St. Theresa's Home Page

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


Awaiting the start of the Easter Vigil	After the Vigil

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.

Parish Staff

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

Directory

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

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.

Vigil of holydays: 4:00 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.

Sacraments

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.
Contact Baptism Coordinator Jennifer McKiernan: sttheresabaptisms@gmail.com

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.

Pastor's Greeting

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

Those words of Jesus are true. Even when we may not feel or sense Our Lord’s Presence within us, He keeps that promise, and is with us in each and every circumstance of our lives. He is very much aware that we need Him. We all know that we do, in fact, need Him. And so, as He humbled Himself by taking upon Himself our humanity, He also humbled Himself by establishing His Church.

The Church, as we know, is called the Holy Catholic Church. It is holy because the Lord Jesus, along with the Holy Spirit, dwells in it. It is holy because in the Church we find the Truth of Our Lord’s teaching, the truth of the Gospel, and the Grace of the Seven Sacraments. In the Church, we find the Lord Himself, truly, really, and substantially present in the Eucharist, the Most Blessed of all the Sacraments- - - another example of Our Lord’s humbling Himself, making Himself present in the simple elements of bread and wine, which are changed into His Body and Blood.

In the Church, Our Lord continues His work of salvation, using the Church to bring His Mercy, His Grace, His Truth, and His very self to the girls and boys, the women and men of every time and place. For Our Lord, the humbling aspect of the Church is the reality of evil, human weakness, human frailty, and human sinfulness in its members. But, Our Lord chose to establish the Church despite the existence of evil, weakness, frailty and sinfulness among its members because, otherwise, there would be no Church at all, In the Church, Our Lord is accessible to us; in the Church, He helps us to overcome evil with good; in the Church, Jesus makes saints out of sinners. He helps us every day, with His Grace, to grow in holiness of life, He enables us to be His witnesses and draw people to Himself.

We should be very careful not to dismiss the Church as unworthy of our fidelity and allegiance because of the sinfulness we can see in it. It is in the Church that we find Our Lord and His forgiveness. He Himself is willing to accept and to love the Church and draw us closer and closer to Him despite the Church’s imperfections. When we look at the Church, we see, most of all, the Person of Christ, overcoming evil with His goodness, His Mercy, His Grace, and His willingness to remain present in it, all for our sake and for our salvation. In the Church, He keeps His Promise: “I am with you always”

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.

Loving God,
as a mother gives life and nourishment to her children,
so You watch over Your Church.
Bless all mothers, that they may be strengthened as Christian mothers.
Let the example of their faith and love shine forth.
Grant that we, their sons and daughters,
may honor them always with a spirit of profound respect.
Grant this through Christ Our Lord.
AMEN

COLLECTION FOR THE CATHOLIC COMMUNICATION CAMPAIGN
May 11/12
The second collection, May 11/12, supports the Catholic Communication Campaign which develops media programming, projects, and resources that promote Gospel values. Half of the collection goes toward the support of local 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.

MOTHER’S DAY ROSE DRIVE
The Annual Massachusetts Citizens for Life Rose Drive will be held on the weekend of May 11/12th before and after all the Masses. Your donations assist mothers and children in need. This drive is sponsored by the West Roxbury / Roslindale Chapter of Massachusetts Citizens for Life.

THE MOTHERS OF SAINT MARY’S CENTER FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN
In the midst of a harsh, cold winter, during the second collection at a January Mass, you expressed your belief in justice for women and children living in poverty and homelessness. Your investment in those who have less, ensures Saint Mary’s Education and employment programs will serve more than 100 women over the next year and will help them develop a sustainable, independent and brighter future for themselves and their children!

Second Collection May 18/ 19
Pentecost Sunday
Next week’s second collection supports the formation and training of seminarians in the Archdiocese of Boston 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

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
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 or sttheresaadultfaith@gmail.com . Meetings begin in the fall.

