About St. Theresa · North Reading, Massachusetts
St. Theresa Parish is a Roman Catholic parish in North Reading, Massachusetts, part of the Archdiocese of Boston. Named after Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, the French Discalced Carmelite nun and Doctor of the Church, the parish was founded in 1945 and celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2020. It is served by a pastor and parochial vicar alongside two deacons, and offers ten Masses per week, weekly Eucharistic Adoration in its Chapel of the Holy Family, and Saturday confession. Beyond worship, the parish runs a robust faith formation program for grades 1–8, a two-year Confirmation program, an OCIA process for adults, a parish school of prayer, the ChristLife 'Discovering Christ' evangelization series, and an active women's guild, youth ministry, Knights of Columbus Council, and various outreach ministries such as Christ's Hands food drives and a Prayer Tree.
- Established
- 1945
- Patron
- Saint Thérèse of Lisieux
- Rector
- Very Rev. Brian L. Flynn, VE
- Diocese
- Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston
Why belong here
St. Theresa's is a parish where the rhythms of Catholic life are richly available: daily Mass Monday through Saturday at 9:00 AM with a livestream, three Sunday Masses (7, 9, 11 AM), a Saturday Vigil at 4:00 PM, weekly Eucharistic Adoration in the Chapel of the Holy Family, and a steady Saturday confession. The parish supports families at every stage — faith formation for Grades 1–6, a two-year Confirmation journey for Grades 7–8 and high-school students, OCIA for adults seeking initiation, the ChristLife 'Discovering Christ' series, and ongoing formation for high-school youth — alongside a vibrant social fabric that includes a Women's Guild, the Knights of Columbus, a Men's Prayer Group, a Rosary Cenacle, a Prayer Tree, a youth choir, lectors and ushers, and outreach ministries like Christ's Hands food drives. With two permanent deacons, a parochial vicar and a pastor, and an active Pastoral Council, St. Theresa's is a community where newcomers are welcomed into a real, multi-generational Catholic family.
Mass times at St. Theresa
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday 2:30–3:30 PM in the Reconciliation Room at the east entrance of the church, near the music area; also by appointment with Father Brian or Father Tony (call 978-664-3412).
Adoration times
- Tuesday 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM in the Chapel of the Holy Family (located in the parish center); reposition of the Blessed Sacrament at 6:30 PM. There is no adoration on July 21.
About St. Theresa Parish
St. Theresa Parish is a Roman Catholic community in North Reading, Massachusetts, within the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Boston. The parish is named after Saint Thérèse of Lisieux and has served the people of North Reading since 1945. From its single church on Winter Street, the parish offers ten Masses each week, weekly Eucharistic Adoration, regular confession, a comprehensive faith-formation and Confirmation program, an OCIA process, and a wide array of ministries and fellowship groups for parishioners of every age and stage of life.
History
St. Theresa Parish was founded in 1945, and the parish entity was formally recognized as a religious organization with a ruling date of March 1946. In early 2020 the parish was preparing a year of special events to commemorate its 75th anniversary, disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic; Cardinal Seán P. O'Malley of the Archdiocese of Boston presided at the 75th Anniversary Mass in fall 2020 with about 350 parishioners in attendance. A landmark in recent parish history is the 'Inspiring Hope Campaign' (Fall 2019), a five-year capital campaign that ultimately raised $1,093,994.89 from 248 pledging families against a $925,000 goal. The campaign's projects included asbestos removal, cavity rebricking, and installation of a new HVAC mini-split air-conditioning system in the church, as well as repainting the church and replacing the sacristy floor (total project cost $397,745). It also seeded a Parish Endowment Fund ($325,000) for the parish's long-term sustainability and contributed $225,000 to strengthen Catholic schools and education across the Archdiocese. In 2025 the parish welcomed a new parochial vicar, Father Anthony V. Luongo.
