Dear Parishioners,
This Sunday’s second reading from St. Paul to the Romans seems to speaking to us in all of the current upheavals of 2020: “What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril or the sword? No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us.” May we really hear these words of truth and allow them to sink into our minds and hearts. God does not abandon us, even when things seem dark and we may feel powerless. Let us continue to put our complete trust in the Lord. “For…neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers…will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.”
Would you like peace? It is so important that we continue to pray for each other in these unsettling times. I hope the issues of the day do not divide our parish, discourage us, or dampen our faith, hope and love for one another. It’s good for us to be reminded that we are Catholic and Christ has already won the battle. If you desire peace and calm immediately in your life try shutting the TV, internet and all social media off for at least a week. I assure you it will do you good and more importantly give you much-needed time for prayer! Many understandably are anxious, angry, frustrated, and confused. Television and social media just add to this mix of emotions.
You will find in this email an attachment that illustrates the eleven Eucharist Processions that took place over the past few months within our parish boundaries. It was and continues to be a source of great grace, light, and protection for all of us in these dark times. Our intentions for these processions were specifically for protection from the pandemic and for our country with so much social, cultural and political divisiveness, violence and destruction. Every household was prayed for, for spiritual protection as well to ward off the demonic in our neighborhoods and homes as we all are amidst a very real spiritual battle on many levels.
Ways in which we can continue to soak in the graces of our Eucharistic Lord are by attending Mass, making a weekly holy hour in church, or in your home by making a spiritual holy hour with the intention of adoring Our Lord from a distance. Making brief stops in the church to adore the Lord. Jesus is with us and he wants us to continue to come to him with all of the concerns of our hearts.
The dispensation from Sunday Mass attendance is still in place. People who do not attend Mass in person are encouraged to participate by viewing an online or televised Mass. Our parish continues to live-stream its Saturday 4pm Mass. This can be viewed live or watched later.
Those who attend Mass in person should follow these guidelines:
- People should give one another a 6-foot space.
- The pews, doorknobs, and other surfaces are being sanitized regularly.
- We are encouraged to wear masks or face coverings when we are at Mass, according to the advice of in-parish medical professionals. The vast majority are wearing masks and with people following this precaution, I invite you to please join us for Mass.
- We will receive communion in the center aisle and on-the-hand.
- Please take a missalette from the vestibule to keep and use (do not return it to the box nor leave it in church).
Our current public Mass Schedule remains the same:
- Monday – Friday: 8:15am and 5:30pm
- Saturday: 8:15am and 4pm Vigil Mass (Vigil Mass is live streamed)
- Sunday: 8am, 10am, and Noon Masses
Confessions are available on Saturdays from 1:30-3pm and on Fridays a half-hour before the two daily Masses.
Know of my prayers for all of you. May Our Lady, Queen of heaven and earth, intercede for you and protect you at every moment.
In Jesus and Mary,
Father Hottovy
Pastor | St. Teresa Parish
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Parish Announcements:
Mass & Confessions Updates
The 4pm Saturday Vigil Mass is still being live-streamed and is available for later-viewing. You may notice that the format of the video has been simplified. The readings will no longer be posted, but are always available online at USCCB and in the Missalettes that are in the narthex (vestibule). Confessions: we are working on a system to help confessions run smoothly while they are being held in the sacristies. Look for more information soon.
Holy Water is available in the large font near the red candles. It is exorcized water and salt—an extra-strong blessing, if you will—which is intended to ward off disease and evil as well as impart blessing. We encourage you to take home and use Holy Water.
Want Peace? It is so important that we continue to pray for each other in these unsettling and challenging times. We also need reminding that we are Catholic and Christ has already won the battle. If you desire peace and calm immediately in your life try shutting the TV and all social media off for at least a week. It will do you good. Many understandably are anxious, angry, frustrated, and confused. Television and social media just add to this mix of emotions.
Invitation to Fasting and Prayer
The upheaval in our world right now is not only physical but spiritual. It seems abundantly obvious that this is a battle against the enemy and his seeds of bitter division, deep anger, mass confusion, and crippling fear. Let us turn to prayer and fasting as Jesus teaches us to do in our battle with the enemy.
