICIAN ASSISTED SUICIDE
Keep informed on this truly vital issue.  
The “Death with Dignity Act”, if passed in November 2012, will legalize doctor-prescribed suicide in Massachusetts. Do you know about this law? Do you know how it will affect medical care in Massachusetts? Experts in medicine, law and ethics will explain how you can oppose doctor prescribed suicide at one of the following workshops:
Thursday, May 17, 2012 Pastoral Center, Braintree 1-3 P.M.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012 Saint Mary Dedham 7-9 P.M. in Mary Hall below the Main Church 
Thursday May 31, 2012 Saint John Chrysostom West Roxbury 7-9 P.M.
To register contact for a workshop contact: ann_cussen@rcab.org  phone: 617-779-3644; fax: 617-779-4570
For more information go to: www.suicideisalwaysatragedy.org 
Read more here.

25TH AND 50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY MASS 
His Eminence, Seán Cardinal O’Malley, O.F.M. Cap. invites all couples celebrating their 25th or 50th wedding anniversary in 2012 to the Wedding Anniversary Mass at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Sunday, June 3rd at 11:30am. Mass will include a renewal of vows. Family  members and friends are welcome to attend. Please register online at www.BostonCatholic.org/MarriageMinistries or with the parish office. Please register by May 25th to have your name included in the printed list of Anniversary Couples. A formal invitation and more information will be sent beginning in May from the Archdiocese to anniversary couples. Congratulations on your anniversary! 

PERMANENT DIACONATE 
The Permanent Diaconate Formation Program, which for the past three years was located at two sites (the Pastoral Center in Braintree and Merrimack College in North Andover), will move to the Theological Institute for the New Evangelization in Brighton beginning in September 2012. This central site will provide the opportunity for all groups in formation to meet together and for those discerning a possible vocation to  apply to the program at any time rather than waiting for a class to begin at a regional location. We are excited by this opportunity to bring all the classes in formation together, to expand our access to the best instructors in the Boston area, and to bring our formation program close to the lay and priest formation programs under the banner of the New Evangelization which is the Church’s central mission in our time. Because of this change in venue we are extending the application period until April 15, 2012 for the group that will be considered for admission this coming September. Please contact Deacon Dan Burns deacondan_burns@rcab.org  617-746-5649)for more information.

PROJECT RACHEL
Do you know someone who is carrying grief and sorrow over past abortions? Project Rachel is the post-abortion ministry of the Catholic Church to help those dealing with the pain of abortion. Project Rachel will hold a “Come to the Waters of Healing” post-abortion retreat on Saturday, May5. Location is confidential. For more information, contact Project Rachel at 508.651.3100 or help@projectrachelboston.com. Trust in the tender mercy of God!

BLESSED JOHN XXIII NATIONAL SEMINARY is seeking men between the ages of 30 to 60 who love God and desire to be a shepherd among His people. If interested please call 781-899-5500 or e-mail seminary@blessedjohnxxiii.edu  or visit their website at    www.blessedjohnxxiii.edu                                         

 

 Please visit the Archdiocese of Boston web site: Archdiocese of Boston

Volunteer Opportunities in the Community

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY: Saint John’s Parish has an ongoing Prayer Shawl Ministry group. They meet on the first and third Mondays of each month from 7-9:00 P.M.  If anyone is interested in obtaining information or interested in joining, please call Kathy @781-326-6903.

FAULKNER
HOSPITAL If you have been thinking about enriching your life by making a difference in the lives of others, please consider joining the Volunteer Program at the Faulkner Hospital. Sample opportunities include assisting patients and visitors at the Information Desk, working with patients and staff in the Dana Farber/ Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center, searching on-line for health education materials using hospital library databases, working in the gift shop, or providing clerical or administrative support. For more information contact Susan Frost, Volunteer Services Coordinator at 617-983-7424 or email sbfrost@partners.org.  

PROJECT LINUS 
The Greater Boston Area Chapter of Project Linus is looking for volunteers to knit, crochet, quilt, or hand-tie “security blankets” for children in area hospitals, and for children suffering abuse or trauma, and in need of comfort. New blankets in any size and pattern, up to 40” by 60”, in baby, child, and teen-friendly colors, made of machine washable and dryable materials are needed. The goal is to provide a  blanket for every child in need of one. For more information, or to find out how to donate, please visit the website: www.bostonprojectlinus.com.

HEBREW REHABILITATION CENTER is looking for volunteers to assist in many different departments, help provide nourishment by becoming a Meal Mate, escort residents in wheelchairs to activities, lead small group activities such as Bingo, board games, music, and art, or assist with exercise programs. Contact Jodie Portman in Volunteer Services at 617-363-8459 or portman@hrca.harvard.edu.

NEW ENGLAND BAPTIST HOSPITAL is in need of volunteers. Opportunities exist in all areas of the hospital. Contact Lynn Stewart at lstewart1@caregroup,harvard.edu or 617-754- 5173.

MARIA FO MISSION CIRCLE OF HOLY NAME CHURCH: Women in the community meet each Wednesday morning to prepare medical supplies for shipment to third world countries through the auspices of Por Christo. We are in need of clean used sheets, mens’ shirts, towels, mattress padding, unused medical supplies (no medications). Yarn and sewing material is appreciated. For more information, please call  Holy Name Rectory:  617-325-4865.

