St. Theresa of the Little Flower Catholic Parish

08/27/2026

08/09/2026

Understanding the Catholic Faith: Beliefs, Sacraments, and Sacred Traditions

Sacramentals That Strengthen Our Faith and Remind Us of God’s Presence

The Catholic Church, in her wisdom and love for her children, has given us many sacramentals to help us grow in faith and remain close to Jesus Christ. These sacred signs are gifts that point us toward God’s grace and remind us of His presence in our daily lives. They help us turn our hearts toward prayer, repentance, and deeper trust in the Lord.

It is important to understand that sacramentals are not magical objects or superstitious charms. They do not have power apart from God. Rather, sacramentals are holy signs established by the Church that prepare our souls to receive grace and encourage us to live more faithfully as disciples of Christ. When used with sincere faith and devotion, they help sanctify ordinary moments and remind us that God is always near.

The Blessed Crucifix: A Sign of Christ’s Love and Victory

Among the most powerful sacramentals in Catholic life is the blessed crucifix. The crucifix does not simply show an image of suffering; it reveals the greatest act of love the world has ever known. On the Cross, Jesus offered Himself completely for the salvation of humanity.

When we look upon the crucifix, we are reminded that Christ loved us to the point of giving His life. It calls us to reject sin, embrace forgiveness, and follow Jesus with faithful hearts. Many Catholics keep a crucifix in their homes or carry one as a constant reminder that our hope is found in the saving power of Christ’s sacrifice.

The Cross, once a symbol of suffering, has become the sign of victory because through it Jesus conquered sin and death.

The Saint Benedict Medal: A Reminder of Trust in Christ

The Saint Benedict Medal is a cherished sacramental associated with prayers for protection and spiritual strength. The symbols and inscriptions on the medal point to the power of Christ and the victory of the Cross over evil.

The medal is not a source of power by itself. Its meaning comes from the prayers, faith, and trust in God that it represents. It reminds us that Christ has already defeated sin and the forces of darkness. When Catholics wear or display the Saint Benedict Medal, they are encouraged to place their confidence not in an object, but in the Lord who protects and strengthens His people.

The Holy Rosary: A School of Prayer

The Holy Rosary is one of the most beloved devotions in the Catholic Church. Through the prayers of the Rosary, Catholics meditate on the life, death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ with Mary, His Mother.

The Rosary is centered on Christ. Each mystery invites us to reflect on God’s plan of salvation, from the Incarnation of Jesus to His Passion, Resurrection, and glory. Mary’s role is always to lead us closer to her Son, teaching us to trust Him as she did.

Through daily prayer of the Rosary, many people have found peace, strength, and a deeper relationship with Christ. It is truly a school of prayer that forms the heart in faith and love.

The Miraculous Medal: A Sign of Mary’s Intercession

The Miraculous Medal is another beloved Catholic sacramental connected with devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Revealed to Saint Catherine Labouré in 1830, the medal carries the prayer: “O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.”

The medal reminds us of Mary’s loving concern for God’s children and her constant desire to lead souls closer to Jesus. Catholics do not view the medal as a magical object, but as a sign of confidence in God’s grace and Mary’s intercession.

Wearing the Miraculous Medal is a reminder to seek God’s mercy, follow Mary’s example of faith, and remain close to Christ.

The Brown Scapular: A Commitment to Christian Living

The Brown Scapular is a sign of devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel and a reminder of the call to live a life dedicated to Christ. It represents a commitment to prayer, repentance, purity, and discipleship.

The Scapular does not guarantee salvation or replace the need for faith, conversion, and a life of virtue. Instead, it encourages the wearer to imitate Mary’s humility, obedience, and love for God.

Like all sacramentals, the Brown Scapular is a reminder that our lives should continually point toward Christ.

Holy Water: Remembering Our Baptism

Holy water is a simple yet powerful sacramental that connects us to the grace of Baptism. When Catholics bless themselves with holy water, they remember that they belong to Christ and have been called to live as children of God.

Using holy water when entering a church or during personal prayer reminds us of our need for repentance and God’s cleansing mercy. It calls us to renew our commitment to reject sin and live according to the Gospel.

Through this ordinary element, the Church reminds us of the extraordinary grace we have received through Christ.

Living With Faith and Grace

Sacramentals are precious gifts that help bring the presence of God into our everyday lives. They remind us that our faith is not limited to moments of worship alone, but is meant to shape every part of our lives.

A crucifix, medal, Rosary, Scapular, or holy water has no power apart from God. Their purpose is to lift our hearts toward Him, strengthen our faith, and encourage us to live as faithful disciples.

In a world filled with distractions, fears, and spiritual battles, sacramentals serve as reminders of God’s love and protection. They help us remain focused on Christ and equipped with the spiritual armor needed to persevere.

As Saint Paul reminds us: “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11).

May these holy signs lead us ever closer to Jesus Christ, strengthen our faith, and help us recognize God’s presence in every moment of our lives.

08/07/2026

A Message of Hope Following the Tragedy in Twin Falls

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The heartbreaking tragedy in Twin Falls has touched every corner of our diocese. Our hearts ache for those who have lost loved ones, for those who have been injured, and for the families, friends, first responders, and all whose lives have been forever changed by these events.

At moments like these, words often seem inadequate. Yet as people of faith, we know that we are never alone in our sorrow. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). Even in the darkest moments, God remains with His people, offering His presence, His strength, and His peace.

