CHURCH CALENDAR
Stations of the Cross video is found on the website at: www.stoccc.org
• May 3, Saturday, 4:00 pm, ”Tres de Mayo” Party at Jon and Bill’s Casa
• May 4, Sunday, 9:45 am, Month of Mary Rosary Prayer
• May 4, Sunday, 10:30 am, Third Sunday of Easter LIVE STREAM AND MASS
• May 5, CINCO DE MAYO
2 Memorial of Saint Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
3 Feast of Saints Philip and James, Apostles
4 Third Sunday of Easter 11 Fourth Sunday of Easter
14 Feast of Saint Matthias, Apostle
18 Fifth Sunday of Easter
25 Sixth Sunday of Easter
26 Memorial of Saint Philip Neri, Priest
29 Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord
31 Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Additional Liturgical Dates for MAY For Readings
• May 10, Saturday, 8:00 am, PARKING LOT GANG POPUP
• May 11, Sunday, HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY
• May 11, Sunday, 9:45 am, Month of Mary Rosary Prayer
• May 11, Sunday, 10:30 am, Fourth Sunday of Easter LIVE STREAM AND MASS
• May 11, Sunday, After Mass, H.O.M. Meeting
• May 14, Wednesday, 9:00 am, Morning Mass on Saint Teresa of Calcutta Facebook
• May 18, Sunday, 9:45 am, Month of Mary
Rosary Prayer
• May 18, Sunday, 10:30 am, Fifth Sunday of Easter LIVE STREAM AND MASS
• May 21, Wednesday, 9:00 am, Morning Mass on Saint Teresa of Calcutta Facebook
• May 25, Sunday, 9:45 am, Month of Mary Rosary Prayer
• May 25, Sunday, 10:30 am, Sixth Sunday of Easter LIVE STREAM AND MASS
• May 26, Monday, MEMORIAL DAY
• May 28, Wednesday, 9:00 am, Morning Mass on Saint Teresa of Calcutta Facebook
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
BIRTHDAYS
Cristobal Montez May 10
Thomas Zimmer May 13
HAPPENINGS
Upcoming Birthday and anniversaries for the month
ANNIVERSARY
Maria Pia Habito Emilie Manalac
May 4, 2023
Tito (Rudy) Martinez Gary Rhodes May 20, 2015
May 4, 2023
Tito (Rudy) Marinez
Pope Francis
(born Jorge Mario Bergoglio; 17 December 1936 – 21 April 2025) was the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State from 2013 until his death in 2025.
A Tribute to Pope Francis Video
https://youtu.be/lY_STCDYCJk
Here are 10 things you might not have known about him:
1. Pope Francis was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, one of seven children. His parents were Italian immigrants his father a railway worker, his mother a housewife.
2. Pope Francis had only one lung, after having one removed due to a respiratory illness in 1969.
3. Francis was the first Jesuit pope. Jesuits are followers of The Society of Jesus, an order of the Catholic Church formed in the 16th century. Typically Jesuits have reputations for scholarship they run prestigious schools throughout the world and evangelicalism, in the form of missionaries.
4. In fact, Francis was a pope of firsts besides being the first Jesuit pope, he was the first pope from the New World, the first non-European pope since the eighth century, and the first to replace a living pope in more than 600 years.
5. In 2005, then-Cardinal Bergoglio reportedly garnered the second-most votes on each of the ballots of the 2005 papal conclave, which eventually elected Pope Benedict XVI.
6. Pope Francis spoke three languages fluently Spanish, Italian and German. He addressed the crowd gathered in Saint Peter's Square in fluent Italian.
7. Francis was known for living simply. A member of the Jesuit order, which takes vows of poverty, Francis famously took public transportation in Buenos Aires, cooked his own meals, and lived in a small apartment. When he was appointed a cardinal in 2001, Bergoglio reportedly asked hundreds of Argentines to donate to the poor the money they had raised to fly with him to Rome.
8. Francis had a strong education background. Before joining the clergy, he earned a master's degree in chemistry from the University of Buenos Aires. He later earned a liberal arts degree in philosophy and taught literature and psychology in Argentine secondary schools.
9. The Argentine was a devotee of the majority-Catholic nation's other religion: soccer. Francis was a supporter of San Lorenzo, a club in Argentina's top league. He even has his own membership card.
10. Many Vatican watchers saw Bergoglio as a controversial pick for his role in Argentina's "Dirty War," the kidnapping and killing of thousands of leftists during a brutal military dictatorship in the late 1970s and early 1980s. He was involved in two court cases surrounding the kidnapping and torture of two Jesuit priests for advocating leftist theology. Some accused Bergoglio of handing him over to the ruling government, though one biographer claims Bergoglio worked behind the scenes to save their lives.
Prayer:
O God, shepherd and ruler of all the faithful, look favorably on your servant Francis, whom you have set at the head of your Church as her shepherd; grant, we pray, that by word and example he may be of service to those over whom he presides so that, together with the flock entrusted to his care, he may come to everlasting life. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
Let love lead. Let the Word speak. And let it change everything.
