April 10, 2026
Greetings in Christ,
This Sunday, April 12, is Divine Mercy Sunday, where we celebrate the merciful love of the Risen Christ. At St. Therese, we have developed a nice little tradition of celebrating Divine Mercy Sunday with time for Eucharistic Adoration and confessions. We will expose the Blessed Sacrament at 2:15 pm. Fr. Van Sloun, Fr. Abraham, Fr. Maloney, and I will offer to hear confessions from 2:30 pm – 3:45 pm.The Chaplet of Divine Mercy will be sung at 3:00 pm with Benediction at 4 pm.
If Divine Mercy is new to you, we would love to welcome you to our table in the Gathering Space after all Masses this weekend, April 11 and 12. Please stop by—we would be grateful for the chance to share more with you.
Our Divine Mercy Group is prayerfully discerning several new opportunities this year, including:
Greetings in Christ,
This Sunday, April 12, is Divine Mercy Sunday, where we celebrate the merciful love of the Risen Christ. At St. Therese, we have developed a nice little tradition of celebrating Divine Mercy Sunday with time for Eucharistic Adoration and confessions. We will expose the Blessed Sacrament at 2:15 pm. Fr. Van Sloun, Fr. Abraham, Fr. Maloney, and I will offer to hear confessions from 2:30 pm – 3:45 pm.The Chaplet of Divine Mercy will be sung at 3:00 pm with Benediction at 4 pm.
If Divine Mercy is new to you, we would love to welcome you to our table in the Gathering Space after all Masses this weekend, April 11 and 12. Please stop by—we would be grateful for the chance to share more with you.
Our Divine Mercy Group is prayerfully discerning several new opportunities this year, including:
- Beginning a Divine Mercy Cenacle
- Forming a small faith‑sharing group
- Adding an additional Chaplet prayer hour during the week
Divine Mercy: Please visit the Hidden Grace YouTube video.
Men’s Retreat Tomorrow: You can still sign up to hear Kevin Wells, an acclaimed Catholic Speaker and former award-winning sports reporter with the Tampa Tribune. This event will be from 7:30 am to noon. Walk-ins are welcome. You don’t want to miss Kevin’s talk. “What it means to be a Catholic Man in Today’s World.”
A quick reminder that our next Men's Connect Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 16. This will start at 6:00 pm in the Community Room. Our speaker, Mark Pedote, a parishioner at St. Therese, will share his personal faith testimony titled "Divine Mercy & Feeding Your Soul”.
We look forward to seeing you on Saturday at the Kevin Wells Retreat and then on Thursday at our next Men's Connect Meeting! As always, please consider inviting a friend!
We look forward to seeing you on Saturday at the Kevin Wells Retreat and then on Thursday at our next Men's Connect Meeting! As always, please consider inviting a friend!
Staff Changes: Two of our beloved staff members in our Faith Formation department will be leaving St. Therese this summer. While we are truly sad to see them go, our hearts are full of gratitude for the time, care, and faith they have shared with our community. We send them forth with our prayers and blessings as they begin their new adventures. Click here to learn more.
No Sunday 5:00 pm Mass: Please note that we will not have Sunday 5:00 pm Masses on Divine Mercy Sunday (April 12), given the busyness of the Easter season. Sunday 5:00 pm Masses will resume on Sunday, April 19.
Shroud of Turin: Chris Stefanick put out a nice video called 15 Facts Science Still Can’t Explain about the Shroud of Turin. The Shroud of Turin is believed by many to be the burial cloth of Jesus and is the most studied artifact in human history. It continues to defy science. It is truly fascinating!
Shroud of Turin: Chris Stefanick put out a nice video called 15 Facts Science Still Can’t Explain about the Shroud of Turin. The Shroud of Turin is believed by many to be the burial cloth of Jesus and is the most studied artifact in human history. It continues to defy science. It is truly fascinating!
St. Therese Gala: The St. Therese Gala will be on Friday, May 1, at The Metropolitan in Golden Valley. The theme for our Gala is: Prince of Peace. This year, our fund-a-need will focus on improving security for our church and school. Our parish and school gala is a wonderful event and celebration of our beloved parish, and it helps strengthen our community! If you have never been to a gala, I encourage you to come! Sales close Wednesday, April 22!
Gala Silent Auction: Donations are needed for our Silent Auction! Donation ideas may include but are not limited to a spa day package, private chef dinner party, weekend getaways, cabin retreats, sporting experiences, concert experiences, wine tastings or tours, city adventures, craft sessions, wellness retreats, airline miles, tech gadgets, and easy opportunities: gift cards to local favorites. Donations preferred by Wednesday, April 22, though sooner is better to allow for more bidding time.
Gala Silent Auction: Donations are needed for our Silent Auction! Donation ideas may include but are not limited to a spa day package, private chef dinner party, weekend getaways, cabin retreats, sporting experiences, concert experiences, wine tastings or tours, city adventures, craft sessions, wellness retreats, airline miles, tech gadgets, and easy opportunities: gift cards to local favorites. Donations preferred by Wednesday, April 22, though sooner is better to allow for more bidding time.