Consider observing a "mini Lent" of prayer and fasting from August 1st through August 14th, with "Easter" culminating on August 15th: the Assumption of Our Lady. Join in two weeks of prayer and fasting for the sincere and lasting conversion of the world and the reign of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary (or other intentions from your heart), and pass the information on to your friends and families. This is sort of a grassroots effort unites Christians in prayer and reminds us that we are one body - not isolated, fearful people.
Thank you for any sacrifices you can intentionally make in the next two weeks, and let's together beg the intercession of Our Lady in lead up to her Assumption!
Parish Giving & Income: In July 2020, we gave/collected $73,921.10. Our budget requires $88, 400 which means we came up $14,478.90 short. Please remember to be generous in your giving. If you do not yet attend public Masses, you may mail in your envelope, leave it in the dropbox at the Parish Office, or donate online.
Thank you to the Knights of Columbus for their gift of $5000 to help with parish expenses while our collections are down.
Thank you to our Altar Society for their $1200 gift to our school!
Note: Father Kipper will be (away) on retreat this week.
A Special Thanks to James Duchesneau for his extensive work in providing the parish—and beyond—our live streamed Masses, Liturgies, and Holy Hours over the past several months. Our parish received notes of thanks from many people, including several from out of state! His professional filming of our Masses brought great consolation and comfort to many people in these trying times. Thank you, James!
Please pray for the repose of the soul of +Erma McCormick, longtime parishioner, and wife of Fred McCormick, and for Perla Torres Robles, 15, who passed away recently after a 2-year battle with cancer.
In-parish Job Opening
Custodian: St. Teresa Catholic Church and School is seeking a Custodian. This includes general cleaning—keeping the facilities clean and orderly—and upkeep of the parish, school, and grounds, sanitizing surfaces at school and public areas of the church and rectory, mowing and grounds maintenance, snow removal and ice-melt application, and occasional light maintenance and minor repairs. High school diploma or GED is required. For more information, contact the Parish Office: 402-477-3979.
ALL IN | Youth Bible Study
High Schoolers and College Students: come join us for a weekly Bible Study. It will be a great chance to grow in your faith and in a relationship with others from the diocese. The time is now to be ALL IN for the Faith. Meetings will be Wednesdays from 7:30-9:30pm (started July 8th). This week (August 5th), meet at The Newman Center for Praise & Worship.
ELC enrollment is open!
As a service to St. Teresa School families we offer a state-approved after-school program with a mission to provide a holy and safe, helpful, and encouraging, positive and fun after-school learning and play environment for our students. Applications for Extended Learning Center may be picked up in the office or can be emailed upon request. Questions? E-mail Amy-VanGerpen@cdolinc.net.
A small number of printed bulletins will be available at the exits of church.
Missalettes for June 7-Nov 28 are available in the vestibule. Please take a missalette but do not return it—keep it for personal use.
Our parish is in need of Ushers for 8am and Noon Masses to assist parishioners with sitting accommodations, etc. If you are currently an Usher, or if you would like to volunteer to become an Usher, please contact Will Varicak at willvaricak@gmail.com or 402-416-1070.
Spiritual Pilgrimage to Fatima
Join our parish’s spiritual pilgrimage to Fatima! It began in April and concludes in October. The attached flyer has been updated for July’s apparition—when the children were shown Hell. Printed flyers are available in the church.
Thrift Shop: St. Teresa Thrift Shop will be open for business on Saturdays from 9-3 and on one Friday: August 7th from 4-8. Donations can be made on these dates at the back door of the store. All volunteers and shoppers must wear masks (which are not provided). We may limit the number of shoppers in the store at one time to adhere to the social distancing guidelines. No children will be admitted to the store so please plan accordingly. Thank you for supporting St. Teresa Thrift Shop!
