Led by the Sp DISCERNING IN THE MIDST OF CHANGE - Dimensions A publication of Theresians International
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Dimensions A publication of Theresians International
Fall 2019 | www.theresians.org
b y t h e S p i r i t
L ed DISCERNING IN THE
MIDST OF CHANGE
IN THIS ISSUE
6
MARIBETH ANDERSON,
OUTGOING PRESIDENT
FOR 2018-2019
8 A time for prayer
Hello Theresian sisters! So what are you doing
for the next year and a half? Is there room in your
prayer schedule for just one more prayer?
As you know, this last Oct. 4-5, 32 Theresians in current and past
leadership descended on Springfield, Ill., for a 2-day discernment
process called “Discernment in a Time of Transition: Theresians
Evolving Toward a Bright Future.” A Search Committee was called
forth to find a new Executive Director, as our faithful leader of the
past 20 years, Vicki Schmidt, will retire on Sept. 18, 2021.
The Search Committee will spend the next 23 months preparing
to advertise the position nationally, receive applicants, narrow them
down to the top three and then schedule interviews. Doing all this
and more is what is required to put a new Executive Director at the
helm. Together, we will pray the Prayer in a Time of Transition.
It is through prayer that this process will go smoothly and
successfully; we are counting on your collaboration with us in this
huge endeavor. It will feel like a difficult task to replace Vicki, but
we trust the Holy Spirit is walking beside us on this journey. We
Fall 2019 encourage all our communities to pray with us each month at our
monthly meetings.
When transition happens, it can be a stressful process for an
FEATURE STORIES organization. We certainly experienced this stress during the 2008
We gather in community because we are called
4 formation of Theresians International when we did the work of
bringing Theresians of the United States and the Theresian World
5 Led by the Spirit – Discerning through change Ministry under one international umbrella. It was new and some-
6 Loras College students: A gift to times daunting, and while many were excited about that transition,
Dubuque Theresians there were many who felt uneasy with the change. I personally
believe that the consolidation made us a stronger organization, with
7 Surrendering to God’s will arms reaching outward in friendship across the oceans. And Vicki
8 COVER STORY was the visionary responsible for us making this shift. I am grateful
Led by the Spirit – Discerning in the midst for the possibility that she could see in us.
of change So in this process of change, as we begin to feel that the earth is
shifting once again under us, let us pray together regularly and let
FEATURE STORIES us keep our eyes on the prize, on the outcome we are hoping for,
12 Change is constant, let us welcome this gift which is a holy, dedicated, qualified and capable woman to step up
to become our new Executive Director. No doubt she will be wear-
13 Thoughts on Holy Emergence
ing a different size and style of shoe, but if her heart is as compas-
14 Life in the House of Belonging – Discerning sionate and loving as Vicki’s, and if she can make us all continue to
our way in the Holy Spirit feel like family and keep our organization strong, then we will have
accomplished our sweet mission! On behalf of the TI Board and the
15 THERESIAN ANNUAL FUND 2018-2019
Search Committee, we promise to stay in close communication with
16 PERENNIAL DONORS, LEGACY DONORS all our communities throughout this process. ◊
2 Theresians International • Fall 2019
DIRECTOR MESSAGES
Who is Holy
Mystery luring
Time to let the
VICKI SCHMIDT, ROSEMARY SIMEK,
us to become?
