Care and Support ministries include:

Helping Hands Funeral Ministry

This ministry coordinates a beautiful luncheon reception right after Funeral Masses. It is important to be a loving, compassionate presence to grieving families and friends during this time of need. We provide all of the luncheon food and beverages, set up, serving, and clean up at the reception.  Parishioners may sign up to assist at the reception or just provide food for the reception. Contact Patsy Eckelcamp if you would like to help.
 

Grief Support  

UPDATE: This ministry is meeting online via Zoom.  For information or to be included on the invitation list, please contact Sr. Ann Pennington at the parish office or emailIf you have lost a loved one or a dear friend, we invite you to join our parish grief support group which meets every Thursday from 4-5 p.m. in Elmer Hall, Rm. 102. For more information, please contact Sr. Ann Pennington at 451-5121 ext 1017 or at ann@sttaustin.org.

 

Caregiver Support

UPDATE: This ministry as of April 7, 2020 will be meeting online via Zoom the first Tuesday of the month.  For information or to be included on the invitation list, please contact Sr. Ann Pennington at the parish office or email   ann@sttaustin.org.
Are you a caregiver for a loved one or a dear friend suffering from a long-term illness or disease? If so, you are invited to join our Caregiver Support Group which meets the first Tuesday of each month from 10:30 – 11:30 am in Elmer Hall, Rm. 201. For more information please contact Sr. Ann Pennington.

Spiritual Support

Pastoral care visits:  The Minister of Senior Adults visits senior adult parishioners in assisted living, nursing homes, hospitals and private homes as requested. To request a visit, contact Sr. Ann Pennington at (512) 451-5121 x1017 or at ann@sttaustin.org.
 

Spiritual Direction and Mentorship

Spiritual directors and mentors help guide a person to truly live their life under the influence of the Holy Spirit by listening and responding to the action of the Holy Spirit. Learn more from this FAQ on Spiritual Direction.

Parishioners at St. Theresa who are trained spiritual directors or spiritual mentors include:

• Sr. Ann Pennington, Spiritual Director
• Deacon Tony Pynes, Spiritual Director
• Sarah Ramos, Spiritual Director
• Maureen Davis, Spiritual Mentor

For a complete list of trained and certified spiritual directors in the Diocese of Austin, contact Beverly Collin, Director of the the Institute for Spiritual Direction at Cedarbrake Retreat Center beverly-collin@austindiocese.org
 

Special Event Volunteers

Special Event Volunteers submit their name and email to be called up from time to time to volunteer to assist with set up/serving/cleanup for special events at St. Theresa such as the Ministry Fair, Advent Party and receptions for clergy, First Holy Communion and Confirmation. Time commitment is 1-2 hours several times a year.  Contact Linda Gockel to volunteer.  
 

Parish Nursery

The Parish Nursery, located in the Family Center, cares for children ages 6 mos. - 3 yrs. during the 9:00 am and 11:30 am Sunday Masses. The nursery is also available for young children of religious education volunteers, those attending adult faith formation on Sundays and special parish events. The nursery opens for drop off 15 minutes prior to each mass, or special event.  

The nursery is staffed by responsible high school and college students, and adults who have attended CPR/ First aid training and have met Diocesan Ethics in Ministry requirements.* 
For more information or questions please contact Mila Dinglasan at   sttchildcare@gmail.com  

*Required training for all volunteers, paid staff, or clergy:"Protecting God's Children"
A workshop on child sexual abuse prevention, is required by the diocese for anyone who works with minors or vulnerable adults.  For more information about attending this workshop please call the church office at 512-451-5121 or visit our Ethics Training page.