Fund-A-Need: Whether you can join us on May 1st or not, consider donating to our fund-a-need. Help to improve the security needs of our campus! Your donation will help with automatic locking doors, riot-proof glass, and emergency police buttons in the event of a campus lockdown. Every gift helps improve the security for our campus. Donate today and make a lasting impact!
The April focus for Reclaiming Sundays is Breaking Bread: Marta Pereira, a campus minister at the University of St. Thomas, reminisces about her traditions of breaking bread while growing up in Costa Rica — praying, telling stories, and sharing a family meal on Sundays. With the busyness of today’s family life, she encourages families to be intentional about making time for the most special of guests — Christ and family. Let’s reclaim Sundays for the Lord and our families.
Breaking Bread
“A meal is a moment that can create a meaningful encounter with those we love.”
Breaking Bread
“A meal is a moment that can create a meaningful encounter with those we love.”
The Food Garden Ministry warmly invites both new and returning volunteers: Join us in maintaining our vegetable garden. Every vegetable we grow will be donated to those in need within our community, enriching lives and fulfilling our mission to serve. This is a wonderful opportunity for you and your family to make a meaningful impact! Even if you can spare just a couple of hours, your help will be invaluable. Feel free to bring a friend or family member! Together, we can cultivate both our garden and a vibrant, supportive community.
Garden Preparation and Planting Schedule (weather permitting):
Garden Preparation and Planting Schedule (weather permitting):
- April 18 & 25 -- 9:00 - 11:00 AM: Initial Garden Prep and some Spring planting
- May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 – 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Spring Planting Sessions
Deacon Discernment Day: Saturday, Apr. 25, 8:15-5 pm, at the Saint Paul Seminary. Are you drawn to a life of service? Have you ever considered a vocation as a permanent deacon? Do others ask you about it? If so, the Saint Paul Seminary Institute for Diaconate Formation invites you to attend a Deacon Discernment Day. Discerners and their wives (if applicable) will learn about the vocation of the permanent deacon, the application and formation process. The day includes Mass, prayer, reflections, lunch, Q&A, and more. Find more information at saintpaulseminary.org/event/deacon-discernment-day.
Pillars Program: The Catechetical Institute will be offering classes starting this September. This two-year Pillars Program will be offered live at St. Bartholomew in Wayzata and simultaneously live-streamed to multiple satellite locations. Applications are now being accepted.
The Archbishop Fulton Sheen Class
CI Host Site (In-person)
The Archbishop Fulton Sheen Class
CI Host Site (In-person)
- St. Batholomew, Wayzata, MN
- St. Dominic, Northfield, MN
- St. Francis Xavier, Buffalo, MN
- St. Peter, Forest Lake, MN
Stenciling Repair Starting on Monday: As you may recall, our stenciling in the Sanctuary was damaged shortly after Christmas Day. We worked with our insurance company and submitted a claim. Our insurance representatives reviewed the damage, and our claim has been accepted. Scaffolding has gone up again for one month as they work to repair the damage. If you would be so kind, please pray for this important repair work!
Christ the King Silent Retreat: Fr. Zachary Ochsenbaur and I will be leading a special retreat at Christ the King Retreat House from June 5th through the 7th. This retreat will be with parishioners at All Saints in Lakeville. The guided silent retreat will include inspiring talks, daily Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, communal and personal prayer, spiritual direction, and time for quiet reflection. If you have never taken a retreat before, this will be an ideal way to take one! The cost will be $385 per person. Please check out the links below to register on our website for more details.
Christ the King Silent Retreat: Fr. Zachary Ochsenbaur and I will be leading a special retreat at Christ the King Retreat House from June 5th through the 7th. This retreat will be with parishioners at All Saints in Lakeville. The guided silent retreat will include inspiring talks, daily Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, communal and personal prayer, spiritual direction, and time for quiet reflection. If you have never taken a retreat before, this will be an ideal way to take one! The cost will be $385 per person. Please check out the links below to register on our website for more details.
Adoration in our Little Flower Chapel:
Currently, we are seeking a bit more assistance during the following times:
Tuesday, 3–4 pm
Wednesday, 12–1 pm
Please join us as we recite the Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy every Thursday at 3 pm in the Chapel.
For more information, call Geri at 952-473-4422 or Marilyn Olson at 952-474-4344.
Currently, we are seeking a bit more assistance during the following times:
Tuesday, 3–4 pm
Wednesday, 12–1 pm
Please join us as we recite the Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy every Thursday at 3 pm in the Chapel.
For more information, call Geri at 952-473-4422 or Marilyn Olson at 952-474-4344.
(Diary of St. Faustina Kowalska, 1319)
You expired, Jesus, but the source of life gushed forth for souls,
and the ocean of mercy opened up for the whole world.
