Frequently Asked Questions

St. Theresa Catholic Church

How have the COVID-19 Precautions Changed Schedules and Operations at St. Theresa Catholic Church and School?

Please find the latest information at the COVID-19 response page on this website.

• Public Mass has resumed (with limitations). Sunday 9 a.m. Mass is available via livestream on our Facebook page and YouTube channel.
• Safety protocols for attending Mass in person can be found here.
• The Sacrament of Reconciliation is Saturdays from 4:00 - 4:45 p.m. 
• Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction is held every first Friday of the month from 7-8 a.m. and every third Tuesday from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
• The parish office is open M-F, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Funerals, baptisms and weddings can continue as long as the gatherings meeting social distancing and safety guidelines.
   

Funerals

My loved one has died, and I would like to have the funeral at St. Theresa. What do I do?
Please know that you have our deepest sympathy and that your parish clergy and staff are here to help.
Please contact the church office at 512-451-5121 to discuss Funeral arrangements. If you call after hours, you will be directed to call an after-hours number.
Meanwhile, you can find a lot of information and answers to common questions about funerals here.
 

Sacraments

 
My loved one is sick and might die soon. How do I request Last Rites or Anointing of the Sick for him?
When anyone of the faithful begins to be in danger of death from sickness or frailty of old age, they may receive the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. It is also fitting to receive the sacrament just prior to a serious operation. The sacrament can be repeated if a person recovers, and becomes seriously ill again.

To request the Anointing of the Sick contact the parish office at 512-451-5121. If you are calling after office hours, you will get a message of who to call in case of an emergency.
 
I would like to have my baby Baptized at your church. What should I do?
Information about preparation and Baptism for children under the age of 7 years can be found on our website here.  If you are interested in Baptism for a child 7-years and older, please contact the Dir. Of Evangelization and Catechesis at 512-451-5121 x1008 to discuss your unique situation. Some information and forms can be found here.
 
My fiancé and I would like to have our wedding at St. Theresa. What should we do?
Congratulations on your engagement! Please consult our online guidelines for weddings at St. Theresa Church. The first point of contact in our office for weddings is Kari Cruz, 512-451-5121.  Others may also be involved in the marriage preparation and wedding planning.
 
I would like for my child to receive First Communion. What is required?
First Communion is typically received during the 2nd grade year.  Every child will need comprehensive catechesis as well as proximate preparation for the reception of the Eucharist. For this reason, children preparing for First Communion who are not attending Catholic School should be enrolled in an Elementary Catechesis class that will take place on Sunday mornings or Wednesday afternoons.  Also, all children will attend a Family Retreat in preparation for First Communion.  For more information and to sign up, please visit the Elementary Catechesis page.
If your child is older than grade 2 and has not received First Communion, we are still eager to help them prepare for this important Sacrament.  Please contact Amy Allert in the parish office for more information.
 
It is time for my teenager to be Confirmed. How do I sign him up?
Confirmation, together with Baptism and Eucharist, form the Sacraments of Initiation that are all intimately connected. In the Sacrament of Confirmation, the baptized person is "sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit" and is strengthened for service to the Body of Christ.
High School Confirmation is now offered for eligible 9th Graders as well as grades 10-12.  See eligibility requirements on the High School Confirmation page.
 
I missed some sacraments when I was younger. How can I receive them now?
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) ministry prepares adults to receive their initiation sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. Check out our "Becoming Catholic" page, and for more information about the RCIA process do not hesitate to contact the Ministry Leader of this program.
 

Additional Topics

I am new to the parish and would like to become involved in a couple of parish groups. What do you offer?
Our Get Involved section tab on the main menu of the parish homepage will give you an overview of possibilities for different ages groups and interests, from senior adult game day to adult faith studies, to serving at Mass. There is also a ministry handbook available in the narthex in the back of church. Please contact those listed as heading the ministries/groups or contact the parish office for more information 512-451-5121.

Do you offer Sunday childcare?
Our Sunday nursery is closed presently due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Normal hours are 8:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. on Sundays.  We care for children ages 6 mos. - 3 yrs. in the Family Center building next door to the church. The nursery is in the far corner, near the kitchen.

I need help paying my bills. Does the parish offer help?
For those that live inside St. Theresa parish boundaries, St Vincent de Paul may be able to help with a portion of their rent, utilities, food or other means of assistance. Those living outside of St. Theresa boundary should call 211 to be directed to the St. Vincent de Paul serving their area.  We can also assist with access to food banks, reduced rates for utilities and other services. For those with small children, there are non-profits and state agencies that focus on child welfare, diaper assistance and health for little ones.

If you need help, or need to know whether you are withing the St. Theresa parish boundaries, please call the parish office at 512-451-5121. Or if you would rather be more anonymous, just call 211. The auto call answering service will ask for your zip code and will then give you a choice of organizations. The one you select will begin your assistance. St Vincent de Paul is one of the choices.

In need during COVID-19: I have a friend who has not received a stimulus check. I’ve heard about the RISE program. How could my friend call them?
 
If your friend has not received a stimulus check from the government or will not be receiving one, they should also call the St Vincent de Paul office handling the RISE program for the City of Austin. This is a special fund established by the city council to especially help those left out by previous programs. Here is a brief summary of the RISE Program and the special call numbers that have been established.

To everyone who is going through hard times. Please know you are not alone.
ST. Vincent de Paul is here to help you. Your privacy will be respected and your counselor team will help identify your immediate needs, as well as help you find your way to other agencies and organizations that are available to help you get through this difficult time.