St. Theresa of Avila Parish 
2078 Centre Street  
West Roxbury, Massachusetts

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!

Pastor's Greeting

The Year of the Priest

Sacraments

Mass Schedule  

Ministry schedule:
 Cantors   and  
Extraordinary Ministers 
of Holy Communion

Directory:
*Parish Staff
 
*Telephone 
*Office hours

*Directions

This Week's  Note
from Monsignor Helmick

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Parish News
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Flu Directives 
from the Archdiocese of Boston

Religious Education
News and more 

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

Parish Music Notes  
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CYO News   
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Retirees
Schedule of 2010 events!

The Importance of Weekly Mass

A Priest's Week

Citations for 
Daily Scripture Readings 

Question of the Week
Life of our Patron, 
Saint Theresa of Avila 

 Mass Times

Mass schedules for traveling Catholics (link)

 St. Theresa School

Photo Album:
our church
our parish staff


Note: for dial-up connections our photo album pages will take time to download (but it's worth the wait!)

 
Links ~ interesting web sites.   

News from Catholic TV

 


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.

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Parish Staff

Pastor:                   The Reverend Monsignor William Manning Helmick

Parochial Vicars:    Reverend Richard S. Bradford (Wednesday and Thursday, and Friday a.m.)
                                       
Revered Andreas Davison
                              Reverend Robert Blaney

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

CYO Coordinator:    Denise Henry

St. Theresa School: Mrs. Jane Gibbons, Principal

Music Director:       Richard R. Bunbury, Ph.D.

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 
Sunday:                                      8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.        
Monday through Thursday:          8:30 a.m. -  9:00 p.m.        
Friday:                                        8:30 a.m.
- 5:00 p.m.        
Saturday:                                    8:30 a.m. - 7:00 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

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.  

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.

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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.

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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 Religious Education Office.

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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

February 7, 2010

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

This past week we had a wonderful observance of Catholic Schools Week here, at Saint Theresa’s, throughout the Archdiocese of Boston, and all over the United States. We had a beautiful Mass last Sunday to begin the week, and there were special programs for the children and the teachers during the week. We also had two open houses to let parents see the school and to experience the life of the school.

This year, 2010, we are marking the 60th anniversary of Saint Theresa’s School, which was founded by Monsignor Charles Donahue and was staffed by the Sisters of Saint Joseph. Over the years, the presence of the Sisters of Saint Joseph in the school has gradually diminished. The lay teachers in the school have continued the extraordinary work of the Sisters with an exemplary emphasis on academic excellence and the realization that they cooperate with the parents in providing a strong religious education and foundation in the Faith for their students. In this, they are helped by Father Davison and Father Blaney- - -even by me!!

Looking back over the 60 years of the school’s life, there are countless people to whom all of us, who are part of the school today, should be so grateful. Monsignor Donahue, Bishop Minihan, and Monsignor Sheehan, who were the Pastors of Saint Theresa’s before me, were always very supportive of the school. The Sisters of Saint Joseph and the past principals, most recently Sister Virginia Kelleher, made enormous contributions to the life of the school.  

Over the years, the members of the PTA, - - - now called POST, Parents of Saint Theresa’s, the countless volunteers, the office, cafeteria, and custodial staff have worked very hard to help make the school the attractive place it is for the children to be. I have unforgettable memories of the time I first came to Saint Theresa’s, when Peter Bailey organized a group of volunteer painters- - - among whom I was numbered- - -and we painted the entire interior of the school.

More recently, the Parish Finance Council and the School Advisory Board have been extremely helpful in managing the financial structure of the school, which has turned out to be a great blessing for our school parents. I cannot forget the parishioners who always supported the school, and the anonymous donors who, in large and small ways, keep the school afloat. There is no way we could ever measure the amount of good which has been done for children and families over the past 60 years in Saint Theresa’s School.

