St. Theresa's Home Page

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 to St. Theresa of Avila Parish Home Page

Parish Staff

Parochial Vicars: Reverend Richard S. Bradford (Wed. and Thurs., and Friday a.m.)

Religious Education Catechetical Leaders:
                               Mrs. Ann Barden:             Kindergarten ~ Grade 6
                               Mrs. Diane Flynn:             Grades 7 ~ 12
                               Ms. Jennifer McKiernan: Baptism Coordinator

Directory

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 in

volving 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.

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

We are showing some signs of progress on Sunday Mass attendance here, at Saint Theresa’s. This is, I am sure, due in large measure to our parishioners who have taken up the cause of raising the issue with family, loved ones, and friends. I know it will be a long, twilight struggle, with many ups and downs, high points and low points, one step forward and two steps backward. There is, however, no more noble cause in which to involve ourselves than the effort to bring people back to Mass, where they find Our Lord, renewing His Sacrifice of Himself for us, and giving Himself to us in Holy Communion.

A very generous parishioner has given me two tickets to a Red Sox-Tampa Bay Rays game. I will see that these tickets are put to good use, and I know that, thanks to this man’s kindness, I will be able to make some people very happy. But, as wonderful and exciting as that game will be, how does it really compare to the privilege and the opportunity we all have of being in the Presence of Christ at Sunday Mass?

I often tell people that getting to Mass, with all that entails, can be burdensome- - --but the Mass itself is not a burden. It is a precious, albeit mysterious, gift from the Lord Jesus Himself, a gift not to be rejected, spurned, disdained, or put in second or even a lower place to something else. At the end of the First Communion Masses here on May 2, everyone sang a hymn which we often sing at Sunday Masses: “I Received the Living God” The words of that hymn express the privilege of Sunday Mass: “I received the Living God and my heart is full of joy”. In Holy Communion, we receive not a piece of bread, not an object. We receive the Living God, the Lord Jesus Himself. His Presence in the Eucharist is the pre-eminent way He keeps His Promise: “I am with you always.” Why is He with us? To help us to overcome evil with good, to strengthen us in those moments where we feel like doing things our own way rather than living our lives on the basis of “His Way” of life. He keeps us moving toward Him when we are afraid that we are so weak and fragile that we are doomed to move away from Him. He reminds us to keep God at the center of our lives when we are tempted to put ourselves in that central position. He is with us in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. He shares our joys and comforts us in our sorrows and in times of failure, temptation to sin, and anything else that can go wrong in our lives. The Lord Jesus helps us with all the virtues especially patience, kindness, forgiveness, understanding, and purity- - - in this often impure world in which we live.

The Lord Jesus, Whom we receive in Holy Communion, helps us to keep what may be the most difficult commandment of all: “Love One Another as I have loved you!”

Our Lord always protects us from evil- - - from the evil that threatens us from the outside, and from the selfishness, the pride, the lack of charity and everything else that can blow up within us from the inside. He gives us Himself in Holy Communion to protect us from ourselves, and He helps us to grow in holiness of life. He has made a promise: “Whoever eats this bread will live forever!”

We ask ourselves: “where do we find this “Bread”? We find it at Sunday Mass, or at any Mass. The next question is “Why would anyone decide to miss Sunday Mass!?” Those last two questions may be good questions, patiently and calmly and clearly, to ask people we love who have given themselves permission to miss Mass on Sundays!

All loving God,
we give You thanks and praise
for mothers young and old.
We pray for young mothers,
who give life and count toes and tend to our every need.
May they be blessed with patience and tenderness to care
for their families and themselves with great joy.
We pray for our own mothers who have nurtured and cared for us.
May they continue to guide in strong and gentle ways.
We remember mothers who are separated
from their children because of war, poverty, or conflict.
May they feel the loving embrace of
Our God Who wipes away every tear.
We pray for women who are not mothers
but still love and shape us
with motherly care and compassion.
We remember mothers, grandmothers,
and great-grandmothers who are no longer with us
but who live forever in our memory
and nourish us with their love.

Massachusetts Citizens for Life ~ Rose Drive
The MCFL will hold a Rose Drive after all the Masses this weekend, May 9/10. Your purchase of a rose for $1.00 will help the Mass Citizens for Life in all their good works to defend the unborn.

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.

May Crowning
The Annual May Crowning will be held in the Main Church on Monday evening, May 18 at 7:30 P.M. This is always a wonderful and beautiful evening, during which all our parishioners are invited to show our love and devotion to Mary, the Virgin Mother of Our Lord. Everyone is most welcome and most cordially invited.