I ask every parish and every member of our diocesan family to join me in praying for all those affected by this tragedy. Let us pray for those who have died, that the Lord may welcome them into His eternal embrace. Let us pray for healing for the injured, comfort for grieving families, wisdom and strength for those caring for them, and peace for our entire community.

In the days following this tragedy, one moving image has remained with me. Near the In-N-Out Burger where the shootings occurred, a man has quietly kept vigil with a large wooden cross as a witness to Christ. He reminds all who pass by that even in the presence of profound sorrow, the Cross of Christ stands as the enduring sign of God's unfailing love.

As we support one another in the days ahead, may we become signs of Christ's compassion through our prayers, our presence, and our acts of kindness. Every prayer offered in faith, every word of encouragement, every act of charity, and every gesture of love reminds those who suffer that they do not carry their burdens alone. Together, as the Body of Christ, we walk with one another in faith, trusting that the Lord will bring healing, strength, and peace.

I would like to leave you with one of my favorite passages from the Gospel, words that have brought comfort to countless believers throughout the centuries. They are Christ's personal invitation to every heart burdened by grief, fear, or uncertainty:
"Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light." (Matthew 11:28-30)

May these words of our Savior bring comfort to all who are suffering. May the Lord Jesus, the Prince of Peace, draw near to every grieving heart, strengthen us in faith, and fill us with the hope that only He can give. And may Our Lady of Peace intercede for the victims, their families, all who mourn, and our entire Twin Falls community, leading us always to her Son, Jesus Christ.

Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Peter F. Christensen
Bishop of Boise

Photo from KTVB Channel 7
https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/crime/twin-falls-in-n-out-shooting/michigan-man-brings-10-foot-cross-twin-falls-deadly-in-n-out-shooting

07/30/2026

Dear Catholic Faithful of Idaho,



In November of this year, a ballot initiative known as Prop 1 will come before the voters of Idaho. If passed, this initiative will entirely dismantle Idaho’s current protections for unborn children and weaken important safeguards for women, minors and parents. This ballot initiative presents a serious moral and cultural challenge for our communities.

As your Bishop, I must speak clearly: Prop 1 is radically pro-abortion and would legalize late-term abortions into the third trimester. If passed, Prop 1 would remove nearly all protections for pre-born babies and put vulnerable women at risk. This initiative is bad for parental rights allowing abortions and other medical procedures for minors without parental consent. It would also rid Idaho law of the physician-only requirement to perform an abortion. Overall, Prop 1, if passed, would be devastating for the protection of human life and undermining parental rights. Prop 1 is too extreme for Idaho, and we must vote NO this fall on this ballot initiative.

I encourage you to approach this matter with prayerful seriousness and a properly formed conscience. As the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops affirms in Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: “The threat of abortion remains our preeminent priority because it directly attacks life itself, because it takes place within the sanctuary of the family, and because of the number of lives destroyed.”

By coming together as a family in prayer, raising awareness, and taking meaningful action, we can make a powerful difference in responding to this anti-life, anti-family initiative by advocating for the protection of the most vulnerable members of our society. In the months ahead, I ask our Catholic community to stand firmly upon three pillars: Prayer, Awareness, and Action.

Prayer

First and foremost, we entrust this matter to the Lord. Prayer has the power to convert hearts, clarify minds, and guide our efforts according to God’s Will.

From now through November 2026:

• The Diocese will be encouraging parishes to offer special pro-life themed Masses throughout 2026 for the protection of life and clear insight on the truth of Prop 1 for all in our Diocese.

• Individuals consider prayer and fasting, especially on Fridays.

• Pastors include pro-life prayer intentions each month and communicate awareness raising information in bulletins and parish communications provided by the Diocese.

Awareness

It is essential that Catholics understand the legal and moral implications of this proposal. The Diocese of Boise will provide teaching resources to assist the faithful.

I encourage you to read these materials carefully, reflect upon them prayerfully, and charitably share accurate information so that all may make informed decisions guided by truth and reason.

Action

Our faith compels us not only to pray, but to act with courage and clarity. Sacred Scripture reminds us, “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:26). In these months leading up to the election, especially now through October, I urge you to be actively engaged in defending the dignity of human life and the rights of parents. It is important for you to become active in defeating this initiative.

At the same time, our pro-life witness must always be accompanied by compassion and concrete support. Throughout Idaho, more than 25 pregnancy resource centers provide practical assistance to mothers and children. Please visit: www.dioceseofboise.org/respect-life

The Church has always upheld the dignity of both mother and child. We are called to be a light in the world, witnessing to a culture of life and love rooted in Christ. Let us move forward together with confidence in God’s Providence.

I strongly encourage you to vote NO this November. Our response must not be rooted in anger or fear, but in steadfast faith, charity, and an unwavering commitment to the truth about human life.

As St. Francis de Sales reminds us: “We shall steer safely through every storm so long as our heart is right, our intentions fervent, our courage steadfast and our trust fixed on God.”

Thank you for your prayerful attention and faithful witness.

Faithfully yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Peter F. Christensen, M.A., D.D.

Roman Catholic Diocese of Boise

07/22/2026

Join us in wishing Fr. Goodluck a very happy Priestly Ordination Anniversary today!

06/29/2026

We celebrated gratitude Sunday with a beautiful mass led by our Vacation Bible School students followed by a feast hosted by our parish council. Everyone enjoyed hamburgers, fries, baked beans, watermelon and ice cream sundaes.

06/22/2026

Celebrating all the amazing Fathers with a pie social.

06/08/2026

A beautiful celebration of first communion.

05/24/2026

Celebrating our graduates Loen Brumley and Kaitlyn Curtis.