2014-2015 annual report - St. Theresa`s Catholic Church

St. Theresa’s Parish
Annual Report on Parish Ministries & Finances
Fiscal Year July 1, 2014-June 30, 2015
“If a little flower could speak, it seems to me that it would tell us quite simply all that God
has done for it, without hiding any of its gifts. It would not, under the pretext of humility,
say that it was not pretty, or that it had not a sweet scent, that the sun had withered its petals,
or the storm bruised its stem, if it knew that such were not the case.”
― Thérèse de Lisieux, Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Therese of Lisieux
1
A Word from Linda DeMarce, Pastoral Coordinator
Dear Parishioners of St. Theresa Parish:
I am excited to offer you the parishioners of St. Theresa Catholic Church our Annual Parish Report/Financial
Report. We have been richly blessed with a vibrant and giving community of volunteers which realizes that God is the
source of all blessings. In our stewardship of time, talent and treasure, we choose to give back to God what God has first
given us. We are a people of all ages, and diversity, worshipping together, ministering together, serving God’s people
together and especially growing in faith together. Through our ministries and programs, we are making God’s presence
ever more real, not only for our parishioners, but throughout the community.
The Liturgy, as the center of our parish life, continues to nourish us in our faith and challenges us to live it. From
this springs the commitment of our volunteers who share their time, talent and treasure and, in so doing, nurture the
fruits of the Holy Spirit within each one of us. Stewardship is a mark of true discipleship, and underscores the power of
God in our lives as an energy which impels and equips us to love and serve each other.
Our Patron Saint, St. Theresa of Lieusux, urges us to ordinary things in extraordinary ways. As I reflect on the
contents of our Parish Annual Report for 2014-15, I am personally excited to be reminded that we are certainly an
extraordinary community. I am inspired by how you have personally answered the call to live life as a steward of Jesus.
It is in these small services that we become more like Christ; it is in serving others that we serve God.
But, let’s not stop and stand on what we have already accomplished. Instead, let’s look to the road ahead, for
around every turn we will have the opportunity to be the hands and feet and heart of Christ for those in need. He relies
on us to be stewards of His boundless and healing love for all creation.
The spirit and ministry at St. Theresa Parish brings hope to many, and I share that hope and optimism for the
parish’s future. I look forward to growing in faith and sharing our gifts together.
Blessings,
Linda
Queridos Feligreses de Santa Teresa:
Estoy feliz de poder ofrecerles a ustedes los feligreses de Santa Teresa nuestro Reporte Parroquial/Financiero
Anual. Hemos sido ricamente bendecidos con una comunidad vibrante y caritativa de voluntarios que se dan cuenta que
Dios es la fuente de todas las bendiciones. En nuestra administración de tiempo, talento y tesoro, hemos decidido
devolver a Dios lo que Dios nos ah dado primero. Somos personas de todas edades, y diversidades, adorando juntos,
sirviendo en el ministerio junto, sirviendo a la gente de Dios juntos y sobretodo creciendo juntos en fe. A través de
nuestros ministerios y programas estamos haciendo de la presencia de Dios más real, no solo para nuestros feligreses,
sino para toda la comunidad.
La Liturgia, como centro de nuestra vida parroquial, continúa nutriéndonos en fe y nos desafía a vivirla. De esto
brota el compromiso de nuestros voluntarios quienes comparten su tiempo, talento y tesoro y, con ello cultivan los
frutos del Espíritu Santo en cada uno de nosotros. Corresponsabilidad es una marca de verdadera disciplina, y subraya
el poder de Dios en nuestras vidas como una energía que nos impulsa y equipa en nosotros amar y servir.
Nuestra patrona Santa Teresa de Lisieux, nos exhorta a hacer cosas ordinarias de manera extraordinaria. Al
reflexionar los contenidos del Reporte Anual Parroquial 2014-2015, Me emociona poderles informar personalmente que
realmente somos una comunidad extraordinaria. Me inspira como cada uno personalmente ah respondido la llamada a
vivir como un servido de Jesús. Son en los pequeños servicios los cuales nos llevan a volvernos más como Cristo; es
sirviendo a otros como servimos a Dios.
Pero, no paremos en lo que ya hemos logrado. En su lugar, echemos un vistazo al camino que nos viene de
frente porque en cada vuelta tendremos la oportunidad de ser las manos, los pies o el Corazón de Cristo para aquellos
que lo necesitan. Cristo confía en nosotros para ser administradores de su amor sin límites y sanación para toda la
creación.
El espíritu y ministerio en la Parroquia Santa Teresa trae esperanza para muchos, y yo comparto esa esperanza
y optimismo para el futuro de nuestra Parroquia. Estoy deseosa de crecer en fe y compartir nuestros dones juntos.
