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From the Pastor's Desk: Never Pre-judge People

Dear Parishioners,

I often am too fast to draw conclusions about people. They say that first impressions are lasting impressions. How true when one does not take the time to really know another, whose shoes we probably could not even fill, let alone wear for just part of one's journey through life. It often takes a İong time to really know others well enough to constructively help them.

A friend of mine who died almost 10 years ago and who, for the record, was married in St. Teresa's Church in 1950 wrote a special story about herself. In sharing her story with me, I learned a valuable point to always ponder. I am passing this favor onto you by sharing my friend's story with you:

During my early days of Social Work I was introduced to Alice and John between conferences at a seminar. The couple was with a group, and although I did not get to know them well, it became apparent, from references to schools and professors, that John held an advanced degree in Social Work. I was very sensitive to degrees then because my own formal education was rather sketchy due to depressed funds and energy, although I was fully qualified for the work, happily for me since I loved it.

At a University lecture at a later time, I was glad to see my acquaintances again. They were chatting with another group, and because John appeared to be looking directly at me, I waved in friendly recognition, only to be met with a cold stare as he turned his head away. Resentfully, even intelligentsia, so why should you people recognize me? "

Imagine my shame and embarrassment when Alice came to me afterward and stunned me with her request, "Do you think you could help my husband find employment in your kind of work, you have so much experience. You see, he is blind... "

Blind, I thought, blind, which one of us?

AND JESUS ADDRESSED HIM, SAYING, "WHAT WOULDST YOU HAVE ME DO FOR THEE? " AND THE BLING MAN SAID TO HIM, "RABBONI, THAT I MAY SEE. " (Mark 10:46-52)

Peace, Father Jim

 

The "Think Project" to Resume!

St. Teresa’s Outreach Committee is resuming our parish “Think Project”. This program had been suspended due to Covid concerns. We are pleased to announce its return at this time!

For the next several weeks, we will focus on items for Thanksgiving. While specific items are requested each week, please know any item, at any time, will be greatly appreciated. 

Our “Think Project” items for next week and beyond include canned vegetables (any variety), instant potatoes, stuffing, gravy, and cranberry sauce.

Your donations to the “Think Project” offer support to those in need. The generosity of St. Teresa’s parishioners and friends is shared with families and individuals, The Genesis Center, the South Buffalo Community Table, and St. Patrick’s Pantry (among others.)

Thank you for making the “Think Project” a success!

 

October 15th was the memorial of our patroness, St. Teresa of Avila


 

Faith Formation News

Classes will start on November 1, 2020. Classes will be held Sunday mornings from 9:30–10:45. Safety guidelines will be in place to provide a safe and faith-filled experience. We ask that you come to the St. John's Room before classes begin to pick up your child's work packets for the weeks until Nov. 1st. For any questions, please call Cheryl at 823-8575. 
 



Grief-Sharing Support Group

A supportive group, when you have lost a loved one. It's a place where you can be with people who understand the pain of your loss and how you feel. It will be held at Our Lady of Pompeii Parish Ministry Center, 129 Laverack Ave., Lancaster. It will be held Wednesday, October 21 from 6:30-8PM. You can use www.olpparish.com or call Sr. Joyce King @6522 x 103.
 


 



Masses in person have returned at St. Teresa - 4:30 PM Sat, 8:45 & 11 AM Sun, and 9:30 AM Weekdays for Daily Mass.
 

More information and updates on the Diocese's "Road to Renewal" can be found at https://roadtorenewal.org/ . Find and attend the Zoom listening sessions.

 

Helpful Links

Parish Bulletin

Parish Website

Parish Facebook Page

Online Giving


Parish Guidelines for Safe Return to Public Masses

Live-streamed Masses from St. Leo the Great, Amherst (4 PM Sat, 9 & 11 AM Sun)

Sunday & Daily Mass Readings
Facebook
Website
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