The word "liturgy" originally meant a "public work"  or a "service in the name of/on behalf of the people."  In the Christian tradition it means "the participation of the People of God in 'the work of God.'"
The liturgy is the simmit toward which the activity of the Church is directed; it is also the font from which all her power flows. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1994, para. 1069, 1074)

The weekend experience, the Mass, as the work of Christ, is also an action of his Church (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1994, para.1071) to build itself.  The ministers who serve during the Sacred Liturgy are critical to making "the weekend experience the number one opportunity for people in the community to connect with church." (Rebuilt, M. White & T. Corcoran, 2014)

BISHOP BARRON ON THE MASS (11 MIN VIDEO) 

HOWDY, friend!

Our Greeters - the first "ministers" you will encounter when you join us for a weekend liturgy - are the reflection of the charism of our entire St. Therese Parish community - "HOSPITALITY!"

Opening doors with a smile and a "welcome to St. Therese!" our greeters will assure you that:

• We are most happy that you have joined us
• You will have answered any questions about being here (e.g. "where are the rest rooms?" or "where is the 'cry room?'")  or referred to someone who can answer you
• You really should return to continue the relationship with us

We also have an information desk attendant who can handle some of your parish membership questions.  They'll have a smile on while providing you with just the right information or form you need.

The weekend Mass Coordinator is like the behind-the-scene director of a play, in this case THE Sacred Play, the Mass - or like a mom at Thanksgiving Dinner, in this case THE  Eucharistic Banquet!

Arriving early before most people get here and staying to the last after most people have left, the Mass Coordinator has a page-full of checklist items to insure that:

• The Mass, our weekly family-of-faith meal, will happen without distraction  
• This Sacrifical meal, the calling to mind the Passion, Death, Resurrection and Ascension of Christ Jesus will happen without the "star," our priest acting in persona Christi (in the person of Christ) can focus his entire being on this Source and Summit of our faith life, the Eucharist

"I was sick and you took care of me... Truly I tell you, just as you do it to one of the least of my sisters and brothers, you do it for me." (Matthew 25)

Just as Jesus said there will always be poor among us, so also will there always be members of our Parish who are sick, recovering from surgery, homebound or dying.  Sometimes parishioners are ill and absent from parish life for an extended period of time before they can return or before they pass on to eternal life.  Sometimes diminished mobility or eyesight keep the aging from attending Sunday Mass anymore.  At other times, members of the Parish are "out of commission" for a period dut to chemotherapy, rehabilitating from surgery, an accident or other physical challenges.

Whatever the reason, we have a opportunity to reach out and show our care and concern for them in their illness or confinement.  These remain precious members of the Body of Christ.  It is our responsibility to stay connected to them and to keep them connected to the life of the Parish.

The Adult Choir of St. Therese both leads our 10:30 a.m. Mass congregation in songs of praise and worship and provides the congregation with meditaional anthems after distribution of the Eucharist.

The Adult Choir is directed by Mr. Dean Jong, M.M. and accompanied by Mr. Ryan.....

The Adult Choir practices on Thursday evenings at 7:00 p.m. and warms up their voices at 10:00 a.m., before the 10:30 a.m. Mass.

No voice is without merit - and a place in our Adult Choir.  Please contact Dean at (517) 487-                or at
 [email protected]