About St. Therese · Douglasville, Georgia
St. Therese of the Child Jesus Parish in Douglasville, Georgia, is a vibrant Catholic community founded in 1985 under the patronage of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus. Rooted in prayer, education, fellowship, and charity, the parish has grown from 250 families to over 1,350, serving a multicultural congregation. It now offers six weekend Masses (four in English, two in Spanish) and daily Mass, with active ministries and outreach programs. The parish is known for its historic stained-glass windows, community-driven initiatives, and ongoing development plans, including a future church on a 27-acre property across the street.
- Established
- 1985
- Patron
- Saint Theresa of the Child Jesus
- Rector
- Rev. Fr. Leandro Nunes
- Diocese
- Archdiocese of Atlanta
Why belong here
Join a welcoming, multicultural community that lives out its faith through prayer, education, fellowship, and charity. Experience vibrant ministries, sacramental life, and opportunities to serve others — from RCIA and youth programs to parish outreach and global missions. With six weekend Masses and daily Mass, there’s a place for everyone to grow in faith and belong.
Mass times at St. Therese
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday 4:00 PM
- Wednesday 6:00 PM
Adoration times
- Monday 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
- Thursday 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
- Saturday 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Our History
Founded in 1985 by Archbishop Thomas Donnellan for western Douglas County, St. Therese Parish began with 250 families. The first Mass was held in November 1985 at a funeral home chapel, followed by a rented space in 1986. Construction began in 1988 on Prestley Mill Road, with the first Mass in the new church on February 27, 1989. Over the decades, the parish expanded with classrooms, a rectory, RCIA, and a Parish Life Center. It celebrated its 25th and 30th anniversaries, and now offers six weekend Masses and daily Mass. Plans are underway to build a new church on a 27-acre property acquired in 2012.
Our Clergy
The parish is led by Rev. Fr. Leandro Nunes, with four permanent deacons: Rev. Mr. Ron St. Michel, Rev. Mr. Facundo Maldonado, Rev. Carl Taylor, and Rev. Mr. Joseph Hrovat. The parish has had seven pastors since its founding, with notable figures including Rev. Edward O’Connor (first pastor) and Rev. Fr. Richard Tibbetts (fifth pastor).
Ministries & Services
St. Therese offers a wide range of ministries including RCIA, Knights of Columbus, St. Vincent de Paul Society, and a Parish Life Center. The parish also hosts social and wedding committees, a Discipleship Council, and a Children’s Mass. Services include daily Mass, Anointing of the Sick, and Reconciliation. The parish is also active in outreach and global missions.
Sacraments & Faith Formation
The parish offers all seven sacraments: Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, Marriage, Anointing of the Sick, Reconciliation, and Holy Orders. Faith formation includes catechesis for children and adults, RCIA for new Catholics, and ongoing spiritual education. The parish also offers sacramental preparation for marriage and the sick.
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Rev. Edward O’Connor1985-1991
First Pastor
- Rev. Msgr. Hugh Marren1991-1994
Second Pastor
- Rev. Fr. William M. Hickey1994-1996
Third Pastor
- Rev. Fr. Stewart Wilber1996-2001
Fourth Pastor
- Rev. Fr. Richard Tibbetts2001-2009
Fifth Pastor
- Rev. Fr. Fernando Molina-Restrepo2009-2014
Sixth Pastor
- Rev. Fr. Jesús David 'JD' Trujillo-Luna2014-2016
Seventh Pastor
- Rev. Mr. Lane Briese2016-2017
Interim Administrator