March 17, 2020

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Today, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia announced that Archbishop Nelson J. Perez has suspended all public Masses in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia until further notice.

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Archbishop Perez said, "As the Archbishop of Philadelphia, my first priority is to ensure the health and welfare of those entrusted to the pastoral and temporal care of our Church. So, in light of the developing Coronavirus pandemic, a decision has been made to suspend the public celebration of all Masses in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for the time being.

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All of us need to do our part to slow the spread of this illness. Like you, we are monitoring coronavirus developments and look forward to continuing our lives on a more normal basis. While things may look and feel different during these uncertain times, I want to be very clear that the Catholic Church in Philadelphia is not closing down. It is not disappearing and it will not abandon you. Time and again our history has proven the Church has risen to meet great challenges and provide a beacon of hope and light.

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As your Shepherd, I promise that the Church remains steadfast and is prepared to walk with you and serve you. Neither the Church nor its charitable works will stop. God is always by our side. He never abandons us. I invite you to join me in prayerful solidarity for the intentions of the sick, suffering, and their caregivers as well as government and health officials. With God's grace and blessing, we will navigate the difficult waters of this challenge as a united human family, for after all is said and done, we are people of Hope!"

March 17, 2020

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Dear Parishioners,

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The work of the Church continues in all of it's many dimensions during the Coronavirus pandemic and perhaps with even greater force and zeal. It is my desire along with my parish staff to be as attentive as possible to the spiritual and pastoral needs of our parish.

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Although all public Masses in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia are suspended until further notice, I will continue to offer Holy Mass on Sunday and weekdays privately.  (There will be no attendance by parishioners).   The Mass intentions that are in place during this period will be honored.  The priest will for the specified intention, for all the faithful and the universal good of the Church.

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To allow for the faithful to have opportunity to pray, the Church will be open, Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 3 pm, and Saturday from 9am to 4pm.  The Blessed Sacrament will remain reposed in the tabernacle.   The Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated on Saturday at 3:15pm in the Church.  The chapel will be closed. If coming to Church to pray, please allow for the social distancing that is needed and required by the CDC.  Confessions will be heard at the usual time of 3:15 PM on Saturdays.  However the sacrament will be celebrated in the church and not in the chapel.

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While nothing can replace attending and participating in Sunday Mass or receiving Holy Communion, I encourage you to remain at home to watch Mass on Sunday morning on WPVI 6 at 5:30 am and on EWTN at 8:00 am and 12:00 pm. In addition, you may go to the Word on Fire website of Fr. Robert Barron where there is a link for a daily Mass that has been recorded, https://www.wordonfire.org/daily-mass. In addition, I encourage you to read the Gospels and pray with your families. Please follow us on Facebook at Saint Teresa of Avila Parish for updates. The parish bulletin will be available online at our website, www.stteresaofavilaparish.com.

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Know that all of you are in my prayers in a special way for God's peace and comfort. As we continue this Lenten season, let us pray for one another, and may we deal with the things of this passing world as to hold rather to the things that eternally endure.

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May Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who leads us through the hills and valleys of life, be with you!

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Blessings,

Fr. Jerry Wild