Bendiciones,
Linda
2
Remembering Those Who Died: July 1, 2014 – June 30, 2015
Prayer for Those Who Have Died
Merciful God, We pray for those who have died. Ease their transition from this world and into Eternal
Life. May they find light that guide their passage into your warm embrace. And when the time comes
for our dying, may the souls of those who have departed sing us into eternity with the music of
blessing and hope. With faith in your abounding grace, we pray. Amen.
Theresa Habgood
Charles Kenfield-Marion
Benjamin Gonzalez
Thomas Johnson
Judith Fernandez
Darleen Cadieux
Linda Tillett
Rick Hughes
Dennis Gallegos
Mary Durante
Francis Lee Ark
Kaitlin Pike
Erik R. Reynaga
Robert P. Lawrence
Kathleen Zimmermann
Bonnie Olson
Wilma Illich
Jose Pagaragan
James Girard
Marveluz Cantillep
Arturo Pislan
James Timothy Joslin
Margaret Garmong
Wendell “Bud” McCune
Thomas Johnson
Eduardo Froyalde
Estrelino Velasco
Henry DeBels
Enrique Tajalle
Mark Kaifer
Enrique C. Reyes
John Rowlett
Jill Roux
Lawrence Martin
Catalina Lopez
Maria Villa Gomez
Fe Moreno
Robert Goodwin
Herman Shum
Reynaldo Monillas
Grace Martinez
“And He will raise you up on eagle's wings,
Bear you on the breath of dawn,
Make you to shine like the sun,
and hold you in the palm of his hands.
3
Judith Martinez
Charlotte Rusth
Aldina de la Cruz Rosillo
Amparo Alvarez
Ramona Munez
Arleen Emery
Betty Gegoux
Lionel Barquette
Marvin Kurtz
Karen Churchman
Fr. Gerald Lovett
Leona Rivero
Jose Remedios
Peggy Duggan
Melissa Hernsen
Kevin Thornton
Arvid Nasi
James P. Devine
Julie Sundell
Mary Ellen Rushfeldt
Financial Report for Fiscal Year 2014-2015
Income
Actuals
Budget
Variance
7/2014 - 6/2015
7/2014 - 6/2015
Favorable
(Unfavorable)
Sunday Collections
$
Holy Day Collections
Hispanic Collections
Annual Appeal Refund
Gifts
Rental Income
Coffee Hour
Faith Formations:
Elementary
Youth
Adult
Business & Other Revenue
Hispanic Ministry
Total Income $
Expenses
Salaries, Benefits, Training
$
Office Supplies
Liturgical Expenses
Faith Formations:
Elementary
Youth
Adult
Other Programs
Facilities, Contracts & Utilities
Business Expense
Diocese Assessments & Tithing
Hispanic Ministry
Total Expenses $
566,735
29,438
36,648
19,035
42,159
950
1,582
9,728
10,738
290
13,353
13,011
743,668
358,163
35,532
8,188
14,481
16,034
7,657
3,242
177,365
47,041
57,902
11,065
736,671
$
$
$
$
560,000
27,000
37,000
15,000
6,500
1,400
2,000
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
6,735
2,438
(352)
4,035
35,659
(450)
(418)
13,600
11,600
2,500
17,750
15,500
709,850
$
$
$
$
$
$
(3,872)
(862)
(2,210)
(4,397)
(2,489)
33,818
329,816
29,250
13,250
$
$
$
(28,347)
(6,282)
5,062
12,200
20,800
8,400
3,900
163,248
34,670
74,961
19,355
709,850
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
(2,281)
4,766
743
658
(14,116)
(12,371)
17,058
8,290
26,821
$
6,997
Surplus
(7,368)
Additional principal payment(s) to Church Loan paid from the Operating Account
$
Total Operating Surplus
4
(371)
Financial Comments
THANK YOU, everyone who contributed to the parish donation effort last year. For the third year in a
row, our parish has met the budgeted income and was able to handle our operational obligations. Your
generosity and especially those who gave monetary gifts is really appreciated.
INCOME
Total revenue was $33,818 above budget. The highlights of revenue this year:
• Sunday Collections were $6,735 above our budget due to an increase in EFT donations.
• Holy Day collections were $2,438 above budget.
• We collected $4,035 more than we budgeted for the Annual Appeal refund.
• Our gift income was $35,659 substantially above expectations.
EXPENSES
Total expenses were $26, 821 above budget. Highlights of our expenses were:
• We exceeded our Salaries, Benefits, and Training budget by $28,347, due to additional training
expenses for the bookkeeper transition.
• We exceeded our Office Supplies budget by $6,282 due to an increase in the use of the copy machine.
• We experienced an under run to our Faith Formation budget by $3,228.
• We spent $14,116 more than budgeted for Facilities, Contracts, and Utilities due to grounds
maintenance
• Business expenses were $12,371 above the budgeted amount.
• Diocesan Assessments and Tithing: During bookkeeper transition two assessment payments were
missed. These were made up by September.
WORSHIP SPACE DEBT ELIMINATION
• We paid $8,908 for Worship Space debt elimination.