The excellence of the academics and the ongoing formation in the Faith, together with the prayer life which takes place every day in the school, are blessings from God for one and for all.   Perhaps the most demanding work of all is the work of the Principal, Mrs. Jane Gibbons. It is her task to oversee, to encourage, and to support everyone who is part of the school, to make sure everyone is on the same page, to keep the act together. It is to our great benefit that Mrs. Gibbons, the first principal who is not a Sister of Saint Joseph, does all this in an extremely generous and competent and good natured way, one more person to whom and for whom we should be so grateful.

Three days before the start of Catholic Schools Week, the Catholic Church celebrated the Feast of Saint Thomas Aquinas, among the greatest theologians in the long history of the Church. He was a Dominican Priest, a holy man. His writings are still used in seminaries all over the world as the basis of theological instruction for those who are preparing for the priesthood. I saw a painting of Thomas Aquinas recently, and over the head of the Saint were these words: “You have written well of Me, Thomas!”

I can say the same of the teachers in our school, that they have spoken well and taught well about the Lord Jesus to the children in our school. The same is true of everyone else who is part of our school, something that happens by word and example, pointing the children toward Our Lord.

Pope John Paul II often said that …”there is no such thing as a coincidence.” He explained that what happened to us is the result of God’s Providence, a loving, caring Providence, even if sometimes the designs of God’s Providence are mysterious and painful.  Saint Theresa’s School is not a coincidence. God used and still uses a huge number of people to bring it about and to keep it moving. It is, actually, a gift from God, for which we should always render to Him our thanks and praise.

Reverend Monsignor William M. Helmick  
Pastor

 

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         Sunday Mass   Why?      

HOW LOVELY IS YOUR DWELLING PLACE, O LORD!   


 NEWS OF THE WEEK 
  

Liturgical Music ~  Music for Sunday liturgy

February 6/7        
Entrance Hymn:  Here I Am, Lord    
*Glory to God (Jones)   
*Preparation Rite Anthem:  Ave Verum (Guilmant)
Communion Meditation Refrain: Lord, When You Came to the Seashore   

Recessional Hymn:  Holy, Holy, Holy  

* Sung at 10:30 Mass only

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

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

We warmly welcome new parishioners to Saint Theresa’s. Please stop by the rectory to fill out a registration form and to introduce yourself. You can pick up a Parish Directory with a list of all the organizations which help our parish and school activities to take place.

 PETER’S PENCE COLLECTION
The purpose of the Peter’s Pence Collection is to provide the Holy Father with the financial means to respond with emergency assistance to those who are suffering as a result of war, oppression, natural disaster, and disease. This collection was started centuries ago to provide financial support for the Pope and has evolved to fund the Holy See’s charitable actions for those in need. This collection will be the second collection at all the Masses February 6/7.

Girl Scout Cookies
The Girl Scouts will be in the Pavilion before and after all the Masses next weekend, February 13/14 selling their delicious calorie fee cookies.  We hope you will support this program which is so vital to the Scouting program.

Cathedraticum 
The word “Cathedraticum” is derived from the Latin word “Cathedra” which refers to the Bishop’s chair in the Cathedral of a Diocese or Archdiocese.  In the United States and in many other countries, the Cathedraticum is a time-honored means of assisting the Bishop of the Archdiocese maintain his office and provide him with the wherewithal for his charitable works. The Catholic Appeal, to which our parishioners are extremely generous, does not completely cover the Cardinal’s Office or the requests for assistance that he receives all the time. In addition, the Cathedraticum helps to fund the offices of the Auxiliary Bishops in the Archdiocese of Boston. I added the second envelope marked “Cathedraticum” to the February envelope packet, to be of assistance to Cardinal O’Malley, and it will be the second collection next weekend, February 13/14. For whatever support you may be able to give to this collection, I am most grateful, and I know that Cardinal O’Malley is also grateful.

