Dear parishioners and friends of St. Therese Chinese Parish,

Greetings of Christ’s peace and joy!

“I come to serve, not to be served.” With these words, Jesus reminded his disciples what he was about and Jesus challenges us to do the same. It is in the spirit of service that I come among you with great joy and love. To some of you, I am not a total stranger. Most of you are still waiting to meet me. All of you have already heard about me through Fr. Michael. So here is my very brief personal story.

I was born into a devout Roman Catholic family in 1973 in Shan Xi Province, China. My family has been Catholic for several generations. I am the youngest of seven. I have four brothers and two sisters. My younger sister is a Sister of the Sacred Heart of Mary. I have many nephews and nieces. Five years ago, I became a granduncle (makes me feel old!). All of them are baptized and practicing Catholics. Both of my parents are deceased. May they rest in peace!

I came to the United States in 1994 and graduated from Mundelein Seminary in 1999. That summer, I was ordained. My first assignment was Associate Pastor at St. Andrew Parish on the north side. After six years, I was reassigned to St. Barbara Church. I was there for four years. The people tried hard to make me a SOX fan! I must say that I had very positive and rewarding experiences in both of these parishes.

I arrived to this parish this past Thursday. Changes are hard, but they are a part of life. Cardinal Newman says that to be perfect is to constantly change here on earth; up there in heaven, it is otherwise. As I make the transition into St. Therese, I count on God’s grace and on your support, active participation, and prayers. Please continue to pray for Fr. Michael and Fr. Aniello as they venture into their new ministries.

Finally, a word about this weekend’s readings and celebration: Jesus asks us to pray for more laborers and to be mission-oriented. This Sunday and as we go through the week, let’s ask ourselves: in what ways do we share the Good News with others? How do we share our God-given gifts, time, and treasure with our communities, families, and others? As we celebrate Independence Day, let us also pray for this great nation and for world peace.

I am looking forward to knowing each of you, to work with the parish and school staff, you, and all of our schoolchildren. So please do not hesitate to introduce yourself to me in person. Also, call me at anytime if I can be of help to you or your family.

Peace
Fr. Francis Li

+ Making some JOYFUL noise - CCD Summer Music Camp

WHO: Kids (ages 5 - 16) in this parish
WHEN: Every Sunday, June 6th - August 29th, 10:45 A.M. - Noon.
(No classes on July 18 & Aug 15)
WHERE: CCD classrooms at St. Therese Church
COST: Free, thanks to a generous donor.

We have had 4 sessions at the CCD Summer Music Camp so far and kids continue to amaze us with their enthusiasm and ability to learn. They are quick studies, picking up guitar and percussion instruments. We will add keyboard for those interested. Students who sign up for guitar class need to bring their own guitar.

While having fun, kids are learning rhythm, teamwork, the joy of music-making, and ways that we can share our gifts with others.

Kids just show up and Check It Out!

Any questions, please email Lily

+ Chinatown Summer Fair — July 18th 10:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M.

This is one of the major fundraisers for our parish. It is quickly approaching. Please consider volunteering and plan to attend it. Invite your families and friends too!

+ St. Therese Church “Preservation Fund” and “Matching Contribution”

The renovation of our church in the year 2000 transformed it from a dark space to a beautiful place of worship, harmoniously blending the beauty of the Asian culture with the splendor of Western sacred art.

To preserve our beautiful church and to ensure proper maintenance, we are establishing the “St. Therese Church Preservation Fund” with a funds target of $50,000. This will help address the imminent needs of the facility.

A generous donor has offered to match the funds that we can raise between July 1, 2010 and October 31, 2010, up to $25,000. So to reach our goal, all we’d need to raise now is only $25,000!

Help prevent another major, more costly renovation project, and let’s set up a preservation fund instead. We have raised $1,000 so far. Donate today to double your impact and prevent wasting the generosity of our matching donor!

+ Theology on Tap

+ Don't give up...

+ Prayer for Independence Day

+ Monies: