ST. THERESA PARISH – PHOENIX, AZ SUNDAY, AUGUST 18, 2013

ST. THERESA PARISH – PHOENIX, AZ
SUNDAY, AUGUST 18, 2013
My Brothers and Sisters,
Last Sunday morning, you may have noticed a couple of folks exercising their
First Amendment right to free speech on the public sidewalk along the south side
of Thomas Road at the St. Theresa traffic signal. Though I did not speak to
them, some who did informed me that they were basically “protesting” the Catholic Church – calling the Church,
among other things, a “den of iniquity” and carrying placards that proclaimed the wrath of God being unleashed
upon sinners.
While the presence of these two “protesters” may have caused our parishioners some discomfort, their presence
also gives us a wonderful opportunity to reflect on what our response – as Catholic Christians, as disciples of the
Lord Jesus – should be when confronted by people who just don’t understand us, who feel that the only way to
worship God is the way they worship God, or are somehow threatened by Catholics and want to attack us. What
should our response be? Argue with them? Be defensive? Fight fire (and brimstone) with fire and brimstone?
I might suggest this approach: be kind. The person who attempted to engage the protesters in conversation reported to me that they weren’t open to discussion, but just wanted to get across their message that the Catholic Church
was not Christian, that Catholics were going to hell as idolaters, etc. Sadly there are those who continue to make
wildly inaccurate assumptions/statements about our faith, and aren’t really interested in knowing the reality of Catholicism or hearing another (our) point of view. So what did this parishioner do? He said “God bless you and
have a nice day.” Period. Seems that his response took the protestors by surprise, as they were no doubt ready for
a shouting match. I’m not sure I could have been so calm, but this parishioner gave me a great example – one that
I think each of us can follow. If an adversity is not open to reasoned discussion, we are well-advised to bless them
and go on our way.
It’s worth underscoring the fact that the protesters were within their legal rights as they were on public, not private
(Church) property. If they had stepped on to our campus (anything south of the Thomas Road sidewalk), parishioners would have every right to inform them that they stood on private property, were trespassing and that the
police would be called if they did not leave since they were disturbing our constitutional right to freely exercise our
faith on church property. (This is essentially the same standard that is applied in dealing with trespassers who try to
distribute political fliers on car windshields during election season, or panhandlers who refuse our offer of St. Vincent de Paul assistance and prefer to “take up their own collection” in our parking lot). The general public has their
rights on public property, but once they cross onto church property, they are welcome only as long as they respect
the rights of the Church and do not agitate or disturb parishioners. Parishioners have their rights on parish property. In any and all cases, though, we as Catholic Christians are called to handle opposition kindly, respectfully yet
firmly – knowing our rights and responsibilities as well as the rights and responsibilities of others, asking God’s
blessing even (especially?) on those who might be unreasonable.
Blessings and peace in Christ,
Rev. Charles G. Kieffer, V.F.
Pastor
p.s. If a parishioner ever encounters a situation on parish property that causes them discomfort or concern for safety, please report it as soon as possible to a priest or staff member – and do not hesitate to call 911.
TWENTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Liturgy And Music
Notes & Notices
Choirs Sing At
9 & 11AM & 6PM Masses Weekly All Groups
Are Looking For Members
Please consider joining this ministry which strives
to call us to God and lead us in prayerful song. Rehearsal for the 9 & 11AM Sunday Mass is held on
Wednesdays at 6PM; the 6PM choir rehearses before the liturgy at 4:30PM on Sundays.
Are You Interested In Serving In A
Liturgical Ministry At St. Theresa Parish?
Become a Lector, Minister of Holy Communion,
Altar Server, Usher or Martha’s Ministry.
Please contact Jim Sage in the Parish Office @
602-840-0850 ext. 121 or jsage@diocesephoenix.org.
PARISH NEWS
Adult Confirmation
Are you a practicing Catholic over the age of 19 who
somewhere along the way,
missed celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation? Are
you a Baptized Adult Christian from another Christian
Tradition who would like to
now be in full communion with the Catholic Church?
