Catholic Church in Bronx, NY
THE PASTORAL REPORT
Dear Parishioners,
Recently I issued the Pastoral Report for our parish, as submitted to Cardinal Dolan. It covers information from September 1, 2019 through August 31, 2020. I am presenting this again here for your interest.
We are all aware that this past year was “the Pandemic Year.” The pandemic has changed so much in our lives and that affects our church as it has affected everything else. But I think it is fair to say that St. Theresa Parish has remained strong during this difficult time. Our motto (placed on our Rectory door for all to see) was simply this: “Stay strong, stay safe and pray hard.”
Let me share with you the following information:
Again, thank you, our dear parishioners, for making all of this possible. Thank you for your love for St. Theresa Parish. And as we have said so often during these past months: “Stay strong, stay safe and pray hard.”
Father Thomas B. Derivan
SPIRITUAL COMMUNION
It has long been a Catholic understanding that when circumstances prevent one from receiving Holy Communion, it is possible to make an Act of Spiritual Communion, which is a source of grace. Spiritual Communion is an ardent desire to receive Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament and lovingly embrace him at a time or in circumstances when one cannot receive Him in sacramental Communion. The most common reason for making an Act of Spiritual Communion is when a person cannot attend Mass. Acts of Spiritual Communion increase our desire to receive sacramental Communion and help us avoid the sins that would make us unable to receive Holy Communion worthily.
Spiritual Communion Prayer
My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love you above all things and I desire to receive you in my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment receive you sacramentally,
Come at least spiritually into my heart.
I embrace you as if you were already there
And unite myself wholly to you.
Never permit me to be separated from you.
Amen.
CONFESSIONS IN OUR CHURCH
The Cardinal has allowed the resumption of confessions in church. Both St. Theresa Church and Our Lady of the Assumption Church will be having confessions on Saturdays at 4:00PM, beginning on June 6th.
The following procedures will be followed in our church:
1. All persons must wear protective masks.
2. You will see two confession stations in the church, one by hallway near the sacristy and the other in the front of church. We will not be using the confessionals for safety reasons.
3. When you come to confession, you may either stand or kneel.
4. Those who are waiting for confession should stand at a respectful distance to preserve confidentiality. Also while you are waiting, please observe the proper social distancing as marked by the blue tape in the aisles.
5. Please speak loudly enough for the priest to hear, but not too loudly so that others may hear you.
6. After your confession, you may remain in the church for private prayer. Please sit or kneel only in places marked with the blue tape.
BIBLE STUDY/SHARING:
CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Every Wednesday night at 7:30 PM in the Rectory Dining Room a group gathers seeking to grow closer to Christ by meditating on the Holy Scripture. Please come and be nourished by the Word of God. Everyone is invited to attend.