In this May episode of Faithful Voices, Steve and Jennifer reflect on a season of transition, gratitude, healing, and mission within the St. Theresa Catholic Church & School community.

We begin with a pastoral message from Fr. John, then share important parish news about his upcoming retirement as pastor, effective July 1, 2026. Fr. John reminds us that while he is retiring as pastor, he is not retiring as a priest, and we give thanks for his many years of faithful service in the Coachella Valley.

We also celebrate joyful news from the Diocese of San Bernardino, where Luis Angeles and Larry Curtis were ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Alberto Rojas on May 16. Their vocation stories remind us that the Holy Spirit continues to call people to serve the Church in powerful ways.

This month’s Church News also highlights the 2026 Camino de California Eucharistic Pilgrimage, a statewide journey through all 21 California missions centered on the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

Our Ministry Spotlight features Good Grief, St. Theresa’s bereavement support ministry. Jerry joins us to talk about walking with those who are grieving and how faith can offer comfort, healing, and hope without rushing the process.

In our school segment, St. Theresa School – Firm Foundation, Lasting Legacy, we hear from two graduating 8th graders as they reflect on their time at St. Theresa, their memories, their faith, and what they carry with them into the next chapter. We also speak with Mr. Michael Keno, principal of St. Theresa School, as he looks back on the school year and ahead to what’s next.

In Your Voice, Our Conversation, we welcome a special audio clip from Fr. Mike Schmitz answering the question:
Why do Catholics confess their sins to a priest instead of just praying directly to God?

We close with a reflection on the movement from Ascension to Pentecost to Ordinary Time — a reminder that Christ sends us, the Holy Spirit strengthens us, and ordinary days become holy ground when we live them with faith.

All links and resources from this episode are available at:
FaithfulVoicesPodcast.org

Stay Prayerful. Stay Joyful. Stay Connected.