Jesus said: “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them,
for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. “ Matthew 19:14

Jesus called us to welcome children in His name. St. Theresa, the Little Flower, taught us we can become like children by knowing the joy of little things, through small acts of service, through prayer, and the little way that leads to God.  Here at St. Theresas, we honor our Baptismal call and our patron St. Theresa.  Our vision is for your newly baptized child, your Little Flower, to Come Grow With Us!

We have Little Flowers' Children’s Liturgy most Sundays during the 10 AM Family Mass except when we have a Baptism (third Sunday of the month).  Children are dismissed after the introductory rites of the Mass and gather in another room to hear the Sunday Gospel reading and a reflection in an age-appropriate format. Children then have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss the Gospel reading. Through song, we learn and recite the Creed and say the Prayers of the Faithful together. Afterward, the children return to Mass before the Liturgy of the Eucharist.  Any child may participate- no registration is necessary. 

Starting January 8, 2023, we will have Little Flowers Nursery Care for the 10 AM Family Mass. This ministry seeks to create connection and community for our littlest flowers (newborn-4) in a safe and fun environment. Pre-registration is necessary, but once you are registered, feel free to “drop in” any Sunday you attend 10 AM Mass on a first come first serve basis.  Contact  Kendall Sol for more information.

December is the month of Advent and it’s full of traditions that enrich our faith such as: an Advent Wreath, Advent Calendars, St. Andrew and St. Nicholas Feast Days and so much more!  We celebrate our liturgies with the color purple, a royal symbol, demonstrating our anticipation of the coming King of Glory.  Advent comes from the Latin word adventus, which translates as “arrival.” We prepare for the arrival of a God who is with us, who arrives in the flesh, the Incarnation of Christ Jesus.

As we prepare for Jesus who brought Light into darkness, we make a wreath with 4 candles for each Sunday of Advent. As we progressively light the candles each week, we sing the ancient hymn: O come, O come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel, That mourns in lonely exile here; Until the Son of God appear. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel. Shall come to you, O Israel!”  You can simplify this to Come Lord Jesus.

Advent always starts on the Sunday closest to the Feast of St. Andrew who was the first apostle Jesus called:  1st Apostle = 1st Sunday of Advent!  On this day we set up an Advent wreath on our table with an empty crib in the center where we place baby Jesus on Christmas Eve (after 4 Sundays of sharing how we prepared a bed for Jesus through our good deeds, sacrifices, prayers, etc).  

We can also celebrate St. Andrews Feast Day by decorating for the season: put out a nativity set and pray the St. Andrew prayer:  Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born Of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in the piercing cold. In that hour vouchsafe, I beseech Thee, O my God, to hear my prayer and grant my desires through the merits of Our Savior Jesus Christ, and of His blessed Mother. Amen. Put up a Christmas tree on this day, and when you put up your  special topper  (crown, star, or angel) pray a prayer such as:  Crown: “Little Baby sweet and small, born to be the King for all.”  Star: “The Light of Christ overcomes the darkness.” Angel: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward humankind.”

Another important day during Advent is the Feast of St. Nicolas on December 6th. This is a day to teach your child about the person of faith behind Santa Claus.  Nicolas was a priest and Bishop who was incredibly generous throughout his life; he gave gifts to everyone, often in secret. This habit of bringing presents and joy to people's lives gave birth to the idea of Santa or Santa Claus (from Sinterklaas or St. Nicolas). Have your children leave their empty shoes outside their bedrooms on the evening of Dec. 5 so St. Nicolas can visit overnight and fill them with candy, treats or small gifts like Christmas pajamas or an ornament.  

The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe is on December 12th. We pray: Mary, out of love and a desire to draw mankind nearer to Jesus, you appeared to an Indigenous man and spoke to him in his native tongue.  Help us to also bring the message of Jesus to all mankind, respecting their unique backgrounds and cultures. Invite friends over for tamales, a traditional food from the Mesoamerica where the Our Lady appeared to Juan Diego. 

On Christmas Eve after all the festivities (hopefully after the children have gone to bed) we place baby Jesus in the empty crib in the center of the Advent wreath so that on Christmas morning, the children find Baby Jesus and gifts from Santa!  

On Christmas Day we pray: Thank you for the great mystery of our faith, the Incarnation.  Infant Jesus, we welcome you into our home this day and every day throughout the year. Amen

October

November

December