3 Memorial of Saint Charles Lwanga and Companions, Martyrs
5 Memorial of Saint Boniface, Bishop and Martyr
8 Pentecost Sunday - Mass during the Day
9 Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church
11 Memorial of Saint Barnabas, Apostle
13 Memorial of Saint Anthony of Padua, Priest and Doctor of the Church
15 The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity
21 Memorial of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, Religious
22 The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
24 Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist
27 Solemnity of Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
29 Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles
CHURCH CALENDAR
Stations of the Cross video is found on the website at: www.stoccc.org
• June 1, Sunday, 9:45 am, Month of Mary Rosary Prayer
• June 1, Sunday, 10:30 am, Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord LIVE STREAM AND MASS
• June 1, Sunday, After Mass, H.O.M. Meeting
• June 8, Sunday, 10:30 am, Pentecost Sunday
• June 14, Saturday, FLAG DAY
• June 15, Sunday, 10:30 am, The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity LIVE STREAM AND MASS
• June 15, Sunday, FATHER’S DAY
• June 19, Thursday, JUNETEENTH
• June 22, Sunday, 10:30 am, Th Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ LIVE STREAM AND MASS
• June 29, Sunday, 10:30 am,
Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles LIVE STREAM AND MASS
For Readings Visit:
https://bible.usccb.org/
FELLOWSHIP AFTER MASS:
We are back up with refreshments in the Teresa Room following Mass. Coffee and water, cookies or pastries. There is a sign-up sheet on the wall in the Teresa Room just over the fellowship table.
Please write your name on the Sunday for which you want to bring goodies; the church provides drinks.
If you have any questions, please contact Cindy Giddens.
FRIDAY
HAPPENINGS
Upcoming Birthday and anniversaries for the month
BIRTHDAYS
Kathy Borzenski
Fran Zimmer
Fr. Victor Ray
Tito Martinez
Alayna Hutchins
June 7
June 17
June 17
June 20
June 27
Allan Hutchins June 28
Zully Vargus-Rodriquez June 29
Dora Hutchins June 30
ANNIVERSARY
Kathy David Borzenski June 12, 1971 May 4, 2023
Greetings from your Pastor!
My Dearest Sisters and Brothers, I write to you today with a full heart, overflowing with love, gratitude, and unwavering commitment to our beautiful parish family. I want you to know just how deeply you are loved, how profoundly you are missed when you’re not with us at church, and how much joy you bring into my life and the life of our community.
As many of you know, I recently sold my home and moved about an hour away from St. Petersburg, back to The Villages. Some of you have shared feelings of concern, even abandonment — wondering, “Is he leaving us? What does this mean for the parish?” And others have offered kind words of encouragement, support, and love. Please know: I hear all of it, and I carry it all in my heart.
So let me share my thoughts with you openly and lovingly. While I’ve always been a private person, I will say this: yes, I now live farther away. But make no mistake I am not going anywhere. In fact, the drive is something I cherish, because every mile brings me closer to you, to this parish we’ve built together, and to the sacred calling we share. My love for this community is stronger than ever, and I remain passionately committed to walking this journey with you.
Yes, I am beginning to look ahead not to an immediate retirement, but perhaps in two years, as I approach my 70th birthday. But even then, I don’t imagine myself stepping away. A priest never truly retires we simply serve in new ways. My hope is to continue as your Pastor Emeritus, helping to nurture and guide the next shepherd of our flock. I will remain with you as long as I’m needed, and as long as God gives me the strength — boots on and heart wide open.
St. Teresa’s began humbly, eight years ago, in my living room with a small group of faithful hearts who dreamed of something more. And look at us now! We have grown, and I believe with all my heart that we can double our size. Why? Because the world is full of people searching for a place where they can be loved, accepted, and connected to God. That’s what we offer. That’s who we are.
But growth is not only about numbers it’s about mission. It’s about creating a sacred space where people can truly belong, be themselves, and encounter the transformative love of Christ. That’s the church I believe in, and I know you do too.