PRIORITIES
• The church boiler, somewhat past the end of its useful life, was replaced for $22,000. We had funds
set aside for partial payment of the boiler replacement, so we didn’t have to divert funds from other
parish resources.
• We repaired and replaced some parking lot light standards for $1,371.
• Rebuild our depleted parish reserves.
• Increase the donations made via EFT, presently about 20% of our collections.
CLOSING COMMENTS
• Our financial challenges in past years result from facility replacements due to the age of our building.
These challenges have been overcome by the generosity of our parishioners. While we have overcome
past challenges, we’ve got more in the future. At the same time, we know that we can count on our
generous parishioners to meet and overcome these new challenges. Thank you for all that you do.
Sincerely – The Finance Council
Jay Van Nest, Ralph Reinhart, Jim Traynor
5
Reporte Financiero del Año Fiscal 2014-2015
Ingresos
Colectas Dominicales
Colectas de Dias Festivos
Colectas Hispanas
Reembolso de Apelacion Anual
Regalos
Ingresos de Renta
Hora de Café
Formacion de la Fe:
Elementaria
Jovenes
Adultos
Negocios & Otros Ingresos
Ministerio Hispano
Actuales
Presupuesto
Diferencia
7/2014 - 6/2015
7/2014 - 6/2015
Favorable
(No-favorable)
$
566,735
29,438
36,648
19,035
42,159
950
1,582
$
9,728
10,738
290
13,353
13,011
Ingreso Total $
743,668
$
560,000
27,000
37,000
15,000
6,500
1,400
2,000
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
6,735
2,438
(352)
4,035
35,659
(450)
(418)
13,600
11,600
2,500
17,750
15,500
$
$
$
$
$
(3,872)
(862)
(2,210)
(4,397)
(2,489)
709,850
$
33,818
329,816
$
(28,347)
35,532
29,250
$
(6,282)
8,188
13,250
$
5,062
14,481
16,034
7,657
3,242
12,200
20,800
8,400
3,900
$
$
$
$
(2,281)
4,766
743
658
177,365
47,041
163,248
34,670
$
$
(14,116)
(12,371)
57,902
74,961
$
17,058
19,355
709,850
$
$
8,290
26,821
$
6,997
Gastos
Salarios, Beneficios, Entrenamiento
Material De oficina
$
358,163
Gastos Liturgicos
Formacines de la Fe:
Elementaria
Jovenes
Adultos
Otros programas
Instalaciones, Contratos & Utilidades
Gastos de Negocio
Evaluaciones & Diezmo Diocesano
Ministerio Hispano
Total de Gastos $
11,065
736,671
$
$
Excedente
(7,368)
Pago(s) Adicionales al Principal del Prestamo Parroquial pagado de la cuenta operante
$
Total Operativo Excedente
6
(371)
Comentarios Financieros
GRACIAS, a todos aquellos que contribuyeron a los esfuerzos de donación de la parroquia el año
pasado. Por tercer año consecutivo, nuestra parroquia ha cumplido con los ingresos presupuestados y fue
capaz de manejar las obligaciones operacionales. Su generosidad y especialmente a aquellos que han
dado regalos monetarios son muy apreciadas.
IGRESOS
El total de ingresos fue $33,818 por encima del presupuesto. Los datos más importantes del ingreso de
este año:
• Las colectas Dominicales fueron $6,735 por encima del presupuesto gracias al crecimiento de las
Donaciones Electrónicas.
• Las colectas de Días Festivos fueron $2,438 por encima del presupuesto.
• Colectamos $4,035 más del presupuesto para el Reembolso de Apelación Anual.
• El presupuesto de regalo fue de $35,659 substancialmente encima de las expectativas.
GASTOS
El total de gastos fueron $26, 821 por encima del presupuesto. Datos de nuestros gastos:
• Sobrepasamos en nuestro presupuesto de Salarios, beneficios, y Entrenamiento por $28,347, a
causa de entrenamiento adicional para la transición de contador.
• Sobrepasamos en nuestro presupuesto de Materiales de Oficina por $6,282 a causa de mayor uso
de nuestra copiadora.
• Experimentamos un menor cargo en nuestro presupuesto para la formación de fe de $3,228.
• Gastamos $14,116 más del presupuesto por Instalaciones, Contratos, y servicios públicos debido al
mantenimiento de jardines.
• Los gastos de negocio fueron $12,371 por encima del presupuesto.
• Diezmo y Evaluaciones Diocesanas: Durante la transición del contador dos pagos de evaluación no
fueron hechos y fueron llevados a cabo a lo largo de tiempo hasta Septiembre.
ELIMINACION DE DEUDA DE ESPACIO DE ORACION
• Pagamos$8,908 a la eliminación de deuda de espacio de oración.
PRIORIDADES
• El boiler de la Iglesia, un poco más allá de su vida útil, fue remplazado por $22,000. Teníamos
fondos para un pago parcial para el remplazo del boiler, así que no tuvimos que tomar fondos de
otros recursos parroquiales.