Eagle Scout Project
Andrew Jagelski of Troop 5 Saint Theresa’s Parish of West Roxbury will be conducting his Eagle Scout Project before and after all the Masses, in the Pavilion, on the weekend of May 16/17, Armed Forces Weekend. He will be collecting new and used clothing in good condition for men and women, boots and sneakers, new socks and underwear, backpacks, toiletry items, new and used action and adventure DVDs and books. Magazines and board games in good condition. All proceeds will benefit the many homeless veterans at the New England Center for Homeless Veterans in Boston. For more information, please contact Andrew at aj4172010@gmail.com.or at 617-325-3215. All items contributed are greatly appreciated.

Catholic Communication Campaign
The second collection next weekend, May 16/17 will be for the Catholic Communication Campaign. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops established the Catholic Communication Campaign (CCC) collection in 1979 to respond to the national and local communications needs of the Church. The collection is unique in that proceeds are split equally between each participating diocese and the national office. Dioceses use their 50% share of the CCC collection to support local communications efforts such as televised Masses and diocesan newspapers. On the national level, CCC funds support the development and production of a wide range of media initiatives that are carried out by USCCB staff and grantee organizations. A portion of the CCC’s national funds are also set aside for grants to aid Catholic communication efforts in developing nations. We thank you in advance for your generosity.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
ATTENTION GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS!
Interested in attending a college where you can continue practicing your faith with other students? Consider the University of Massachusetts Amherst where the Newman Catholic Center is active in offering social activities, events, community outreach and the opportunity to grow spiritually. For more information visit www.newmanumass.org

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.

Nourishment for the Soul
Come to Me , all you who labor and are burdened , and I will give you rest (Mt 11:28 ) All parishioners are invited. Come as often as you choose, to any or all of the evening:
7:00PM Rosary in the Chapel.
7:30PM Scripture sharing in the pavilion. We listen to the Scripture passage of the week and discuss how to apply the message to our lives today.
8:30PM Social time.
9:00PM Divine Mercy Chaplet in the Chapel.
5-13-09: 2 Corinthians 2-3

The Paschal Candle
One of the beautiful and ancient traditions of the Catholic Church is the Paschal Candle. It is lighted at the beginning of the Easter Vigil and carried in to the Church. As it is carried in procession to its place in the sanctuary, the priest or deacon who carries it chants, three times, the simple words: “Lumen Christi”- - - “Light of Christ”, reminding us that Christ is the Light of the World, and that He and His Word light up the darkness of this world. As this is happening, the people in the church light their candles from a light taken from the Paschal Candle, a reminder that we have the privilege, the challenge, and the opportunity to spread the Light of truth to everyone around us. The Paschal Candle is the symbol of Christ, risen from the dead. The resurrection of Our Lord is an historical fact, it really happened. The Paschal Candle reminds us of that fact, and it reminds us of the fact that by His suffering and death on the Cross, Our Lord has won for us the forgiveness of our sins, has restored to us the life of God’s Grace- - -which we call sanctifying grace- - -and has won for us the gift of salvation, eternal life in the Presence of God. The Paschal Candle is elaborately decorated. There are five grains of red incense, symbolizing the five wounds in the hands, the feet, and the side of Our Lord- - - wounds He endured to show His love for us. In the Paschal Candle we have at Saint Theresa’s Church, there are also symbols of the Eucharist- - -grains of wheat and grapes- - -reminding us of Our Lord’s Real presence among us. And so, during the Easter Season, be sure to take a moment to look at the Paschal Candle in its place near the pulpit in the Main Church .

2009 Annual Catholic Appeal
for the Archdiocese of Boston
Just a reminder that the Annual Catholic Appeal for the Archdiocese of Boston will be the second collection at the Masses this weekend, May 2/3. You should have received the Appeal Information and envelopes in the mail. If not, they are also at the doors of the Church today. Our parishioners have been and continue to be very supportive of the good work of the Archdiocese beyond the boundaries of Saint Theresa’s Parish. You understand what Cardinal O’Malley is doing to re-establish a firmer footing for the finances of the Catholic Church in Boston . Last year alone, you contributed $123,937 to the Annual Catholic Appeal. I hope you will be as supportive as you can be this year, despite the economic problems facing all of us, to support the apostolic activities and programs of the Archdiocese which touch the lives of countless people and help bring them closer to God and to the Church.
Reverend Monsignor William M. Helmick
Pastor