O Fount of Life, unfathomable Divine Mercy,
envelop the whole world and empty yourself out upon us.
O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fountain of Mercy for us, I trust in you!
Steubenville Youth Conference – Registrations deadline on April 15!
Give your teen the chance to encounter Christ in a life-changing way this summer!
Steubenville Youth Conferences bring together thousands of high school students from across the country for a weekend packed with inspiring speakers, uplifting music, Eucharistic Adoration, Confession, and joyful community.
This experience helps teens grow in faith, confidence, purpose, and a strong Catholic identity—all in a safe and transformative environment that parents rave about.
Open to students currently in 8th–12th grades.
Reserve your spot now with just a $50 deposit! Thanks to our parish’s generosity, the rest of the conference cost is fully covered.
Space is extremely limited, and spots are filling fast! Don’t wait—secure your teens spot today.
Registration deadline: April 15 – once we reach capacity, we cannot guarantee a spot!
Here is the link:
You expired, Jesus, but the source of life gushed forth for souls,
and the ocean of mercy opened up for the whole world.
O Fount of Life, unfathomable Divine Mercy,
envelop the whole world and empty yourself out upon us.
O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fountain of Mercy for us, I trust in you!
Steubenville Youth Conference – Registrations deadline on April 15!
Give your teen the chance to encounter Christ in a life-changing way this summer!
Steubenville Youth Conferences bring together thousands of high school students from across the country for a weekend packed with inspiring speakers, uplifting music, Eucharistic Adoration, Confession, and joyful community.
This experience helps teens grow in faith, confidence, purpose, and a strong Catholic identity—all in a safe and transformative environment that parents rave about.
Open to students currently in 8th–12th grades.
Reserve your spot now with just a $50 deposit! Thanks to our parish’s generosity, the rest of the conference cost is fully covered.
Space is extremely limited, and spots are filling fast! Don’t wait—secure your teens spot today.
Registration deadline: April 15 – once we reach capacity, we cannot guarantee a spot!
Here is the link:
Greece Pilgrimage: Registration is open for the Greece Pilgrimage in 2026! We will be taking a pilgrimage in the footsteps of St. Paul on a 9-night Cruise plus 4 nights in Athens. The pilgrimage that will take place from September 14 to 28, 2026, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
We will follow in the footsteps of Saint Paul through Athens, Corinth, Ephesus, Thessaloniki, and Philippi! The 9-night cruise will sail through the breathtaking Greek Isles, giving you the opportunity to visit ancient temples and idyllic seaside villages in six ports of call: Rhodes, Ephesus, Santorini, Mykonos, Philippi, and Thessaloniki. Check out this updated link:
We will follow in the footsteps of Saint Paul through Athens, Corinth, Ephesus, Thessaloniki, and Philippi! The 9-night cruise will sail through the breathtaking Greek Isles, giving you the opportunity to visit ancient temples and idyllic seaside villages in six ports of call: Rhodes, Ephesus, Santorini, Mykonos, Philippi, and Thessaloniki. Check out this updated link:
Job Openings at St. Therese School:
Estate Planning: A reminder that we have a Little Flower Legacy Society at St. Therese to encourage planned and estate gifts to our parish, our school, or one of our endowment funds. Please include St. Therese as a beneficiary in your estate planning! It is an opportunity to give back to our beloved parish and ensure that our parish remains financially viable for generations to come!
- Pre-School After-School/Evening Aides (10-15 hrs./wk.)
- Toddler Teacher, full-time
Estate Planning: A reminder that we have a Little Flower Legacy Society at St. Therese to encourage planned and estate gifts to our parish, our school, or one of our endowment funds. Please include St. Therese as a beneficiary in your estate planning! It is an opportunity to give back to our beloved parish and ensure that our parish remains financially viable for generations to come!
Flocknote:You can receive my daily Mass reflections sent right to your
phone! To sign up, just text the word “ANDRIE” to 84-576 to follow the link.
Stewardship:Thank you to everyone who continues to support St. Therese! I invite you to continue supporting our beloved parish as it helps us to serve you and remain connected with you! This can be done in the following ways:
Blessings,
Fr. Andrie
phone! To sign up, just text the word “ANDRIE” to 84-576 to follow the link.
Stewardship:Thank you to everyone who continues to support St. Therese! I invite you to continue supporting our beloved parish as it helps us to serve you and remain connected with you! This can be done in the following ways:
- Click the donation button on our main parish website. You can contribute as a guest or log in if you have previously created a profile. You can choose the frequency of your gift (one-time, weekly, biweekly, monthly, quarterly, or annually).
- Bring or mail your stewardship envelope to our parish office.
- Consider transferring a stock “gift” to St. Therese. It’s a tax-free donation.
Blessings,
Fr. Andrie
Goldy: “Hey Goof, isn’t it great Jesus is Risen from the dead?”
Goof: “He did? I had no idea.”
Goldy: “Yup. He did. He really did!”