• Reparamos y remplazamos algunas luces del estacionamiento por $1,371.
• Reconstruimos nuestras reservas agotadas de la parroquia.
• Aumentaron las donaciones electrónicas por un 20% para la colecta.
COMENTARIOS DE CIERRE
• Nuestros desafíos financieros en el año pasado resultan por remplazos a las instalaciones por la
edad de nuestro edificio. Estos desafíos se han superado gracias a la generosidad de nuestros
feligreses. Mientras ya hemos sobrepasado algunos desafíos, tenemos más a futuro. Al mismo
tiempo, sabemos que contamos con nuestros generosos feligreses para poder sobrepasar nuevos
desafíos. Gracias por todo.
Atentamente - El Consejo de Finanzas
Jay Van Nest, Ralph Reinhart, Jim Traynor
7
Faith Formation—Children and Youth
The core goal of our Faith Formation programming at St. Theresa’s is to invite all to develop an
intimate relationship with God in following Jesus Christ by celebrating the sacraments and building a
diverse community.
This past 2014-2015 Faith Formation year continued to form the faith of the youngest members
of our parish community through weekly catechesis, sacramental preparations and celebrations, along
with a summer Vacation Bible School program. During the 2013-2014 FF year, our Children’s Faith
Formation had over 55 children enrolled in our Sunday faith formation classes, grades Pre-K through 5th
grade.
Throughout the year nearly 66 students received the sacraments of 1st Reconciliation and
st
1 Eucharist. In our RCIC (Rite of Christian Initiation for Children, the equivalent of RCIA) the Faith
Formation Program welcomed eight children and teenagers into our church through the sacrament of
Baptism on Easter Sunday. During the final week of June, we hosted the annual
Vacation Bible School for about 40 children from the surrounding area with the Everest theme.
The youth of St. Theresa's continued to engage in learning and growing in the Catholic faith,
hands and heart service work, and ongoing community building as members of the Body of Christ! The
middle school EDGE program, high school Life Teen program, and youth sacramental preparation work
to meet the educational, spiritual, emotional, and social needs of
adolescents at this point in their spiritual lives. Additionally, the
Life Teen band continues to share their time and talents, serving
the community through the gift of music at the 5 p.m. Sunday
Life Teen Mass.
Vacation Bible School teaches
kids about God’s love.
High School Youth Convention and Junior High Rally
In November, 2014, the Archdiocese of Seattle held the
annual High School Youth Convention. The theme this year was,
"Saints Alive!" and focused on the idea of being encouraged and
inspired by the saints who have gone before us, and discerning
how we too are called to be saints. The event was attended by
students from all over the archdiocese, and was great time to witness how God is working in our archdiocese.
During the first weekend of March, 2015, middle school
students from St. Theresa's and throughout the archdiocese
gathered for the annual Junior High Rally. The theme of this
event was, "Make a Mess." The event referenced Pope
Francis’ words to be open to “making a mess” when going out
into the world to build the kingdom of God.
Retreats, Food Fast, and End of the
Year Lock-Ins
In December, we held the
annual Middle School EDGE retreat
at All Saints Retreat Center in Gig
Harbor. The theme of this year's retreat was, "Inside Out" and focused on
the idea of how God sees what is on
the inside and does not want us to
judge others by what we see on the
Core Members showed the middle school students the way
to heaven during the Edge retreat.
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Faith Formation—Children and Youth
outside. It was a great experience full of growth, prayer, fun, and delicious food provided by our
amazing volunteers!
In January, our high school students in the confirmation program participated in the annual
confirmation retreat, which we also held in Gig Harbor. The theme for this retreat was, "Embers of
Christ" which referenced the scripture passage from Luke 24:32, "Then they said to each other, were not
our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened scriptures to us?" It was a beautiful weekend that helped the confirmandi grow deeper in their faith and in their bonds with each other as
well.
The Life Teen retreat was is April. The theme was “Thrive” and focused on how our spiritual
lives are like plants that need to be fed and cultivated in order to grow. We had beautiful weather and
were able to visit Kopachuck State Park for a short hike and time on the beach.
This year, the high school students also participated in the annual Food Fast 24-Hour Hunger
Retreat at Holy Family in Auburn. Students from Holy Family, St. Anthony's in Renton, and our own
students from St. Theresa's combined a 24-hour fast with education about issues of poverty locally and
throughout the world. It was an incredibly powerful event for the students.
The school year culminated in the annual overnight lock-ins for both the EDGE and Life Teen
programs. Each group was invited to spend the night at St. Theresa's and participate in music, games,
and lots of fun. It was a great way to celebrate the end of the school year!
