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Connect with Your Parish
New articles have blue headings. Read our stories. Share the good news.
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As we prepare to move into our new home on 1125 Mother Teresa Drive, brushing up on why we do what we do as Catholics seems timely. A Minute in the Church by Gus Lloyd provides a perfect backdrop for this series. Bear with me as we move briefly through this overview of what might be common knowledge to some while others may be learning something new.
Bishop Luis Rafael Zarama recently lifted the dispensation from attending Mass due to COVID. Those with health concerns are exempted. Keep holy the Sabbath is the driving force behind this directive. But perhaps more important is that participation in Sunday liturgies reminds us of who God is and who he calls us to be for one another.
How have we prepared on Saturday or Sunday as we approach the church? Is this an obligation or an opportunity? Are we appropriately dressed for an encounter with the divine? Are we hurried because we're late? As we approach this celebration, what is our attitude? We're asked for one hour to spend time with God and one another or of the 168 we've been blessed with in a week.
From the moment we turn into our new parking lot, our prayers begin. As we enter the narthex, we're reminded of the community we belong to and our gratitude for our parish family. The narthex allows time to greet friends and then quiet ourselves as we enter the body of the church with reverent silence. We all need a moment to center ourselves and focus. Be mindful of those praying and those preparing, and give yourself the same opportunity.
As we approach our chair, we're reminded of the anchor of our faith that will, at last, be clearly visible in the sanctuary, the tabernacle. We genuflect (or make a profound bow) as we take our seats, which puts our minds immediately aware of what is to come.
By arriving a few minutes early to Mass, we have a chance to center ourselves, recall the prayers we have carried all week, and become mindful of what a gift this hour is.
Why not start now to put into practice some of these attitudes and gestures as we prepare to enter our new church home? Next week, I will focus on the sanctuary furnishings, the role of active participation, music, and how to deepen your own experience of the Mass.
– Father Daniel
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Mother Teresa's business card read: The fruit of silence is prayer. The fruit of prayer is faith. The fruit of faith is love. The fruit of love is service. The fruit of service is peace.
As we draw closer to finally moving into our new church home, we'll have many new and exciting opportunities to show how the fruit of love is service.
This short presentation on Ways to Serve highlights the many small things our community does with great love. Getting involved is a great way to give us a chance to connect. It is evident faith is in action.
Please prayerfully consider joining us in serving our community. We hope you'll say, "Yes, count me in!"
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Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water
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One can sin against God's love in various ways: Indifference neglects or refuses to reflect on divine charity; it fails to consider its prevenient goodness and denies its power; Ingratitude fails or refuses to acknowledge divine charity and to return him love for love; Lukewarmness is hesitation or negligence in responding to divine love, it can imply refusal to give oneself to the prompting of charity; Acedia or spiritual sloth goes so far as to refuse the joy that comes from God and to be repelled by divine goodness; Hatred of God comes from pride. It is contrary to the love of God, whose goodness it denies, and whom it presumes to curse as the one who forbids sins and inflicts punishments. (CCC 2094)
 Fire is the element that burns. We've all seen what it can do in a cookout or fireplace. In our dry forests or homes, we must respect fire. We respect those who fight fires as it takes something we all possess, yet many are unwilling to do it. People are afraid of fire, especially the fire that burns in human hearts, because these are people who are driven and prepared to give everything. The readings this Sunday speak of this fire's effect. God's word is like fire for those who hear it as it cleanses and purifies and is the path to holiness in behavior. For those who will not hear God's word, its fire will ultimately destroy the self-importance of pride.
In the first reading, the prophet Jeremiah is rejected and unheeded by his people as God's word brings division to their accepted norms of religiosity. Jesus' words to Israel promise the same, even bringing opposition and unpopularity from family and amused indifference from society. As we learn to live with the fire of Jesus in our hearts, we encounter the same pushback as those in faith who came before us because our baptism into Jesus is the Holy Spirit and Fire. It is a baptism of choice in belief, in suffering, in death, and in life everlasting.
The fire of God's presence in life is Jesus, the light of the world.
Jesus speaks with urgency to remind us that Christianity is no "pie in the sky" religion. Sometimes, following Jesus is a cost more than we can endure paying.