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

MEMORIAL DAY CEMETERY MASSES
On Monday, May 27, 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

REVEREND JOSEPH O’KEEFE, S.J.
Ordination and First Mass
Sunday, June 16, 2013~~ 12:00 Noon
Joseph O’Keefe, a parishioner who grew up within the shadow of Saint Theresa’s Church, will be ordained a Jesuit Priest in California on June 8th.. He will celebrate Mass here on Sunday, June 16th at 12:00 Noon, followed by a reception. All are most welcome to attend.

REVEREND THOMAS MACDONALD
Thomas MacDonald, who spent the summer of 2011 assisting with the pastoral work here, at Saint Theresa’s, will be ordained to the Priesthood for the Archdiocese of Boston on Saturday, May 25th at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston. We will be announcing a date for a Mass he will celebrate for our Parish.

THE 2013 CATHOLIC APPEAL FOR THE ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON
We thank the 205 parishioners of Saint Theresa’s who have contributed $51,232.07 to the 2013 Catholic Appeal for the Archdiocese of Boston. If you did not receive the information in the mail, envelopes are available at the doors of the Church.

For a wonderful, brief, look at the good work made possible by the generosity Saint Theresa of Avila parishioners and Catholics throughout the Archdiocese, check out this video and message from Cardinal O'Malley: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=c8UKdiyBUYU

Parish Baptisms
During the month of April, we had 13 Baptisms here at Saint Theresa’s. Those who were Baptized are as follows:
            Jovani Elijah Anthony Augustin              Eva Leimantaite
            James Joseph Rush                               Leo Christopher Badertscher
            Addison Kate Becker                           Ferris Darcy Connolly
            Ethan James Hadley                             Dominic Emmanuel James     Owen Joseph McNamara-Cushman
            Oliver Charles Fandel                           Alanna Lee Sisto
            Sophie Charlotte Whitley                      Maya Signe McNulty
May the Lord, Who has begun a good work in them, bring it to completion in their homes and families.

PARISH OUTREACH
If you would be willing to drive an elderly parishioner to the 4:00 P.M. Mass on Saturday once a month, please call Sister Virginia at 617-325-1300 X127. Thank you for any help you may offer!

SAINT THERESA’S RETIREES
Appearing at the North Shore Music Theatre
Sunday, June 23, 2013 - RESERVE BY MAY 15
The Hills Are Alive!
The final collaboration between Rodgers & Hammerstein was destined to become the world's most beloved musical. Please click here for more details about this trip.

FROM THE CHOIR LOFT
The Saint Theresa Adult Choir is always interested in having new members join us. We rehearse at 7:00 P.M. on Wednesday evenings in the lower sacristy choir room, and we sing each Sunday, from the end of September until Pentecost, at the 10:30 A.M. Mass. If you enjoy singing or used to be in a choir in the past and miss the community singing, please consider joining us. We’d love to have you!
Brandon Santini
Music Director

PARISH OUTREACH ~ FISHER HOUSE
The families of Veterans who are staying at the Fisher House, located on the grounds of the V.A. Hospital in West Roxbury, are required to provide their own food or receive donations. The first Thursday of each month is the day for our parishioners to provide some food for these families. Thursday, April 4 is the next day for Saint Theresa’s food donations. If you would like to bring food items to Fisher House, please call in advance to let them know (857-203-4000). The families staying at Fisher House are most grateful for your kindness. Thank you for any help you can offer.

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).

Catholic Charities Food Pantry
The Catholic Charities Food Pantry remains in desperate need of 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 especially with school coming to an end in a few weeks!!
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

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
As we head into the Advent & Christmas seasons, as well as the Winter months, there is the great news that Comcast has added CatholicTV to its limited basic cable package. This will allow many more households to receive CatholicTV. If you have Comcast, you can view CatholicTV at channel 268 (in some areas channel 183).Please see CatholicTV.com for more information!""

