Making Disciples: A Guide to Your Faith Community

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Welcome to St. Theresa Catholic Church Welcome home! The family of Christ at St. Theresa Church welcomes you to the Catholic community of Northwest Austin. Our parish encompasses all the surrounding neighborhoods including Northwest Hills. Highland Hills, Balcones, Jester, Steiner Ranch, River Place, Westover Hills, City Park, The Courtyard/Scout Island, and more. Many of our parishioners live far beyond our parish boundaries and chose to make St. Theresa their spiritual home. All are welcome here. We encourage you to use the parish membership form to let us know about you. Feel free to hand this to a hospitality minister or one of the clergy. We invite you to discover a deeper relationship through one or more of our small group ministries. Essential to our personal growth is the strength we receive from other Christians who support us with caring, friendship, guidance, and accountability. Become part of our extended family at St. Theresa through the small group life of the church! Many of our parish groups and activities are listed in this book. More can be found on our church website www.sttaustin.org. If you are not sure how to become involved in one of our groups or activities, simply call the church office, (512) 451–5121, and we’ll be glad to help.

Who We Are

Our mission is to make disciples for  the Lord Jesus Christ and,   together in ministry for Him,    advance the Kingdom of God.

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Table of Contents Welcome, Who We Are. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Letter from Our Pastor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Our Strategy For Ministry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Our Beliefs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Adult Evangelization and Fellowship. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Ministries for Children and Youth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Youth Evangelization and Fellowship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Liturgical Ministries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Music Ministries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Outreach Ministries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Parish Groups. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Senior Adult Ministries.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Answering Your Questions About: Worship. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Giving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baptism, Godparents, and Sponsors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reconciliation, Making a Good Confession. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eucharist and First Communion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Confirmation, Anointing of the Sick. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marriage, Divorce and Annulment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . My Loved One Has Died. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vocations in the Church. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mass & Reconciliation Times, Campus Map. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Parish Staff Directory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Grounded in Scripture  Growing in the Spirit   Reaching out in Love Dear Friend, We are glad you are at St. Theresa Church! We pray that your involvement here will be meaningful for you and know that your participation will be a blessing for others! One way of understanding the Christian journey is to think of a large, wonderful house. Some rooms would be set for a feast with tables covered with delicious food, others would be given over to marvelous celebrations, some rooms would be dedicated to learning and growing, others filled with quiet but powerful healing, and still others focused on showing us how to use our God-given gifts to serve and bless others. As we follow Jesus Christ, over time through his Church, we get to experience all those wonderful rooms! In fact, when you think about it, one of the worst things imaginable would be to be left out on the porch of that great and glorious house and miss the joy inside. This guidebook is designed to help ensure that you are not “left out on the porch.” We want to help you grow in a personal relationship with the living Lord and to become part of His family, the Church. St. Theresa is a place where no one has to be alone and everyone can belong to the family, and in the belonging, discover all the power and healing and hope God wants to give each one of us. Please use this guidebook to help you learn more about the kingdom community at St. Theresa. All of us are here to help you in any way we can. And together, as we follow Jesus as His disciples, let’s keep our hearts open to all the graces and joy He would give, in every room He is preparing for us. Yours and His, Fr. Larry Covington  

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Our Strategy for Ministry Proclamation: Providing effective, evangelical teaching and celebration which incorporates the best of our tradition with an emphasis on the Sacramental life, Scripture, and the experience of grace. We are to be a worshipping church, accepting Jesus’ lordship over all aspects of our life and building our life upon his Word, so that we might open our heart to the full presence and power of the living God. Community: Providing the educational, supportive, and disciplining ministries necessary to incorporate individuals into the Body of Christ. As the Universal Church we are open to everyone who seeks the love of God. We share in the redemptive fellowship of a kingdom community and the disciplines of faithfulness so that we each may grow into what Christ intends for us. Service: Providing ministries of outreach to help build the kingdom and equip every member to be in ministry for Christ. We are to be a servant church, modeling our lives after the One who came to serve and sharing the grace we have been given, so that the living Lord might make a difference in our world through us, His disciples. These three aspects of our strategy are not isolated from each other, but are interwoven and are all to be present to some extent in each aspect of the life of the Church. Grounded in worship and the Word, growing in the Spirit, and reaching out in love are summarized in Proclamation, Community and Service. This strategy sets the standard by which everything is accomplished in the Parish community. Every organization needs clear standards by which to judge the effectiveness of its activities. Given our strategy for ministry, our evaluation process is simple. We ask three questions of each proposed event or activity: • Will it GLORIFY God through Christ? • Will it NURTURE disciples for Christ? • Will it WIN disciples for Christ? Jesus said to his disciples: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And I will be with you always, to the end of the age.” —Matthew 28:19–20 5

Our Beliefs The Catholic Church is what Christ has given to the world to enable us to live a meaningful life now and with everlasting joy in the life to come. The Church is the means and goal of God’s plan which is prepared for in the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament), founded on the words and actions of Jesus, fulfilled by his redeeming cross and resurrection and manifested to the whole world through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The Church will be perfected in the glory of heaven as the assembly of all the redeemed on earth. It is both visible and spiritual. It is a hierarchical society and the Mystical Body of Christ; as such the Church is both human and divine which is a mystery accepted through faith. The Church is the sacrament of salvation through which God brings his creation to himself. We profess that we are the one “holy catholic and apostolic church.” It is holy, that is to say, sanctified, because it is given to us by Jesus. It is catholic because it is universal. It is apostolic because Jesus entrusted it to the apostles and their successors. The word “catholic” comes to us from the Greek word “katholicos” which translates “universal.” The Church is for the whole world and all its people. The word “apostolic” is also from the Greek and means “of the Apostles.” These were the twelve men Jesus chose to follow him and carry on his mission. The Catholic Church’s universal mission was given by Jesus to Peter the Apostle with assurance that the forces of evil would not stand in the way of its progress. Jesus said to Peter in the Gospel of Matthew: “I for my part declare to you, you are Peter (rock) and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.” —Matthew 16:18 From that time on the Church has been under the supervision of the successors of Peter the Apostle with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We believe that the Holy Spirit guides the hearts and minds of those who surrender to baptismal discipleship, and, through a life of worship and service, the purposes of God are made manifest. A deeper understanding is gained through reading the Catechism of the Catholic Church which is the complete compendium of the teaching of the Church. As the Church of Christ there are core beliefs that are central to every aspect of our religion. These are succinctly given to us in the Nicene Creed and the Apostles Creed, which are found on the first page of our Worship Book.

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• We believe and understand that God is Trinity. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This mystery reveals to us that God is of one nature and three persons, the origin of love and in himself a community of love. Our limited ability to embrace this mystery wisely leads us to accept its truth as defined by the Councils of the Church as an essential and defining foundation for our faith. “Great is our Lord, and great his power: and of his wisdom there is no number.” —Psalm 146:5 • We believe that Jesus Christ is God and his passion, death, and resurrection have saved us from our sins. • We believe that baptism claims us for Christ, frees us from the bonds of original sin, and incorporates us into the body of Christ which is the Church. • We believe that God has revealed himself to us in his Word as given in both the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament. • We believe that this Word and the Apostolic teaching authority of the church are the tools by which the truths of God are revealed to us. • We understand that God’s grace is freely given to us in the sacraments that were instituted by Christ. The Sacraments are the outward and visible signs of God’s inward spiritual grace. • The Mass is the central act of worship within the Christian community. We believe and teach that the Eucharist is the source and summit of our spirituality.

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The Seven Sacraments 1. Baptism:

 rees us from the sin of Adam and Eve’s disobedience and incorporates F us into the Body of Christ. Baptism is accomplished by pouring water or full immersion.

2. Eucharist:

 t the Last Supper with his disciples, Jesus instituted the lasting memorial A that would perpetually make him present to his Church.

3. Confirmation:

 s an extension and completion of the sacrament of baptism, Confirmation A confers the gifts of the Holy Spirit fitting the Christian for discipleship.

4. Penance:

J esus entrusted Peter with the keys of the kingdom. By this apostolic authority priests are graced, commissioned and empowered to assure God’s forgiveness and give absolution from the penalties of sin when, with true contrition, such sins are confessed.