Other Devotions & Services
Beyond Mass, Confession, and Adoration, St. Theresa's fosters a robust devotional life. The Rosary is prayed Monday through Saturday at 8:30 AM in the church, just before daily Mass. The Rosary Cenacle with Mary gathers on the first and third Monday of each month from 7:00 to 8:15 PM in Rooms 4 and 6 of the parish center. Holy Communion is brought to the sick and shut-in by arrangement through the parish office.
- Rosary Mon–Sat at 8:30 AM
- Rosary Cenacle: 1st & 3rd Mondays, 7:00–8:15 PM, Rooms 4/6 of the parish center
- Holy Communion brought to the sick and homebound by request
Faith Formation & Religious Education
The parish Faith Formation program serves children in Grades 1 through 6 under the direction of Mrs. Brenda Terranova, with Mrs. Deborah Charewicz serving as assistant. The office can be reached at (978) 664-2962. The program is described on the parish website as a catechetical journey that prepares children for the Sacraments of First Eucharist and Reconciliation while rooting them more deeply in prayer and the life of the Church.
- Faith Formation Grades 1–6 (Director: Mrs. Brenda Terranova; Assistant: Mrs. Deborah Charewicz)
- Faith Formation Office: (978) 664-2962
- Emails: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]
Confirmation Preparation (Grades 7–8)
Confirmation at St. Theresa's is a two-year program beginning in 7th Grade, with the sacrament received in 8th Grade. Candidates are expected to complete acts of service as part of their preparation, including participation in Christ's Hands, Box of Joy, Knights of Columbus breakfasts, and other parish drives. Candidates also serve as cantors, lectors, ushers, and greeters at Mass, with opportunities especially at the 9 AM Family Mass.
- Two-year program beginning in 7th Grade; sacrament received in 8th Grade
- Service component required (Christ's Hands, Box of Joy, Knights of Columbus breakfasts, etc.)
- Candidates serve as cantors, lectors, ushers, and greeters at Mass
Confirmation for High-School Students (Grades 9–12)
High-school students who have not yet been confirmed are encouraged to seek the sacrament. Students who attend Catholic high schools with religious education classes may be eligible for a one-year program; otherwise, two years of preparation are required. Students may continue as teacher assistants and volunteers for parish events after receiving the sacrament.
- Two-year preparation typical; one-year option for Catholic-high-school students
- Contact: Dawn Gonthier, Youth Ministry & Confirmation Coordinator (978-664-2962 x224; [email protected])
- Assistant Coordinator: Amanda Heffernan ([email protected])
OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults)
St. Theresa's welcomes adults and youth who have expressed an interest in becoming Catholic, as well as baptized Catholics who have not yet received Confirmation and Eucharist. The OCIA process is an eight-month series of weekly classes that prepares individuals to receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. The most recent published Easter Vigil is April 4, 2026. There is a period of inquiry before any commitment is required. Coordinators are Mike Gonthier ([email protected]) and Rick Riley ([email protected]), and inquiries may also be directed through the parish office at (978) 664-3412.
- Eight-month weekly series of classes
- Separate sessions for children or youth available
- Coordinators: Mike Gonthier and Rick Riley
ChristLife 'Discovering Christ'
ChristLife is a seven-week evangelization experience open to Catholics and non-Catholics alike. Each session begins with an engaging 30-minute video message, followed by fellowship and discussion in small groups. 'Discovering Christ' is designed to help people enter into or renew a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, experience the love of God the Father, and be empowered by the Holy Spirit to live as God's children. According to the parish, over 300 people in the community have participated in this program over the past seven years.
- Seven-week series with video message and small-group discussion
- Open to Catholics and non-Catholics
- Course director: Kathi Lee ([email protected])
Men's Prayer Group
The Men's Prayer Group is described as a 'school of prayer' that helps men to pray with faith and in communion with the Church. Members spend time together in prayer and reflection, deepening their practice of regular prayer, and share a cup of coffee while growing in faith and fraternity. The group meets every other week; contact Deacon Tony for more information at [email protected].