HAITIAN EARTHQUAKE RELIEF 
In the aftermath of the extraordinary tragedy following the catastrophic earthquake in Haiti, you have responded with an extraordinary burst of generosity and concern for the survivors. Over the course of the past three weekends, you have given just over $25,000 to come to the rescue of people in Haiti who are suffering beyond our possibility to imagine. It has been an inspiring moment in the life of Saint Theresa’s Parish, knowing as I do that, in addition to your gifts of money, you have added your prayers and many acts of kindness to the Haitian people who live here. In the face of over whelming tragedy, you have responded with overwhelming generosity and kindness. 
Reverend Monsignor William M. Helmick, Pastor  

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
ALL GRADE 10 CONFIRMATION CANDIDATES watch for a mailing with Catholic School student start times, as well as Confirmation name and sponsor information, important dates and class schedules for all candidates. If you do not receive an envelope, please call Mrs. Flynn at the Rectory 617-469-2898.

LOOKING AHEAD: There will be NO Religious Education classes Sunday, February 14th or Tuesday, February 16th due to School Vacation Week.

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. 
RCIA is a process rather than a program. It is a process of formation in prayer, information on the teachings of the Church, and transformation to 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: some people have never been Baptized and desire to receive this sacrament, some were baptized in another faith tradition and wish to be received into the Catholic Church, some were baptized Catholic but have never received Confirmation and Eucharist. 
If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about the RCIA, please call the Rectory and leave your name and telephone number. Catechetical sessions begin in the fall but people are encouraged to contact the rectory now for a preliminary meeting and information.  

MEETING CHRIST IN PRAYER (formerly Living With Christ) is an eight week guided prayer experience based on the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius of Loyola and designed for small groups of Catholics. It is intended to bring people to a new level of Christian discipleship and mission by means of prayer, reflection and faith sharing. Participants are asked to commit to praying the suggested scripture passage daily. 
MEETING CHRIST IN PRAYER will meet Monday nights in the Pavilion, 7:30 – 9:00 p.m., weekly for eight weeks. The program will begin February 22 and conclude on Monday, April 12).* Plan now to make MEETING CHRIST IN PRAYER part of your preparation for Easter. Together, we will deepen our own relationship with God and assist each other on our Lenten journey. The program will be directed by Father Robert Blaney.  Watch the bulletin and parish web page for additional details and registration form. 
There is a $15.00 fee for MEETING CHRIST IN PRAYER materials. Each participant should have her/his own Bible (New American, preferred translation). If you do not have a  Bible you can purchase one at the Pauline Books and Media store on Route 1(south) in Dedham. This has been a highly successful program each year we have had it in the past under the title Living With Christ. We hope you will participate in this year’s MEETING CHRIST IN PRAYER *the program will meet every Monday EXCEPT March 22 (Parish Triduum). For that week the meeting will be held on Sunday evening, March 21.)
**************************************************
To sign up, please complete the form below and return it to the rectory.  Please make checks payable to Saint Theresa Parish:

NAME:__________________________________________________

ADDRESS:_______________________________________________

CITY, STATE, ZIP:__________________________________________

PHONE:_________________________________________________

*the program will meet every Monday EXCEPT March 22 (Parish Triduum). For that week the meeting will be held on Sunday evening, March 21.

LECTORS AND EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF THE EUCHARIST are kindly asked to fill-out the form below concerning their availability for daily Mass during Lent.. Please return this form to the rectory or contact the rectory by February 8.
Lenten Availability Form Daily Masses

Name_______________________________________________

Lector ___ EM______

I am able to serve at these weekday Masses:        

  Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
6:45 a.m.            
4:00 p.m.            

       

Moms, Pops, and Tots
Our next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 11, in the School cafeteria from 8:45 until10:45.A.M. We hope you will plan to join us and bring along a friend or two!!

St. Theresa’s Retirees 
WOODSTOCK INN & RESORT
Tuesday-Wednesday April 20 – 21, 2010
Join us for a two day/one night tour to beautiful Vermont. click here for more information on this trip as well as the schedule for the year.  