EXECUTIVE INCOMING PRESIDENT
DIRECTOR FOR 2019-2020
“Nothing in this universe remains unchanged, this is the fallacy
divine grace us
of fixity. We are often captured by the spell of fixity. The reality is Prayer, laughter, hugs, listening, learning, discerning –
that we are all part of a vast process of becoming. We are a human Theresians. You could feel the love and passion for Theresians
becoming not a human being. We still have not become all we were in the women who attended the Discernment Weekend in
meant to become.” Theresians International is still becoming. Springfield, Ill., Oct.4-6, 2019. We prepared by reading Who Do
When I heard Sister Sharon Zayac, OP speak these words at our We Choose to Be? by Margaret J. Wheatley. It is a timely and chal-
meeting on Oct. 4th, it was a great reminder and a reinforcement of lenging book focusing on the need for leadership in our time.
the idea we already know that nothing remains the same, everything We shared our meals with the Dominican Sisters who prayed for
is always changing. Even though things seem static at times around us and pampered us with the warmest hospitality. Our goal was
us, Sister Sharon’s statement reminded us that we are all part of a to discern a Search Committee for our new Executive Director.
vast system of change on a global and universal level. It was a great We learned quickly from our moderator, Sister Sharon Zayac
introduction to the task we were addressing, that of change with the OP, how story impacts our lives and undergirds our culture,
leadership of TI. Change is inevitable, even though we are here for our attitudes and our actions. And so we pondered the Genesis
such a short time in terms of the history of the planet we inhabit. creation story and an evolving creation story, how God, Holy
We were advised last January by a nonprofit consultant, Joan Mystery, reveals self in creation and in the diversity of the world
Garry, that this type of change in any nonprofit can be life-giving around us; how science is confirming the interconnectedness
or bring chaos and confusion. Of course, our intention is to make of all things; how everything and everyone is in process. We,
this journey towards change a life-giving and energizing gift for Mother Earth and our Universe are becoming, unfolding. We are
all of our members by keeping you informed about the progress constantly being called by Holy Mystery into Holy Mystery.
along the way. Communication will be the best way to make this a We recalled the origin of our Theresian story and recounted
positive movement for the entire organization. Rather than focus on ways Theresians has evolved over the years. During sharing in large
what will be lost, we are calling all of our members to be aware of and small groups, we asked: How are we challenged to live our
the movement of the Holy Spirit through it all. In a spirit of hope Theresian call differently? What work needs to be done to move
and trust, let us imagine that the Spirit has an eye on everything we Theresians International into the future? How can we imagine new
are doing and will not lead us astray. ways of making our core values relevant today and going forward?
The Prayer in a Time of Transition was written so that all Ther- What choices must we begin to make to move us forward?
esians could be a part of inviting the Holy Spirit to usher in new On Saturday afternoon, Jim Connolly introduced us to “Choos-
leadership. Every community will receive the prayer cards before ing Talent Themes: Identifying the Talent Themes We Need for
Thanksgiving. We encourage communities to pray this prayer of the Future.” The presentation was fascinating and we learned that
invocation of the Holy Spirit to begin this journey of discernment IQ, education and experience often focused on in the interview-
with us. The solidarity of our prayers for this purpose will make a ing process will not guarantee the most effective person for the
big difference as we slowly make our way to January 2021, when job. The best predictor for on the job success is Emotional Intelli-
we begin to advertise the position of Executive Director. Any future gence (EQ), how we manage behavior, navigate social complexi-
information or updates on the process will come from the TI Board ties and make personal decisions. Enter here the Talent Themes –
leadership and the Search Committee. naturally occurring pattern of thought, feeling or behavior. We all
We are excited about the International Gathering in Toronto, July operate out of our basic talent themes, especially in times of crisis.
23-26, 2020. Mary Sharon Moore is our keynote speaker and we In small groups, we were challenged to identify five, out of 34,
are excited about the powerful message she will bring to all of us. Talent Themes that we would like to find in our new Executive
Dare to Believe, Rise Up to Act is the title of her most recently pub- Director. Some talent themes that surfaced are: Connectedness,
lished book. We hope that you will make a commitment to join us Relator, Communicator, Achiever – goals accomplished, Harmony
with our sisters in Toronto to help us create yet another new story – consensus decision-making, Futuristic. The Search Committee
of women supporting women, reaching out with Gospel values! will finalize the five Talent Themes. Pray for them!