Are you a Baptized Adult who is married to Catholic
spouse and would like to know more about joining the
Church? If you answered YES to any of the above
questions then it's time for you to complete the Sacraments of Initiation through the Adult Confirmation six
week preparation sessions. Sessions begin Sunday,
September 15th after the 11AM Liturgy in the Convent
Upper Room. Candidates must be actively practicing
their faith, provide a copy of their Baptism Certificate
and attend the mandatory preparation sessions. Registration forms are now available in the Parish Office.
Please contact Patty or David Pettit @ 480-840-0850
ext. 116 if you have future questions.
SCRIPTURAL
OFFERINGS
COMING SOON
Don’t Miss Out!
BIBLE OVERVIEW “A Quick
Journey through the Bible - 8-week
overview of the exciting story of Salvation History, divided into 12 easy-to-remember periods. Optional Bible
reading, weekly Jeff Cavins video, group discussion.
Tuesdays from 7-8:30PM or 1-2:30PM September 24th
-November 12th in the Convent Upper Room. Cost is
$20. For more information contact Mary Muir @ 602739-1310 or mary.muir@cox.net. Register in the Parish Office @ 602-840-0850. You can also visit
www.biblestudyforcatholics.com for more information.
IN-DEPTH BIBLE STUDY Presentation by Kevin
Saunders. In his unique style, Kevin will read and comment on every chapter and every verse of the Book of
Genesis as he lectures his way through the material
week by week until a well deserved Christmas
break. This will be a once in a lifetime opportunity to
really become a student of the Word and learn how to
read and study the entire Bible, from beginning to its
end. Starts September 19th–December 12th on Thursdays from 7–8:30PM in Feeney Hall. More information
about the class will be coming in future bulletins. In the
meantime feel free to check out the class that Kevin
teaches in eight other valley venues. You can read more
about the class and teacher by going to ArizonaBibleClass.com.
BIBLE DISCUSSION Reading of the 1st, 2nd, and
gospel Sunday readings followed by a wide-ranging
discussion of them and related experiences. Ongoing
starting on Sunday, September 8th. No cost, preparation
or registration required. Drop-ins welcome. Located in
the Parish Office Conference Room from 10:2011:30AM. For further information call or email George
Moore @ 602-840-1076 or george85008@cox.net.
Parishioner Looking For Part To Full Time, Nanny,
Nanny-Share Or In Home Daycare... for 7 month old
daughter. Please contact Christy @ 602-670-4239 or
mansourchristy@hotmail.com if interested or for more
details. Prefer first aid and CPR certified.
BIG STUFF! Are you wondering what's it all about?
Are you finding yourself in "transition" - job, relationship, age, loss? Counseling can help. Please call Duncan
Macaulay @ 602-826-1982 or in the Parish Office @
602-840-0850. Appointments are available on Wednesdays.
ST. THERESA PARISH – PHOENIX, AZ
SUNDAY, AUGUST 18, 2013
Pray For Those…
Blood Drive NEXT Sunday, August 25th from 8:30AM
–1PM, the Bloodmobile will be at the South end of the
parking lot behind the McMahon Center Gym. To schedule an appointment go to https://www.bloodhero.com,
our sponsor code is st.theresa or email Katherine Herrick
at Katherrickmommy@gmail.com with your preferred
time. Sign-up sheets will also be available after masses.
CHILDREN’S SACRAMENTAL PREP
Welcome Back Parents Of 2nd & 3rd Grade Children! This is an exciting time for you because it's a sacramental year for your child at St. Theresa Parish! My name
is Gina Keating, and I coordinate sacramental preparation
for children in second grade who will be prepared to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Additionally, I
coordinate formation for third graders who will receive
formation to receive the Sacraments of Confirmation/First
Eucharist. Registration forms are available online for your
convenience at www.sttheresaphx.org. A copy of your
child's baptism certificate must accompany all necessary
paperwork, which needs to be turned into the Parish Office ASAP, or before October 1st. Parents with children
attending St. Theresa School will be able to register and
pay during curriculum night on September 9th, in the
School Ramada, OR, you can avoid the rush and complete the process now. Parents with children attending our
religious education classes on Sunday can register and
pay during the parent meeting with Rita Laguna on Sunday, August 25th, or, you can also avoid the rush and
complete the process now. It will be a pleasure serving
you and your family this year. Please don't hesitate to call
with any questions. Blessings, Gina, 602-840-0850.