CATHOLIC CHARITIES HAS NO FOOD!!
The Catholic Charities Food Pantry, located on Columbia Road, not too far from here, has no food left for distribution to people who need it. Any non-perishable food, including baby food, will be most welcome. If you are able to help, you can bring food to the school office, between 8:30 A.M. and 2:30 P.M., Monday through Friday. We will keep this going until the need eases.

PROTECTING GOD’S CHILDREN
The next session of PROTECTING GOD’S CHILDREN will take place on Monday, March 8 from 9:00-12 noon, and again from 7:00-10:00 P.M. in the School. All new Parish and School Volunteers are required by the Archdiocese to attend one training session. Please fill in the form and return it to the School or Rectory indicating which session you wish to attend.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ __ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

NAME:___________________________________________

PHONE NUMBER:___________________________________

I will attend the following session of Protecting God’s Children

_______9:00 A.M.-12 noon_______7:00 P.M.-10:00 P.M.

Annual Collection for Saint Theresa’s Parish
The Annual Collection for Saint Theresa’s Parish has reached $132,080. The Year End Collection has reached $18,770. This gives us a combined total of $150,850, for which I am most grateful. This enables us to maintain the buildings as they should be maintained and to continue the programs and activities that help bring our parishioners closer to Our Lord. I thank you for your generosity.  

2009 Annual Catholic Appeal for the Archdiocese of Boston  
Thanks to the generosity of 458 parishioners, Saint Theresa Parish has contributed $119,166 to the Annual Catholic Appeal. I am most grateful for your strong support for this collection which helps continue the good works of the Catholic Church beyond the boundaries of the parish.

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The Year Of THE Priest
Prayer for Vocations 

Lord, in Your love for the Church, You provide bishops, priests, and deacons as shepherds for Your people, and You call men and women to leave all things to serve You joyfully in religious life. May those whom You have raised up as servants of the Gospel and ministers for Your altars show forth dedication and compassion. May those whom You have chosen to serve You as religious provide, by their way of life, a convincing sign of Your Kingdom for the Church and the whole world.

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

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. Registration is underway now for the next cycle of courses, which will run October 15-November 17. 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

 

February 6/7        
Entrance Hymn:  Here I Am, Lord    

*Glory to God (Jones)   
*Preparation Rite Anthem:  Ave Verum (Guilmant)
Communion Meditation Refrain: Lord, When You Came to the Seashore   

Recessional Hymn:  Holy, Holy, Holy  

February 13/14         
Entrance Hymn: Jesus Christ, by Faith Revealed    

*Glory to God (Jones)  
*Preparation Rite Anthem: Blest Are They 
Communion Med. Hymn:  You Are Near 
Recessional Hymn:
O God, Our Help in Ages Past  

February 17   Ash Wednesday 
Entrance Hymn: These Forty Days of Lent  
Refrain during Ashes: Draw Near, O Lord 
Communion Med. Refrain:  Hosea 

Recessional Hymn:  The Glory of These Forty Days
 

February 20/21      1st  Sunday in Lent   Year C  
Entrance Hymn: There’s A Wideness in God’s Mercy  
*Preparation Rite: Like as the Hart (Howells)
Communion Meditation Refrain:  On Eagle’s Wings 
Recessional Hymn: Lift High the Cross  
 

February 27/28     2nd  Sunday in Lent    
Entrance Hymn: These Forty Days of Lent   

*Preparation Rite:  The Agincourt Hymn 
Communion Meditation Refrain: Eat This Bread 

Recessional Hymn: From Ashes to the Living Font 

 * Sung at 10:30 Mass only

PARISH MUSIC MINISTRY

Seeking Choir Members
The Parish Choir warmly invites you to come try us out this fall. We are a friendly group of people from high school age to retired, who bring diverse backgrounds and abilities.  It is helpful if you have had previous musical experience, but the most important pre-requisite is a desire to sing with others.   We rehearse Wednesday nights from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. in the choir room, resuming September 9, and normally sing for the Sunday 10:30 liturgy.  Please contact the organist/director, Richard Bunbury, for more information: rrbunbury@aol.com

