OUR MISSION | The mission of St. Theresa Catholic Church is to share Christ with others through the sacraments, education, prayer, and service.
Welcome to St. Theresa Catholic Church! We are so glad you are here.
Dear Friends,
I am always grateful for the faith, devotion, and commitment that continue to make our parish a vibrant community centered on the Eucharist. Week after week, I witness the many ways our parishioners serve one another, participate in the sacraments, and grow in their relationship with Jesus.
After much prayer, consultation, and finally, the opportunity for you to participate in this decision by your vote, I am writing to inform you of a permanent change to our weekend Mass schedule.
Beginning on the weekend of August 1st & 2nd, our Mass times will be adjusted as follows:
Saturday Vigil Mass: 5:00pm
Sunday Masses: 6:30am, 8:00am, 10:00am & 12:00pm
Just to review, this change came about after much consultation with the Parish Pastoral Staff and Parish Pastoral Council. It reflects our desire to be better able to continue our evangelization efforts and offer hospitality to people between Masses without being encumbered by the quick turnaround that was the result of Mass start times being only an hour and a half apart. It also gives us more freedom when Masses go a little over an hour for a variety of reasons. Just as an aside, there are no liturgical rules or principles which dictate that Sunday Mass must be a prescribed length of time. Quality of liturgy is much more important than timing, but I digress and will address that at another time.
You were then invited to vote on two Mass time options, and the result of the vote is as follows:
1,207 votes were cast, both online and by paper, with Option One (the option being adopted) receiving 648 votes (53.7%) and Option Two receiving 559 votes (46.3%). It was a close vote, but not close enough that a few votes here or there would have made a difference.
I recognize that any change to Mass times can be difficult. Many families have built their weekly routines around a particular schedule, and I understand that adjusting those routines may require some planning and flexibility. Please know that this decision was not made lightly.
The Mass is the source and summit of our Christian life. While the specific time at which we gather may change, the grace we receive through the Eucharist remains constant. It is this sacred encounter that remains at the heart of everything we do as a parish.
I encourage all parishioners to review the new schedule and determine which Mass time will work best for their families.
I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to the many volunteers who serve in our liturgical ministries. Our lectors, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, musicians, ushers, sacristans, Mass leads and countless others make our celebrations of the Mass both prayerful and welcoming. As we transition to the new schedule, there may be some adjustments to ministry assignments, and we appreciate your patience and cooperation during this process.
Change can sometimes feel unsettling, but it also provides an opportunity for renewal. Throughout the history of the Church, communities have adapted to new circumstances while remaining faithful to the Gospel and the mission entrusted to us by Christ. I am confident that, with prayer, our parish will embrace this transition with the same spirit of faith that has guided us through many challenges and blessings over the years.
Above all, I ask for your prayers. Pray for our parish, and for all who call this community their spiritual home. Let us continue to seek God’s guidance as we move forward together, united in faith and charity.
Thank you for your understanding, support, and love for our St. Theresa Parish. It is a privilege to serve as your pastor, and I look forward to continuing our shared mission of worship, evangelization, and service.
May God bless you all.
Love,
Fr. Tim
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St. Theresa Catholic Church | 455 North Benton Street, Palatine, Illinois 60067 | 847.358.7760