5. Anointing of the sick:

 rough anointing and laying on of hands the sick benefit from God’s healing Th mercy. This sacrament, when joined to the reception of the Eucharist and given to the dying, prepares them for the journey to God’s heart of love.

6. Marriage:

 e joyful union of a man and a woman in a life-long bond that signifies the Th union of Christ and his Church and is open to the gift of children.

7. Holy Orders:

 e conferral of the three-fold apostolic ministry of bishops, deacons, and Th priests for the service of Christ in his Church.

For a complete and in depth understanding of the beliefs and teachings of the Catholic Church please refer to The Catechism of the Catholic Church.

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How the Church is Structured The Catholic Church is governed by the pope who resides in Vatican City located in Rome. The pope is elected for life and may serve as such or retire if failing health prevents him from fulfilling his duties. The pope is chosen through election by the cardinals who meet for that purpose upon the death or retirement of the pope. The pope has universal authority over the Church. Cardinals are bishops who have been selected by the pope to represent significant geographical areas and form the “college” of overseers who collaborate with the pope in governing the Church. Cardinals are usually archbishops which means they are the local bishop of an archdiocese. An archdiocese functions as any other diocese, and, in addition, is the headquarters of a geographical province made up of a number of dioceses. An archbishop’s authority is limited to his own archdiocese except as directed by the pope and specifically for the appointment of an apostolic administrator upon the retirement or death of a bishop within the province. Some cardinals occupy offices of authority in the Vatican. Others function as representatives of nations in an ambassadorial capacity to the Vatican. These are called papal nuncios. A diocese is a local geographic area under the supervision of a bishop. The bishops of each nation form a college that meets annually for the purpose of setting national agendas and maintaining ministry standards. Each diocese is constituted by a collection of geographical areas called deaneries. The dean is a priest appointed by the bishop to assist in the oversight of the parishes located within that area. The deans meet regularly to assist the bishop with the governance of the diocese. Within each deanery are yet smaller geographical areas called parishes. Parishes are placed under the supervision of a pastor, who is appointed by the bishop, along with vicars and deacons fulfill the Church’s mission to preach, teach, and sanctify. Each parish is administered by a pastor or parochial administrator who acts on behalf of the bishop. For a larger parish, the bishop may assign one or more parochial vicars to assist the pastor. A parish council, consisting of members of the parish community, advises and assists the pastor in developing and implementing the parish vision, and a finance council is appointed by the pastor to provide oversight of the parish budget and finances. 9

Adult Evangelization and Fellowship Foundations “For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” —1 Corinthians 3:11 Foundations is our program for Christian growth and discipleship for adults. Each fall and spring we explore a particular subject that impacts our life as Christians. Topics may include Scripture, Church history, biblical and historical theology, sacramental theology, and comparative religion. The weekly sessions are presented by the pastor, and the format allows for interaction and group discussion. Typically, we will gather on Monday evenings at 7 p.m. in the Family Center. Contact the Parish Office of Evangelization and Catechesis, Linda Gockel, at [email protected].

Adult Faith Formation “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” —2 Peter 3:18 For individuals who desire to be a disciple of Christ and part of the community of believers in the Catholic Church, there are several routes that are available according to need. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a faith building process for an individual who has never been baptized or has been baptized but never instructed in the ways of faith. This program shepherds the individual through a process that presents the Christian faith as a way of life and culminates in either baptism or confirmation. A well trained and enthusiastic team leads this process on Thursday evenings. Contact the Parish Office of Evangelization and Catechesis, Marie Cehovin, at [email protected].

Bible Study “Blessed are they who hear the Word of God and keep it.” —Luke 11:28 The parish offers Bible studies for those seeking to develop a personal relationship with God through His word. No previous experience with the Bible is necessary. The studies help participants grow in their knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the story of salvation and our place in it. The studies feature a dynamic video presentation and small group discussion component and include time for fellowship. Studies are typically offered on Monday and Wednesday evenings and Thursday and Sunday mornings. For more information visit www.sttaustin.org/aff or contact [email protected]. 10

Retreat Ministry “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” —Mark 6:13 Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP, pronounced “chirp”) renewal weekends are an opportunity to spend 36 hours away from the hustle and bustle of daily life to be with God and fellow parishioners. The annual retreats, which take place from early Saturday morning through Sunday afternoon on parish grounds every January, are a gift presented by current and former CRHP participants, so there is no fee to attend. To learn more, visit the parish website— www.sttaustin.org/christ-renews-his-parish—where you can watch a short video and register for the retreat. A.C.T.S. is an extended weekend retreat offered by St. Louis, St. Theresa and St. Albert the Great parishes in Austin. A.C.T.S. Retreats create an environment and opportunity for women and men to focus on their relationship with the Lord, its application in their daily lives, to build purpose in their prayer life, and to cultivate friendship and fellowship among members of the community. (Women’s and Men’s retreats are held separately.) A.C.T.S is an acronym for Adoration, Community, Theology, Service. To learn more visit www.www.stlouisacts.com.

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Catalyst Men’s Ministry “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”

—Proverbs 27:17

Catalyst is the name of our parish ministry for men which provides an opportunity for fellowship, spiritual growth and personal accountability. Various formats are used for presentation and emphasis is placed on small group discussion. Catalyst creates an atmosphere that promotes the individual support and friendship. Catalyst exists to create an atmosphere that forms and supports Godly men who claim their place of leadership in the family and the community. In addition to the weekly gathering, we offer an open invitation to play weeknight basketball and occasional bowling nights. Catalyst meets on Wednesday mornings in the Family Center from 6–7:20 a.m. and breakfast is provided. Contact Jayson Vogler at [email protected].

Connections Women’s Ministry “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

—Philippians 4:13

Connections is our parish ministry for women who are looking to deepen their faith and strengthen their connections with other women of the parish. This inspiring ministry offers the opportunity for women of all ages and marital status to know God and experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ. Connections offers a creative and supportive fellowship for women to advance in spiritual knowledge through a variety of presentations and small group discussions. Connections meets in the Family Center on Tuesdays from 7:30–9 p.m. with refreshments provided. Contact Debra Vogler at [email protected].

Naomi Circle “I caused the widow’s heart to sing for joy.” —Job 29:13 Naomi Circle is a loving and supportive gathering of women of all ages who have lost their husbands. This uplifting fellowship offers the blessing of friendship and a community of growth. Grief support is offered to those in need. Naomi Circle meets on second Tuesday from 2:30–4 p.m. in room 205 of the Education Building. Contact Sr. Ann Pennington at [email protected].

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Ministries for Children and Youth “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” —Proverbs 22:6 St. Theresa’s Catholic School Our award-winning parish school celebrates three decades of providing an excellent academic and Christian environment for our parish children in grades Pre K–8. With a near capacity enrollment of more than 400, students, faculty and parents are inspired by the school’s motto: Learn * Serve * Believe. This school motto is the heart of our mission to help children reach their full potential and lead happy, purposeful lives that honor God and enrich their community. For registration information, contact Suzanne Leggett at [email protected]. Pre-School and Elementary Catechesis Elementary Catechesis, also known as Religious Education, is offered September–May for children starting at age 3 through 5th grade. Classes meet Sunday mornings. Second grade catechesis includes preparation for the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion. For more information on those sacraments see pages 30-32. To enroll for catechesis, including Sacrament preparation as needed, contact Linda Gockel at [email protected] or go to www.sttaustin.org/elementary-catechesis.

