St. Theresa Catholic church

In the last supper, Jesus exhorted His disciples: He won’t abandon them and the Holy Spirit will be with them. With Jesus’ presence, they don’t need to be troubled or afraid. Jesus’ words matter to us Christians nowadays. Maybe your family is not wealthy; maybe you don’t have the power; or maybe you are a labor in a small fast food restaurant … However, when we have a heart of fearing God and live in front of Him, He will be with us. Even though we are not wealthy, God bestows His peace upon us that makes us live in joy. Just as God’s words say, “No matter what issues we encounter, we’re not afraid; we have something to lean on and we have motivation. We’re not like non-believers—they are helpless, they’re constantly running around, and they’re constantly afraid of what might happen. They don’t want to get into a car accident, they don’t want to provoke a lawsuit or a quarrel, they don’t want to offend their boss, colleagues, relatives, or people who are useful to them, they don’t want to run into any disasters…. They are wound up tightly in their hearts every day, fearing that these things might happen. They don’t have God in their hearts, so they seem pathetic, helpless, and with nothing to lean on. We’re different. We don’t need to fear those things; God is supreme, He is our Lord, we can lean on Him, He is our Rock. God has already told us the principles of what we should practice when we encounter an issue. We live our lives in the light, in peace.” We often pursue rich material and the enjoyments of the flesh, but these are not what God bestows upon us. After reading this passage of God’s words, we understand that what God bestows on us are not about the material needs, but more about sureness and peace. Maybe we have taken daily life for granted, and don’t regard the peace we have owned as God’s protection, but God still silently does everything for us. “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you,” God’s promise to us will never be unfulfilled.
Let’s offer a prayer of praise to God for His bestowing peace and joy upon us, so that we can keep away from worries and fear. Amen!
 

 


Per Fr. Francis:

In the interest of Father's speedy recovery, it has come to recognition that the numerous visitors Father has been receiving has become very taxing on his energy.  Father is extremely thankful for the visitors that he has received up to this point.  During a recent visit, Father has requested that everyone please continue to pray for him, but refrain from visiting the hospital.  Father is in good spirits, and continues to pray for us all.  Please respect Father's wishes, and send your prayers rather than calling, texting, or visiting until further notice.  Thank you


 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 
 
 

About Covid vaccine  read full story here

 

"I understood that all we accomplish, however brilliant, is worth nothing  without love."
St Theresa

"The work I had been unable to do in ten years was done by Jesus in one instant, contenting himself with my good will which was never lacking. I could say to [5] Him like His apostles: “Master, I fished all night and caught nothing.” 93 More merciful to me than He was to His disciples, Jesus took the net Himself, cast it, and drew it in filled with fish. He made me a fisher of souls."

St. Therese of Lisieux. Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Therese of Lisieux (the Little Flower) [The Authorized English Translation of Therese's Original Unaltered Manuscripts] (Kindle Locations 2439-2445). ICS Publications. Kindle Edition. 

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Decree Suspending the public Celebration of Mass and Enacting Other Measures

JOSEPH EDWARD STRICKLAND
BY THE GRACE OF GOD AND THE APOSTOLIC SEE
BISHOP OF TYLER
[sic]  .

Resuming Liturgies While Facing COVID-19

Based on the guidance from the Office of the Governor, the celebration of liturgies with the people may resume in the Diocese of Tyler on May 1, 2020, provided that health protocols and other measures are observed in order to protect the vulnerable and mitigate the risk of resurgence in our communities. Taking proper precautions to protect others is a Christian obligation of both justice and charity

The coronavirus remains a highly contagious disease. We know now that the virus that causes COVID-19 can be spread to others by infected persons who have few or no symptoms. Even if an infected person is only mildly ill, the people they spread it to may become seriously ill or even die, especially if that person is 65 or older with pre-existing health conditions that place them at higher risk. Because of the hidden nature of this threat, everyone should rigorously follow the practices specified in these protocols. The virus that causes COVID-19 is still circulating in our communities. We must continue to observe practices that protect everyone, including those who are most vulnerable.

 DO ALL THINGS FOR THE GLORY OF GOD

OUR PASTOR:
Fr. Francis O'Dowd
pastor@sttheresagladewater.org

OUR ADDRESS:
10138 Union Grove Rd.
Gladewater, TX 75647

CONTACT US:
Rectory: (903) 845-2306
Fax: (903) 845-7126
office@sttheresagladewater.org