Increased Offertory Program Is Going Well
This comes with my sincere thanks to all our parishioners who are participating in the Increased Offertory Program for Saint Theresa’s Parish. As of April 28, 380 families and individuals have made a commitment to assist the parish. This program, as difficult as the times are, will bring many benefits to the life and activities of our parish now and in the future. I also want to apologize to anyone who received an errant follow-up letter after already having made a commitment to the Increased Offertory Program. This happened in a very few cases of which I am aware, and it happened by accident, probably by letters crossing in the mail. Whatever may have happened, I am very sorry that this happened. No harm was intended! If anyone wishes to participate in the Increased Offertory Program, please contact Carol O’Brien in the Rectory, and she will get the information to you. Again, many thanks to one and all!!
Reverend Monsignor William M. Helmick
Pastor

RETIREES
TALL SHIPS THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2009
The Tall Ships are coming back to Boston with the world’s largest and grandest sailing ships for the week of July 7 – 13, 2009.
Ogunquit PlayHOUSE, AUGUST 19
Singing in the Rain will be at the Ogunquit Playhouse on August 19.
For more information and sign up forms, click here

Saint Theresa School Summer Program
St. Theresa School is once again offering a summer program. It will provide an environment in which students can continue their academic learning through fun and exciting activities, such as integrated writing workshops, science projects and math games. It will also maintain the livelihood of summer with gym and arts and crafts activities. Our program will be staffed by St. Theresa teachers who are dedicated to continuing the mission of our school through our summer program, and will take place right at St. Theresa School . Before and/or Aftercare may be available depending on interest. Please e-mail misscarolynchabot@yahoo.com for more details as soon as possible as seats are limited.

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

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

May 9/10 5th Sunday of Easter, Year B
Entrance Hymn: Holy, Holy, Holy
*Preparation Rite: We Have Been Told (Haas)
Communion Meditation Refrain: I Come with Joy
Recessional Hymn: Immaculate Mary

May 16/17 6th Sunday of Easter, Year B
Entrance Hymn: Lord You Give the Great Commission
Melodic Gloria (Chepponis)
*Preparation Rite: We Have Been Told (Haas)
Communion Meditation Refrain: O Lord, I Am not Worthy
Recessional Hymn: Sing of Mary

May 23/24 7^th Sunday of Easter, Year B
Entrance Hymn: Alleluia! Sing to Jesus
*Preparation Rite: Offertory (Beck)
Communion Meditation Hymn: O Most Holy One
Recessional Hymn: Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory

May 30/31 Pentecost, Year B
Entrance Hymn: Come, Holy Ghost
*Festival Gloria (Hillert); (different psalms for eve and day)
Sequence: Come, Holy Sprit, on Us Shine (announce: “without alleluias”)
Celtic Alleluia
*Preparation Rite: Spirit of God Within Me (Joncas)
Com. Med. Hymn: ( 10:30 ) Veni, Creator Spiritus
(other Masses) Come, Holy Spirit
Recessional Hymn: O Holy Spirit by Whose Breath

Seeking Choir Members
Do you enjoy singing at Mass? Perhaps you and/or your child would enjoy singing in one f our choirs. Now that we are between liturgical seasons, it is a good time to join! children's Choir and Choristers meet on Wednesdays after school and sing at the 9:00 Sunday Mass about once or twice a month. Contact Sophia Kornyasov if your child is interested sophia.raniuk@rcn.com High School through adults are invited to sing in the Parish Choir which ministers at the 10:30 Mass every Sunday and practices on Wednesdays at 7:30 pm . Contact 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.

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

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.

BENEFIT DANCE FOR THE SMA FATHERS
A Benefit Dance for the SMA Fathers will be held on Friday, May 15, at 8:00 P.M. at the Irish Social Club, 119 Park Street, West Roxbury. The Door Prize will be a one year membership to the USA Swim and Fitness Center at the Hilton Hotel, Allied Drive in Dedham . There will also be Raffle Prizes of $100, $200, and $300. Tickets are $10 per person, and music will be provided by the Andy Healy Band. For more information, please contact: Pat & Josie 781-329-0530; Frank & Cathy 617-323-2800; Kathleen 781-329-0584; Fr. Ulick Bourke 781-326-3288

Benefit for The Fisher House
Mount Pleasant Council Knights of Columbus #98 will host a Fundraiser to benefit the Fisher House Boston. Located on the grounds of the VA Hospital in West Roxbury, the Fisher House offers free shelter to families of the military who are hospitalized. The fundraiser will take place on Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 6:00 P.M. The Sounds of Legend will sing the music of Elvis, Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bobby Darin, and Patsy Cline. There will also be a light buffet and raffles including an autographed picture of Bruins goalie Tim Thomas. Donations are $25.00 per ticket or a table of 8 may be reserved for $200.00. For tickets or more information, please contact Grand Knight Jim Saunders at 617-755-0241. No Tickets will be sold at the door.

