St. Theresa Catholic Church

Secretary: Diana Gomez

Hours: Mondays & Thursdays
5:30-7:30 p.m.

Saturday from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Office: (806) 839-2892
Fax: (806) 590-8101
cell: (806) 559-0617
E-mail: sainttheresahc@gmail.com

Music Director:
Irene Martinez

Coordinator of Sacristan:
Alvaro Alonzo

DRE Director: Irene Martinez
Asst: Geneva Garcia

Guadalupana President:
Christine Reyna

Victim’s Assistance Coordinator Oscar Reyes 806-543-9178 oreyes_lubbock@yahoo.com

Confessions: Saturday at 4:30 p.m. or by appointment.

Hall Rental: At least 15 business days before your event contact the Secretary: Diana Gomez

Announcements: If you want your
announcement to be posted, it needs to be submitted by Thursday before 1:00 p.m. Due to our deadline of turning in the bulletin for print there will be absolutely NO exceptions. For announcements please contact: Ermelinda: 285-2140 or leave her a message.

RCIA: If you are interested in exploring the Catholic faith or finding out more about the RCIA program,  Contact the secretary: Diana Gomez 

If you are not married by the church or an adult that is not confirmed and would like to receive these sacraments or if you are interested in joining the Catholic faith and would like more information come
visit with, call or text Fr. Jacob.

Baptisms: Parents and Godparents are
required to attend Baptismal classes.
Call the Parish Office. Must be registered parishioners at least 2 months prior to date of Baptism. ($20.00 Donation)

Marriage: Must be at least 18 years old and a member of St. Theresa’s. Please contact the parish office at least six months before the wedding. ($150.00 Donation) Classes every Thursday from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

CCE classes: Elementary: Sun. 9:30 a.m. Youth Night for all Junior High and High School : Wed. 7:00 p.m.

Quinceaneras: Although a quinceañera is not a sacrament, in order to celebrate a quinceañera you need to:
A. Be a registered member.
B. Be enrolled in the two year CCE classes.
C. First communion
D. A $75.00 donation.
E. Attend a Quinceañera Retreat
F. Contact office at least 6 months prior to date requesting.

Funeral Guidelines are as follows:
* Deceased may be brought to the Church no earlier than 4:00 p.m. day of Rosary and picked up at 9:00 p.m.
* On Funeral days: 10:00 a.m. funerals– bodies brought to Church at 9:00 a.m.
* 2:00 p.m. Funerals-bodies brought to Church at 10:00 a.m.

**Take Communion to homebound: contact the Secretary: Diana Gomez

 

Sunday, December 20 @ 11:00 a.m.
Mass

Thursday, December 24 @ 7:00 p.m.
Christmas Eve Mass

Friday, December 25 @ 11:00 a.m.
The Nativity of the Lord
Christmas Day Mass

Sunday, December 27 @ 11:00 a.m.
Mass

Thursday, December 31, 2020
No Mass
No Exposition or Confessions

Friday, January 1, 2021
Mass @ 11:00 a.m.
“Solemnity of Mary The Holy Mother of God”

New Year’s Day
Sunday, January 3 @ 11:00 a.m.
Mass

To my cherished flock:
It is with great sadness that I explain to y’all the temporary policies that we will be implementing. As y’all know, the pandemic of this spreading virus is causing confusion and suffering on a growing scale. Therefore, please be aware of the following:
1. I am here and available. I am not going anywhere. For anyone with concerns or in need of spiritual direction, Confession, Anointing or help, I am privileged to offer it. Please use this time for more individual spiritual guidance if I can be of some help in this way.
2. Please pray for the victims past, present, and future of this illness and any other.
3. Please pray for the bishops in this difficult time because they have so many hard and heavy decisions to make for our spiritual and physical wellbeing. Be slow to criticize and quick to pray with a quiet and confident trust in the Almighty.
4. All public Masses (this simply means regularly scheduled Masses) will be suspended. Every Catholic in this diocese has a dispensation from their Sunday obligation. In addition, all group gatherings (stations of the cross, rosaries, meetings, meals…) are also suspended for the time being. I will be offering Mass everyday at various times. Please be aware that many of my masses will (like normal) be offered for each of y’all. The Mass is a most powerful prayer and will not be suppressed. I may not be able to feed my flock with the Eucharist, but I certainly can by way of graces that flow through my Masses, the Divine Office, mortifications, and many other conduits offer spiritual strength and protection. At the bottom of this message, I write more on ways to keep Holy the Sabbath during this time of suspended public Masses.
5. The churches are to remain open. Individual prayer is highly encouraged in front of the tabernacle. We are working on increasing the amount of time the church doors are unlocked. Moreover, household prayer within the home should be considered necessary during this time and at all times.
6. I will maintain my times for confession. Y’all have my number; therefore, we can set up other times for Confession if that suits you better. In the Old Testament, many of these types of disasters were seen as an invitation, indeed, even a command to further and more heartfelt repentance. We should do the same. Please use this time to be refreshed in the very powerful and sublime Sacrament of our Good Shepherd’s Mercy.
7. The Diocese recommends there be a graveside service for the time being and a Memorial Mass after the pandemic has run its course; however, a Funeral Mass with immediate family is permitted. Funeral Liturgies will have no more than 25 people.
8. Many people want to speculate about the cause and propagation of this virus (political, economic, spiritual, natural…). Regardless, God is with us; therefore, in faith and with relentless hope we continue to approach our Lord. Whether this causes you or others you know physical, economic, emotional or spiritual trials, God is present. In Him, with Him and through Him we will grow spiritually through this. Simply remain firmly planted in the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. For in this Heart, we have the fountain of peace.