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Middle School Catechesis Serving grades 6–8, Middle School Catechesis, also known as Religious Education, meets September–May on Sunday from 9:30–10:45 a.m. The 6th grade text invites the students into a deeper understanding of the scriptures and its meaning for today. Seventh grade students use the Encounter Bible Study, Mystery of God and Jesus in the New Testament texts to explore scripture, salvation history the teachings of Jesus and the Church. Eighth grade students study Morality Life in Christ and Church and Sacraments and portions of the Chosen program texts. They explore the Ten Commandments, Beatitudes and in-depth study of the Church and Sacraments. 7th–8th grade religious education is required to enter formal confirmation classes. To learn more about middle school catechesis, or to register your child for classes, contact [email protected], visit www.sttaustin.org/msyouthmin, or call (512) 451–5121. High School Catechesis We offer the acclaimed Chosen program to provide a thorough review of the Catholic faith. This is primarily for those that have not yet met the religious education requirements to enter formal confirmation preparation. Contact [email protected]. High School Bible Study Starting with the T3 timeline series with Mark Hart, youth explore scripture study through engaging presentations and activities. This is the teen version of the acclaimed Jeff Cavins Bible study series. Confirmation St. Theresa offers a Confirmation preparation program for high school youth in accordance with current diocesan guidelines. See more about Confirmation on page 31. To learn more about high school catechesis, confirmation preparation, or to register for classes, visit www.sttaustin.org/hsyouthmin

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Youth Evangelization and Fellowship Let no one have contempt for your youth, but set an example for those who believe, in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. —1 Timothy 4:12 Youth Ministry: The Gathering is a weekly Sunday session for high school youth held following the 5 p.m. Mass. Young people gather for social time and faith formation in a supportive environment where they can encounter Christ and find their place in the parish community. Teens can continue build on the strong foundation they began in middle school to build skills they will need for their future. The Summer Program is a laid back community building time, with events for middle and high school teens and their family’s spread throughout the summer. These events include theme park trips, movie nights and more. Mission trips and camps are a large part of the summer program. Middle School Social Events build on the summer program with social events once a month for middle school teens.

Youth Retreats “Be still and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, exalted on the earth.” —Psalms 46:10 Middle School Spring Retreat is offered for those in grades 6–8. The full-day retreat features community building fun, witness talks and prayer experiences to help youth connect with God and the Church in a fun environment. This is also a leadership opportunity for high school teens. Sleepless Night Retreat is held on Holy Thursday to Good Friday when High School youth spend a sleepless night reflecting on the Passion of Jesus Christ. Young people especially enjoy the challenge of staying awake to learn about Christ and themselves! Leader Retreat is held in August to develop retreat teams. This retreat focuses on deepening the candidates’ spirituality and developing the necessary skills to be a successful Catholic leader. High school students are invited by the directors to participate in this awesome opportunity.

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Diocesan Youth Conference/National Youth Conference is a weekend conference where high school teens from all over the diocese gather to celebrate and learn from national speakers, workshops, adoration and reconciliation. Steubenville Youth Conference is three-day conference where thousands of teens from all over the country gather to experience God through the celebration of Adoration and Sacrament of Reconciliation. There are presenters and workshops to help teen embrace their faith.

Mission Experiences Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?” “Here I am,” I said. “Send me!” —Isaiah 6:8 Ignite Service Camp is a four-day camp held at St. Theresa for those entering 6th grade through those exiting 8th grade. Teams of youth perform service during the day in the Austin community and in the morning and evening they have a retreat experience. All activities are geared to the campers’ level of spiritual maturity. The camp is led by trained high school leaders. Catholic Heart Work Camp is an out-of-state weeklong national camp focused on serving others to deepen their understanding of God. St. Theresa youth, along with hundreds of Catholic teens from across the country, transform the communities they visit. Work assignments range from simple cleaning, landscaping and painting to repair projects. In the morning and evening there are engaging retreat experiences to lead youth to discover and deepen their understanding of our faith tradition through the celebration of Mass, Adoration and the Sacrament of Reconciliation and other prayer experiences.

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For information on any of the Youth Ministry activities or programs visit www.sttaustin.org/hsyouthmin or contact [email protected].

Liturgical Ministries Participating in a Liturgical Ministry is an opportunity to fulfill Christ’s baptismal call to serve others. Whether your participation is behind the scenes in the preparation and support ministries or service in a more public way at Mass, you will help our liturgies to be truly life-giving celebrations. Most ministries require participants to attend annual training and/or formation sessions. If you are interested in serving as a Liturgical Minister or need more information, visit our website or contact the ministry coordinator. Altar Server Ministry The Altar Server Ministry is a graded program open to all 4th–12th grade youth who are baptized, have received First Communion, and practice the Catholic faith. Training in the fall and occasionally during the year is required. You will be scheduled at the Mass time most needed based on your availability and will serve every 4–6 weeks. Contact Cathy Brocato at [email protected]. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC) Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHCs) assist the community of faith by distributing the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ during Communion at Mass. Many of our ministers experience joy, faith, hope and love as a result of their ministry. Volunteers are baptized and practicing Catholics, and registered members of St. Theresa’s Parish. Contact Steve Wolford at [email protected]. Ministry of Hospitality (Ushers and/or Greeters) Ministers of Hospitality assist with the offering collection, guide the community during the communion procession, hand out weekly bulletins at the conclusion of the liturgy and are prepared to assist in emergency situations if they arise. Contact David Bregger at [email protected]. Lector Ministry Lectors read the Scripture lessons at Mass. All lectors participate in formation and training sessions once or twice a year as well as attend ongoing preparation for proclaiming scripture and parish scripture study. Contact John Fox at [email protected]. 17

Liturgical Support Ministry Altar Guild The Altar Guild takes care of the liturgical items and vestments used in the celebration of Mass. Altar Guild members are assigned a specific week to care for the altar, during which they spend an hour or two to complete their work. Contact Anna Maria Mooney at [email protected] or Nancy McDonald at [email protected]. Let It Shine Brass Ministry Members of the Let It Shine Brass Ministry polish brass and/or silver items used in our worship environment. The time commitment is an hour or two twice a month. Retired military are especially welcome to join this polishing ministry. Contact Anna Maria Mooney at [email protected]. Ministry of Altar Linens The Altar Linen ministers take care of the communion linens. Each person is responsible for cleaning altar linens at their home on a rotating basis. Contact Mariette Wroe at [email protected]. Worship Environment and Flower Guild The Worship Environment and Flower Guild creates a beautiful environment for feast days and special seasons. Classes are offered in flower arranging and volunteers also may participate in a one time commitment during Christmas, Easter, All Soul’s Day and other feast days. Contact Paula Campbell at [email protected] Ministry of Sewing The Sewing Ministry works on projects which support our parish liturgy and people in need in our community. Members embroider baptismal bibs and altar cloths, and sew corporals, purificators, prayer blankets, and other needed items. A Sew-In is held at the parish one Monday a month from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Contact Judy Russell at [email protected]. Prayer Blanket Ministry Volunteers sew and pray over blankets that are blessed and given to people who are ill or need support. Contact Melodye Evans at [email protected] Liturgy Office Volunteers Volunteers assist with seasonal preparation and ministry formation events. Contact [email protected] 18

Music Ministries “Praise the Lord. Sing to the Lord a new song and his praise in the congregation.” —Psalm 149:1 Angel Choir Angel Choir is open to Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 1st grade children. Interactive musical games and movements with children are designed to promote positive music and faith experiences that prepare our students to sing in the children’s choir. Rehearsals are Wednesday from 5:30–6:15 p.m. in the school Music Room. Angel Choir sings at a parish liturgy or a short concert once or twice a semester. Contact Dan Girardot at [email protected]. Children’s Choir Children’s Choir is for students in 2nd through 5th grade. Through active and conscious participation in the liturgy, choir members are nurtured in their faith and commitment to service in the Church. Members attend rehearsal Wednesday from 5:30–6:30 p.m. The choir sings once or twice a month and a yearly schedule is published for regular and special services. Contact Ann Girardot at [email protected]. Youth and Young Adult Choir and Ensemble The Youth and Young Adult Choir and Ensemble is open to youth in 6th through 12th grade, and young adults and instrumentalists are welcome. The choir serves the parish community at the Sunday 5 p.m. Mass and other special services. Rehearsals are Sunday from 3:30–5 p.m. Contact Dan Girardot at [email protected]. 9:00 a.m. Liturgical Choir Liturgical Choir leads the assembly in song at the 9 a.m. Mass and other special services during the year. It is open to youth of high school age and adults. Rehearsals are Wednesday from 7:30–9:30 p.m. and warm-ups are at 8:30 a.m. each Sunday. Training and formation are received through regular rehearsals, retreats and prayer. Special concerts, liturgies, and combined choir events during the year are also part of their ministry outreach. Contact Morris Stevens at [email protected]. 11:00 a.m. Liturgical Chorale Liturgical Chorale leads the assembly in song at the 11 a.m. solemn Sunday Mass and other special services during the year. It is open to youth of high school age and adults. The choir focuses on liturgical and sacred music from all eras of church history to lead the musical prayer of our faith community. Training and formation are received through regular rehearsals, retreats and prayer. Rehearsals are on Wednesday from 7:30–9:30 p.m. and the Sunday choir warm-up is at 10:20 a.m. each Sunday. Contact Dan Girardot at [email protected]. 19