Service Work and Mission Trips
This year St. Theresa's youth ministry continued to engage in active service work and education
on poverty and justice issues through our ongoing work with Tacoma's Nativity House and summer
Mission Trips. Once a month, St. Theresa's youth prepared and served a healthy meal to Tacoma's
homeless population at the Nativity House. For many of the students, it is their first time serving the
homeless community and is a very powerful experience as they reflect on connecting their faith to
creating a better world for all of God's children.
During the summer, middle school EDGE and high school Life Teen students participated in the
Agape mission trip program, which serves the migrant community of the Bellingham area. The high
school trip ran from July 12-17 and the middle school trip ran from August 2-7. Each group worked to
collect food for the migrant food bank, set up and organized the food bank, ran games and activities for
children at the migrant work camps and spent a day in the fields learning about what farm work is like.
Throughout the week, they also learned more about the many issues and difficulties facing migrant
workers and the Catholic Church’s teachings on justice and solidarity and how to help support our
brothers and sisters.
Thank You
It would be simply
impossible for the youth ministry
program to run without the
volunteers who give their time as
Core Team members for the EDGE
and Life Nights, as chaperons and
drivers for special events such as
retreats, service projects and
mission trips, and through groups
such as the Knights of Columbus
group who have generously
supported the youth programs. We
simply cannot thank the many
volunteers enough for everything
Life Teen retreat leaders take a break to enjoy being in nature.
that they have done to help build
St. Theresa's Youth Ministry!
9
Hispanic Ministry
This year has been full of happiness, challenges, and transitions with a new Hispanic Ministry
Coordinator, who brought a new enthusiasm to the Hispanic Community, especially to all our children
and families with the Faith Formation Program.
Faith Formation
The family is the primary community where faith is shared and nurtured in our children. The
church community provides support in forming our young Catholics. Therefore, the goal for our faith
formation program is: active learners as the basis of active faith. This year 121 children between kindergarten and fifth grade involved in this program had the opportunity to live their faith, with their families.
Some activities included:
• Floral procession on the feast of Saint Theresa.
• Children participated in the Our Lady of Guadalupe feast, by singing, dancing by the
Quetzal Dance Group, bringing flowers in a procession, and presented a play about the
apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
• A Posada. It is a tradition in Mexico during the novena before Christmas Eve. Children and families
pray, reflect, and sing waiting for the Baby Jesus. In the posada, adults presented to the children a
play of the Nativity of Jesus Christ.
• During Lent they reflected and prayed with the Via-Crucis (Stations of the Cross)
• Recitation of the Rosary, floral procession, and crowing of Holy Mary.
• Faith Formation Fair and potluck for the end of the year.
Sacramental Preparation
First reception of Reconciliation and Communion is primarily a family celebration within the
context of the Church community. On December 4, 53 children of our Hispanic Faith Formation
Progra m celebrated the First
Reconciliation, and 50 children received
1st Communion last June 27, 2015.
• The Rite of Baptism for children puts
emphasis on the role of parents in
baptism, and on the preparation that
should be a part of the celebration of the
sacrament. This fiscal year, 43, children
of the Hispanic Community were
baptized and welcomed as part of the big
Family of God.
•
Other Highlights
The Posada helps children pray, reflect, and sing as they
wait for Baby Jesus at Christmas.
10
• We had two kermes as part of a
fundraiser for or Church.
• During Lent Season we enjoyed a
morning with a Spiritual Retreat that
Fr. Gilberto Mora led.
• Quinceañeras –the Quinceañera is
not a sacramental celebration but it is a
special blessing as an event of
evangelization within a birthday. In our
parish four young girls received this
blessing.
Ministerio Hispaño
El año estuvo lleno de muchas alegrías, desafíos y transiciones con el Nuevo Coordinador
Hispano, quien trajo un Nuevo entusiasmo a la Comunidad Hispana, especialmente a todos nuestros
niños y familias dentro del programa de Formación de la Fe.
Formation de le Fe
La Familia es la comunidad principal donde la Fe es compartida y fomentada en nuestros hijos.
La comunidad de la Iglesia provee el soporte en formar a nuestros jóvenes Católicos. Así, que el
objetivo de nuestro programa de Formación de la Fe es: activar el aprendizaje en la fe activa. 121 niños
dentro de las edades de Kínder y quinto año envueltos en este Programa tuvieron la oportunidad de vivir
su Fe, con su familia por medio de:
• La Procesión floral en la Fiesta de Santa Teresa.
• En la celebración de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, los niños participaron en cantos, bailando con el
grupo de baile Quetzal, trayendo flores en la procesión, y presentando las apariciones de Nuestra
Señora de Guadalupe.
• Una Posada. Es tradición de México durante el novenario antes de Noche Buena. Los niños y familias
oran, reflexionan, y cantan en espera de la venida de El Niño Jesús. En la posada, los adultos
presentaron una obra de La Natividad.
• Durante la cuaresma, ellos reflexionaron y oraron con el Via-Crucis.
• Recitación del Rosario, procesión de flores, y coronación de La Santísima Virgen María.