Music Ministry  
We warmly welcome new and returning members to our choir program. If you, your  child, or someone you know, likes to sing, please consider participating in this richly rewarding ministry. Parish Choir is open to adults and  high school students. We sing a  varied repertoire of liturgical music each Sunday at the 10:30 Mass. Rehearsals take place  in the choir room on Wednesday nights from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. , resuming September 10. Parish Cantors lead assembly song at all the parish liturgies. Please contact Dr. Bunbury  rrbunbury@aol.com  if you are interested in this ministry.

Parish Cantors lead assembly song at all the parish liturgies. Please contact Dr. Bunbury rrbunbury@aol.com if you are interested in this ministry.

Choristers  Choristers is open to students grades 5 through 9. (Students who have completed at least  one year in Children's choir may join in grade 4). Rehearsals take place Wednesdays from 4-5:15 in the choir room and will begin on September 17. The Choristers and Children's Choir sing at the 9:00 Mass once or twice a month from October through May. 
Please contact Mrs. Korniyasov for more information: Sophia.raniuk@rcn.com Interested Choristers are eligible to become Cantors for the 9:00 Mass. Cantor class is on  Wednesdays 3:30-4:00 . Children's Choir is open to students grades 2 through 4. Rehearsals take place Wednesdays from 2:30 - 3:25 in the choir room and will begin on September 17. The Choristers and Children's Choir sing at the 9:00 Mass once or twice a month from October through May. Please contact Mrs. Korniyasov Sophia.raniuk@rcn.com    for more information.

Children's Choir
is open to students grades 2 through 4. Rehearsals take place Wednesdays from 2:30 - 3:25 in the choir room and will begin on September 19. The Choristers and Children's Choir sing at the 9:00 Mass once or twice a month from October through May. Please contact Mrs. Korniyasov sophia.raniuk@rcn.com  for more information.

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CYO

GENERAL MEETING: Our monthly meeting will take place tonight at 5:00 P.M. in the hall, so that we will be able to be home in time for the Super Bowl!!

SKI TRIP: There are still spots available for our annual ski trip to Stowe Vermont on Feb. 17th-19th. Details and permission slips are available at the rectory.

CYO Suggestions?  There's a Suggestion Box in the CYO Office in the Rectory.  We want to see  your ideas for CYO activities this year.

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 ....

BE A PART OF HISTORY! JOIN THE UNITED STATES CENSUS TEAM! 
Good pay! Flexible hours! Work to make sure our community is counted! Test sessions will be held at Saint Theresa of Avila School on Wednesday evenings, February 10,17, and 24 at 7:00 P.M. For more information or to sign up please call 866-861-2010. For a copy of the practice test, go to www.2010censusjobs.gov.

CATHOLIC MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL will hold a fashion show Sunday March 21, 2010 from 11:30-3:00 at Moseley's on The Charles. Tickets are 50.00 which includes cocktails, brunch, raffles and shopping. For ticket information visit www.CatholicMemorial.org

Ethos AgeWell West Roxbury is seeking volunteers to assist senior citizens by teaching computer and nutrition skills. Volunteer to provide one-on-one computer assistance to elders in homes and in community computer labs or cofacilitate a seven-week course on nutrition. Both of these classes are important for the well-being of our senior community. Volunteer today and make a difference! Training will be provided for both programs. If interested, please contact Cathy Slade at 617-477-6616 or cslade@ethocare.org.

GERONTOLOGY CLASSES
University of Massachusetts ~~Boston
UMass Boston is accepting applications for the Manning Certificate Program in Gerontology. The program is designed to give students the skills and resources they need to plan for an aging society, work or volunteer in the aging network, and advocate for elders. Credits from this program can be applied towards the Bachelor’s Degree In Gerontology.
For more information, please call Mary St. Jean at 617-287-7330or e-mail mary.stjean@umb.edu

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                                         

 

the deutches altenheim german center 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.