A mi querido rebaño:
Con gran tristeza les explico a todos ustedes las políticas temporales que implementaremos. Como todos saben, la pandemia de este virus en expansión está causando confusión y sufrimiento en una escala creciente. Por lo tanto, tenga en cuenta lo siguiente:
1. Estoy aquí y disponible. No ire a ninguna parte. Para cualquier persona con inquietudes o que necesite dirección espiritual, confesión, unción o ayuda, tengo el privilegio de ofrecerla. Utilice este tiempo para obtener más orientación espiritual individual si puedo ser de alguna ayuda de esta manera.
2. Ore por las víctimas pasadas, presentes y futuras de esta enfermedad y cualquier otra.
3. Por favor, ore por los obispos en este momento difícil porque tienen muchas decisiones difíciles y pesadas que tomar para nuestro bienestar espiritual y físico. Sé lento para criticar y rápido para orar con una confianza tranquila y confiada en el Todopoderoso.
4. Todas las Misas públicas (esto simplemente significa Misas programadas regularmente) serán suspendidas. Cada católico en esta diócesis tiene una dispensa de su obligación dominical. Además, todas las reuniones grupales (estaciones de la cruz, rosarios, reuniones, comidas ...) también están suspendidas por el momento. Estaré ofreciendo misa todos los días en varios momentos. Tenga en cuenta que muchas de mis misas (como es normal) se ofrecerán para cada uno de ustedes. La misa es una oración muy poderosa y no será reprimida. Es posible que no pueda alimentar a mi rebaño con la Eucaristía, pero ciertamente puedo, gracias a las gracias que fluyen a través de mis misas, el oficio divino, las mortificaciones y muchos otros conductos, ofrecer fortaleza y protección espiritual. Al final de este mensaje, escribo más sobre las maneras de guardar el Santo Sábado durante este tiempo de Misas públicas suspendidas.
5. Las iglesias deben permanecer abiertas. La oración individual es altamente alentada frente al tabernáculo. Estamos trabajando para aumentar la cantidad de tiempo que las puertas de la iglesia están abiertas. Además, la oración doméstica dentro del hogar debe considerarse necesaria durante este tiempo y en todo momento.
6. Mantendré mis tiempos para la confesión. Todos ustedes tienen mi número; por lo tanto, podemos configurar otros momentos para la Confesión si eso le conviene mejor. En el Antiguo Testamento, muchos de estos tipos de desastres fueron vistos como una invitación, incluso como una orden para un arrepentimiento más profundo y sincero. Nosotros deberíamos hacer lo mismo. Aproveche este tiempo para refrescarse en el poderoso y sublime Sacramento de la Misericordia de nuestro Buen Pastor.
7. La Diócesis recomienda que haya un servicio junto a la tumba por el momento y una Misa en memoria después de que la pandemia haya seguido su curso; sin embargo, se permite una misa fúnebre con la familia inmediata. Las liturgias funerarias no tendrán más de 25 personas.
8. Muchas personas quieren especular sobre la causa y la propagación de este virus (político, económico, espiritual, natural ...). De todos modos, Dios está con nosotros; por lo tanto, con fe y con una esperanza incesante continuamos acercándonos a nuestro Señor. Si esto le causa a usted u otras personas que conoce pruebas físicas, económicas, emocionales o espirituales, Dios está presente. En Él, con Él y a través de Él, creceremos

First Sunday of Advent
“Be on guard,” Jesus warns in today’s Gospel, “lest your spirits become bloated with indulgence.” Let us heed His warning and follow the advice of St. Paul, conducting ourselves in a way pleasing to God, overflowing with love for one another. See Luke 21:34 

Second Sunday of Advent
Good stewards believe that God, who has begun this good work in them, will carry it through to completion. In words and deeds, they can sing with the psalmist, “The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy!”