Following Jesus is always turbulent because Jesus' fire brings a peace not understood in human terms. God's grace allows all of us to be free to choose between openness to light or preference for the dark. The catechism paragraph selected for this Sunday's Gospel lists many reasons for refusing to go into the Living Flame of God. Everybody has one. Some have all. Whatever they may be, Jesus invites us into the fire.
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Hospitality Ministry Takes a New Turn
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Our Ministry of Hospitality will take a new turn once we move into the worship center — traffic control. We intend to hire off-duty police officers to assist with the traffic at Yates Store Road and Weldon Ridge at the end of each weekend Mass. It's for the safety of our community as well as the requirement of the Town of Cary to station a certified traffic individual at the intersection.
There may be some cases where off-duty officers are not available, and if that arises, we plan to have some volunteers from our community also certified to be able to carry out this task. If you are interested in joining this new expansion of the Hospitality Ministry, please register here. You must be 21 years and older and attend a three-hour onsite training in early September.
Thank you for supporting us in this role and becoming a certified traffic volunteer.
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Sponsor a Chair and Plaque Information
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All chairs will have kneelers and a natural oak wood finish.
325 out of 500 chair/kneeler sets have been sponsored. Have you reserved yours yet?
If you have submitted your chair contribution, you will receive an email from Michelle Yeh by the end of this week requesting for chair plaque information. Please respond by August 21 or earlier so we may have the plaques engraved on time for Dedication day.
Interested in sponsoring one, two, or more chair/kneeler sets for your family? It is a wonderful way to help your parish furnish the sanctuary and a meaningful way to remember or honor your loved ones. A plaque will be placed behind each sponsored set.
Please contact Michelle Yeh for more information. Thank you for supporting our project.
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Mass at Birthchoice and Baby Bottle Drive
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The Respect Life Committee was overjoyed to bring our Mother Teresa Parish family to Birthchoice, a non-profit organization, that offers free pregnancy services and counseling to all women. Our morning began with a beautiful Mass offered by Father Daniel, followed by a tour and informational session. Birthchoice services, offered to women, are life-changing and life-saving.
One remarkable fact shared during this tour is that the majority of women considering an abortion choose to continue with their pregnancy after seeing their child on an ultrasound. This recognition of life within the womb is the incredible and direct result of Birthchoice's commitment to providing women with comprehensive knowledge regarding their pregnancies, allowing these women to make truly informed decisions.
Mother Teresa said, "When you know how much God is in love with you, then you can only live your life radiating that love." This radiated love was evident at Birthchoice, and it is also evident in our own Mother Teresa community. I'm so proud to be in a community that follows Mother Teresa's words, loving the unborn and supporting Birthchoice's mission. It's through this love that we will make a difference in our world and save the lives of countless babies.
The committee thanks Father Daniel for our Mass at Birthchoice and for his unwavering support of our committee and cause. We're also grateful to the wonderful women at Birthchoice, Jeanne, Mona, and Janelle, for allowing us to tour their facility and share their remarkable work with us. Finally, thanks to all in our community who have supported the respect life cause through attending our Birthchoice event and through their prayer.
We'll be running a Baby Bottle Drive on August 14. Please take a baby bottle home this Sunday, fill it with loose change or cash, and bring it back the following Sunday. You may also contribute by writing a check that is made out to Birthchoice.
Did you know?
Your change changes lives! Thanks for helping moms facing an unplanned pregnancy by participating in the Baby Bottle Drive.
– Charlotte Swannack
Respect Ministry Teen Representative
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Growing in Faith and Love Together
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At our outdoor Mass last Sunday, Father Daniel blessed the marriage of Lou and Carol Lentini who celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary. While we congratulate Lou and Carol on their many years together, it is also a blessing to our parish to have such witnesses to Christ's eternal love among us.
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Summer Journey with Saints
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Over the past four weeks, our Summer with the Saints class has learned about the saints and their stories. During our first class, our children visited Calcutta, where Mother Teresa taught them Matthew 25:40 with her Gospel on Five Fingers, "You.did.it.to.me." Mother Teresa instructed our children through her words and the example of her life, living for Jesus through loving those around her. "Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me."