Together, we can see once again what Holy Mystery is luring us to Then it was time. Time to sit in silence. Time to let the Divine
become! This will be my last conference/gathering as your Director grace us. Time to be together in unspoken harmony. Quietly, Sis-
– so come and join us. We’ll have a wonderful weekend in Toronto ter Sharon asked if anyone would like to nominate a Co-Chair. In
with our Canadian sisters! a matter of minutes, we called forth our seven-member team and
Sending each of you all the best for the upcoming holidays. six additional women offered to help. All the women who attend-
May our hearts be filled with gratitude for the solidarity we share ed this powerful weekend are indebted to Theresians around the
as Theresian Sisters. ◊ world who prepared the way through prayer and good works. ◊
3
FEATURE STORIES
We gather in community because we are called
T herefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with
compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other
and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive
as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them
together in perfect unity. – Colossians 3:12-14
JULIA BATDORF, This was the opening prayer of my very first conversations about marriage and, months later,
ANAM CARA
Theresian meeting. I was 25 years old and my sisters celebrated with me at my wedding. My
COMMUNITY,
HOUSTON, TEXAS while everyone was warm and welcoming, I was Theresian sisters ached with me through infertility
intimidated. The women were older than me, and rejoiced at the arrival of my children. They
in a totally different stage of life, and were so stood by loving me and mentoring me as I grew
comfortable with one another. But then we settled into myself – and allowed me to love and share
into prayer; Mary Singleton read the verse and with them.
somehow I knew I was home. After that meeting, We moved and I joined another community
I remember thinking that my daily life was not the closer to my home. With these sisters, I have
life of these women at all, yet when they shared journeyed through the ups and downs of later life –
about their faith, I could so easily relate. theirs and mine. We have grieved together through
What I love about the Theresian model of losses and celebrated together life’s triumphs.
community is that the Community Dimension is Over the years, there have been times when
there for its own sake. We gather in community programs don’t necessarily inspire me, when I
because we are called. We don’t gather because we struggle to connect with some of my sisters, and
are studying the same book of the Bible or because even times of loneliness at my Theresian meeting.
our children go to school together or even because And through all those times, I have hung in
we belong to the same parish. We gather because there, recognizing that love that is “put on” in
we recognize the truth of Jesus’ words, “When two community will override all else.
or more are gathered in my name, I am there.” We Growing up and growing older as a Theresian
need a safe space from which to live our lives. have given me the gift of discernment – a safe
Because I became a Theresian as a young space in which to share life’s inevitable changes. It
adult, my Theresian sisters have walked with gives me the gift of women who are rooting for me,
me through many of life’s journeys. I remember, who are praying for me and who are “putting on
when my husband and I were dating, having long love, which binds us together in perfect unity.” ◊
Search Committee
called forth at the
Discernment meeting
on October 5th:
(L to R): Sharon
Benson, Ariz.;
Mary Anne Camillo,
Philippines; Linda
Alesi, La.; Mary
Nauman, Iowa; Sandy
Smith, Texas; Claire
Mueller, Texas; and
Stephanie Hawkins, Ill.
4 Theresians International • Fall 2019
Led by the Spirit
Discerning through change
L ife changes can bring joy, sorrow or even a combination of both, but with every
life change comes that big ugly word that we all hate – UNCERTAINTY. On the
list of things people fear the most, we always find public speaking, heights, spiders and
KATIE AUSTIN
LES AMIES
DE L’AVENT,
death. But uncertainty is a big fear we often forget. Uncertainty induces anxiety and LAFAYETTE, LA.
allows an opportunity for the enemy to remind us of all the ways we do not trust. At
times of uncertainty, we often forget all of the other times we have felt the Lord holding
us up. Like Peter when he asked the Lord to invite him onto the water – we suddenly
look down and realize we have no idea how to take our next step, and we begin to “Our stories
sink. And that’s where my Theresian sisters have come to the rescue!
