Church of St. Thérèse Chesapeake

With Holy Thursday about a week and a half away, our thoughts turn to Passover. Just how big was this most ancient and important of festivals?

Holy Week Schedule:
Saturday, April 12 - Palm Sunday Mass
5:00 p.m.

Sunday, April 13 - Palm Sunday Mass
8:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. (11:00 a.m. Live Streamed)

Thursday, April 17 - Holy Thursday Mass
6:30 p.m. (Also Live Streamed)

Friday, April 18 - Good Friday Mass
6:30 p.m. (Also Live Streamed)

Saturday, April 19 - Easter Vigil Mass
8:00 p.m. (Also Live Streamed)

Sunday, April 20 - Easter Sunday Mass
8:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. (11:00 a.m. Live Streamed)

In today's Gospel, Jesus takes on the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees. They aren't really interested in doing God's will, but in trapping Jesus. The irony here is that Jesus IS without sin, and yet still, he does not condemn the woman. Instead, he shows mercy and offers her a chance at repentance. May we be as merciful this week - let's pray for each other here at Church of St. Thérèse.

That's right - there are about 2.4 billion Christians in the world, and approximately 1.2-1.3 billion of them are members of the Catholic Church! What an incredible fact! Join us for Mass in celebration this weekend: Sat. 5:00 pm, Sun, 8:30 and 11:00 am

Today the Church remembers St. Isidore of Seville, a bishop and scholar who put together the first "modern encyclopedia." Isidore always believed that knowledge could be used for God's glory. He's thus the patron saint of the Internet. Today, let's use technology for the sake of our God, spreading truth, beauty, and goodness throughout the world! ⁣
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You can learn more here: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-isidore-of-seville-425

This date is chosen to honor the birthday of Hans Christian Andersen. St. Thérèse family, what book would you like to put into the hands of one of the awesome kids in your life?

"The Return of the Prodigal Son" by Rembrandt is a powerful illustration of the famous parable, in which Jesus' story comes to life. We notice immediately:⁣
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-the wretched state of the prodigal son, who squandered his father's fortune in a faraway land, is illustrated via his shabby clothes and missing shoe; he truly has nothing of his own to offer- nonetheless, the father, enrobed in richly colored red vestments, embraces him with tender mercy and compassion - and to the right, the elder son looks on with haughty disapproval.⁣
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St. Thérèse community, the love displayed in this work of art is an image of God the Father's infinite love for us. Like the prodigal son, let's turn back to him today.

Just as the man born blind takes time to recognize his Savior, our elect here at St. Thérèse are on a journey of discovery. They will soon be welcomed fully into the Church at the Easter Vigil.

The 2025 Jubilee: Pilgrims of Hope is underway! While all Catholics are invited to make a pilgrimage to Rome this year, different groups will also come at specific times. For instance, right now, Missionaries of Mercy are gathered in Rome, while the youth, persons with disabilities, and business people will have special times to gather later this year. ⁣
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View the link to see the full schedule for the Jubilee year--and let all of us at Church of St. Thérèse know if you plan on going!⁣
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https://www.iubilaeum2025.va/en/pellegrinaggio/calendario-giubileo.html