In our second week, we departed India for Italy, where we were inspired by 15-year-old millenial, Blessed Carlo Acutis, and his devotion to the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. "Jerusalem is right at our doorstep," taught Carlo, and all we need to do is seek the Eucharist in Mass and adoration to become sanctified by the body, blood, soul, and divinity of our Lord.
Finally, we traveled back in time to the birth of our beautiful country to meet Elizabeth Ann Seton, a saint who lived among and socialized with our founding fathers. She taught us the importance of perseverance, fortitude, and sacrifice. The children created Mother Seton Sacrifice Beads (also known as the Chaplet of Practices) to help them mindfully practice living for God and doing His will throughout their day through small sacrifices and acts of kindness.
We wrapped up our learning by crafting and snacking together in celebration of the holy men and women that we learned about. Mother Teresa, Mother Seton, and Carlo Acutis are all beautiful examples of the practice of doing ordinary things with extraordinary love. These holy heroes exemplify how we are all called to be instruments of God's love.
Pope Francis said, "To be saints is not a privilege for the few, but a vocation for everyone." May Pope Francis' words resound in the hearts and minds of us all, that they may live entirely for the Lord and walk the beautiful path of sanctification.
– Nicole Swannack
Faith Formation (Love)
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Football Raffle a Success
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Thank you to all those who participated in the Knights of Columbus Charity Football Raffle fundraiser on August 7. As a result of your generosity, we raised over $1,000 for Wake County teachers, Coats for Kids and the CPO Food pantry. If you missed your opportunity last week, you can still buy books online at kofc6650.org.
The Knights will be hosting an open social meeting at Amberly Local, 718 Slash Pine Drive, on August 22 at 7:30 p.m. Come out and have a good time while learning more about the Knights of Columbus. All are welcome! We'd love to see you there.
For more information, please contact David Yeh or Will McGowan.
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If you participated in the Capital Campaign to help us build the worship center or the Generational Legacy Campaign to help us furnish the sanctuary and church grounds, we want to honor you on our donor recognition wall at our new church home.
It's our way of saying, "Thank you for believing and helping us to realize our dream to build the Worship Center." More information regarding this is forthcoming.
If you have any questions, please contact Michelle Yeh.
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Faith Formation Registration
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The Faith Formation team is ready for another year to love, grow, and shine with our Mother Teresa Church community. We're excited to partner with you and your family to explore our faith and share our interests in God's plan for us all.
Registration for our 2022-23 Faith Formation year is open until August 31. For more information or to register, click here. If you need assistance, email the parish office.
– Nicole, Kim, Nicolle
Faith Formation Coordinators
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Safe Environment Training
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Have you updated your Safe Environment Training in the last five years? We have parents and volunteers working with children in Faith Formation, or perhaps you are interested to get involved with the Teen Family Group. These programs for our youth would not be possible without the generous support of volunteers from across the community. With your help, we strive to foster safe and healthy environments for children.
The Diocese of Raleigh offers an online webinar on:
Please continue to pray for our volunteers as they guide the next generations on a journey towards Christ.