So, I invite each of you especially those who come regularly to step into ministry. Whether that’s praying intentionally for someone, bringing the Eucharist to the homebound, reading at Mass, welcoming others as a greeter, joining our music ministry, or serving at the altar we need you.
We also need to look beyond our walls. God is calling us to minister outside the parish. For years, we’ve supported the PLG (Parking Lot Gang), and we are so grateful to Shelli for her incredible leadership. Now, let’s pray together for fresh vision and clarity for where that ministry can go next — and what new doors God might be opening for us to serve.
I’ve listed a few ministry ideas and I’d love to hear your thoughts. If you’ve been away from church please, come home. We need you. I need you. This parish is a family, and it isn’t whole without you. Together, let’s continue to build a church rooted in love, alive with faith, and wide open to all. With all my love and joy in Christ
Fr Victor
1) Praise and Worship
The Bible is overflowing with examples of worship, both outwardly and inwardly. Praise shows our devotion and brings us together and is a cornerstone of our faith. We strive to follow the example of King David: "Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, O my soul. I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live." (Psalm 146:1-2). In doing so, we can worship in accordance with scripture and focus our attention from ourselves to the Lord.
How we do this as a congregation can vary from church to church. Contemporary churches may worship with large bands and rich creative
experiences, while traditional churches may connect with God through hymns and traditions from the history of the church. As long as we are honest and sincere in that praise and worship, we can express it in many forms. So, a good ministry should encourage this expression and evolution of practices where appropriate. Work to bring the congregation together with a shared voice and expression of love.
2) Local Outreach
It can be easy to get caught up in our own lives and problems and forget that there are people in our own neighborhoods who are going through similar or worse things. One way we can do this is through local outreach programs. These programs allow congregations an opportunity to live out their faith, disciple their families, care for their community, and establish a positive reputation of the church in the area.
3) Preaching and Teaching
It is one thing to come together and sing the praise of God, but you also need good teachings to remind them of why this is so important. People will come to our Masses for guidance and to strengthen their faith in hard times. They need to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ from passionate and knowledgeable evangelists, your pastor, and teachers - someone that can equip people for the works that God is calling them to. While other ministries touch specific groups of people, the teaching touches everyone who comes in contact with our church. From the Rosary hour, to the sermon, the whole church must be continually reminded of the gospel and called to deeper relationship with Jesus and the body of Christ. A devoted congregation needs someone they can believe in and be invested in.
4) Welcoming group or as Bill would call it....Guest Services!
Did you know that most attenders will decide in the first 10 minutes if they will return to our church? It doesn’t matter how great your preaching, worship, or building is, if guests don’t feel a sense of welcome and community when they walk in, they won’t return. First impressions matter, which means that the first few moments an attender has in our chapel are some of the most critical moments. Welcome them with open arms from the moment they see the sign outside. Make their first visit easy so they will want to return. The body of Christ can fill this need. It’s crucial that every visitor who steps through our door feels loved, welcomed, and cared for. Imagine you are a new person visiting a church for the first time. How easy is it to walk to the entrance? Are you sure which way to go first? Where can you go if you have questions? And finally, do people smile and seem happy to see you when you enter? These are all important questions to consider when thinking about how first-time visitors experience our church. Of all the ministries that help a church grow, Welcome group or guest services is the most important. Make sure that guests are a priority, and that our church is a warm and welcoming place.
5) Children's Ministry - We don’t have yet.
It’s easy for churches to overlook children’s ministry in favor of ministries that serve parents and adults. Yet, we need to remember that to honor these children means to offer them guidance and support in the ways of Jesus Christ. The attitude of Jesus towards children was plain to see. He loved them and wanted them treated the same as anyone else. After all, "Jesus said, Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'" (Matt. 19:14). Therefore, the church must provide a safe place in which children can learn about our faith and pray. Invite them in with warm and open arms and they will want to stay within the comfort of the church and learn more.
Teach them well so they may continue down a clear and beautiful path.