• Feria de la Formación de la Fe y potluck para el término del año.
Sacramental
• La Primera Recepción de Reconciliación y Comunión es principalmente una familia celebrando
dentro del contexto de la comunidad de la Iglesia. El 4 de diciembre, 53 niños de nuestro Programa
de Formación de la Fe celebraron su Primera Reconciliación, y 50 Recibieron su Primera
Comunión el pasado 27 de Junio del 2015.
• El Rito del Bautismo para niños pone en énfasis el papel de los padres en el bautismo, y la
preparación que tiene que ser parte de la celebración del Sacramento. Este año Fiscal, 43, niños de
la Comunidad Hispana fueron bautizados y bienvenidos como parte de la gran Familia de Dios.
Otros Puntos
•
Tuvimos dos quermeses para Recaudar fondos para Nuestra Iglesia
•
Durante Cuaresma tuvimos una mañana agradable con un Retiro Espiritual que el Padre Gilberto
presidio.
•
Quinceañeras- Las Quinceañera no es una celebración sacramental pero es una bendición especial
como evento de evangelización dentro de un cumpleaños. En nuestra parroquia 4 Jovencitas
recibieron esta bendición.
Justo formación en la fe
The Posada
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Faith in Action
Our Catholic faith calls us to live out the Gospel everyday through our actions toward others.
We are called to be Jesus to others. St. Theresa’s has several ministries in which parishioners can be the
good news for others. Here is just a sample of the many good works done last year.
Designs for Life
Members of Designs for Life offer their time and
talent with crochet hooks, knitting needles and sewing
machines, handcrafting items to perform God’s work here on
Earth. They are dedicated to valuing life by offering warmth,
comfort and support to those in need. This past year Designs for
Life provided baptismal gifts to the newest members of parish
through our baptism coordinators, donated baby
baskets for the Reach Out Breakfast auction, provided hats and
scarves for the 300 children included in the Christmas Giving
Tree. Providing layettes for Pregnancy aid is an
Handmade hats for the Giving Tree
ongoing mission. We provide a diaper bag full of clothing,
baby bath items, blankets, and many more items to mothers in need.
There is a blue box in the narthex for any donation of handcrafted items, fabric or skeins of yarn
and thread. All donations are much appreciated and put to good use. We currently meet twice a month
the second Monday, at the church at 7:30 p.m. and the fourth Thursday in the office at 6:30 p.m.
Prayerline
The prayer line continues to be an active group of about 40 who are bound together via email
and a desire to prayerfully intercede on behalf of anyone who reaches out to us, whether it be during
their time of distress or a time of celebration. Email messages go out to prayer line members (securely)
listing the requests in a very simple format, leaving the "where" and "how" of prayer up to each member.
Our ministry started in the late 1990's, and our method of transmittal back then was a telephone
tree. As we grew in number, the advent of email became a blessing that allowed us to continue our
ministry through the years. We feel blessed to share in the lives of so many people. Our biggest "secret"
is the discovery that not only is intercessory prayer wonderful for those who reach out but also that it
uplifts and transforms those who do the praying! Joining the prayer line is as simple as sending a request
to the email address on the front of the bulletin.
Eucharistic Ministers to the Sick
“Suffering wears a thousand faces, and every face is Christ’s.” is the opening sentence of the
Catholic Handbook for visiting the sick and homebound. One of the deepest causes of suffering by those
whom sickness or aging confines to the narrow world of home, hospital, or geriatric facility is the sense
of isolation. Often this is followed by feelings of being misunderstood, not heard, not valued or useful,
or embarrassed.
Eucharistic ministers have the holy honor and privilege to bring the love of Christ to our
neighbors who are suffering from both physical ailments and emotional stress, simply by bringing a
loving, prayerful presence into their lives as we offer them the greatest gift one can offer, Christ himself
in the form of Holy Communion. Testimonies of many of those ministered to report that the visits of St.
Theresa’s Eucharistic ministers are the highlight of their week.
Those of us at St. Theresa’s Parish who are honored to work in this ministry report that
following each visit we ourselves receive a sense of God’s peace and joy. We are the beneficiaries. To
journey with another in their time of sickness and sometimes death is sacred and is often life-changing to
the minister. We invite you to consider being a part of this ministry.
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Faith in Action
FUSION: Friends United to Shelter the Indigent, Oppressed, and Needy
FUSION is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization that provides transitional housing and
support services to homeless families in Federal Way and NE Tacoma. We raise funds to manage and
maintain fully furnished homes for families and to provide case management services contracted through
Catholic Community Services. We also operate an upscale, resale furniture and décor boutique in
Federal Way where we collect gently used décor, art, antiques, collectibles, lamps, furniture, etc. All
proceeds from sales benefit our mission.