The Occasional Choir Occasional Choir is designed for singers who would like to explore and expand their voice through basic vocal and choral techniques. Singers who want to explore the basics of unison and two part choral singing are welcome. Singers rehearse every other Thursday (usually the 1st and 3rd Thursdays) from 1:15–2:30 p.m., and typically sing for the 3rd Saturday, 5 p.m. Mass. Contact Sylvia Casper at [email protected]. Handbell Choir Handbell choir is open to all age groups. Basic ability to read music is necessary and rehearsals are Wednesdays from 6:30–7:30 p.m. Contact Morris Stevens at [email protected]. Cantors Cantors are leaders and animators of sung prayer for our parish liturgies. Experienced singers from the choir lead psalms, hymns, and acclamations at Mass. These auditioned choir members become cantors-in-training and join experienced cantors to learn the art of leading song. Individual training consists of extended voice and psalm study as well as spiritual formation. Cantors minister every four to six weeks at mass and sing at weekly choir rehearsals. Contact Colleen Webb at [email protected]. Cantate Chamber Choir Cantate Chamber Choir is an auditioned group of trained singers that lead sung prayer in the liturgy. Experienced voice training and solo singing ability are required for this ministry. This choir includes parish Vocal Scholars and music ministry staff members. Rehearsals for singing and leading the 5 p.m. Saturday Mass are scheduled once a month and during special seasons of the year. Membership is by audition with the Director of Liturgy and Music. Schola Cantorum The Schola leads sung prayer in the liturgy using music from various choral traditions of the Church. Choral experience is required. Choir members attend a rehearsal to prepare for the 5 p.m. Saturday mass scheduled occasionally during the year. Contact Morris Stevens at [email protected] Resurrection Choir Resurrection Choir is a liturgical choir that supports the sung prayer of the assembly at parish funeral masses. The choir rehearses prior to the funeral liturgy and a moderate level of choral experience is necessary. The schedule is dependent upon funeral arrangements at the parish. Contact Dan Girardot at [email protected].

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Music Library Volunteers Volunteers are needed to file, catalogue and organize music for all parish choirs. Good organization skills are helpful. Time commitment is one hour per week, prior to rehearsals and special events. Contact Dr. Lee Stroud at [email protected]. Sacred Music Series Volunteer Volunteers provide support for communication, design, and production support materials and coordination of the special sacred music series events throughout the year. Contact Dan Girardot at [email protected].

Outreach Ministries The Early Bird Taco Ministry serves the day laborers who gather at a job site in downtown Austin each morning looking for work. The parish team takes tacos, orange juice and vitamins to the day laborers and serves them outside of the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless. Parishioners shop, cook, or serve the tacos, and volunteers include moms and dads, teachers, teenagers, families, grandmas, granddads, middle and high school students. Contact Jeff Gordon at [email protected] St. Vincent de Paul is a worldwide organization dedicated to providing short-term assistance for the needy. St. Theresa chapter members work in pairs visiting families in need and assisting them with prayer, food debit cards or financial help to prevent eviction or the cutoff of utilities or to help with other emergencies. Ministers also direct people to other providers of assistance. Members meet every Wednesday evening for 45 minutes and volunteer about one additional hour a week. Funds for this ministry come almost entirely from our parishioners who generously donate through our monthly black bag collection. Contact Linda Hart at [email protected] The Pro-Life Ministry promotes the Church teaching that human life is sacred and deserves respect from the moment of conception until natural death. The Pro-Life group regularly hosts coffee and donuts after Mass where they share the Pro-Life message on topics such as child adoption, fertility awareness, and end-of-life issues. It supports pro-life organizations and participates in pro-life activities such as 40 Days for Life and marches and rallies for life. Ministry members meet on the second Tuesday of the month after the 7 p.m. Mass, and on the first Monday of every month offer a Holy Hour for life in the Eucharistic Adoration chapel from 8–9 p.m. Contact Celie Harden at [email protected] Covenant of Love coordinates, creates, and offers programs & services that support a “comprehensive marriage” ministry for the various ages and stages of the marriage life cycle. The mission is to help create and foster a stronger marriage community at the parish level, to enrich good marriages, to advocate for the dignity, sanctity and permanence of marriage and to provide practical tools for couples to successfully and joyfully live out God’s plan for their vocation of marriage. Our Covenant of Love ministry currently includes our marriage preparation process with sponsor couples, date nights and an introduction to Natural Family Planning. Contact Laura Logan at [email protected] For a full listing of all the ministries of the parish, visit the parish website, www.sttaustin.org. 21

Parish Groups Knights of Columbus is dedicated to bringing together Catholic gentlemen to serve our parish and the Austin community with charitable good works and prayer. Activities includes pecan sales, taco breakfasts, meetings on the 2nd Thursday of the month and socials once a month for members, guests and visitors. Contact Tom Wicheta at [email protected] The Ladies Club promotes friendship, social, intellectual and spiritual interchange among members and carries out the duties requested by the Pastor. Meetings are at 10 a.m. on the first Friday of the month September–May. Contact Kaybeth Zacek at [email protected] The Legion of Mary is a worldwide lay apostolic organization based on a strong devotion to the Blessed Mother and aims to do apostolic work in union with her. Work is done in pairs and typically involves visiting lapsed Catholics, non-Catholics, shut-ins, nursing homes, hospitals, jails, etc. All Catholics should be apostles but in ordinary life the opportunities come only sporadically. The Legion gives us an organized opportunity each week to be apostles. There is one short meeting and about two hours of service per week. Contact Anna Quimby at [email protected] Mothers of Young Children is a parish group that fosters friendships and provides opportunities for spiritual and intellectual growth for mothers of young children (birth–5 years old) and expectant mothers. Activities include monthly meetings and Mom’s Nights Out, playgroup, and an annual retreat and service project. Meetings are the third Friday of the month and childcare is available. Contact [email protected]. Eucharistic Adoration is held every Monday from 4–9 p.m. Adorers are both scheduled volunteers and non-scheduled visitors, many of whom have found that Eucharistic Adoration is a beautiful way to be faithful and grow spiritually. There is a Rosary from 7–8:15 p.m. to pray for peace in our families, our nation and the world. Contact Lori Mazzurana at [email protected] Singles Over 60 is for single men and women of the parish who are 60 years or older. The group is a mixture of spiritual and social and offers much camaraderie. Meetings are the third Wednesday of each month at 1 p.m., September–May. Contact Evelyn Monnich at [email protected] Young at Heart brings together both married and single people of the parish who are 50 and older for occasional social activities. Cub Scouts serves boys of the parish who are in grades 1–5, and provides diverse experiences of fun and challenge for young boys and their families. Activities address moral and physical development. Contact [email protected] Boy Scout Troop 229 teaches young men the skills they need to be successful in life including Scouting values, survival skills, leadership and organizational skills. The troop is committed to adventure, learning and fun through challenging outdoor and indoor experiences. It meets Sunday from 2–3 p.m. during the school year. Contact [email protected] 22

Senior Adult Ministries “They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green.” —Psalm 92:14 Our Senior Adult Ministry seeks to help senior adult members experience a sense of community in the parish, stay connected to the faith community and feel appreciated for what they do and have done for the parish. Many seniors go through big changes late in life, whether it is the loss of a spouse, a new illness, a new living arrangement or a new home closer to their grown children. In all these cases, our Senior Adult Ministry seeks to offer support and community to ease the transition. Pastoral Care The Minister of Senior Adults visits senior adult parishioners in assisted living, nursing homes, and private homes as requested. To request a visit, contact our minister of senior adults, Sister Ann Pennington, at (512) 541–5121 or [email protected]. Social Opportunities There are many social opportunities for senior adults of the parish, including trips, presentations on topics affecting seniors, Senior Adult Appreciation Day, and table games including: • Bridge Class each Thursday from 10–11:30 a.m. in the Family Center. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn to play bridge with your fellow parishioners. • Bridge Club meets the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month from 1–4 p.m. in the Family Center. Consider joining your fellow parishioners for bridge and an enjoyable time together. Support • Senior Adult Ministry also serves as a Referral Center for seniors seeking help with housing, medical supplies, medical equipment repair, home health care and elder abuse. • Naomi’s Circle is a support group for widows of all ages that meets the second Tuesday of the month from 2:30–4 p.m. The group can also benefit from the wisdom of those women who have been widowed for some time.