In Christ, Fr Victor
NATIONAL FLAG DAY
FLAG DAY June 14
National Flag Day happens each year on June 14 to honor Old Glory and commemorates the adoption of the United States flag on June 14, 1777. The holiday is a day that Americans show respect for the U.S. Flag and what it represents. Representing independence and unity, the Star-Spangled Banner has become a powerful symbol of Americanism and the flag is flown proudly.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL FLAG DAY
Many people have died protecting our country. On National Flag Day, raise the flag and fly it proudly. Spend time learning more about U.S. flag history, too. Use #NationalFlagDay to post on social media.
NATIONAL FLAG DAY HISTORY
On May 30, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation deeming June 14th as Flag Day. President Wilson stated, “It is the anniversary of the day upon which the flag of the United States was adopted by the Congress as the emblem of the Union." He also wrote, “On that day rededicate ourselves to the nation, ‘one and inseparable’ from which every thought that is not worthy of our fathers’ first vows in independence, liberty, and right shall be excluded and in which we shall stand with united hearts
father’S DAY
Sunday, june15th
Here are ways to honor your Father, who has passed away!:
REMEMBERANCE:
Honor their memory by sharing stories and memories, planting a tree in their name, or donating to a charity in their honor.
LEGACY:
Continue their legacy by engaging in activities they enjoyed, like volunteering or pursuing their interests.
MEMORIALS:
Create a memorial for your dad, whether it's a plaque, a photo display, or a dedicated space in your home.
Ways
to Honor your Father, who is Still With Us!:
EXPRESSING APPRECIATION AND GRATITUDE:
➢ PERSONALIZED GIFTS: CHOOSE GIFTS THAT REFLECT YOUR FATHER'S HOBBIES AND PASSIONS, LIKE A PERSONALIZED JOURNAL, A BOOK ON HIS FAVORITE TOPIC, OR A FRAMED PHOTO OF A SPECIAL MEMORY.
➢ HEARTFELT WORDS: TAKE TIME TO EXPRESS YOUR GRATITUDE AND APPRECIATION FOR HIS LOVE, SUPPORT, AND GUIDANCE. WRITE A LETTER OR CARD EXPRESSING YOUR FEELINGS.
➢ QUALITY TIME:
PLAN A SPECIAL DAY OR ACTIVITY TO ENJOY TOGETHER, SUCH AS A FAMILY PICNIC, A MOVIE NIGHT, OR A TRIP TO HIS FAVORITE SPOT.
➢ ACTIVE LISTENING: ENGAGE IN MEANINGFUL CONVERSATIONS, ASK QUESTIONS ABOUT HIS LIFE AND EXPERIENCES, AND ACTIVELY LISTEN TO HIS RESPONSES.
➢ ACTIVE LISTENING:
ENGAGE IN MEANINGFUL CONVERSATIONS, ASK QUESTIONS ABOUT HIS LIFE AND EXPERIENCES, AND ACTIVELY LISTEN TO HIS RESPONSES.
ENGAGING IN ACTIVITIES:
➢ SHARED HOBBIES: PARTICIPATE IN HIS FAVORITE HOBBIES, WHETHER IT'S FISHING, GRILLING, OR PLAYING GAMES.
➢ FAMILY ACTIVITIES: ORGANIZE A FAMILY OUTING, A BACKYARD BBQ, OR A MOVIE NIGHT.
➢ COMMUNITY SERVICE: VOLUNTEER TOGETHER AT A LOCAL CHARITY OR SHELTER TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT AND APPRECIATION.
➢ CREATIVE ACTIVITIES: TAKE A CLASS TOGETHER, EXPLORE A LOCAL PARK, OR CREATE A FAMILY PHOTO ALBUM.
PRAYER:
God our Father,
We give you thanks and praise for fathers young and old. We pray for young fathers, newly embracing their vocation; May they find courage and perseverance to balance work, family and faith in joy and sacrifice. We pray for our own Fathers around the world whose children are lost or suffering; May they know that the God of compassion walks with them in their sorrow. We pray for men who are not fathers but still mentor and guide us with fatherly love and advice.