Who Are Sick: Rosie Tallabas
Who Have Died:
Thomas Riley Blake
& William Buehrle
The Rite Of Christian Initiation Of Children is a program patterned after RCIA, and prepares unbaptized children and teens to receive the sacraments of Baptism,
Confirmation & First Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. The
family-based program meets every Sunday following
9AM Mass. Call Gina Keating for more information @
602-840-0850.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Registration Has Begun For
The 2013–2014 Religious
Education School Year
You can pick up Registration
Forms in the Parish Office for Elementary Religious
Education (including Home-School Program), EDGE,
& LIFE TEEN or check out the St. Theresa Parish
Website @ www.sttheresaphx.org for the forms.
If you have any questions about the programs please
contact the following person for more information:
Pre-School–5th grade (Rita Laguna)
Special Needs/Special Circumstances (Rita Laguna)
The Edge (6th, 7th & 8th grades) (Bradley Opitz)
Life-Teen (High School) (Bradley Opitz)
Please contact Rita & Bradley through the Parish Office
@ 602-840-0850.
I am the Light of the World, whoever follows Me shall not walk in
darkness, but will have the Light of Life. - John 8:12
Perhaps you or someone you know is considering becoming Catholic or
would like to become Catholic, but is unsure how to get started. The St. Theresa Parish Community invites you to contact The RCIA Ministry if you are
considering the journey of faith provided to you by joining the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). This is the formation process the church uses
to help members of the community come to share in the full sacramental life
of the church. Is is an ongoing process within the life of the parish community. While the RCIA is designed to welcome
new members, it also leads every Catholic to deeper belief and renewal of his or her faith. The RCIA is specifically for
unbaptized adults requesting membership in the Catholic Church. Registration forms are now available at the Parish Office. Inquiry Sessions begin Sunday September 29th after the 9 am Liturgy in the Convent Upper Room. Please call Patty & David Pettit at 480-840-0850 ext. 116 if you have future questions. Adults baptized in other Christian churches
who wish to join the Catholic Church and Adult Baptized Catholics who have not completed the Sacraments of Initiation are directed to Adult Confirmation.
TWENTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
PASTORAL CARE
Parishioner Has A Room To Rent in a lovely home.
For further information please call 602-301-9561.
Going Into The Hospital? Please contact the Pastoral
Care Ministry so we can make certain you have the opportunity to be anointed and also receive communion
while you are in the hospital. Please call Bobbie Stich
@ 602-586-7429.
The Senior Center Stage
Luncheon Adds A New
Dimension...
to an afternoon of fun with family,
friends, and delicious food! We present for your delight:
“A Thread In Time”
An array of nostalgic treasures
from the classic 20’s & 30’s, up to the
swinging 50’s & 60’s and to the delights of the present day! All items
are donated and funds from the
sales will be distributed to St. Vincent de Paul & Pastoral Care ministries. If you have a treasure you
would like to part with (vintage
toys, dolls, bud vases, bird cages, classic old books in good condition, old &
new quilts, crystal glassware, oil
paintings, linens, small vintage
clocks, gilded or painted frames, oil
paintings, etc.) please contact the
Pastoral Care Office @ 602-586-7429.
Our first Senior Center Stage Luncheon will be Wednesday, October 2nd
in Feeney Hall.
Bunco Circle your calendar for some
great fun and maybe even some winnings on Monday, September 16th!
Bunco will be held in Feeney Hall from
1:45-4PM. For more information please
contact Charlotte @ 480-284-6188 or Patty @ 602-952
-0802.
Taking Time For Prayer Adoration is
held every Thursday from 9AM to 9PM in
the Convent Chapel. This spiritual experience in our beautiful Adoration chapel is
time you will remember. Please contact
Mary Ann Gray @ 480-994-5579 for any
further information and for the code.
“My Lord and my God”
Adoration with Benediction will be Thursday, August
29th in the Convent Chapel. Please join Deacon Mark
Kriese and Adorers for an evening of prayer in the presence of Our Lord. Adoration is from 9AM-8:45PM and
Benediction will be held from 8:45PM-9PM.
Alzheimer Support Meeting Tuesday, August 27th
from 4-5PM in the Parish Office Conference Room.
Caring for a loved one with memory loss can be overwhelming. If your loved one has early or advanced
stages of memory loss, this support group can help by
listening and guiding. Knowledge takes away fear! For
further information please call the Pastoral Care Office
@ 602-586-7429.
