SHORT HISTORY OF THE PARISH

Past and current pastors:

Rev. George M. Trainor 1927 – 1944
Rev. James O'Brien 1944 – 1945
Rev. James A. Quigley 1945 – 1946
Rev. Donald L. Campbell 1946 – 1946
Rev. M. Richard Hanley 1946 – 1955
Rev. Victor Gallo 1955 – 1967
Rev. Ruffin Mika 1967 – 1967
Rev. A. J. Finnigan 1967 – 1968
Rev. David J. Monroe 1968 – 1968
Rev. Martin Turk 1968 – 1970
Rev. Matya Stetic 1970 – 1970
Rev. Francis X. Chang 1970 – 2007
Rev. Mark Schwab 2007 – 2010
Rev. Bede Kiem Minh Le 2010 – present

In 1927, Fr. George Trainor came to Burnaby, at Archbishop Casey's request, to establish a new parish.

On August 24, 1929, a benefactor, L.A. Lefevre, donated $5,000.00 to build a church in honour of the newly canonized Saint Theresa.

The building burned down just before it was blessed, but it was quickly rebuilt with the insurance funds received. This new church served the needs of the parish until 1974, when it was replaced by the present church and hall.

The pastor credited with the longest years of service at St Theresa's Parish is Fr. Francis Xavier Chang. He served for 37 years before retiring in 2007.

Fr Chang was awarded the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Cross, an honour from Pope Benedict XVI, on October 3, 2010 at the Holy Rosary Cathedral, in recognition of his long and distinguished service to the Church. This award was originally established by Pope Leo XIII in 1888.

THE CURRENT

From the very beginning, the parishioners at St Theresa's have always generously volunteered their time, talents and resources to the spiritual and temporal activities of the parish. This can be readily seen from the photos located in the activities tab.

The volunteers are too numerous to mention by name, but included in this are the CWL, the Men's Club, the Finance Committee, the PREP, RCIA and St Vincent De Paul groups, Lectors, Ushers, Eucharistic Ministers, Alter Servers, Choir members, Florists, Building and Garden helpers, Office staff, etc.

Co-operation also comes from outside the parish in the same giving spirit. We are truly blessed and greatly appreciate all the time and work that everyone has so generously donated and continues to donate.

Our doors are always open to new volunteers who would like to share their time and gifts with the parish. Please feel free to contact Fr. Bede, our pastor, or one of our other volunteers.

Thank You to all! And May God Bless you immensely!