We remember fathers, grandfather, and great grandfathers who are no longer with us but who live forever in our memory and nourish us with their love.
ThuRSDAY, JunE 19, 2025
Juneteenth, holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, observed annually on June 19.
In 1863, during the American Civil War, President. Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared more than three million enslaved people living in the Confederate states to be free. More than two years would pass, however, before the news reached African Americans living in Texas. It was not until Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, that the state’s residents finally learned that slavery had been abolished. The formerly enslaved immediately began to celebrate with prayer, feasting, song, and dance.
For full history check out this link: https://www.britannica.com/event/American-Civil-War/The-war-in-1864-65
Juneteenth Prayer:
God of all peoples, of all nations, On this day of freedom, we celebrate triumphantly with all people of goodwill that we might walk arm in arm towards justice for all. Breathe into us your eternal breath, that we may never tire of ensuring a flourishing life for all people, but most especially, those brothers and sisters whose growth has been stifled by the trauma of being enslaved. O God, we know and have seen your goodness, and because of it, we cling to the hope that unity and liberation for all are within our grasp. Continue to show us your goodness, that we may have the strength to advance your kingdom with humility and grace. Through Christ our Lord, we pray, Amen.
1) Time – Live Mass, Live Stream, or Participation in events (Live or Zoom)
2) Talent – Adding Input to Gazette, Parking Lot Gang, Inspiring Others, etc.
3) Treasures – Ensuring Church Meets Its Needs. Online Giving in Website @ stoccc.org or App @ Saint Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Community
HOUSE
OF
NEXT MEETING IN JUNE 1ST 12:15 TERESA ROOM
Purpose of this Newsletter: One format in which to “Keep the lines of Communication OPEN” and inform the congregation, friends, and guests of Saint Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Community of what ishappening.
SAINT TERESA OF CALCUTTA CATHOLICCOMMUNITY STATS:
PHYSICAL ADDRESS:
3803 HAINES ROAD NORTH, ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA 33703
Vac
MAILING ADDRESS:
SAINT TERESA OFCALCUTTA CATHOLIC COMMUNITY
P.O. BOX 47921, ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA 33743
PHONE NUMBER IS: 727-245-0102
Line #1 is the Church Office
Line #2 is Father Victor Ray
Line #3 is Prayer Request
Line #4 is Healing Ministry
Saint Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Community
Existing Ministry Teams:
HOUSE OF MINISTRIES
Moderator: William Schwartz
Assistant Moderator: Dawn Marshall
Financial: Jon Laubscher
Advertising: Vacant
Card Ministry: Paula Thomas Baker
Decorations: Cindy and Dennis Giddens, Susanna Glisson
Hospitality: Cindy Giddens, Susanna Glisson
Liturgical: Vacant
Liturgical Event Ministry: Tito (Rudy) Martinez
Media: William Schwartz
Outreach: Cindy Giddens
Parish Formation Ministry: Dawn Marshall, Gary Rhodes
Parking Lot Gang: Vacant
Welcome: Susanna Glisson
Immediate Needed Ministries:
Records Keeper Planning Marketing Future Goals Mats Ministry
Pastor: Father Victor Ray
HOUSE OF TRUSTEES
President: William Schwartz
Vice President: Dawn Marshall
Treasurer: Jon Laubscher
Legal: Catherine E. Blackburn, Esquire
If anyone is interested in participating in an Existing Ministry, please contact the Ministry Leader. If anyone is interested in Leading any of the Immediate Needed Ministries, Please contact Father Victor Ray or William Schwartz.
Remember that Saint Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Community follows the principles of: TIME TALENT TREASURE
FACEBOOK AT FACEBOOK.COM/ST. TERESA OF CALCUTTA CATHOLIC COMMUNITY
YOUTUBE AT SAINT TERESA OF CALCUTTA CATHOLIC COMMUNITY
TWITTER AT STOCCC2
INSTAGRAM AT STOCCCLOVE
APP AT https://stoccc.churchtrac.com/
You can easily connect to all, on our Website: www.stoccc.org