Parkway Reunion
Save the date & get your tickets to The Parkway Reunion: June 20th at 7PM ! "A Night of Reuniting" for Parkway Friends & Neighbors (Past & Present). The event will take place under a Party Tent at West Roxbury High School . Buy your tickets to the biggest party in the City at:www.parkwayreunion2009.com. Automatic entry to win a stay for 4 in Ireland is included with your ticket purchase of $50! Catch up with old friends & meet new ones. There will be music, dancing, a cash bar, appetizers, a live auction, and raffles. Proceeds to benefit care of parks & recreational spaces in Roslindale & West Roxbury.

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.

SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL CLOTHING BOX REQUESTS have been received relative to the nearest box in West Roxbury for clothing donations. There is a box on VFW Parkway at #1524 near the U-Haul store and the location is known as Cohen’s Mall.

Archdiocese of Boston
25th and 50th Wedding Anniversary Mass
His Eminence, Cardinal Sean O’Malley, OFM Cap. invites all couples of the Archdiocese of Boston who are marking their 25th and 50th wedding anniversaries in 2009 to join him for the annual celebration at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Sunday, June 7, 11:30am Mass. Mass will include a renewal of marriage vows by all participating anniversary couples. Family members and friends of participating couples, as well as the general public, are welcome to attend. Please register with the parish office by May 11, 2009 if you would like to attend this celebration. A formal invitation and more information will then be sent to celebrating couples from the Archdiocese. Congratulations on your anniversary!

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.

Project Rachel will offer a "Come to the Waters" post abortion healing retreat on Saturday, May 30. For more information and registration, contact Project Rachel at 508-651-3100 or help@projectrachelboston.com. All calls are confidential.

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.

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

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.

Effective March 1, 2009 , we will NO LONGER BE COLLECTING SHAW’S RECEIPTS AT SCHOOL OR AT CHURCH. Shaw’s has changed the way they will be rewarding our schools.
Instead of bringing in our receipts we will now register our own Shaw’s cards on the Shaw’s website, and every time you use your card, the school will be credited.
This is a once a year registration that makes it so much easier to contribute to the school.
Please register your Shaw’s card as soon as possible so we can begin getting our money. You can also have friends and family members register their cards as well.
Just use the St Theresa's Community Rewards ID# is 49001018868, which links a card to St Theresa School, along with your own Shaw’s card number. With just a few clicks you will be registered and every time you use your Shaw’s card, St Theresa’s will get money, it is that simple !! Just go to http://www.shaws.com/communityrewards. Click on Shoppers Login
Enter your Shaw’s Rewards Card Number.
Then follow the steps to link your card to St Theresa School using the ID# above. No more collecting the receipts !! How easy is that ??
If you do not have a Shaw’s card and wish to get one you can get one at the courtesy booth at Shaw’s or you can request one online.
If you have any questions about registering your card, please feel free to e-mail me at Dolan.carol@verizon.net.
Thank you so much for all of you who previously sent in your receipts faithfully!

St. Theresa School Alums
Did you attend or graduate from Saint Theresa’s School? Then you will want to visit the updated school web page (www.rc.net/boston/st_theresa_school) and click on Alumni. Reconnect with classmates and see photos of various graduating classes. You may also want to make a donation to Saint Theresa's School to ensure that the fine education you received there will continue in the years to come, as we strive to maintain the excellent standards for which the school is noted.

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

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.

Top of Page

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

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)

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

This page was updated on May 8, 2009
The music on our web page this week is Immaculate Mary

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!

Welcome! Pastor's Greeting	Sacraments Mass Schedule	Ministry schedule: Cantors; Extraordinary Min. of the Eucharist	Directory: Parish Staff Telephone Office hours Directions
This Week's Note from Monsignor Helmick ---------- Parish News	Religious Education News and more	Around town: The Church beyond our parish ----- Volunteer Opportunities ---- Archdiocesan News & Events	Parish Music Notes -------- CYO News ---- Retirees
Year of Saint Paul The Importance of Weekly Mass	Citations for the Daily Scripture Readings and Question of the Week	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!)	Life of our Patron, Saint Theresa of Avila
Mass Times Mass schedules for traveling Catholics (link)	St. Theresa School	A Priest's Week	Links ~ interesting web sites.