Catholic Church in Bronx, NY
WELCOME TO ST. THERESA’S CHURCH
Dear Friends of St. Theresa Parish:
If you visit our church, you will see signs that simply say “WELCOME.” I think that is a symbol of what St. Theresa’s Parish is supposed to be, indeed what it has been for so many past years and, please God, will always be—a place of welcome. In particular at this pandemic tine, our church stands as a reminder that the Lord welcomes all to His house, to pray for themselves, for their families and for us all.
We welcome so many people:
This is what St. Theresa’s Parish is all about—a place of welcome. We invite you to come and join us. We want you to know that we take every precaution to keep people safe in our church—sanitizing after each Mass and making hand sanitizer available, We are happy to say that we offer you a SAFE WELCOME.
We encourage you to read about our church on this website. This website tells a story of welcome of which we are very proud. Then come to Sunday Mass, If you do, I think you will understand what we mean when we say “Welcome.” We hope you will take up our invitation.
Meanwhile, just remember: Welcome!
God bless you!
Father Thomas B. Derivan
If you are new to our neighborhood, we want you to know that St. Theresa’s Church has a warm welcome for you. Come!
For Traveling Catholics-
If you are traveling and are looking for a Catholic Church and the times of the Masses, you can consult the site, CatholicMassTime.org Go to Catholic Church Near Me and put in the zip code near where you are staying.
SPIRITUAL COMMUNION
It has long been a Catholic understanding that when circumstances prevent one from receiving Holy Communion, it is possible to make an Act of Spiritual Communion, which is a source of grace. Spiritual Communion is an ardent desire to receive Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament and lovingly embrace him at a time or in circumstances when one cannot receive Him in sacramental Communion. The most common reason for making an Act of Spiritual Communion is when a person cannot attend Mass. Acts of Spiritual Communion increase our desire to receive sacramental Communion and help us avoid the sins that would make us unable to receive Holy Communion worthily.
Spiritual Communion Prayer
My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love you above all things and I desire to receive you in my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment receive you sacramentally,
Come at least spiritually into my heart.
I embrace you as if you were already there
And unite myself wholly to you.
Never permit me to be separated from you.
Amen.
CONFESSIONS IN OUR CHURCH
The Cardinal has allowed the resumption of confessions in church. Both St. Theresa Church and Our Lady of the Assumption Church will be having confessions on Saturdays at 4:00PM, beginning on June 6th.
The following procedures will be followed in our church:
1. All persons must wear protective masks.
2. You will see two confession stations in the church, one by hallway near the sacristy and the other in the front of church. We will not be using the confessionals for safety reasons.
3. When you come to confession, you may either stand or kneel.
4. Those who are waiting for confession should stand at a respectful distance to preserve confidentiality. Also while you are waiting, please observe the proper social distancing as marked by the blue tape in the aisles.
5. Please speak loudly enough for the priest to hear, but not too loudly so that others may hear you.
6. After your confession, you may remain in the church for private prayer. Please sit or kneel only in places marked with the blue tape.