Our summer art event raised $171,000 for families in our housing with support services. A
remarkable 90 percent of the families that exited FUSION’s housing this past year moved to permanent
housing becoming stable and self-sufficient. To continue our success, volunteers are needed and so are
donations of, gently used furniture and décor items for resale at the FUSION Décor Boutique, 31823
Gateway Center Blvd., Federal Way 98003. 253-839-4045 Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Peggy LaPorte 253-973-4033; [email protected].
Federal Way Community Caregiving Network
The last year has been a very productive and joyful
year for the Federal Way Community Caregiving Network
(FWCCN) and the people we serve in our communities of
Federal Way and NE Tacoma. Aided in no small part by the
Annual Souper Bowl Sunday collection, in which the people of
St. Theresa’s, contributed nearly $3,000, the Caregiving
Network has been able to help keep over 450 families in their
homes. This activity helps prevent family homelessness which
has such a devastating effect on the ability of children to thrive.
During this same period the FWCCN also served over 12,000
meals to over 8,400 people. The Caregiving Network feels truly
blessed by the collaborative relationship it has with the people
and St Vincent de Paul Society of St Theresa’s parish. Thank
you for your faith and generosity to the FWCCN.
Sometimes a hot meal is all it takes
to make someone feel loved.
Reach Out
The mission of Reach Out is “Providing shelter and
support services to adults without homes in South King County to help them attain stable housing and
living conditions.” Reach Out is a program of Catholic Community Services, participating with 25 other
churches in volunteer partnership.
Last year, Reach Out provided counsel to help the people they serve get back on their feet
permanently. Reach Out also supported men and women in separate overnight shelters for five months,
providing home cooked dinners, breakfasts and sack lunches. This year the goal is to be open for six
months, October 1-March 31. St. Theresa’s served dinners for five weeks. Thank you to all our
wonderful volunteers as site contact people, hosts, and servers. The members of St. Theresa’s parish are
truly the cornerstone members of the Reach Out program.
Sandwich Ministry
There are 80 different households from St. Theresa's who each make 20 sandwiches once a
month and deliver them to St. Theresa's kitchen. From there, our two reliable "delivery men" take them
to Tacoma's Guadalupe House where they are taken to the streets and handed directly to people in the
area who are underfed and/or homeless. St. Theresa's has participated in this ministry for almost 20
years. Using the average number of Ministry Members multiplied by the number of sandwiches per
month/per year - St. Theresa members have given about 400,000 sandwiches to our hungry neighbors.
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St. Vincent de Paul Society
Picture yourself being asked to help in the following situations:
Homeless, single mother with six children needing safe shelter and waiting to get into Section 8
housing
• Family being evicted because of foreclosure on landlord’s property
• Mother and children who became homeless trying to escape domestic violence situation
• Power shut-off in home with three children, parents so sick they can’t work and pay the utility bill
• Woman living on the streets and seeking safe shelter after being released from prison
• Homeless veteran living in his car and seeking shelter and medical assistance
These crisis situations are typical of what your St. Vincent De Paul Society members face almost
every week and thanks to your generous financial support this past year we were able to provide
emergency assistance to almost all of these people. We were spiritually motivated to help using Gospel
values and the teachings of St. Vincent De Paul.
Last year the Society received about 800 requests for assistance as typified above. Not all required
financial assistance (utility, motel and rent) but many needed food, food vouchers, gas vouchers, bus
tickets or Orca cards and clothing.
The Society held four “Clean Your Closet” Sunday clothing drives during the year and was very
pleased by the response. We collected more than 100 large leaf bags of clothing each time the drive was
held. Your combined donations helped generate funds through resale at our St. Vincent de Paul thrift
stores. Profits from the sales serve to fund programs that help the poor.
On the Saturday before Christmas in 2014, we delivered 105 Christmas food baskets to the neediest
families with children that our records showed we had helped during the year. We were pleased to
include in the Christmas delivery at least two gifts for each child in the family. More than 300 children
received these gifts. Our delivery was a bright spot in each household’s holiday celebration.
From July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015 the Society spent about $100,000 in donated funds to provide
goods and services to those in need. It was distributed as follows: Rent/Motel 44%, Utilities 26%,
Food 19%, Gas/Transportation Assistance 9%, Other (furniture, clothing, medical prescriptions) 2%.
Thank you Parishioners for your continuing support of your St. Vincent De Paul Society.
•
Demographics of
the households we
helped:
40 % were single parent
headed households
*
30% were homeless
households
*
11% were disabled
individuals
*
95% had yearly income
less that 30% of HUD
median (~$26,000/ year
for a family of 4)
Delivering food and gifts at Christmas is a highlight of the year.
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Knights of Columbus—St. Theresa Council #7908
Here are some of the things the Knights have done over the past year.
Church
Council members act as lectors,
Eucharistic ministers, adult altar servers,
parish council members, finance council
members, RCIA leaders, choir members,
hospitality ministers (coffee & donuts) and
ushers/greeters. They also cook for the
parish picnic and St. Theresa’s Feast Day
Celebration, power wash the
sidewalks and walkways around the
church, support, participated in the
Patriotic Living Rosary and Stations of the
Cross, provide monthly support of deacon
counseling services, $1,500 for
seminarian, and donated $4,000 to
seminarian support in Washington.