Thrift Shop Volunteers: Because many of our volunteers are elderly, many must stay away because of the pandemic. We are in need of volunteers during the week to sort and price items and stock the store. We are also in need of volunteers when we are open on the weekend to cashier, bag, monitor the door, and accept donations. Currently we are open Sat. 9-3, but would like to get back to our regular hours of Fri 4-8 and Sat 9-4. Saturday the 11th, we made over $1700 in just 6 hours. There were many comments about how grateful the customers were to have us open. The thrift store is a wonderful outreach in our community.
To volunteer, call: Barb Bechtoltz: 402-499-9735, Karen Restau: 402-309-9769, or Ann Reinke 402-560-4114.
The Nebraska Legislature is currently considering a major piece of pro-life legislation, LB814 whichwould ban the dismemberment abortion procedure in Nebraska. This particularly barbaric abortion procedure undermines human dignity and the healing mission of the medical profession. To learn more about LB814, please visit www.necatholic.org and please call or e-mail your state senator and ask them to support LB814.
Pray for Life
Please come to pray on public sidewalks at Planned Parenthood of Lincoln (5631 South 48th Street) from 7am until 5pm on Tuesdays. Many thanks to those who have been faithfully praying at the abortion facility, especially during this time of quarantine.
Walk the Little Way for 2019 is gearing up. If you have a business and would like to support Saint Teresa School by advertising on the t-shirts and banner for Walk the Little Way, please contact Janice Swanson at Janiceswanson7 @gmail.com.
St. Teresa School is looking to add to our list of Substitute Teachers for the 2020-2021 school year. If you do not have a teaching or substitute certificate, you may still be eligible to apply for a local substitute teaching permit. This permit requires a minimum of 60 semester credit hours of college coursework and at least one course in professional education. Contact Sister Mary Ruth at 402-477-3358 or sr.mary-ruth@cdolinc.net for more information.
The Pink Sisters’ Chapel remains closed to the public indefinitely.
Mass Intentions
There are many dates and times available for those who wish to have Mass said for their intention(s). A $10 stipend is requested for each Mass. Dates are available beginning now, through the end of 2021. You may call the parish office or e-mail aubrey-potter@cdolinc.net with questions or to reserve Masses.
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Diocesan Announcements
Catholic Social Services job opening- Emergency Services & Employment Specialist. CSS is seeking a compassionate, creative individual with strong analytical skills and an entrepreneurial spirit dedicated to serving families facing financial insecurity and those seeking employment. Visit www.cssisus.org to apply.
Marian Sisters are seeking a home health care giver. CNA background preferred. Part-time, fulltime, and overnight hours available. Contact Mother Ann Marie at 402-786-2750 or sr.annmarie-zierke@cdolinc.net for job description, application or to send resume.
Spiritual Direction
Looking for some spiritual direction during this challenging time in our current situation? Check out Matt Simmons’s Spiritual Direction online. Matt is the Director of the Office of Evangelization and Spiritual Formation in the Catholic Diocese of Lincoln.
www.mattsimmons.org | Facebook (link) | YouTube: MattSimmonsSpiritualDirection
Lincoln Mothers on a Mission (MOMs) will be meeting Saturday, August 1 @ 8:30 am. "Married in the Time of COVID: How to be a Witness to Love" with Rachael Tvrdy. Lincoln MOMs is a group of Catholic mothers searching for fellowship, hope, & joy in our ever-changing vocation. Monthly meetings are held every first Saturday, 8:30-10:30 am at the Newman Center, St. Thomas Aquinas Church located at 320 N. 16th Street. Contact us at lincolnmomsgroup@gmail.com or www.facebook.com/lincolnmothersonamission
Villa Marie Job Opening
Villa Marie School is seeking to hire an after-school helper from 3:15- 8:15pm Monday - Thursday evenings, and from 3:00 - 5:00pm on Fridays. Must be a high school graduate willing to work with and supervise special needs children. For more info,
please call the school at 402-786-3625 or email sr.jeanette-rerucha@cdolinc.net
2020 Calvary Cemetery Memorial Golf Tournament
This year we are adding a “Memorial Flag” sponsorship, available on each hole of our golf tournament. Your loved ones name(s) would be on the flag and the flag is a keepsake for you after the tournament. With the Memorial Sponsorship, a Friday, 12:15pm Mass at the Mausoleum, date chosen by you, will be offered for your loved ones. Please join us in a fun day of GOLF at Firethorn GC. The 4-person scramble is on Monday, August 17th – Registration & Chick Fil A lunch starting at 11:30am and a 1:00pm start. $150.00 per player/$600.00 per team includes green fees, golf cart, lunch, Firethorn Dinner and Prizes. Sponsorships/Donations are most Welcome. For more information or to sign up, email kathi-woody@cdolinc.net or call 402-476-8787.