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Questions about Worship “Ascribe to the Lord the glory of his name; Worship the Lord in holy splendor.” —Psalm 29:2 Why is it important to keep holy the Sabbath? Remember the Sabbath Day and keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work; but the seventh day is a Sabbath to me the Lord your God; in it you shall not do any work. —Ezekiel 20:8–10 The early Christian movement was built on dynamic, meaningful worship which included sharing the Word of God and celebrating the Eucharist. This fellowship provided the Church with an opportunity to develop close relationships, give and receive support, wrestle intellectually with issues and concerns, and grow in peace with one another. The Sunday celebration of the Lord’s Day and his Eucharist is at the heart of the Church’s life. The Catechism teaches that: “Sunday is the day on which the paschal mystery is celebrated in light of the apostolic tradition and is to be observed as the foremost holy day of obligation in the universal Church.” The Letter to the Hebrews reminds the faithful “not to neglect to meet together, as is the habit of some, but to encourage one another” (Hebrews 10:25). Our worship is the natural response to God who has given us everything. Our worship is also a witness to others encouraging them through our active and sincere participation. The Sabbath is God’s gift to us.

Be Good Worshippers! Come early, stay late. We offer a witness to the importance of what we do together by making it a priority. If our worship is truly a priority, we will make every effort to arrive in time to prepare ourselves spiritually for our encounter with the Living God. Consistently and habitually rushing in late means that the worship of God is not a priority in life and we are not focused and, as a result, we create a distraction for others. Everyone has a good excuse for being late from time to time, and life happens without consideration for our timetables. This is understood. However, those who are chronically late send a loud and clear message that Holy Mass and the community of believers are not important enough for them to make a meaningful contribution through spiritual preparation and active participation. Here are some things to remember: • We are not going to church; YOU are the Church…and we go to worship so that we learn how to be Church. • We need you with us in worship because those who are older and more tired need the uplift of your smiles and vitality. • The parish cannot get along without you. Just as your body needs every single part—like your eyes, your nose, your hands and feet—so the church needs every single person to make it whole. Perhaps next Sunday someone will need you to be their eyes and hands for them. • You need the gifts of worship because you will learn things at Mass that will make sense later. 24

• If you pay close attention to the words of the songs and the Scripture readings and the liturgy, you will learn all kinds of new things about God. Since God is infinitely incomprehensible, all of life is an adventure in getting to know him better, but worship is especially rich with his presence. • Attending worship will teach you skills for your Christian life—skills like how to pray, how to sing, and how to sit quietly in God’s presence. • The congregation needs the talents you bring to worship—your singing voice, your ability to learn new songs quickly, your ability to read the Scripture lessons well, your help in welcoming others, your warmth and friendship in the sharing of the peace, your modelling of reverence and piety as a witness to our children. • Most important, God wants you here because he loves to be with you in his house. What can I do to prepare for worship? Arriving with sufficient time for spiritual preparation means that you will be recollected and focused on the mysteries you will soon encounter. When you arrive, kneel in prayer taking inventory of the past week and thanking God for all your blessings. Remember the needs of others and offer prayers of intercession on their behalf. Resolve to put your sins behind you. Then ask our Lord to open your ears to his Word that it may take root in your life. I don’t have a good voice, do I have to sing? Mass is not a spectator event. The worshipping community are not passive observers of a religious drama unfolding on the altar. We are the body of Christ. To build up the body we offer a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. The sacrifice is our willingness in spite of our reticence or how we feel to give the best of who we are in full participation. We sing the hymns and canticles, we respond to the prayers, we listen attentively to God’s Word as it is proclaimed and preached and we offer a portion of what we have to the work of the kingdom. This is our sacrifice of praise. Please don’t eat and run! Imagine being a guest in another person’s home. You have just taken part in a fine dinner when, suddenly and without acknowledging the host, you leave immediately after eating your last bite of food. What we would never think of doing to our host at a dinner, we do to Jesus when we leave immediately after receiving Holy Communion. Imagine how your hosts would feel. “Eat and run” is not part of our worship experience together. It is a very bad habit to which many Catholics succumb. Best practice is to return to our seat after receiving our Lord in Holy Communion and offer a prayer of thanksgiving. After the final prayer we receive the priestly blessing that commissions us for discipleship. Speaking of best practices, we are all about those when it comes to business, our health and fitness as well as our relationships and we know that our lives change when our habits change. This truth applies to our spiritual lives as well. Think about best practices when it comes to worship. Consider reading through the Scriptures ahead of time, perhaps in the middle of the week so that they have a chance to take root in your mind. When Sunday comes you will hear a familiar word in a fresh context. The Mass reveals God’s vision for us as individuals, his vision for marriage and family, for community and society, and for the Church and the world. Sunday is our day of rest and renewal. The Mass is God’s gift to us so that together we may worship the God who made us and regain our weekly focus. Fed on his Word and Presence, we are challenged and renewed.

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Questions about Giving “Each of you, as a good manager of God’s gifts, shall use for the good of others the special gifts you have received from God.” —1 Peter 4:10 What is Christian stewardship? Stewardship is using, with integrity and faithfulness, the gifts which God has given. As Christians, we are to pray daily, attend worship regularly, give sacrificially, and serve faithfully. Why do we give? To declare that Jesus is Lord of our lives! It is by trusting Christ fully with our lives that we discover the joy and wonder of God’s love, and, no matter what we say or do, we do not really trust until we trust Him with our finances. In other words, we give so that we might truly open our hearts to the power and love of the Lord. Often the Bible promises that right living leads to God’s increased presence in our lives. Proverbs 11:25 pledges: “He who waters will himself be watered.” This does not mean that we give in order to receive. Rather, we affirm the truth of Jesus’ teaching, that “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 5:21). We give, knowing that as we put the Master first in our lives, we become open to the transforming power and presence of the living God. What is a tithe? The Scriptures teach that we are to give God our “tithes and offerings.” The “tithe” or “tenth” is our basic obligation to God. It is 10% of our income returned to God from all he has given us. The Bible emphasizes (Malachi 3:8–10) that this is our minimum responsibility to God who gives us everything. The “offering” represents special gifts made to church and community causes over and above the tithe. Depending upon the blessings we have received, many will want to give beyond the tithe. Is the tithe figured before or after taxes? The Bible states that the tithe comes from the “first fruits of the harvest” (Exodus 22:29, Romans 11:16). Does the tithe include money given to outside ministries and charities? No. These gifts are “offerings” and are made over and above our tithe. While there are many worthy causes expressing Christian values and deserving of support, there is only one institution on earth which exists explicitly to lift up the Name of the One who is the source of all those values: your church. Unless the gospel of Christ is proclaimed in consistent and powerful ways, through a community of believers, all of the other “good causes” will eventually crumble. Does the Catholic Church require its members to tithe? Only to the degree that it supports, encourages, and preaches obedience to God’s Word. There is no obligation to tithe as it is ultimately a response from the committed heart. “Where your treasure is there will be found your heart also” (Matthew 6:21). Like love, a genuine commitment can’t be legislated. The tithe can seem an impossible goal for many. In that case, we are to decide 26

to tithe, and then let God show us how! The journey starts as we become percentage givers. We commit to God a set percentage of our income, making that commitment a top priority in our spending, and growing from there. How do we find a starting place for percentage giving? We choose a percentage we can live with, but which involves sacrifice. A helpful question to ask is: if the IRS audited my finances, could the auditor tell by looking at my expenditures that Jesus is my Lord? A five percent pledge represents only five pennies out of each dollar God gives. After starting on this spiritual ladder we are then to grow as Christ leads us on, with a goal of becoming at least tithers. A helpful guide is the Two Percent Principle: increasing our giving by two percent of our income each year. Why Pledge? For two reasons. First, the act of making an individual financial commitment to Christ is a key element in developing spiritual maturity. Pledging means promising Christ to make Him a priority in our lives, and then keeping the promise. Second, it is the only way the church can be run with approximate fiscal responsibility. If our church leaders do not have a good idea of what kind of support to expect, they cannot adequately plan and coordinate the ministries necessary to meet the needs of the members. Why make such a big deal out of this? Because Jesus did! In as much as he spoke of the importance of prayer and its place in our spiritual lives, he realized that money and its use had a significant influence on that spirituality. If fact he talked five times as much about money as he did about prayer. Think of all the parables and other ways Jesus spoke of money and what we should value. Why? Because until we have given God control of our finances we have not really surrendered to Him control of our lives. Our attitude toward money will either be a major barrier between us and God, or a means of growing in grace. Remember: Keeping the tithe, as the Bible teaches, is essentially a matter of the heart and not the wallet! What about gifts through wills and bequests? Including the Church in your will is a sign that the church is part of your family. We encourage you to remember St. Theresa Catholic Church in your will. For more information about how to include St. Theresa in your will or estate plan contact the parish office. For E-giving, visit the parish website at sttaustin.org.