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

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

NEW HYMNALS
Saint Theresa Parish is pleased to introduce to our parishioners our new hymnal “Worship” which will replace our current ‘disposable’ hymnal effective with the First Sunday of Advent. “Worship” is an attractive hard-bound book that includes all three liturgical Seasons of the Church, and with care, is meant to last many years. “Worship” is a wonderful addition to our parish commitment to the “Year of Faith” in which we are encouraged to focus on our Catholic Faith and Evangelization. It is our hope that this new hymnal will add to your prayerful experience at Saint Theresa’s Church.
In addition to all three liturgical seasons, ‘Worship’ includes many wonderful extras to enhance our own worship, such as:

Parishioners may dedicate a Hymnal with a memorial plaque on the inside cover of the book. The hymnals will be left in the Church and Chapel, and each week you can include in your prayers the person to whom your Hymnal is dedicated. There are forms available at the doors of the Church as you leave Mass or at the rectory. A donation of $20.00 per book is suggested to help offset the cost of the books. Checks should be made payable to Saint Theresa Parish and may be dropped in the collection box at Mass, mailed to the Rectory at 10 St. Theresa Avenue, or dropped in the rectory mail slot.
************************************************************************************************************************************************

Please complete the information and return with your donation. We thank you for your generosity. Your loved ones will be remembered in the prayers of all those who use these Hymnals at all the Masses celebrated at Saint Theresa of Avila Parish.

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 o

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

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Benefit Dance for the SMA Fathers
Friday, May 10
Irish Social Club
Music by Erin’s Melody
Donation: $10.00 per ticket
Contact: Rev. Dermot Roache 781-326-3288 Pat & Josie Casey 781-329-0530

ST. PAUL’S CHOIR SCHOOL, Harvard Square, provides an advanced academic and musically challenging education via a working scholarship for boys in grades 4 through 8. If you have a son entering 4th grade next September, who loves to sing, and you would like to learn more about this unique Catholic educational experience, please contact John Robinson, Music Director, at 617-868-8658 x319 or jrobinson@choirschool.net . No prior musical training is necessary- just a promising musical ear. Auditions are available by appointment. To learn more, please go to www.bostonboychoir.org and www.choirofstpaul.org

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP
If your loved one has died, we invite you to consider joining the Holy Name Bereavement Support Group. The meetings will take place at Holy Name Rectory on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday evenings from 6:30pm to 7:45 pm, beginning Tuesday, November 6th and ending in early March. We suggest that you wait at least 2 months since your loved one’s death to participate in a bereavement support group. Please email Fran.hauck@verizon.net , or call Fran at 617-325-4865 to register or for more information.

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP
If the stress of being a caregiver is wearing you down and you need support, you are not alone. Join geriatric professionals and other caregivers in a caring and relaxed setting for discussion, share ideas, and support one another.
Edelweiss Village
2220 Centre Street West Roxbury
2nd Tuesday of each month
1:00-2:30 P.M.
Please RSVP to Ruth Nasman, R.N. at 617-325-9447 or Deb McPhee at 857-547-2000.

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.

NEWS and EVENTS from the ARCHDIOCESE
For the official web site for the Archdiocese click: Archdiocese of Boston
Like The Archdiocese of Boston on Facebook at Facebook.com/BostonCatholic,
Follow them on Twitter at Twitter.com/BostonCatholic, and
Circle them on Google+ by looking for "Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston

25TH AND 50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY COUPLES
25th AND 50th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY MASS: Seán Cardinal O’Malley, O.F.M. Cap. invites all couples celebrating their 25th or 50th wedding anniversary in 2013 to the Wedding Anniversary Mass at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Sunday, June 2nd at 11:30am. Mass will include a renewal of vows. Please register online: www.BostonCatholic.org/WeddingAnniversaryMass

US BISHOP’S CALL TO PRAYER FOR LIFE, MARRIAGE AND RELIGIOUS LIBERTY: www.usccb.org/life-marriage-liberty . In this Year of Faith, the Catholic Bishops of the United States have called for a nationwide effort to advance a movement for Life, Marriage, and Religious Liberty through prayer, penance, and sacrifice. Catholics across the nation are being encouraged to pray for rebuilding a culture favorable to life and marriage and for increased protections of religious liberty. Pledge to fast on Fridays at www.usccb.org/fast.