SCHOOL NEWS
Are You Interested In Enrolling
Your Child In An Exceptional Academic
And Faith Filled School?
We are currently accepting students Preschool–8th
Grade. Please call the School Office @ 602-840-0010
for a private tour of St. Theresa Catholic School!
DIOCESAN NEWS
Andre House Summer Needs: If you can help with
any of the following please drop off at the Parish Office.
Thank you! Deodorant, toothbrushes & razors. Travel
size: toothpaste, lotion, shampoo & conditioner. Cough
drops, Ibuprofen & multi-vitamins.
Catholic Retreat For Young Singles Catholic… Single… 21-40? Join us for our Fall retreat! It's a weekend
of reflection, devotion, & fellowship, from Friday, September 20th at 6PM to Sunday September 22nd at 4PM
at the Mount Claret Retreat Center in Phoenix. Registration is $100 if registered by September 1st ($120
thereafter). Register with a friend, get a $10 discount per
person! For more info contact Jay Cedillo @ 480-2482004 or cedillo@hotelvalleyho.com.
ST. THERESA PARISH – PHOENIX, AZ
SUNDAY, AUGUST 18, 2013
Mass Intentions & Celebrants
(AUGUST 19TH-AUGUST 25TH)
MONDAY, AUGUST 19TH
6:30AM +TRINIDAD RUBALCAVA-FR. CHUCK
TUESDAY, AUGUST 20TH
6:30AM +FLORENCE DEEGAN-FR. BING
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21ST
6:30AM ROSIE TALLABAS, SPECIAL INT.-FR. CHUCK
THURSDAY, AUGUST 22ND
6:30AM +JOSEPHINA WILLIAMSON-FR. CHUCK
FRIDAY, AUGUST 23RD
6:30AM +PATRICIA TRILLO-FR. CHUCK
SATURDAY, AUGUST 24TH
8:00AM +BETTY CURRAN-FR. CHUCK
5:00PM FOR THE PARISHIONERS-FR. BING
SUNDAY, AUGUST 25TH
7:30AM +LUIS PEÑA-FR. CHUCK
9:00AM +GRETCHEN DENIGER-FR. CHUCK
11:00AM +WILLIAM BEUHRLE-FR. BING
6:00PM +THOMAS RILEY BLAKE-FR. LOU BISHOP, SJ
The Priest scheduled to celebrate the Mass
IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
~ Readings ~
Week of August 18, 2013
Sunday Jer 38:4-6, 8-10; Ps 40; Heb 12:1-4;
Lk 12:49-53
Monday Jgs 2:11-19; Ps 106; Mt 19:16-22
Tuesday Jgs 6:11-24a; Ps 85; Mt 19:23-30
Wednesday Jgs 9:6-15; Ps 21; Mt 20:1-16
Thursday Jgs 11:29-39a; Ps 40; Mt 22:1-14
Friday Ru 1:1, 3-6, 14b-16, 22; Ps 146; Mt
22:34-40
Saturday Rv 21:9b-14; Ps 145; Jn 1:45-51
Sunday Is 66:18-21; Ps 117; Heb 12:5-7, 1113; Lk 13:22-30
Sunday
1:00PM Infant Baptisms (Church)
6:00PM Life Teen (Church)
Monday
Tuesday
6:30PM SVDP Mtg. (Convent Conference Rm)
7:30PM Adult Basketball (McMahon Gym)
Wednesday
9:30AM Centering Prayer (Convent Chapel)
6:30PM Rosary (Convent Chapel)
Thursday
9:00AM Adoration (Convent Chapel)
Friday
Saturday
3:30PM Confessions (Church)
8:30PM Al Anon (Classroom 16)
Alcoholics Anonymous (Classroom 17)
~ Special Thanks
To Our Bulletin Advertisers ~
We would like to extend a “special thank you” to all of
the parishioners and friends of St. Theresa Parish who
support the publication of our parish bulletin by placing
an advertisement for their business or professional services in our weekly bulletin. It is through their generosity and support that we are able to share with you important parish news along with various ministry opportunities in our community and the Diocese. Thanks
again to all of our bulletin advertisers for your continued
patronage – may God bless you and your businesses!