“Do all the good you can, By all the means you can,  In all the ways you can, In all the places you can,   At all the times you can, To all the people you can,    As long as ever you can.”     —John Wesley 27

Baptism, Godparents, and Sponsors “Go therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” —Matthew 28:19 Congratulations! There are few happier times in family life than welcoming a newborn child. You have followed prenatal advice from the doctor and have followed best practices for the health and well-being of the baby. You have given much thought and have spent time and energy to prepare a place in your home to receive the child. Now it is time to give equal attention to the spiritual life of your child. The first step is to attend the baptism preparation classes offered by the parish. These are designed to give you an indepth understanding of the sacrament and your vital role in the faith development that begins with Christian initiation. Here are a few questions that you may have: Do I have to wait until the baby is born to take the classes? No. Just as you did not wait to prepare the nursery or attend to any of the other details, you need not delay you preparation for the beginning of your child’s journey of faith. You are encouraged to prepare as soon as you possibly can. You are also encouraged to have the godparents attend the class so that they also may clearly understand their duties.

Who can be godparents? Godparents are those people who are chosen to witness the Catholic faith to your child. They take on a solemn responsibility to do so in case something happens to prevent you from fulfilling this role. As such, the Church requires that at least one godparent be a practicing Catholic. This means that the godparent, if married, has been married by the Church and is practicing the faith in an active sacramental way and living a life in harmony with the teachings of Christ and his Church. These are the requirements according to the statutes of the Church: • • •

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The godparents, also known as sponsors, must be age 16 or older and be a Catholic who has been confirmed and leads a life in harmony with the faith and role to be undertaken. A baptized person who belongs to a non-Catholic ecclesial community may not be a godparent, but may be a witness to baptism alongside a Catholic sponsor. Each child is to have a godmother and a godfather; therefore, only one male and one female godparent or sponsor.

How do we register for baptism classes and set the date for the baptism? Call the church office or visit the website for information about baptism classes. Prior to baptism you will need to provide a copy of the birth certificate to the church office. Once the classes have been completed you are welcome to set a date for the baptism. Most baptisms are celebrated on Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m. If you prefer a different time, please contact the office.

We have older children who need baptism. What does the Church offer for them? For children under the age of seven, the procedure is the same as for infants. The parents and godparents will answer for them in the baptismal liturgy. Every effort is made to help small children understand the significance of this sacrament so that it is a meaningful experience. Children aged seven and above are of catechetical age, and baptism is a sacrament they embrace for themselves. To this end they are properly instructed and receive the full Christian initiation of baptism, confirmation and Eucharist at the Great Vigil of Easter. From time to time family circumstances require special consideration. In response, the Church seeks to make the sacraments as accessible as possible. Contact the parish Director of Evangelization for more information.

Can our child be baptized elsewhere? Yes. While it is preferable to celebrate the sacraments in the context of the community in which the child will be raised, there may be circumstances in which baptism at another Catholic Church is appropriate. Contact the church where you wish to celebrate the baptism and determine the local requirements. You will still want to attend the baptism classes here and provide the certificate of attendance to the church where the baptism will be held. St. Theresa will provide a letter as required by diocesan statutes.

May we have a visiting priest/deacon baptize our child? Yes. Contact the church office for the procedure for obtaining diocesan approval for visiting clergy.

We were not married in the Church. Can we still baptize our child in the Church? Yes. It is important, however, to remember that you will be asked to raise your child in the practice of the faith. Being in a civil marriage not blessed by the Church limits your sacramental life and, therefore, can take away from that witness. You are warmly encouraged to visit with the clergy about the possibilities of having your marriage blessed. If you have previous marriages, these can be discussed and the various options explored. Remember that the Church is here to help you in your spiritual journey and seeks to open new doors for you and your spouse as disciples of Christ!

Does it cost anything to be baptized? No. The sacraments of the Church are free. You are most welcome to make a special offering to the parish in thanksgiving for the gift of your child and it is customary to offer the clergy a stipend.

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Reconciliation “Receive the Holy Spirit. For those whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven…” —John 20:19 This sacrament is also known as the sacrament of conversion, confession, and penance: conversion because it is the first step in Jesus’ call to conversion, confession because it is the acknowledgement and disclosure of sins to a priest, penance because it consecrates a sinner’s steps of conversion, and reconciliation because it reconciles us to God and His love. Reconciliation is typically first received during the 2nd grade year before First Communion. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered at our parish on Saturdays from 4–4:45 p.m., or by appointment.

How to make a good confession Sin damages our relationships and imperils our soul. Serious sin enslaves us, preventing us from reaching our potential as disciples of Christ. Genuine sorrow for our sinfulness leads us to seek the grace that is needed to turn our lives around. The Sacrament of Confession or Reconciliation is our way of experiencing this grace through God’s mercy and love. When Jesus entrusted to Peter the Keys of the Kingdom, he empowered the Church through apostolic ministry to be the catalyst for the binding and loosing of sins. That is to say, Christ entrusted Peter and his successors with the authority to assure sinners who were contrite and desired God’s forgiveness that through the ministry of the Church this forgiveness would be theirs. When we participate in the Sacrament of Confession and do so with full intent to amend our lives and with humility perform penance, we are restored in heart and soul and reconciled to God and the community of faith. What do I say when I go to confess my sins? The celebration of this sacrament begins with an examination of conscience. A good tool for this exercise is the Ten Commandments. It is helpful to make a list in an effort to be as thorough as possible. Remember that confession is like cleaning the house; you want to make sure that you do as good a job as possible. After completing an examination of conscience, you are ready to take part in the celebration of the sacrament. When you enter the confessional you are given the choice of kneeling behind the screen or sitting face to face with the priest. Choose whichever makes you most comfortable. If you are celebrating face to face the priest may welcome you and invite you into the sacrament. 30

You will begin by making the sign of the Cross and saying: Bless me, father, for I have sinned. It has been (estimate the time since your last confession) since my last confession. The priest will then invite you to recount your sins. Upon completion you may say: For these and all my sins I am sincerely sorry and resolve to do penance and avoid these sins in the future. The priest will offer words of spiritual encouragement and assign the appropriate penance. He will then pronounce the absolution with these words: God the Father of mercies through the death and resurrection of his Son has reconciled the world to himself and sent the Holy Spirit to us for the forgiveness of sins. Through the ministry of the Church may God give you pardon and peace and I absolve you of all your sins in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. The penitent will say an Act of Contrition and after leaving the confessional will perform the penance that has been given. Act of Contrition My God, I am heartily sorry for all my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. How often should I avail myself of this sacrament? Confession not only frees us from our sins, it also conveys grace. This grace is what aids us in our spiritual journey to holiness. Frequent confession—once a month or so—keeps us spiritually healthy. The Church requires that we confess our sins at least once annually. The penitential seasons of Advent and Lent provide good opportunities to celebrate the sacrament with the whole parish community. The Ten Commandments 1. I am the Lord your God. You shall worship the Lord your God and Him only shall you serve. 2. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain. 3. Remember to keep holy the Sabbath day. 4. Honor your father and your mother. 5. You shall not kill. 6. You shall not commit adultery. 7. You shall not steal. 8. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. 9. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife. 10. You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods.

