MESSAGE TO PARISHIONERS

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:

• We welcome the families who come here with their children, looking for an excellent school, a school where their children will not only be taught, but will be loved;
• We welcome our older parishioners, the “pioneers” of our parish, many of whom have lived here for so many years, many of whom were married here, had their children baptized here, and most importantly have come here Sunday after Sunday to Mass giving the Lord praise and thanks;
• We welcome those who visit our church perhaps after years of “being away,” looking for a spiritual home and who hopefully find it here;
• We welcome those who are new to our community, those who come here now with the same aspirations that people years ago came here for—a good place in which their children can grow up, a place where Church is an important part of their lives, a place where they can know their neighbors and treasure their community.
• We welcome people of every ethnic background, every race, every way of life, realizing that whoever we are, however we look, we are all the children of God joined in His family.
• And we should add welcome to those people who may have been hesitant about returning to Sunday Mass because of  COVID-19 concerns. We want you to know that we are maintaining our strict protocols in church. Masks must be worn by all (vaccinated or not). Social distancing must be observed. Families sit together. And sanitizing takes place after every Mass. As we have said, “Come home to  Mass. It’s safe!”

This is what St. Theresa’s Parish is all about—a place of welcome.  We invite you to come and join us.  We are happy to say that we offer you a SAFE AND WARM 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
                                                                                                     

                        

 
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.

St. Theresa's Catholic Church
2855 St. Theresa Avenue
Bronx, NY 10461

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 6^th.
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.