Church of St. Therese

When we think of the Church, we often think first of the assembly which gathers on Sunday.  This is appropriate, since the teachings of the Church tell us that liturgy is “the summit toward which the activity of the Church is directed; at the same time it is the font from which all the Church’s power flows” (Sacrosantum Concilium, #10).

We also know that the Church consists of so much more than the hour or so in which we gather on Sunday.  Indeed, throughout the week, our parish is a flurry of activity, much of which serves to build up the Body of Christ that gathers, as well as to nourish the community in so many ways.  The many Community Life ministries at the Church of St. Thérèse are ways in which we enable the Church to gather, celebrate, and function efficiently as a community. 

It takes many hands to be a lively, thriving community.  Please read about and consider one of the following Community Life ministries listed in this booklet.  If you think you may be called to any of these ministries, please contact the Business Administrator on the contact sheet.

Youth may serve in many of the ministries listed below.  If you have not yet been confirmed, however, please consult with our Director of Religious Education.

Leadership Councils ~ work with the Pastor and staff to explore and enable the mission of our parish.  They work in unison to accomplish this goal.

¨    Pastoral Council ~ is a shared ministry of service as well as a visible example of cooperation, healing presence, and trust.  The Pastoral Council advises the Pastor and shares his responsibility for calling and enabling all members of the parish to discover, develop, and offer their gifts in service to the parish and the wider community. 

¨    Stewardship Committee ~ oversees the conversion of St. Thérèse into a total stewardship parish.  Such a parish is the natural environment of a family of believers who – by and through our baptism – recognize that God has blessed and continues to bless us with a multitude of time, talents and treasure, and that we are called to give and use those gifts to minister to all of God’s earthly people; all are welcome.

¨    Finance Council ~ is the chief advisory body to the Pastor on all financial matters pertaining to parish life.  It oversees the development of the annual parish budget, and the financial operations of the parish.  It provides regular financial reports to the parish and to the Diocese of Richmond at the end of each fiscal year.

Buildings & Grounds ~ Committee members meet regularly to evaluate Church properties (including the rectory) and make recommendations to the Pastor and Finance Council as to current and future needs for repairs, maintenance and replacement of assets.

Ministers come together as work teams to get projects accomplished in conjunction with the Maintenance Worker.

Easter Vigil Reception ~ Hosts reception after the Easter Vigil for the neophytes with the help of the parish providing food and help setting up, food donation, serving, hosting, & cleaning up for the reception following the Easter Vigil Mass.

Evening Porters ~ open the building and rooms being used on weeknights, staff the information desk in the commons, greet and direct people to rooms as they arrive, and secure the building at the end of the evening.

Fun-n-Food Fest ~ is a seasonal event held in the Fall of every year.  It is St. Thérèse’s big community building event of the year.  It is also our biggest fundraiser.  A two-day affair with a carnival atmosphere, it includes ethnic foods, games, auctions, special events and entertainment, silent auction, white elephant booth, and set-up/cleanup committees, to name a few.

Hospitality ~ Also known as the "Coffee & Donuts" ministry, prepares, serves and cleans up for the hospitality gatherings following each weekend Mass. You may sign up as an individual or as a family.

Information Desk Greeters ~ staff the information desk in the Commons on Saturday evenings or Sunday mornings before and after a designated Mass.

Ladies’ Sewing & Craft Group ~ meets weekly to sew and make crafts and to socialize.

Ladies of St. Thérèse (L.O.S.T.) ~ is a group of women who meet for fellowship as well as to provide community service.  They co-organize funeral and Easter Vigil receptions, prepares meals for AIDS patients on a monthly basis, organize bake sales and various other community activities.

Men of St. Thérèse (M.O.S.T.) ~ is a group of men who meet for fellowship, as well as to sponsor social activities and work parties to enhance fellowship and improve and maintain church facilities.

Nametag Team ~ produces and makes available nametags for each parishioner. 

New Parishioner Welcome ~ helps those seeking to be members of our parish understand how they will share their gifts with the Church, and how the larger Church can support their Home Church in living and proclaiming the Gospel. Opportunities here include New Parishioner Welcome presenters as well as family facilitators.

Nifty-Over-Fifties is a social ministry for members over 50.  They alternate covered dish luncheons with outings to restaurants.  Occasionally, the group takes a field trip.

Office Ministries ~ assist in the smooth operation and administration of the parish office.

¨      Folding Ministers fold and assemble the worship aids used at Mass, and the bulletins handed out on Sundays.

¨      Front Office Ministers assist with and serve as back-up for parish office staff by answering phones and assisting with parish reports and/or publications.

VIRTUS Training Session Coordinators ~ assists the session facilitator by ensuring rooms are open and ready, snacks provided and set up, help registering attendees and cleaning up.