Immaculate Conception (December 8
Mary’s Immaculate Conception prepared her for her unique role as the Mother of God. We, too, have been given all the gifts we need to do the work to which God calls us. Oh Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us that we may have the courage to say “yes!” when God calls 

Third Sunday of Advent
• Today’s Gospel provides a blueprint for good stewardship: “Let the man who has two coats give to him who has none. The man who has food should do the same

Fourth Sunday of Advent
The Gospel today tells of the Virgin Mary, pregnant herself, hurrying off to help her cousin Elizabeth. The model of good stewardship, she who had given herself to bear the Savior, gave her time and love to others as well

Christmas (Vigil)
Heaven and earth rejoice with praise and glory to God that the prophecies of old are fulfilled in Jesus Christ, our Savior. As faithful Christian stewards, our gratitude should be endless for this greatest of gifts.

Christmas (Midnight)
The birth of Jesus was part of God’s plan for our salvation. How do we, as Christian stewards, gratefully accept this special gift?

Christmas (Dawn)
We pray that God gives us wisdom to do His will, and the courage and strength to act as His disciples

Christmas (Day)
Rejoice! The Word became flesh and dwells among us! Oh, come, let us adore him!

Feast of the Holy Family
Parents who practice good stewardship draw upon their time and talents to pass on their gift of faith, to educate, to nurture, and to protect their children.

New Year’s Day – Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
The Gospel today says that, having found the infant Jesus, the shepherds returned to their work, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. We, too, have seen and celebrated the mystery of the Word made flesh. Will we follow their example when we return to work tomorrow?
 

 Parishes & Around the Diocese

OUR LADY OF VICTORY RADIO: Visit 102.9 FM website at http://www.olvradio.com to hear live streaming of EWTN. For program schedule, please see http://www.ewtn.com/radio/schedule.asp  Traveling outside of Lubbock? Please let us know where you can hear this low-power broadcast by emailing us at catholiclubbock@gmail.com.

OUR LADY OF FATIMA RADIO- PLAINVIEW: Tune in to LP 100.7 FM 24 hours a day, seven days a week! Mass streamed live on Sundays at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m.

TWITTER: Bishop Coerver is now on Twitter. You can follow him @BishopLubbock. https://twitter.com/BishopLubbock

CONNECT WITH THE DIOCESE OF LUBBOCK: Follow: @CatholicLubbock on Twitter & Instagram

SEND South Plains Catholic story ideas, stories, and photos (including names and explanations) to: PO Box 98700, Lubbock, Texas 79499-8700, or email lflores@catholiclubbock.org. 

SPIRITUAL COMMUNION
O my sweet Jesus, I believe that you are truly present in the Most Holy Sacrament of the altar.
 I love you above all others and above all things. I earnestly desire to receive you into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment receive you sacramentally, I pray
that you will please come at least spiritually into my heart.
I embrace you as if you were already there, and unite myself to you with all my heart and soul.
I pray that you will never permit me to be separated from you. Amen

CONTRITION – Perfect and imperfect

IN THE ABSENCE OF CONFESSION. . . Remember your First Confession and being taught we must be sorry for our sins to be forgiven?

There are two types of sorrow (contrition) for sins.
-Imperfect Contrition -- focus on ourselves, fear of even greater punishment. –

Perfect Contrition -- focuses on the Other. Not the fear of hell, rather offending One who is all-loving. Perfect Contrition focuses on the relationship rather than the sin, the Redeemer rather than oneself.

Why seek out the Sacrament of Reconciliation?
-Personal abandonment to the Mercy and Grace of God
What about now with the pandemic and “shelter in place?” - Rely on the words of Psalm 103:8, “Merciful and gracious is the LORD, slow to anger, abounding in mercy.”

- With Perfect Contrition, seek the Lord.
- Allow His Grace to penetrate the core of your being.
-Earnestly pray an Act of Contrition. - Resolve to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation as soon as possible.
-Continue to restore your relationship with the Lord.
-Be confident that His Love is greater than our offenses; His mercy is everlasting.
 

REPORTING ABUSE OR NEGLECT: Our clergy (bishop, priests, and deacons), seminarians, men and women in Consecrated Life, lay staff, and volunteers are trained to recognize and to report any disclosure or suspicion of physical abuse, sexual abuse, sexual assault, or neglect to the appropriate authorities. It is the policy of the Diocese of Lubbock to report any allegation of sexual abuse of a minor or vulnerable adult to law enforcement. (More information online) Once local law enforcement, or the child abuse/vulnerable adult hotline has been called, information regarding an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor should also be reported to Victim Assistance Coordinator Oscar Reyes at (806) 543-9178 or to diocesan officials.

VIRTUS SAFE ENVIRONMENT ONLINE TRAINING - The Diocese of Lubbock announces our affiliation with VIRTUS; a platform for Safe Environment training. This training is available online in Spanish and English. Its mainstay course, Protecting God's Children assists the church in its efforts to recognize and stop sexual abuse. To register for VIRTUS and access the online training course please go to www.catholiclubbock.org and click on the Safe Environment tab. The VIRTUS link will be located at the bottom of the page. If you have any questions, please contact Belinda Aguirre at 806.792.3943 Ext. 211.