Celebrating St. Theresa — Our Parish Feast Day

Written by Warren Kirilenko

October 1, 2026 | St. Theresa Parish, Wakaw

“I will spend my heaven doing good on earth.” — St. Thérèse of Lisieux

On Thursday, October 1st, our parish family will gather for a special celebration of the feast day of our patroness, St. Thérèse of Lisieux — St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face, affectionately known throughout the Church as “The Little Flower.”

The Catholic Church celebrates her feast each year on October 1. Although St. Thérèse lived a remarkably short and hidden life, dying at only 24 years of age, her spirituality has touched millions of people around the world. She was declared a Doctor of the Church by St. John Paul II in 1997 and is also a patroness of the missions, despite never leaving her Carmelite monastery to serve in a foreign mission. Vatican

The Little Way

At the heart of St. Thérèse's spirituality is what she called her “Little Way” — a way of trust and love.

Thérèse understood that holiness is not reserved for people capable of accomplishing extraordinary things. We can become saints right where God has placed us by doing the ordinary things of life with extraordinary love: showing patience when it is difficult, forgiving someone, encouraging another person, praying for someone in need, offering our work to God, or quietly serving without expecting recognition.

Pope Francis described her Little Way as a path that anyone can follow, regardless of age or state in life. It is a way of trusting completely in God's love and allowing that love to overflow into the way we treat others. Vatican

That message seems especially appropriate as our parish enters a new season of faith formation and community through The Hearth. A parish is built not only through projects and programs, but through countless small acts of faithfulness: someone preparing food, setting up a room, welcoming a stranger, teaching the faith, praying for another person, washing dishes, sharing a cup of coffee, visiting someone who is lonely, or simply taking the time to listen. In many ways, that is the Little Way lived in parish life.

A Shower of Roses

Roses have become one of the most familiar symbols associated with St. Thérèse. Near the end of her life, she spoke of continuing her mission after death, doing good on earth and allowing her love and intercession to fall like a “shower of roses.” Pope Francis later used that image when describing the many graces associated with her continuing spiritual mission. Vatican

Her life reminds us that God can accomplish something beautiful through even the smallest offering when it is given with love. And so, on her feast day, we gather not simply to remember a saint who lived more than a century ago. We gather to ask for her prayers and to consider how we, too, are being called to love Christ and one another more deeply.

Join Us for St. Theresa Feast Day

Everyone is warmly invited to join us at St. Theresa Parish in Wakaw on Thursday, October 1st, 2026.

10:30 a.m. — Holy Mass

We begin our celebration where every Catholic celebration ultimately begins: gathered around Christ in the Eucharist.

11:30 a.m. — Guest Speaker

Following Mass, we will continue our morning with a special presentation and time for faith formation.

12:00 Noon — Lunch

Come and share a meal with our parish family. This is a chance to visit, meet someone new, renew friendships, and enjoy the fellowship that is so important to the life of our parish.

2:00 p.m. — Devotions & Eucharistic Adoration

Our afternoon will conclude by returning our attention to Christ through prayer, devotion, and time before the Blessed Sacrament.

Come and Celebrate With Us

Whether you have been part of St. Theresa Parish for decades, have recently joined us, haven't been to church for a while, or simply want to learn more about our parish community, you are welcome.

Bring a friend. Bring your family. Come for Mass, stay for lunch, spend some time in prayer, and celebrate the patroness of our parish with us.

As we continue building The Hearth and creating opportunities for faith formation, fellowship, community, and mission at St. Theresa Parish, St. Thérèse offers us a beautiful reminder of where genuine renewal begins: Love God. Love the person in front of you. Do the little things with great love. Trust God with the rest.

May St. Thérèse of Lisieux pray for our parish, for our families, and for the renewal of faith in our community.

St. Thérèse of Lisieux, pray for us. 🌹

St. Theresa Parish, Wakaw

The Hearth — Gathering Hearts • Forming Disciples • Strengthening Parish Life