Saint Teresa of the Child Jesus

Dear Parishioners, Last weekend we celebrated our patroness St. Teresa of the Child Jesus. In addition to talking about her love of the Eucharist I would also like to explore her life as a religious in more detail. Entrance into religious life is a unique vocation. One finds in the document “Essential Elements in the Church’s teaching on Religious Life” that this is rooted in the gift of baptism, yet it is not given to all of the baptized. It is freely given and unmerited, and those who accept this invitation enjoy a special gift of grace in the Church, and thereby contribute to the saving mission of Christ in a particular way. It is marked by the essential elements of 1) consecration by public vows, 2) communion in community, 3) evangelical mission, 4) prayer, 5) ascetism, 6) public witness, 7) relation to the Church, and 8) formation. Click the title to read more.