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Sunday, August 14 • 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings: Jeremiah 38: 4-6, 8-10; Psalm 40: 2, 3, 4, 18; Hebrews 12: 1-4; Luke 12: 49-53
Mass: 8:30 a.m. (Green Hope HS cafeteria)
Intention: Healing prayer for Lorraine Karmonocky
Mass: 9:30 a.m. (Green Hope HS entrance)
Intention: † Bella Francesca, requested by Leighton Family
Rosary: 9:45 a.m. (Green Hope HS cafeteria)
Mass: 10:30 a.m. (Green Hope HS auditorium)
Intention: † Neilda Dumeng, requested by Sabrina Gonzalez
Altar flowers: In loving memory of † Eileen Gurecki, sponsored by Jean Garcowski
Monday, August 15 • Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Solemnity
Readings: Revelation 11: 19a; 12: 1-6a, 10ab; Psalm 45: 10, 11, 12, 16; 1 Corinthians 15: 20-27; Luke 1: 39-56
Tuesday, August 16 • Ordinary Weekday/Stephen of Hungary, Married Man
Readings: Ezekiel 28: 1-10; Deuteronomy 32: 26-27ab, 27cd-28, 30, 35cd-36ab; Matthew 19: 23-30
Intention: † Helen Merentino, requested by Terry Reichel
Wednesday, August 17 • Ordinary Weekday
Readings: Ezekiel 34: 1-11; Psalm 23: 1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6; Matthew 20: 1-16
Thursday, August 18 • Ordinary Weekday/Jane Frances de Chantal, Married Woman, Religious Founder
Readings: Ezekiel 36: 23-28; Psalm 51: 12-13, 14-15, 18-19; Matthew 22: 1-14
Friday, August 19 • Ordinary Weekday/John Eudes, Priest, Religious Founder
Readings: Ezekiel 37: 1-14; Psalm 107: 2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9; Matthew 22: 34-40
Saturday, August 20 • Bernard, Abbot, Doctor Obligatory Memorial
Readings: Ezekiel 43: 1-7ab; Psalm 85: 9ab and 10, 11-12, 13-14; Matthew 23: 1-12
Sunday, August 21 • 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings: Isaiah 66: 18-21; Psalm 117: 1, 2; Hebrews 12: 5-7, 11-13; Luke 13: 22-30
Mass: 8:30 a.m. (Green Hope HS cafeteria)
Intention: † Eileen Gurecki, requested by Mike and Donna Palazzo
Mass: 9:30 a.m. (Green Hope HS entrance)
Intention: † Bernadeth and Harynata, requested by Bill and Janice O'Brien
Rosary: 9:45 a.m. (Green Hope HS cafeteria)
Mass: 10:30 a.m. (Green Hope HS auditorium)
To request a Mass intention or to sponsor altar flowers, please email the parish office.
To listen to the daily scripture readings, click here.
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Small Businesses Directory
Check out our informal directory of small businesses. If you are a parishioner or a sponsor, and the owner or operator of a small business or franchise, please fill out this form to be listed.
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Worship Center Financial Update
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We are just a few months away from the dedication of our worship center on 1125 Mother Teresa Drive. A dream and journey that began 21 years ago are finally becoming a reality.
In a way, though, this is just the beginning of another journey as Mother Teresa Catholic Church serves the spiritual needs of thousands of people in the coming years. We should be proud of the foundation we have laid.
Financially, our worship center project is moving along very well. As expected, we are at the stage in the building process where we have used all of the funds generated by our capital campaign and will begin borrowing funds from the diocese.
Once the worship center is complete, we'll determine our final loan amount, and monthly payments to the diocese will begin.
There are three ways you can contribute that will help reduce the amount we will need to borrow from the diocese:
1. Generational Legacy Program
Donate funds to purchase specific items for the sanctuary and church grounds, such as chairs and kneelers.
2. Memorial Garden
Purchase a niche in our beautiful Memorial Garden at pre-construction pricing. The price structure will change in the next few months.
3. Debt Reduction Gift
Make a contribution that will be directly applied towards reducing the amount of the diocese loan.
Many of you have already given your time, energy, treasury, sweat, and tears to make what is about to happen on our land possible. We cannot thank you enough. We look forward to collectively celebrating this hard work in our new building in a few short months!
– Finance Council
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Special Collection in August
Did you know that you can make online donations for special collections via WeShare? Just follow this link:
August • Capital Campaign
August 15 • Assumption
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We're grateful you chose Mother Teresa as your parish to grow with us together in faith. Your generosity allows us to continue our tradition of love and charity, inspired by our patron saint.
We humbly ask for your continued financial support, please consider giving through one of these methods:
WeShare. A one-time or recurring gift via WeShare. View instructions, here.
Sunday Basket. In-person collection when you come to Mass.
Mail. Send your gift to Mother Teresa Catholic Church, 10030 Green Level Church Road, Suite 802 #1092, Cary, NC 27519.
Bank Bill-pay. Contact your bank for details.
Text-to-give. Text keyword MTCC to 800-950-9952. Click on the WeShare link. Complete your gift.
