Daily Mass TUE to FRI 12PM; SAT 5PM - SUN 8AM & 10:30AM

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    • Home
    • About Us
      • About St. Therese
      • New Parishioners
      • Councils
      • Organizations
    • Masses
    • Giving
    • Sacraments
      • Baptism
      • Confirmation
      • Reconciliation
      • Holy Eucharist
      • Anointing of the Sick
      • Marriage
      • Funerals
    • Faith Formation
      • Religious Education
      • Children's Choir
    • Ministries
      • Outreach & Social Justice
      • Worship
    • Bulletins
    • Contact
    • Updates
  • Home
  • About Us
    • About St. Therese
    • New Parishioners
    • Councils
    • Organizations
  • Masses
  • Giving
  • Sacraments
    • Baptism
    • Confirmation
    • Reconciliation
    • Holy Eucharist
    • Anointing of the Sick
    • Marriage
    • Funerals
  • Faith Formation
    • Religious Education
    • Children's Choir
  • Ministries
    • Outreach & Social Justice
    • Worship
  • Bulletins
  • Contact
  • Updates

About us

About St. Therese

We hope you find information that will be helpful here. Please contact us for any information you were unable to find on our website or if we can assist you in any way. We hope to see you at our beautiful location, either as an active member of our parish or as a visitor. 

Mission Statement

St. Therese is a joyful and welcoming Catholic Parish, united in Christ, 

promoting discipleship through community, outreach, and service.

Who We Are

St. Therese is a socially active Catholic Church nestled by the sea on Wrightsville Beach.  We are united through Jesus Christ in our journey toward a full Communion with God.  We strive to create a parish community that develops, reinforces, and shares 

our Christian faith, values, and collective gifts.

Parish Staff

Pastor:  Reverend William Upah

Director of Religious Education:  John Lewis

Operations Director:  Joe Baiunco

Office Manager:  Heather McLaren

Music & Liturgy:  Kevin Donnelly.

Our History

Our wonderful site on the beach was donated by the Corbett family in the early 1900s as a place for parishioners of St. Mary Parish in Wilmington to attend summer Mass. Eventually a small frame church was built and was called Our Lady Star of the Sea.  A resident pastor was assigned here in 1938, and in October, 1944, a new brick building was dedicated as the Church of St. Therese, the Little Flower.  In 1954, Hurricane Hazel severely damaged the church and destroyed the rectory.  The church was repaired and a new rectory built.  A new addition was added in 1963 that doubled the church capacity.  In 1976, St. Mark Parish was built to accommodate the growing Catholic population.  St. Therese Church again suffered major damage during hurricanes in 1993 and 1996.  It was completely renovated and restored to its present state.  In 1990 the Parish purchased a new rectory offsite and began using the former rectory for office, classrooms, and a parish hall.  In 2001 the adjacent property, now called the Grabowski Education Building, was purchased for additional parking, office, classroom, and meeting space.

There are 800 households and 2000 parishioners currently registered and active at St. Therese. We welcome vacationers and anyone looking for a place to worship, pray, and  seek the healing and peace available here in Word, Sacrament and nature. 

Online Giving

To view Online Giving options, please see our Online Giving page. 

Second and Special Collections

Your generosity is greatly appreciated!


You can donate to any “second collections” using envelopes that are mailed to you, envelopes that are in the pews, or by donating online.

If you have questions about how to do any of this, please contact the Parish Office. Thank you!  

Parking at St. Therese

Due to our unique location and limited parking space, please keep in mind:

  • Parking is always available for our Masses without a parking hang tag.
  • Please exit the parking lot after Mass has finished.

For beach parking:

  • You must display your parking hang tag on your car’s rear view mirror.
  • Towing is in effect for those who do not display a parking hang tag.
  • Parking may not be available during special events, such as Confirmation, funerals, weddings, etc.  
  • Please visit our Facebook page and Website to determine parking availability.
  • On the weekends, parking is generally available until 3:30 pm on Saturday and after 12:00 pm on Sunday.


Parishioners should watch for broadcast emails regarding parking lot updates or call the Parish Office with any questions.

(910) 256-2471

Content and images on this website are the property of St. Therese Catholic Church.


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