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NEWS and EVENTS from the ARCHDIOCESE

DAY OF PRAYER AND HEALING
Project Rachel will offer three retreats for women suffering from the pain of abortion.
Winter/Spring 2010 Dates:
Sunday, February 28
Saturday, March 13
Saturday, June 5
9:00AM – 5:00 PM
This day is designed to help women hurting from past abortions experience the personal love of Christ and find hope for healing. It will offer a loving and confidential environment to:
• hear stories of post abortion healing
• share Scriptural stories of Christ’s healing love
• spend quiet time in prayer before God
• receive Sacramental Reconciliation (Confession) and the great gift of Christ in the Eucharist.
Sponsored by the Project Rachel Ministry of the Archdiocese of Boston. 

Requested donation of $10.00 to cover lunch cost. Preregistration is required.
Limited to 12 participants. For more information, contact Project Rachel at (508) 651-3100 or e-mail: help@projectrachelboston.com

 

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

Archdiocese of Boston Flu Season Directives

The Office of Worship, in consultation with local health authorities and the Archdiocesan Office of Risk Management, continues to encourage the clergy and the faithful to observe necessary standard precautions to

protect the health of others during this flu season, and especially with the risks related to H1N1 influenza

(swine flu). The best way to prevent the spread of contagious disease is to practice good hygiene.

In addition to practicing good hygiene, the Cardinal directs the following for the celebration of the Sacred Liturgy

and for flu prevention:

These directives are effective Saturday, October 31, 2009 and remain in effect until the cold and flu season

has come to an end. We thank you for your understanding and support of these directives, which aim to

protect the health of our people.

PROJECT RACHEL
The pain and sorrow of past abortions need not endure for a lifetime. Project Rachel is the post-abortion ministry of the Catholic Church to help those dealing with the pain of abortion. For a confidential referral to a priest and/or retreat opportunities, contact Project Rachel at 508-651-3100 or
help@projectrachelboston.com. Trust in the tender mercy of God’s love.  

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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.

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 Rita Casey at 617-325-7207.

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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   +

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.  

Upcoming Events

Open House Sunday, January 31 
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK will begin on Sunday, January 31. Mass will be celebrated at 9:00 A.M. and will be followed by an Open House in the School. We hope you will join us!! 

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.

COAT DRIVE TO BENEFIT BOSTON HEALTHCARE FOR THE HOMELESS 
PROGRAM: Saint Theresa’s School is holding a coat drive during the months of December and January. Please send in adult winter coats, gently worn and clean, for the Boston Healthcare for the Homeless Program. Coats may be sent in to the school with students or dropped off in the office between 8:30 A.M. and 2:30P.M. We thank you for your generosity.

 

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: Call 1-800-Masstimes (1-800-627-7846) or Internet www.Masstimes.org  
Mass times Mission is to provide traveling Catholics with information on the times of worship services, as well as church location, telephone, and handicapped accessibility. Mass times  received 110,000 in 1999. They receive a similar number of hits on their web site. This service is absolutely free to callers and parishes. Funded by Pauline Books and Media,  www.pauline.org.  Mass times  operate under the Archdiocese of Miami, in partnership with the Catholic Communication Campaign of the U.S. Catholic Conference in Washington, D.C.

Saint Theresa Parish is among 22,000 parishes and missions in Mass times' database.  The information is kept current by sending semi-annual reports to each parish and mission. They get updates directly from parishes via e-mail, fax, regular mail and the preferred method, updates are posted by the parish to our second website www.Masstimes.org/parish.

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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 February 5, 2010
The music on our web page this week is  Here I Am Lord

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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!HH01580A.gif (1311 bytes)
Comments on this web page may be addressed to: abbott6@verizon.net     
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