Care for God’s Creation
Care for God’s Creation ministry reflects the teachings of Laudato Si’ by collaborating with parishioners and staff on developing Laudato Si’ initiatives, prayer, education, liturgy, and transformative actions to respond to the inseparable Cry of the Earth and the Cry of the Poor.
Ministry of Care
This invaluable ministry strives to meet the needs of our parishioners and it has been flourishing due to so many willing volunteers who have generously donated and continue to donate, their time. The ministry continues to expand/reach out into the community in order serve those who made need assistance.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP)
The St. Vincent de Paul Society is an organization of lay persons who reach out to those who are poor and in need regardless of religious belief or denomination affiliation. Members seek out their own spiritual development as well. The St. Theresa Conference has been actively engaged in this work since 1992. Counseling with clients, whether spiritual or material, is done in a spirit of charity during home visits conducted by two of our members. The names of the persons assisted are always kept confidential. The St. Theresa Conference is integrally linked with the Parish Ministry of Care. Most of the clients that we assist are referred by the lead Minister of Care, who determines that they could benefit from the assistance of our Society. For more info, email svdppalatine@gmail.com.
RCIA (The Rite of Christian Initiation)
RCIA is an adult program for education and spiritual preparation prior to entry into the Catholic church and community.
LIFT
“LIFT” is an acronym for Living In Faith Together. Through LIFT, St. Theresa Catholic Church offers the opportunity for the youth of our parish to find a safe and joyful place to encounter Jesus Christ and to share Him with others through the sacraments, fellowship, prayer, and service. Formed under the patronage of the Little Flower, the teens of LIFT are encouraged to advance in their own spiritual life through the “little way” and to make their unique talents and personalities influential in the larger context of their day-to-day lives.
Knights of Columbus
The Knights are the world’s largest fraternal organization of Catholic men. Membership is open to all men 18 and older who are practicing Catholics.
Respect Life
Respect Life Ministry serves to promote a culture of life through prayer, education and support of organizations dedicated to the teaching of the Catholic Church and to increase the understanding and awareness of the sanctity of life within the parish.
Women’s Club
A parish ministry since 1960, the Women’s Club is affiliated with the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women, unified by our common faith in Jesus Christ, guided by the Holy Spirit. We provide fellowship and a social structure through parish Guilds: St. Anthony, St Francis, and St Theresa. A few of our activities are: providing homemade hats, blankets, and pillows to cancer patients and newborns; engaging in prayer and faith sharing; hosting the annual flower show and fashion show; and gathering for fellowship at the salad luncheon and Christmas party. Guild members are provided pathways for spiritual growth, support parish events and fundraising activities, and serve the local communities in need. Our social structure, service and spirituality objectives are key to our longevity at St. Theresa. Women of all ages are invited to join St. Theresa Women’s Club. Email: wcsttheresa@gmail.com
Marian Rosary Devotion
Held every Monday evening starting at 7:00 pm with praying the Chaplet of Mercy and 10 decades of the rosary while Confessions are being heard. At 8:00 pm Holy Mass is celebrated with a different priest every week.
COME AND PRAY WITH US as Our Lady has asked us to pray. We have been here every Monday at 7:00 pm for 27 years. Just bring your Rosary, everyone is welcome, children too. Questions: call Diane at 847-204-5610.
Charismatic Prayer Group
Come experience the love and life changing power of God at our Prayer Group where we worship God in song and in prayer, experience the love of Jesus and receive the power of the Holy Spirit to heal and change our lives and the world around us.
Wednesdays at 7:30pm in the Pauline Center. For more info, contact Lou Riccio at 847-991-1979
KAIROS Prison Ministry
In Matthew 25: 31-40 Jesus tells us among other things to care for the imprisoned. When I first felt that I was being called to this ministry, I was very hesitant to respond but thru The Holy Spirit’s guidance, I finally answered the call and have received more blessings than I ever could have imagined. Do you feel that same call? Are you curious about this ministry? New members are vital to this ministry!
REACH
REACH is a Religious Education program for adults in our community who have developmental disabilities. REACH participants have the opportunity to learn about their Catholic Faith and traditions, provide service to the parish and community and share their faith with one another.
Eucharistic Ministers
Willingness to serve as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion reflects not only a response to your Baptismal call to serve the people of God, but a commitment to Christ as you share in the preaching, teaching and leading aspects of the church. You offer the Eucharist, recognize the Body of Christ in those to whom you offer Eucharist and ultimately you act as the Body of Christ by fully participating in the life of the parish and the wider community.
Lector Ministry
The Lord God has given me a well-trained tongue, that I might know how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them. -Isaiah 50:4
The lector ministry at St. Theresa is comprised of about fifty men and women who proclaim the Word at parish liturgical celebrations.
Aelred L Rosser writes in Workbook for Lectors and Gospel Readers, 2004:
Those who proclaim God’s word in the liturgy are ministers. When you answer the call to be a minister of the word, you enter a deeper relationship with God revealed in sacred scripture. You take upon yourself the awesome duty and privilege of bringing the printed word to life, making it flesh. . .The reader proclaims God’s word to the assembled faith community. It’s that simple and that sublime. . .
If you feel called to this ministry, please contact the Parish office at 847 358-7760
Music Ministry
Many opportunities are offered in the music ministry at St. Theresa Church. These include the Adult Choir, the Resurrection Choir, and the Youth Choir. For additional information, contact the Music Director at (847) 358-7760.
Altar Servers
The Altar Server Ministry is a unique one in the Catholic Church. Other than priests and deacons, no one else is allowed to so closely play a part in the preparation of the Eucharist. Participation as an Altar Server is special. When you serve the priests and deacons, you serve the people of God, and above all, you serve Christ.
Ushers
The Usher Ministry plays a vital role in the hospitality and welcome ministry of St. Theresa Parish. Ushers help the parishioners and visitors experience a wonderful worship service. Ushers also play an integral role in ensuring a respectful and reverent flow during the liturgy.
Wedding Ministry
The Wedding Rehearsal Ministry assists engaged couples with the rehearsal at St. Theresa church. We contact the bride approximately two weeks prior to the wedding to begin the planning process. The week of the wedding, we conduct the rehearsal at church and, on the wedding day, we serve as St. Theresa coordinators for the marriage ceremony.