ST. THERESA CATHOLIC CHURCH 

from 52 Sundays "A Guide to Reclaim The Lord’s Day for Faith and Family" 
By Anita Houghton and Tara Stenger 

The saints are members of the Church who are with Christ in heaven praying for those in the Church who are still on their pilgrimage of faith. The saints in this year’s edition of 52 Sundays all share one thing in common: they are martyrs of the Church.  Saints help us see how our ordinary lives can be lived out in extraordinary ways.

Sts. Timothy and Maura (Feast Day May 3) d. 286

Sts Timothy and Maura suffered for the faith during the persecution under the Emperor Diocletian. Timothy came from Egypt and was the son of a priest. Raised in the Church, he became a lector and spent his evenings preaching the Gospel as well as keeping the holy Scriptures and liturgical books safe in his home during the persecutions. In the year 286 Timothy married a pious 17-year-old woman named Maura, and the two began a life of prayer and Christian witness together.

When Timothy and Maura had been married for only 20 days, Timothy was denounced as a Christian and a keeper of the holy books. His captors, on the authority of Diocletian himself, demanded that Timothy surrender the books of Scripture to them. Timothy refused and was tortured. Arian, the governor, tried to convince him to give in for Maura’s sake. Maura was brought to Timothy and encouraged him to stand firm and not deny Christ. She confessed to be a Christian herself and was subject to torture as well. Afterward, she was immersed in a pot of boiling water, but remained unharmed. While the governor was impressed by the miracle, he soon resumed his tortures by having the young couple nailed to two crosses facing each other.

For 10 days they prayed together, sang hymns, and encouraged each other as they suffered for Christ. Ultimately, both found themselves welcomed into the arms of Christ as glorious martyrs. The witness of their courage and joy so inspired their torturer that he soon became a Christian, was martyred himself, and is venerated in the Eastern Church as St. Arian of Alexandria.

TAKE TIME TO CHAT

• What happens to a branch when it is cut off a vine? What is Jesus trying to teach us through this analogy?
• In what way does the story of the vine and the branches describe your relationship with Jesus?
• Jesus says, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you.” What would you ask of Jesus today?
• In the story of Sts. Timothy and Maura, why do you think Maura encouraged Timothy to keep the faith? Who encourages you to keep the faith?

‍FAMILY FUN:  Family Nature Walk

Encounter God in nature by going for a walk today and looking for different types of vines and branches. Notice the similarities and the differences. How many types can you find? Discuss how they connect to the Gospel today. Consider collecting items to make a nature collage once you get home.

 
RECIPE OF THE WEEK:   

Crunchy Chicken Salad

Grapes grow on vines. Think about today’s Gospel as you enjoy this crunchy salad made with grapes!

‍4 cups cubed cooked chicken breast meat  
1 cup diced celery
1 cup seedless green grapes (cut in half)
1 cup cashews
lettuce
salt and pepper to taste

Dressing:
¾ cup mayo (not Miracle Whip)
¼ cup sour cream

 Combine chicken, celery and grapes. Toss with the dressing. Serve on a bed of lettuce with the cashews sprinkled on top.

‍
FAMILY PRAYER

ACTS Prayer

This prayer will help you to stay close to Jesus. It has a simple formula using the acronym, ACTS. Spend time reflecting and sharing on the following prayer prompts.

A—Adoration—I praise You, God, for…

C—Confession—I am sorry for…

T—Thanksgiving—I am thankful for…

S—Supplication—I ask You for…

From the Prayer for the Fifth National Encuentro of Hispanic Ministry: https://vencuentro.org/prayer-for-the-v-encuentro/ 

What do you think of when you read the words “God Speaks Still?”  A couple of meanings come to mind...God continues to speak to us even when we don’t think we hear Him and God speaks to us when we are still.
 

Come and take some time to hear God at the
“Be Still and Know that I am God”
Women’s Retreat
Presented by Faith Formation Office & Columbiettes

 Saturday, June 5
St. Theresa  Rosmini Hall ~
9 AM - 1 PM
Cost:  $20 includes Lunch, snacks and  retreat materials

There are  activities planned and an opportunity to share in small groups.  Bring your friends!  Tables sit 8.
(See below to register and reserve your spot)
 

Speakers and Topics: 
e Barbara Williams ~  “God’s Rest” - What does it mean to “be still”? 
When God gives us the order to cease, to be still, He wants to draw our attention to who He is, and to give us the opportunity to recognize that He is God.
e Dawn Toomer ~ “God’s Provision” - How do you lead with faith in a world that is uncertain? We are meant to depend on God. The Lord provides for each of our lives in a multitude of ways, in the hard times and the good times. We pray for that provision on a regular basis, asking for jobs or companionship or a home or anything else.
e Christine Morana ~ “God’s Peace” -  According to the Bible, the peace of God, “which transcends all understanding,” is the harmony and calmness of body, mind, and spirit trusting in the power and grace of God. Discover the meaning and benefits of the peace of God as we explore peace as intended by our Creator.
Tickets are on sale in the parish office and from Rae Volpe from the Columbiettes. OR you may purchase your tickets using the PayPal Link below.

Please contact Mary in the parish office (352-683-2849 or mary@saint-theresa.org) or Rae Volpe with the Columbiettes (973-747-7491) with any questions.

 EL RETIRO ES PRESENTADO EN INGLES PERO SE PUEDEN PROVEER MATERIALES EN ESPAñOL SI SE NECESITAN.  COMUNIQUESE CON MARY EN LA OFICINA LO MAS PRONTO POSIBLE.

The Annual Pastoral Appeal (APA) is a direct appeal to all parishioners of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, asking them to directly fund over 50 ministries, services and programs across the diocese. This includes outreach to the poor and marginalized, Catholic education and faith formation, Christian discipleship and faithful support to the life and ministry of our clergy, religious, and all who serve the Church.

Our theme this year is Hope in the Lord, which is very relevant considering all we have been through over the past year. This theme comes from Isaiah 40:31: …but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

La Apelación Pastoral Anual (APA) es una apelación directa a todos los feligreses de la Diócesis de  St. Petersburg, para que ayuden a financiar más de 50 ministerios, servicios y programas diocesanos. Esto incluye la asistencia a los pobres y marginados, la educación católica y programas de formación de fe, el discipulado cristiano y el apoyo fiel a nuestro clero y su ministerio, religiosos y religiosas, y todos los que sirven a la Iglesia.

Este año nuestro lema es Esperanza en el Señor, el cuál es muy relevante al considerar todo lo que hemos vivido en este pasado año. Este lema se basa en Isaías 40, 31: Pero aquellos que ponen su esperanza en el SEÑOR, renuevan sus fuerzas; les nacen alas como de águila, corren y no se cansan, caminan y no se fatigan.