Fr Victor Ray, FCM
One of the most powerful ways God speaks to us—personally, intimately, and unmistakably—is through sacred scripture. This is no ordinary book. Scripture is the living Word, the eternal voice of Love reaching into our lives, right where we are. It does not simply instruct us on how to live; it invites us into communion with the One who is Life itself. When we open the scriptures, we are not just reading—we are encountering. We are meeting the God who is present, who loves us beyond measure, and who longs to dwell within us. This Word is holy ground. It has the power to awaken, renew, and transform, not by command, but by the force of divine intimacy. When we read with open hearts, God’s voice becomes unmistakably personal, and we are drawn into the mystery of His love.
It is in the Gospels that this divine love bursts into full light. In Jesus— through His birth, His life, His words, His suffering, death, and resurrection—God doesn’t merely tell us who He is; He gives Himself to us completely. Jesus is not just the messenger—He is the message. He is God’s heart in human form. The Gospels are the sacred telling of this love poured out, and every time we return to them, we open our lives to that same outpouring. Christ comes to us anew, each day, in every word.
To open the Gospels daily is not a duty—it is an act of love. It is a choice to listen, to abide, to be present with the One who is always present to us. And God delights in this. He rejoices when we turn our hearts to Him. The daily rhythm of praying with scripture is no small thing—it is a way of letting divine love shape us from within. Christ’s words begin to echo in our thoughts, His compassion softens our judgments, His courage emboldens our fears. Gradually, a deeper awareness is born in us: an awareness of God’s living presence—not only within ourselves, but in every person we meet and in the world around us.
As we give ourselves to the Word, the Holy Spirit gently, persistently, transforms us. Human logic gives way to divine wisdom. The Word begins to read us, to reveal us to ourselves, and to rewrite the story of our lives with grace. We stop measuring the text by our understanding, and instead allow the text to measure and expand our hearts. The Gospels become our lens, our mirror, our guide. In their light, we begin to see all things differently. In their love, we become part of God's great work of transformation—first within us, and then, through us, in the world.
Let love lead. Let the Word speak. And let it change everything.
CINCO DE MAYO
5TH of MAY
OK, BEFORE ANYONE OR ANY GROUP GETS EXCITED, LET ME EXPLAIN!
HISTORY
Cinco de Mayo, holiday celebrated on May 5 in parts of Mexico and the United States in honor of a military victory over the French forces of Napoleon III in 1862, known as the Battle of Puebla.
VALUE
Among all U.S. partners, Mexico’s politics are arguably the most consequential for the United States, given their day-to-day impact on all aspects of life here. Mexico is, for example, the top U.S. trading partner; a major U.S. energy supplier; a vital component of North American economic competitiveness; an indispensable partner on migration management; and the destination for more than $60 billion in annual remittances from the United States. Additionally, Mexico hosts approximately 1.6 million Americans—the largest American expat community in the world while the United States is home to more than 37 million people of Mexican origin or heritage, the largest foreignborn and second-largest diaspora group in the United States.
RELIGIOUS POINT
"Love your neighbor as yourself" is considered the second great commandment in the context of Jesus' teaching in Matthew 22:36-40. Jesus states that "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself" (Matthew 22:39) as the second most important commandment, following "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God" (Matthew 22:37). This commandment is often understood as a summary of the Ten Commandments, with the understanding that true love for God should manifest in love for one's neighbor.
Many religious philosophies emphasize the importance of loving one's neighbor, advocating for compassion, kindness, and respect in interactions with others. This principle is often presented as a key component of ethical living and is found across various religious traditions, including Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.
MOTHER’S DAY
Sunday, May 11th
Here are 4 ways to honor your mother on Mother’s Day (who has passed away):
PLANT her favorite flowers, bush or tree. Did she have a favorite flower or color? Plant annual or perennial flowers that she loved or, if you have the space, plant a bush or tree that she loved. As it blooms and grows from year to year, you’ll be able to fondly remember her.
VOLUNTEER at a non-profit on her behalf. Did your mom love animals, reading to children, helping the elderly or homeless, or the outdoors? Whatever activity she loved to do, consider doing it on her behalf. You don’t have to commit to doing the activity forever, but find a local non-profit where you can offer your time or talent for a day or two and see how you like it. Find one that fits with your interests as well. When you’re there, talk about how your mom loved to do this and remember her selflessness.
DONATE to a charity. Whether your mother volunteered at a certain charity or she passed away from a disease that has a charitable organization associated with it, you can donate to it in your mother’s memory. Ask other family members to do the same, remembering what she loved about it or how it helped her in her time of need.
TALK about your mom with family and friends. Take out pictures of your mom and share them with others. If you get together with your family around Mother’s Day, tell funny or heartwarming stories about her. You may laugh; you may cry. But your memory of her will always be in your heart.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of earthly life, in particular for the life of my mother. Thank you for all the years I enjoyed with her. I praise you that she stood with me through the good times and the bad times. I cherish the memories of times of joy and times of sorrow. As she is now at rest with you, I thank you for the hope of a future in your presence that we will share together. Now may you, the Lord of Peace, give me peace at all times and in every way. I ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.