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Eucharist and First Communion The Catholic doctrine of the Real Presence is the belief that Jesus Christ is literally, not symbolically, present in the Holy Eucharist—body, blood, soul and divinity. This belief is found in the very beginning of the Church. Catholics believe in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist because Jesus tells us this is true in the Bible. “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.” —John 6:53 First Communion is typically received during the 2nd grade year. Every child will need comprehensive catechesis as well as proximate preparation for the reception of the Eucharist. For this reason, children preparing for First Communion should be enrolled in Elementary Catechesis that will take place on Sunday mornings. They will also attend a Family Retreat in preparation for First Communion. For more information and to sign up, please visit the Elementary Catechesis page. If your child is older than grade 2 and has not received First Communion, we are still eager to help them prepare for this important Sacrament. Please contact Marie Cehovin at [email protected] for more information. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) ministry prepares adults to receive their initiation sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. For more information about the RCIA process contact the parish Director of Evangelization and Catechesis, Marie Cehovin at [email protected]

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Confirmation Baptism, the Eucharist, and the sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the “sacraments of Christian initiation.” The Catechism of the Catholic Church says those who are Confirmed are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit so they may be true witnesses of Christ. The Sacrament of Confirmation is usually held in the middle of the school year for parish youth in the 10th grade. Confirmation candidates can begin registration in the spring of their 8th grade year and are required to actively participate in the life of the parish in 9th grade through the high school youth ministry or high school religious education. Youth who meet the religious education requirements are invited to begin formal Confirmation classes upon entering the 10th grade and will attend a confirmation retreat. Contact the Youth Ministry Office for more information or to register [email protected]. If you are an adult seeking Confirmation, contact the Director of Evangelization and Catechesis.

Anointing of the Sick “Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up.” —CCC 1513 When anyone of the faithful begins to be in danger of death from sickness or frailty of old age, they may receive the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. It is also fitting to receive the sacrament just prior to a serious operation. The sacrament can be repeated if a person recovers, but becomes seriously ill again. To request the Anointing of the Sick, contact the parish office at (512) 451–5121. If you are calling after office hours, you will get a message of who to call in case of an emergency.

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Marriage, Divorce and Annulment “Therefore shall a man leave father and mother and cleave to his wife.” —Genesis 2:24 Congratulations! Marriage is the spiritual sign of the union of Christ and his Church. The mystery of this sacrament is that it transforms two people into one and yet they retain what makes them individual and unique. The Church rejoices when two people in love decide to unite themselves to each other for life. Before making any plans, you are encouraged to seek the counsel of the clergy as soon as possible. Christian marriage is a lifetime commitment, the fruits of which are immeasurable. Please contact the church office as soon as possible before setting any dates or making any arrangements for receptions. Please do not set a date for your wedding prior to speaking with the clergy. Contact the parish office at 512-451-5121. Frequently asked questions: My fiancé and I want to marry. What do we do first? The Church is committed to helping you build the best possible foundation for married life. The effort that is put into preparation for married life is an investment that pays large dividends. Before making any plans related to a wedding, it is essential that you sit down with the clergy to determine how best to move forward in this vital preparation. Please contact the church office to start the pre-nuptial preparations. This is very important as the Catholic Church in the United States has a requirement of six months from the time of initial preparation before the celebration of the ceremony itself. Please bring a recently dated copy of your baptism certificate obtainable from your church of baptism. Frequently this can be done online. These will need to be provided for the preparation to begin. If one of you is not Catholic, then a letter stating the date and place of baptism can be obtained in similar fashion. If one or more parties have been married before please refer to question #12 below.

What does marriage preparation entail? We begin with an initial interview between the couple and the clergy. The church rejoices in your decision, and this meeting is a joyful one. The Church requires you to attend a marriage preparation course which includes sessions with a married couple who will act as your sponsor. A diocesan retreat is offered, and ongoing contact with the clergy ensures that the process proceeds smoothly.

My fiancé is not Catholic, can we have a Mass? Yes. It is, however, important to understand that the Eucharist is the sign of our unity as a church, and our reception of the Eucharist is a witness to the truths of our Catholic faith. It is important to note that we cannot extend an invitation to non-Catholics to receive the Eucharist, a central aspect of our faith. If a significant number of people in attendance will not be able to participate in the Eucharist, it is possible to celebrate a wedding outside of the context of the Mass. If you desire to have the Mass, you are encouraged to provide a program to assist the congregants in participation.

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Does my fiancé have to convert to Catholicism to be married in the Church? No. The decision to join the Catholic faith is highly personal and should not be embraced as a pretext to marriage. The non-Catholic fiancé will be made to feel welcome and encouraged to participate as fully as possible in the life of the Church.

Does my non-Catholic fiancé have to promise to raise the children Catholic? No. The church places no obligations upon those who are not qualified to receive the Eucharist within the Catholic Church. However, the Catholic Church does require those who are Catholic to promise to see to it that the children are raised in the practice of the Catholic faith.

My fiancé is not a Christian. Can we be married in the Catholic Church? Yes. The requirements for marriage preparation are the same. Every effort is made to make non-Christians as welcome and comfortable as possible.

Is it possible to be married in a worship space of significance to my fiancé who is not Catholic? Yes. Under special circumstances permission can be sought from the bishop to have ceremony in a worship space or another location that is of importance to the non-Catholic party.

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Is it possible for the pastor of my non-Catholic fiancé to participate in the ceremony? Yes. We welcome the clergy of the non-Catholic to be a participant in the ceremony. The parish clergy will work closely with them to create an atmosphere of welcome.

Can we be married in a hotel or in a garden? The sacraments of the church are celebrated in the house of worship. The Bishop’s Conference and diocesan policy state that a marriage of Catholics is to be celebrated as a religious ceremony in a sacred space. Only under very rare and extraordinary circumstances will permission be granted for a marriage to be celebrated outside of a sacred space.

We have been married in a civil ceremony. What do we do to get our marriage blessed? Please call the church office and arrange to meet with the clergy who will gladly help you. If either of you have been married previously, we address this through a number of different avenues depending on the circumstances. If there have been previous marriages it will be helpful for you to bring these documents to the first meeting: 1. Baptismal certificates for (Catholic parties only and dated within the past 6 months.) 2.  Copies of all marriages licenses. 3.  Certified copies of all divorce decrees. Members of the clergy understand that our life journeys turn unexpected corners and do not turn out as expected. We will make every effort to put everyone at ease and concentrate on the possibilities.

More wedding pics? Other content?

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How much does it cost to be married at St. Theresa Church? The cost is associated with the use of the facilities and not the celebration of the wedding. Please call the church office for details about the costs associated with the use of the buildings as well as musician’s fees and deposits. It is customary to give the clergy a stipend that is proportional to the overall cost of the wedding.

I was married in the Catholic Church and am now divorced. I want to get married again but don’t understand the whole process. The Catholic Church alone has consistently supported and upheld the Biblical stance on the permanence of marriage. At the same time it has always taught that the validity of Christian marriage is a state in life that depends on certain critical realities. An annulment is the result of extensive and thorough investigation into the lives of the couple whose circumstances have led to divorce. The Church determines that one or more critical factors or external influences have rendered the marriage invalid with the declaration that, from an ecclesiastical perspective, the marriage bond does not exist. The attainment of an annulment frees the individuals to be married in the Church. The clergy are prepared to assist individuals as they navigate these rough waters.

I was previously married to a non-Catholic in a civil ceremony or in a non-Catholic ceremony without a letter of permission from the bishop. I now want to remarry. Do I need an annulment? No. Catholics are bound to the rites of the Catholic Church. Without dispensation and permission of the bishop, a marriage contracted outside of the Church is a not a valid union and does not require a formal annulment. There is a simple single page form which, on the basis of information provided, attests to this and declares your freedom to enter into the covenant bond of marriage in the Church.

