During three days of activities, about 1,000 people came together to celebrate the 50th anniversary of St. Theresa Parish in the high Sierras community of South Lake Tahoe.

“It was a multicultural celebration for the whole parish with an emphasis on youth, an appreciation of the past and a look toward the future of the parish community,” according to Msgr. Murrough Wallace, pastor.

Activities held held June 8-10, included a multicultural dinner featuring European, Mexican, Filipino and American cuisine, a carnival, a pancake breakfast, a 1950s dance and a liturgical celebration followed by a dinner honoring volunteers.

Bishop William K. Weigand presided at the anniversary Mass June 10, joined by Msgr. Wallace, Father John Grace, pastor emeritus, and Father Charles Kelly, parochial vicar. Father Mark Richards, former parochial vicar and current diocesan vocations co-director, as well as other priests who formerly served in the parish were also present for the liturgy.

In his homily at the anniversary Mass, which recalled the parish’s remarkable 50-year history, Msgr. Wallace described the people of St. Theresa as “a unique community” known for warmly welcoming “our many visitors from all over the world” during summer vacation months.

“You reach out to them every weekend and make them feel at home,” he noted. He also praised the “dedicated” work of parishioners involved in a ministry serving meals to those in need.

“Thanks to our ‘Bread and Broth’ volunteers and the generosity of many local people and stores, we have established a very successful program of which we are proud,” Msgr. Wallace said.

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