- Meets every other week
- Contact: Deacon Tony O'Brien ([email protected])
Women's Guild & Knights of Columbus
The parish supports an active Women's Guild and a Knights of Columbus council, both of which provide fellowship and service. The Knights of Columbus host parish breakfasts and sponsor service drives (such as Box of Joy) that also serve as Confirmation service opportunities for parish youth.
- Women's Guild
- Knights of Columbus Council (breakfasts and service drives)
Outreach & Pastoral Care
St. Theresa's Pastoral Care and Outreach ministries bring the parish beyond its walls. The Prayer Tree intercessory prayer ministry is reached at [email protected]. Christ's Hands organizes food and seasonal drives, including the Backpack and Apple drives and the Box of Joy Christmas effort. Holy Communion is brought to the sick and shut-in by arrangement through the parish office, and visitors are welcomed into the church by greeters and ushers at every Mass.
- Prayer Tree — [email protected]
- Christ's Hands Backpack and Apple Drives
- Box of Joy
- Communion for the sick and shut-in
Sacraments
The parish celebrates the seven Sacraments and provides preparation and ongoing support for each. Baptisms are arranged through Deborah Charewicz; Confirmation is a two-year preparation beginning in 7th Grade; First Eucharist is prepared within Faith Formation; Reconciliation is heard Saturday afternoons and by appointment; engaged couples contact the rectory at least six months before their wedding; the sick and shut-in are visited with Holy Communion; and those discerning vocation are supported through the parish's OCIA and devotional life.
- Baptism — [email protected]
- Confirmation — Grades 7–8 program with service requirement
- First Eucharist — within Faith Formation
- Reconciliation — Saturdays 2:30–3:30 PM or by appointment
- Matrimony — contact rectory 6+ months in advance
- Anointing of the Sick / Communion for the homebound
Clergy & Staff
St. Theresa Parish is led by Very Rev. Brian L. Flynn, VE, as Pastor, with Rev. Anthony V. Luongo serving as Parochial Vicar. The diaconate is served by Deacon Tam V. Tran and Deacon Anthony F. O'Brien. Lay staff include Andrea Sevigny (Finance & Operations Manager), Susan Forbes (Liturgy and Music), Brenda Terranova (Faith Formation, Grades 1–6), Dawn Gonthier (Confirmation Grades 7–8 and High School, Youth Ministry Coordinator), Amanda Heffernan (Assistant Confirmation Coordinator), and Deborah Charewicz (Faith Formation Assistant / Baptism Coordinator).
Inspiring Hope Campaign (2019–2025)
The 'Inspiring Hope Campaign' was a five-year parish capital campaign launched in Fall 2019 under the leadership of Bishop Mark, with parish implementation led by Finance & Operations Manager Andrea Sevigny. 248 families pledged $1,141,549 against a $925,000 goal, and the campaign ultimately collected $1,093,994.89. The flagship project was a complete HVAC upgrade for the church (asbestos removal, rebricking, and new mini-split units), together with a repaint and new sacristy floor, totaling $397,745. The campaign also funded a $325,000 Parish Endowment Fund and contributed $225,000 to the Archdiocese's Catholic schools and education efforts.
- 248 families pledged $1,141,549
- $397,745 spent on church HVAC, repaint, and sacristy floor
- $325,000 Parish Endowment Fund
- $225,000 contributed to Catholic education
Visiting & Contact
St. Theresa Parish is located at 63 Winter Street, North Reading, MA 01864-2282. The parish office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM (some sources note 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM). Sacramental emergencies are handled by calling (978) 664-3412 and pressing '*'. Outside of Mass hours all church doors are locked; visitors should use the side door located on the rectory-side of the parking lot. General inquiries may be sent to [email protected].
- Address: 63 Winter Street, North Reading, MA 01864-2282
- Phone: (978) 664-3412
- Office hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
- Email: [email protected]