4 ways to Honor your Mother, who
THANK HER
Mothering can be a nearly thankless job. There’s little reprieve from the litany of tasks to accomplish, lessons to teach, and things to clean…and re-clean. Mothers often do all of these things day in and day out without much notice from those they’re serving. Thank her in a myriad of ways on Sunday, but make sure not to forget to thank her on an ordinary Tuesday when you find clean laundry in your closet and food prepared for your lunch. Proverbs 16:24 says, “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” Honor your mother and be sweet her by offering her gracious words of thanks.
SERVE HER
Maybe you plan on making her breakfast on Sunday morning or cleaning the house for her. That’s a good gift for Mother’s Day, but why stop on that day or only wait for a special occasion? In Philippians 2, Paul writes, “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus” and explains how, in humility, Jesus chose to serve. This exhortation includes our relationship with our mom. Volunteer to grocery shop for her. Ask her how you can help around the house. Figure out how you can take something off of her to-do list and remember that in serving her, you’re becoming more like Jesus.
OBEY HER
Particularly if you’re a kid still living at home, this is an important one. Parents—who are called to have their children’s best interest in mind are authorities placed over us by God that we’re called to obey. Exceptions exist when our parents wishes conflict with God’s word, but those will be exceptions and not the rule. This relationship of obedience will change over time, but the basis for respect of her wisdom and care should always remain even as we become adult children or as we begin caring for our parents as they age.
ADVANCE HER LEGACY
No mother is perfect, but consider the good things your mother instilled in you. Maybe it was an example of faith or compassion for others. Even if your mother didn’t give you an example of faith, maybe she taught you how to be thrifty, how to make the best chocolate cake you’ve ever had, or how to write “thank you” notes so others feel appreciated. Bless the world with those gifts. Honor her investment in you by cultivating the skills, and talents that she began to grow in you.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, I lift up to you today my mother and all mothers. Bless them with strength to continue to care for their children, with the same bold, selflessness Mary showed Jesus. Help my mother and all mothers feel our gratitude and truly know their impact. May we honor them today and on all days as vessels of Your love. In Your name I pray.
Amen.
Memorial day
Monday, may 26th
There are millions of military graves worldwide due to conflicts, with the United States alone having over 130,000 American military graves in foreign countries and millions in their own national cemeteries. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission commemorates 1.7 million Commonwealth military service members in over 23,000 separate burial sites. Update stats:
United States:
The American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) oversees 25 cemeteries in 10 countries, burying over 130,000 American servicemen and memorializing an additional 124,000 missing in action.
Within the US:
The Veterans Affairs (VA) manages over 156 national cemeteries and 35 soldiers' lots, with over 4 million veterans buried within.
Commonwealth War Graves:
The CWGC is responsible for 1.7 million Commonwealth military graves across 23,000 sites in 153 countries.
Estimated Missing:
It's also estimated that in the Western Front of World War I, there are an estimated 700,000 missing soldiers from all nationalities.
Arlington National Cemetery:
This is the largest cemetery in the US National Cemetery System, with over 400,000 veterans and their eligible dependents buried there.
PRAYER:
God of power and mercy, you destroy war and put down earthly pride. Banish violence from our midst and wipe away our tears, that we may all deserve to be called your sons and daughters. Keep in your mercy those men and women who have died in the cause of freedom and bring them safely into your kingdom of justice and peace. We ask this though Jesus Christ our Lord. R. 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 MINISTRY MEETING
NEXT MEETING IN MAY 11TH
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
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: Michelle Mazuros
Card Ministry: Paula Thomas Baker
Decorations: Cindy and Dennis Giddens, Susanna Glisson
Hospitality: Cindy Giddens, Susanna Glisson
Liturgical: Shelli Muncy
Liturgical Event Ministry: Tito (Rudy) Martinez
Media: William Schwartz
Outreach: Cindy Giddens
Parish Formation Ministry: Dawn Marshall, Gary Rhodes
Parking Lot Gang: Shelli Muncy, Frank Matzelle
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 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9vuQci9K52cBCdNGwSG2ow
TWITTER AT STOCCC2
INSTAGRAM AT STOCCCLOVE
APP AT https://stoccc.churchtrac.com/
You can easily connect to all, on our Website: www.stoccc.org
https://www.americanprogress.org/article/amid-2024-global-elections-mexicos-is-mostimportant-for-the-united-states/
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2022%3A36-40&version=NIV https://www.friedrichjones.com/blog/our-blog/4-ways-to-honor-your-mother-on-mothers-day
https://www.missionhills.org/honor-your-mother/ https://catholic-cemeteries.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Mothers-Day-Prayers.pdf
https://hallow.com/blog/mothers-day-prayers/ Memorial Grave Sites
https://www.usccb.org/prayers/prayer-memorial-day-last-monday-may