St. Theresa of Avila
1701 Superior Street, Three Lakes, WI 54562
Phone: 715-546-2159
Email:
Website:
Year parish was established: 1894
Number of households: 377
Sacramental minister: Fr. Bala Reddy Allam
Deacon: John McCaughn
Weekend Masses: Saturday: 4 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m.
Describe your faith community
“With the appointment of Fr. Maduna Bala Showry as pastor of St. Theresa’s, following the death of Fr. William Horath, (who had been our pastor for more than 20 years), by Bishop F. Peter Christensen in the summer 2014, our parish has taken on new life.
“Under the guidance of Fr. Bala, parishioners — men, women and children — came together as never before to enrich the spiritual life of the church, as well as the community.
“We have thrived as a faith community with an increased number of our parishioners being greeters, altar servers, lectors, ushers, and choir members. We have experienced new devotions, socials, awesome music in our liturgies, apostolates, and even learned about faith traditions from India.”
“When visitors come to our parish they will …
… be greeted at the door and welcomed to St. Theresa’s by a cheerful greeter and Fr. Bala, who carries on with our desire to assist all in serving the Lord. We know that with his love for God and own special ways, he will sustain the participation of our parishioners in the sacramental life of our parish.”
In what ways does your parish proclaim the Gospel with its actions?
“Our new apostolate, “Companions on the Journey,” reaches out to all who are facing challenges in life by following the example of Jesus. By caring for, listening to and offering a compassionate heart to those journeying through a valley of crisis, our companions see, hear and reach out to help.
“Our finance council is also looking for many ways to involve the parish in fundraisers to support our church, as well as the community. With our first parish festival last year, to be repeated this year, we feel we are being guided to serve God.”
What is something about your parish most people might not know?
“St. Theresa Parish was founded and established in 1894 by the early immigrants to Three Lakes. Dedication of an addition to the present church in 1969 was needed as new parishioners and summer visitors to the area became part of our faith community. This addition also included a basement which houses our CCD classrooms. We have recently completed the beautification of the sanctuary and are now looking at a much needed renovation to the church’s main entrance in order to provide easier access for all.”