Stock, Bonds, IRAs, Estate Planning. Give with added tax benefits from stocks, bonds, or IRA's or list Mother Teresa Catholic Mission as a beneficiary in your estate planned giving.
For more information, please email Michelle Yeh or call (972) 898-7995. Thank you for your unwavering support and faithfulness to Mother Teresa Catholic Church.
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Healing Prayer Service
Join us on August 19 at St. Michael the Archangel Church. We welcome all to attend this inspiring Healing Prayer Service. We will start with a Rosary at 6:30 p.m. followed by celebration of the Mass, Adoration, and Healing Prayer Service from 7 to 9 p.m.
Everyone will have the opportunity to be prayed over at the front of the altar by the priest or deacon. Inspirational music provided and Prayer teams will be available for private prayer as well. We hope you can join us for this dedicated prayer opportunity.
Faith and Family Night with the Durham Bulls
Join Catholic Charities on August 23 as we celebrate Faith and Family Night with the Durham Bulls! This game is an opportunity to take a break, catch a baseball game, and support Catholic Charities, all at the same time. A portion of every ticket purchased through the Catholic Charities link will support our efforts to provide help, create hope, and serve all of our neighbors in need.
Project Rachel Support Group
Abortion is one of the most common procedures in the U.S., experienced by millions of women, many of whom are Catholic. Abortion creates a wound in post-abortive women (and men), resulting in spiritual and emotional problems. The Project Rachel ministry assists women and men who have been wounded by abortion to find truth and healing. There is a confidential support group beginning in the Triangle area in late September. If you have experienced an abortion and would like more information about the support group, visit Project Rachel.
National Conference for Single Catholics
Join hundreds of single Catholics from across the country (and beyond!) at the 21st National Conference for Single Catholics at the Westfields Marriott in Chantilly, VA (DC Metro Area) on September 16-18. The weekend includes talks by dynamic speakers, music, social events, Mass, adoration, opportunities for confession, fellowship, food and more. For more information and to register, visit the website.
Magnificat, A Ministry to Catholic Women
Magnificat, A Ministry to Catholic Women and Mother Mary Morning Star Chapter cordially invites you to Magnificat Meal on September 17 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Saint Thomas More Catholic Church in Chapel Hill (Friends and Family Hall). Join us to enjoy delicious lunch, fellowship, and praise and worship led by our Music Ministry. Tickets are $23.00, please purchase your ticket by September 10. To register, please visit our website.
Men’s Retreat 2022: Practical Holiness
Learn the practical lessons of Saint Francis De Sales on how to grow spiritually even amidst life’s many demands. And in his words, "Be who you are… and be that well." It’s October 7-9 at the beautiful Catholic Conference Center in Hickory NC. Enjoy the fall colors and the company of other men in a setting ideal for both group discussion and private reflection, with plenty of areas of interest indoors and outside. Along with several thought-provoking talks, they’ll be opportunities for Mass, Adoration, confession, and spiritual direction. Plus great a dining area and well-appointed lodging rooms. Visit the website for more information.
Wedding Anniversary Mass
To honor the sacred vocation of marriage, Bishop Luis Zarama will celebrate a special Wedding Anniversary Mass on Saturday, October 15 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral in Raleigh. Couples who are celebrating their 25, 50, or 60 years of marriage may RSVP by visiting the website.
Catholic Scouting Mass of Thanksgiving
Join Bishop Luis Rafael Zarama and the Raleigh Diocese Catholic Committee on Scouting in celebrating our annual Mass of Thanksgiving for Scouting on November 5. Everyone is invited! After Mass, the Knights of Columbus will be sponsoring lunch and fellowship. Please RSVP prior to October 15.
Christmas Holiday Shoppe Craft Show
Wanted: Artisans and crafters for St. Thomas More Catholic School's annual Christmas Holiday Shoppe Craft Show in Chapel Hill on December 3. A 6' foot table is $70; one additional table is $40. Deadline to apply is October 15. To apply to this popular, handmade-only craft show, please email Joanne Vance or call (919) 490-8493.
Please pray for our seminarians by name and for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and religious life. For more information, visit ncpriest.org.
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