I am a Catholic who has never been married. My non-Catholic fiancé has been married and is now divorced. Does he or she need to have an annulment before we can be married? Yes. The Catholic Church respects and upholds the validity of marriages contracted outside of the Church. As such, a Protestant who married another Protestant, even in a civil ceremony, is validly married in the eyes of the Church. The reason behind this is simple: the non-Catholic who enters into marriage usually does so with the same convictions and intentions. The Church recognizes this as the foundation for the validity of this union. Therefore, the non-Catholic will need to follow much the same process as the Catholic. The clergy will make every effort to explain and shepherd the non-Catholic parties through this process which can be confusing to those outside of the Church. Please contact the Church office to speak with the clergy if you are in any doubt about you or your fiancé’s freedom to marry in the Church.

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My Loved One Has Died “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” —1 Corinthians 15:22 When someone we love has died we are highly emotional and distraught, especially if the death is sudden and unexpected. The stress brought about by the death of someone very close to us is often amplified by the need for immediate decision making. The presence of family members and close friends is a blessing in these difficult times. And your church community is ready to help you during this time. Contact the parish office by phone (512) 451–5121. Frequently Asked Questions: What should we do after our loved one has died? If the deceased is in nursing home or hospital, the personnel there will assist you in contacting a funeral home for collecting the body of your family member. You will want call the church office to schedule a meeting with the clergy to plan the funeral. To effectively coordinate times, this is best done while working directly with the funeral home representative or director. If the funeral and/or burial are to take place in another city, this coordination will be handled by the funeral home staff who will be in contact with the corresponding directors at a funeral home in the city where the services are to be conducted. This is necessary when a grave must be prepared.

Should we have my deceased loved one anointed? No. The sacraments may only be conferred on the living. Canon Law is specific in this regard. Instead, prayers may be offered and psalms recited. In the place of anointing, priests can offer prayers of absolution and words of comfort to the family.

My spouse who died was not a Catholic. May we have a funeral in the Catholic Church? Yes. If your spouse was baptized in another ecclesial community and it was not his or her express wish NOT to be buried from the Catholic Church, we are happy to work with you in planning a Mass of Christian burial.

Is cremation acceptable in the Catholic Church? Yes. It is the Church’s practice to celebrate the Requiem Mass prior to cremation. The burial or placing of the ashes in a columbarium can occur at a later date. If it was the wish of the deceased to donate their organs, the Mass is celebrated with the body, and the cremation follows. In circumstances where cremation is required prior to the funeral, a Memorial Mass can be celebrated at a later date with the ashes present.

Can the funeral Mass be celebrated in the funeral home? The Mass is celebrated in a sacred space. Funeral home chapels are not sacred spaces and are not designed and equipped for the proper and appropriate celebration of the Holy Mass.

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Can we have a memorial service in the funeral home? The Church allows memorial services in the funeral home. This is not preferred to the Mass of Christian burial. In those cases where the deceased was not a practicing Catholic and the majority of the family members are also non-practicing, a simple service may be conducted by the clergy in the funeral home.

Should we have a rosary the night before? While this is not a requirement, it is customary. It is a long standing tradition to “wake” the deceased. In our culture this is marked by the recitation of a rosary and the presentation of eulogies. Family members and friends gather to share condolences and offer support. This normally takes place in the funeral home. A Christian Wake service is also possible in which scriptures are read and prayers are offered in conjunction with the rosary.

Can we have a eulogy at the Mass of Christian Burial? The General Instruction of the Roman Missal #382 states: At Funeral Masses there should usually be a short Homily, but to the exclusion of a funeral eulogy of any kind.” In light of this instruction, it is appropriate that such eulogies be offered at either the wake service the night before or at a reception following the burial.

Can we pre-arrange our Funeral Mass? Yes, the clergy and staff are very willing to assist you in making such prearrangements. This ensures that there is less stress on family members at the time of death. These arrangements are documented and kept on file at the church office until needed.

How much does the Funeral Cost? There is no required cost for the Funeral Mass. There is a normal fee associated with liturgical music, an integral part of the mass. The parish music staff will guide the selection of music and you have the assurance that the music will be of excellent quality and follow the liturgical guidelines of the Church. It is also customary to offer the clergy a stipend. The parish prepares and offers a reception with food for the parishioner’s family and friends following the funeral rites. Donations to defray the cost of the reception are welcome.

Can we have a reception after the funeral? Yes. The Church office will contact the volunteers who provide for funeral receptions and dinners. They will try to accommodate your wishes to the best of their ability. The Church bears the expense of this reception through the generosity of the volunteers and donors.

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Vocation to Priesthood and Religious Life “The harvest is plenty but the laborers are few.”

—Matthew 9:37

The call to ministry takes many forms and can lead in many directions. The discernment of a vocation to a life of service in God’s kingdom results from prayer, sacrifice, and a keen desire to share the love of God. The priesthood is a rewarding and joyful life. It allows a man freedom to be Christ’s presence and share in the ministry Christ offers to those who seek to embrace the fullness of what Jesus meant when he said to his friends, “Come and follow me.” The priesthood is open to all single Catholic men who, upon discernment and examination, are chosen by the bishop to enter spiritual and academic formation which leads to ordination. Typically, it requires an undergraduate degree, and, or an equivalent number of hours in philosophy. The graduate school of theology is an additional five years of study including an internship. The permanent diaconate is open to married and single men age 35 and above. Training is extensive and is supervised by seminary faculty. Saturday classes over a five year period allow the applicant to embrace theology, ethics, Church history, Scripture, homiletics and much more. The Catholic sisterhood is open to Catholic women who are single, widowed and have no dependent children. Final vows follow more than five years of study and training. An explanation of the wide variety of religious life available is too far reaching for these pages. Men and women are afforded extensive and varied opportunities for service, both contemplative and active. If you feel that God is tugging at your heart and feel that a vocation to ministry as clergy or religious is appealing to you, please call the church to arrange a meeting with the clergy who will assist you in this journey. In turn you will be entrusted to one of the diocesan staff who will assist you in discerning a vocation.

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Prayer for vocations Loving and Generous God, it is You who call us by name and ask us to follow You. Help us to grow in the Love and Service of our Church as we experience it today. Give us the energy and courage of Your Spirit to shape its future Grant us faith-filled leaders who will embrace Christ’s Mission of love and justice. Bless St. Theresa Catholic Church by raising up dedicated and generous leaders from our families and friends who will serve Your people as Sisters, Priests, Brothers, Deacons and Lay Ministers. Inspire us to know You better and open our hearts to hear Your call. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

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Mass Times Saturday Vigil 5 p.m. Sunday

7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 5 p.m.

Weekday

11:30 a.m. Monday–Friday

Thursday

8 a.m. School Mass

Reconciliation Saturday

4–4:45 p.m. or by appointment

Campus Map

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Staff Directory Pastor: Rev. Larry Covington—Ext. 1010, [email protected] Parochial Vicar: Rev. Neville Jansze—Ext. 1019, [email protected] Deacons: John Busker Don Gessler Ray Sanders George Zacek

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Senior Adults and Social Outreach Ministry: Sr. Ann Pennington, SFCC—Ext. 1017, [email protected] Chief Operating Officer: Neal McMaster—Ext. 1002, [email protected] Accountant: Theresa Keane—Ext. 1014, [email protected] Chief Operating Officer Assistant: Geneva Moore—Ext. 1003, [email protected] Reception and Baptism Class Scheduling: Jeanette Schmitz—Ext. 1000, [email protected] Facilities Scheduling: [email protected] Communications and Assistant for Evangelization and Catechesis: Linda Gockel—Ext. 1009, [email protected] Pastor Assistant and Bulletin/Newsletter: Jamie Riscen—Ext. 1006, [email protected] Music and Liturgy: (512) 451–5132 Director: Dan Girardot—Ext. 1004, [email protected] Assistant: Linda Howard—Ext. 1020, [email protected] Director Evangelization and Catechesis: Marie Cehovin—Ext. 1008, [email protected] Youth Ministry: (512) 451–5305 Coordinators: Dave Guilianelli—Ext. 1005, [email protected] MJ Guilianelli—Ext. 1027, [email protected] School Office: (512) 451–7105 President: Ann Walters—Ext. 1015, [email protected] Principal: Debbie Solcher—Ext. 1013, [email protected] Development and Admissions: Suzanne Leggett—Ext. 1025, [email protected] 43

4311 Small Drive Austin, TX 78731 Phone (512) 451–5121 · Fax (512) 453–6824 www.sttaustin.org

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