Knights can often be seen wearing aprons and
Community
serving food for parishioners.
Members visit, take communion
to, and perform errands for the ill, disabled, and elderly. Council members provide volunteer work and/or financial
support for the following organizations: St. Vincent de Paul, FUSION/Joseph Foundation for abused women, FW
REACH OUT homeless shelters for men and women, Senior Services Transportation, Camp Prime Time, Nativity
House – Tacoma, Special Olympics – NW and National Event, Federal Way Food Bank at the Multi-Service
Center, Sandwich program, St. Theresa’s Women’s Retreat, Blood Drives and the American Cancer Society Relay
for Life. Special community projects this year included the Tootsie Roll project; $2,000 for wounded warrior
support through our 4th Degree, as well as helping with a Friendship Ministry Picnic.
Council
Every Wednesday morning council members meet at the local Starbucks for fellowship and camaraderie.
Other social events include our Christmas party and Super Bowl Party, Brown Bear Car Wash Fundraisers, Taco
Time Fundraiser, basket raffle at Fish Fry events. Members provided council support for a homeless brother.
Council and participate in 4th Degree Honor Guard. Fraternal support of our disabled brothers is work that we are
extremely proud of. The major council event is our concession work at 10 Seahawks games at Qwest Field. This
provides the bulk of funds that are used to support our charitable work throughout the year.
Family
Some of our programs that support families include recognition of our wedding anniversaries, and an
active Family of the Month program, support for families at Christmas & Thanksgiving, family social dinners, and
participation in the Lenten Fair.
Pro-Life
Council members participated in the annual March for Life in Olympia. Council members are also
involved in the FAITH legislative advocacy program to our representatives to make them aware of our opposition
to legislation which devalues human life. We hosted a Mother’s Day Breakfast for FUSION, and participated in
the 4US summer event in Tacoma, Catholic Advocacy Day in Olympia and provided bus transportation for any
parishioners willing to go.
Youth
Our council provides $1,500 of scholarships for Catholic education to parish members. Our council soccer
challenge produced state championship competitors. We conduct Lenten Fish Frys to raise $1,200 for our parish
Youth Mission Trips. We also are the charter organization for Cub Scout Pack 318 Active role in Scout Sunday.
Youth Retreat scholarships were provided. Council members support and supervise Youth Mass and Choir.
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50+ Club
Officers July 2014-June 2015
President
Bernie Jacobs
Vice-President
Pat Smith
Secretary
Jan Gillette
Treasurer
Mary Ann Earles
Activities
Carrol Clemens
Membership
70 members, Dues $15 annually
Mission
Provide an opportunity for 50+ parishioners to
gather in worship and prayer, assist parish youth and
Bus Trips are one of the many social activities
needy families, and enjoy monthly potlucks and
that our seniors enjoy.
social activities.
Activities
We gather for Mass at 9 a.m. every first Friday of the month year round. After Mass we breakfast
together at Brown’s Point Diner. Other activities this past year include:
September
Octoberfest Potluck
November
Thanksgiving Potluck
December
Christmas Concert at the Rialto Diner at Old Spaghetti Factory
January
New Year Potluck (Luau)
February
Tour of Museum of Flight & Space; Lunch at the Cheesecake Factory
March
St. Joseph’s Day Italian Potluck
April
Snoqualmie Casino
ST. THERESA’S VISION
May
Spring Potluck
St. Theresa’s invites all to follow Jesus Christ by celebrating the
sacraments and building a diverse community.
Officers for July 2015– June 2016
President
Bernie Jacobs
ST. THERESA’S MISSION
Vice President Pat Smith
Guided by our beloved St. Theresa, who performed the ordinary
Secretary
Jan Gillette
tasks of everyday life with extraordinary love and nourished by
Treasurer
Mary Ann Earles
the Gospel and the Eucharist, St. Theresa’s Catholic faith
Activities
Carrol Clemens
community strives to live with awakened hearts and open minds.
With compassion, we serve the poor and the needy and
work for peace through justice.
Parish Staff 2014-2015
Linda DeMarce
Pastoral Coordinator
Jose Ramirez
Hispanic Ministry
Fr. Leonardo Pestano
Parochial Vicar
Maria Bagocious/
David Orona
Parish Bookkeeper
Fr. Gilberto Mora-Tapia
Parochial Vicar
Marcia Ducusin
Administrative Assistant
Tom O’Loughlin
Deacon
Julie Gregory
Administrative Assistant
Frank Lewis
Pastoral Assistant for Music
Charles Dance
Custodian
Micie DelosReyes
Pastoral Assistant for Faith/Adult Formation
Pam Stromberg
Pianist/Organist
Dawn Sample
Pastoral Assistant for Youth Ministry
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