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REFLECTIONS ON THE PRIESTHOOD : On the Parish Web Page you will find some Reflections on the Priesthood which were prepared by Monsignor Helmick.   Click here to read  A Priest's Week 


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+ Our Parish School   +

Saint Theresa of Avila School
Celebrating over 60 Years of Excellence 
Rooted in the Catholic tradition, serving students of diverse population

St. Theresa School is a Catholic elementary school that offers instruction to children from preschool through eighth grade. The school provides rigorous academics complimented  by classes in religion, Spanish, computers art, music, and physical education. The school’s facility features a school library, a computer center, a large gym/auditorium, a fully operational cafeteria and a tot lot for young children. Founded in 1950, St. Theresa’s serves children from West Roxbury and many surrounding communities. For more information about registration or about the school, please call 617-323-1050.  

LOOK WHAT’S HAPPENING AT SAINT THERESA’S SCHOOL  
On Tuesday, May 15th, the students welcomed Lt. (Senator) Michael Rush back to his Alma Mater. He presented Monsignor Helmick with a flag and plaque, thanking the Monsignor, the parish, and the students of Saint Theresa’s School for all their prayers and support during his tour in Iraq. The flag holds a very special meaning as it was flown over Iraq on Veteran’s Day, 11-11-11. Lt. (Senator) Michael Rush spoke to the students and answered numerous questions. The students were impressed with his stories from his days at Saint Theresa School. He then posed for a picture with three of his former teachers- - - Ms. Kathy Cronin (Grade 1), Ms. Karen Smith (Grade 3) and Ms. Denise Clifford (Grade 5).  We are thankful for his service to our community and country.

Registration for 2012/2013 School Year 
Registration is ongoing on Wednesdays for the 2012/2013 school year. Please call the school (617-323-1050) to make an appointment.

Early Childhood Flex Program 
Beginning in September, 2012, we will offer an Early Childhood Flex Program which is a developmental, emergent, and social program, and provides children an opportunity to play and interact with other children of the same age and to learn new social skills. Early Childhood students participate daily in the school life. Part-time hours and schedules are available. There is a 4 hour minimum per day, and a 12 hour minimum per week. The Early Childhood Flex Program is geared toward families who have flexible work schedules and would like the convenience to adjust the day/ times their young children will be attending school. The child’s scheduled days / times may be changed with advance written notice. 
www.sttheresaschoolboston.com

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SCHOOL FUNDRAISING: Thank you to all our parishioners who bring in Box Tops for the school fundraising. Please keep sending them to us! Box Tops can be left in the baskets at all the entrances of the Church or you can send them into school with a student you may know. We appreciate your help with this effort.

Please join us in congratulating our middle school students who have been accepted to the following schools:  Boston Latin, Boston Latin Academy, Roxbury Latin, Ursuline, Boston College High School, Mount Alvernia, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Catholic Memorial, Fontbonne , and Trinity Catholic. We would also like to congratulate the teachers of Saint Theresa School for their years of quality education and the parents for their support.

Alumni Update
Saint Theresa School is updating the alumni records. 
Please send your current address/ e-mail to: sttheresaschoolboston@comcast.net
Or mail your info to:
Laura Cloherty
Saint Theresa School
40 St. Theresa Avenue
West Roxbury, MA 02132
We look forward to hearing from you!! Please spread the word!!
To make a donation  to Saint Theresa of Avila School online, click here:  www.parishpay.com/customer/donation.asp?id=34633

Celebrating 60 Years of Excellence
617-323-1050 
www.sttheresaschoolboston.com

DID YOU GO TO CATHOLIC SCHOOLS?
The Catholic Schools Foundation (CSF) is a nonprofit that provides financial assistance to many needy students attending Catholic Schools in the Greater Boston area. CSF’s signature program, the Inner-City Scholarship Fund, offers volunteer opportunities for business professionals to enrich the educational experience of Catholic school students by bridging the gap between the classroom and the workplace. To continue to Build Minds and Change Lives, we need your help! Call the Foundation’s office at (617)778-5981 or visit www.csfboston.org to learn how you can ensure that a Catholic education is a viable option for all families.

Ongoing Events 
SCHOOL FUND RAISING
Thank you to all our parishioners who bring in Box Tops for the school fundraising. Please keep sending them to us! Box Tops can be left in the baskets at all the entrances of the Church or you can send them into school with a student you may know. We appreciate your help with this effort.  
To make a donation  to Saint Theresa of Avila School online, click here:  www.parishpay.com/customer/donation.asp?id=34633

 

Remember, our wonderful parish School has a web site too.  Click  to get news of all the great and exciting things going on in St. Theresa School.  Click and find out more! St. Theresa School  sttheresaschoolboston.com

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Mass Times

FREE ministry to traveling Catholics. For nationwide Mass times and locations:  http://www.thecatholicdirectory.com/

Traveling Catholics can get information on the times of worship services, as well as church location, telephone, and handicapped accessibility. This information is kept current by sending semi-annual reports to each parish and mission. 

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Thanks for visiting; since June 23, 1998 you are visitor   

Our parish school has long had an excellent Web site; be sure to visit it:   St. Theresa School

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Other Web sites of interest:

Archdiocese of Boston

www.locutor.net  Congregation of Saint Athanasius

The Vatican

American Catholic.org  (a wonderful web site from Saint Anthony Messenger Press)

www.jesuit.ie/prayer   Daily Prayer Online (10 minute prayer experience as you sit at your computer.  This, too, is a wonderful site, produced by the Irish Jesuits)

Sponsored by RC Net   

N.B.  to return to St. Theresa Parish home page from one of these links, just right click on your mouse and click the Back button

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 This page was updated on 
May 18 2012
   

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Every so often the wonders of technology are less than wonderful.  DSL connections crash, phone lines fail, gremlins and grinches conspire to delay the weekly updating of this page.  Our goal is to update by Saturday afternoon.  Please understand when that deadline can't be met.  We do try but sometimes circumstances arise that are beyond the control of mere mortals. 

We would love to hear from you!
Comments on this web page may be addressed to: abbott6@verizon.net     
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