PROJECT RACHEL
“My spirit was broken. I was consumed with feelings of remorse. During the retreat…for the first time in 34 years, I felt connected to God. Through the depth of my pain, I began a lasting relationship with God…” The pain of abortion haunts many women. Retreats offered by the Project Rachel ministry of the Archdiocese of Boston can help women find hope, healing and reconciliation after abortion. If you or a loved one is suffering from post-abortion pain, contact Project Rachel about upcoming “Come to the Waters of Healing” retreat to be held February 2, March 16 and April 6, 2013. For more information and to register for the date of your choice, call Project Rachel at 508.651.3100 or email help@projectrachelboston.com All inquiries are confidential.

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

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.

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

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 sixth grade. The school provides rigorous academics complemented 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.

The sixth grade class of 2013 consisted of 35 students. Listed below are the schools that accepted these students and the number of students attending each school. The sixth grade class was awarded a total of $79,600 in scholarship money for the upcoming school year from these various schools.

REGISTRATION for all Grades and Tours of the School are available by appointment. Please call the School (617-323-1050).

ST. THERESA OF AVILA SCHOOL RAFFLE
WIN A 7 NIGHT STAY AND $1,000 TOWARDS AIR FARE AT THE ADARE MANOR VILLA (adare.htm) IN SCENIC IRELAND.
YOUR PRIVATE 2,000 S.F. VILLA INCLUDES:
FULL KITCHEN~ LIVING ROOM~ DINING ROOM~ SOLARIUM~ MASTER BED ROOM~ 2 GUEST BED ROOMS
Tickets cost $100.00 The drawing will be held on May 10th, 2013
Raffle Prize is good for one year
Reservations subject to availability Self Catering (Maid Service not included)
For details visit: www.StTheresaSchoolBoston.com/Raffle or call Laura Cloherty at 617-323-1050 X 157

ATTENTION FACEBOOK FANS ~ Please be sure to "LIKE" St. Theresa of Avila School. Our Facebook page is updated weekly with news and photos. St. Theresa of Avila has joined Facebook to reach out to our STS family, friends and Alumni.

SCHOOL FUNDRAISING:
Are you earning Box Tops while shopping on-line? Register at www.BTFE.com and you automatically earn Box Tops for SAINT THERESA SCHOOL every time you shop!
Every day shopping at Target, Home Depot, Lands End, Old Navy, Gap and hundreds of other stores earns Box Tops for our school with each sale.
Ordering holiday cards? Thinking of buying a laptop or a pair of UGG boots for someone special? Earn Box Tops for SAINT THERESA SCHOOL when you do!
There are so many stores to choose from and all you have to do is register on the BTFE website and shop on-line. The points are automatically added to our SAINT THERESA SCHOOL account.
All of your favorite retailers participate in this program and it is so simple. Register today and have your family members register too. Anyone who shops on-line can donate their points to SAINT THERESA SCHOOL.
BTFE retailers offer special discount codes in the market-place and there are terrific promotions all the time. Holiday shopping is right around the corner and you can earn points for SAINT THERESA SCHOOL while shopping in the comfort of your home.

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

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

Mass Times

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.

Top of Page

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

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

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

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.

Pastor's Greeting This Week's Note from Monsignor Helmick	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
Parish News Parish Life, Ministries, and Activities Year of Faith News, information and links	Ministry schedule: Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion	Religious Education News and more	Parish Music Notes -------- CYO News ---- Retirees Schedule of events!
Around town: The Church beyond our parish ----- Volunteer Opportunities ---- Archdiocesan News & Events Pastoral Plan for Parishes: Disciples in Mission		Sunday Scripture Reflection *Question of the Week* Link to daily readings	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		Saint Theresa School News

Boston Latin School	19	13
Boston Latin Academy	6	4
O’Bryant High School	2	1
Ursuline Academy	9	2
Catholic Memorial H.S.	15	7
Mt Alvernia High School	13	3
Boston College H.S.	3	0
St. Sebastian	2	2
Roxbury Latin	1	1
Monsignor Haddad	1	0
Greater Boston Academy	1	1
St. Catherine’s	1	1

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