Marriage Encounter
Marriage Encounter is going virtual with live-streaming to accommodate our times with the virus. A complete weekend will be presented Aug 28-30, enhancing couple communication and intimacy. Contact Pat & Janelle Benson for more information: Pat (308) 940-0670 or Janell3 (308) 940-1105 pbnbben@yahoo.com.
Retrouvaille
In marriage, communication is more than just talking. At some point, did you stop sharing about the things that were important to you? Did your spouse? Improving a marriage takes time and a conscious effort to learn about your spouse. Growing closer in a marriage does not happen automatically. Retrouvaille is a marriage program dedicated to helping couples grow closer and develop a stronger bond. For more information about a Retrouvaille Weekend Program Aug. 21-23 or to register, call 1-800-470-2230 or www.helpourmarriage.org, www.retrouvaille.org. Sign up by August 1!
Catholic Social Services
CSS has funds available for rent, utilities, and emergency cash assistance help. Those in the Lincoln area, please call (402) 327-6211 on Mondays beginning at 9 a.m. There is a bilingual English/Spanish speaker at this number.
Register now for the following in-person or online fall classes with The Emmaus Institute for Biblical Studies, running Sept 8–Nov 16: The Letter of James, Leviticus through Deuteronomy, Interpreting the Bible, the Book of Job, The Saints and the Scriptures. Learn more and register at www.emmausinstitute.net.
Diocesan Confirmation Retreat
All students being confirmed along with their parents are invited to attend the “Confirmed in Mission” Confirmation Retreat! It will be held Saturday, October 3rd from 10am-4:30pm at Camp Kateri. This event is an opportunity for parents and their children to come together to be renewed in the Holy Spirit and prepare for the sacrament of Confirmation. Light breakfast and lunch is provided, and appropriate health measures will be taken. Cost is $15 per person to register. To register or for more information visit: www.lincolndiocese.org/mission
The Benedict XVI Diocesan School of Catechesis is for Catholics wanting to strengthen their intellectual and spiritual formation to empower their evangelical mission in the world. It covers the Creed, the Sacraments, the Commandments, and Prayer (Year I) as well as Salvation History, Church History, Faith and Reason, and Spirituality (Year II). Participants can join in Year I or Year II and classes will be offered in-person and on Zoom simultaneously. The time commitment is one Saturday a month from September to April for two years. The cost is $100 per semester but those who teach CCD, God-teen/CYO, or in Catholic schools receive a 25% discount.
For more information go to www.lincolndiocese.org/bxvi or call 402-473-0631.
Job Opening: St. Michael Catholic School is seeking two early childhood paraeducators to work in the morning only, Monday through Friday. St. Michael seeks innovative and enthusiastic persons who are passionate about guiding students on their path to greater spiritual and emotional growth while helping them achieve academic success through best educational practices. Candidates must be committed to the mission and vision of the Diocese of Lincoln and St. Michael School. Please send cover letter, resume, and references to Principal Sue Braun at Sue-Braun@cdolinc.net.
The Immaculate Heart of Mary Counseling Center with Catholic Social Services continues to support mental health for the Diocese of Lincoln through the use of telehealth. If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health difficulties that adversely impact daily functioning or shadow the joy of living, please reach out. For more information, visit their website at immaculateheartcounseling.org or call 402-489-1834.
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May God bless you and keep you!