impact all living
When faced with change or an unclear path hand-wringing, the perfect opportunity arrived, things. What
forward, we often get stuck in analysis paralysis – teaching seventh-grade religion part-time at a local
unable to quiet ourselves enough to hear the Holy Catholic school. I was able to refocus my efforts at
we do, who we
Spirit speaking. Over the last year of my life, it the Catholic Student Center on what I truly love are and how we
became increasingly apparent that it was time to – teaching and bringing people to the sacraments,
reconsider my job description. I was not looking while spending the first hours of my work day
behave impact the
to leave the Catholic Student Center, where I had with some of the cutest (and most spirited) whole of creation.
been working for the last eight years, but like you 12-year-olds you have ever met.
do with any missionary call, the willingness to What began as a small Theresian community
What insight
hurriedly pack with loins girt and dust-shaken of teachers, Les Amies de L’Avent expanded to does this give us
sandals is always deep in your heart. However, welcome me and others four years ago. During this
the uncertainty of what I should do next or if I transition into teacher life, I have been surrounded
about who we are
should move on became truly debilitating. Having by an incredibly prayerful and humble group of as Theresians?
the prayers of my Theresian community and their ladies who have helped me at every turn. I’m not
encouragement that the Lord, in his own time only lifted up in prayer, but I’ve been lifted up in
Cultures are
(yikes!), would show me a clear path carried me lesson planning, classroom management ideas and defined by their
through this difficult time. the listening ears of so many who have been there
After a couple of months of agonizing and before. I am so thankful for my community! ◊
stories. The single
most fundamental
story is the glue
that binds our
cultures together.
Myth means to tell
our sacredness –
tell our stories.”
– Sharon Zayac, OP
Blessing of the Search
Committee after the
Discernment: (L to R):
Sandy Smith, Texas;
Linda Alesi, La.; Sharon
Benson, Ariz.
www.theresians.org 5
A publication for
Theresians MARY NAUMAN,
International WOMEN AT THE WELL,
DUBUQUE, IOWA
Victoria S. Schmidt
EDITOR/EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR
Sharon Benson, Ariz.
Julia Batdorf, Texas
Stephanie Hawkins, Ill.
Aliz Azurin, Philippines
Tanya Greenwald, La.
EDITORIAL COMMITTEE
Maribeth Anderson
Victoria S. Schmidt
Rosemary Simek
Julia Batdorf
Katie Austin
Mary Nauman Loras College students:
A gift to Dubuque Theresians
Gianinna Labicane
Irene Acosta McGee
Jamie Myers
Sheryl Lyons
Agnes Amihere All the encounters I’ve had over the past few years Leadership at Loras College has always been
Judy Rolke
Mary Sharon Moore
with the young Theresians at Loras College have supportive and local Theresian communities have
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS revealed to me that they are truly led by the Spirit. made ourselves available to them if needed. We try
With the pressures of peers, social media and college to attend one of their first meetings in the fall to
Agnes Amihere
Maribeth Anderson
life, they still value their own spiritual growth and welcome and encourage new members and again
Katie Austin support others within community. While they face each spring to send off the seniors and remind
Julia Batdorf the same challenges that all Theresian communities them to seek or start a Theresian community
Gianinna Labicane
Mary Sharon Moore
experience – commitment, membership, attendance wherever they “land.” I’ve been so blessed by their
Mary Nauman at meetings, etc.– they trust in God’s grace and energy and passion whenever I’ve been with them
Judy Rolke mercy and continue to nurture each other in prayer and know they will find peace, joy and success as
Vicki Schmidt
Rosemary Simek
and the Five Dimensions. they continue to be led by the Spirit. ◊
Anna St. Blanc
CONTRIBUTING
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Theresians International
1237 W. Monroe St.
PRAYER IN A T IM E OF T RAN S IT ION
Springfield, IL 62704
217.726.5484
888.545.7230 Holy One, we thank you for all the blessings
(USA only) you have showered upon Theresians since our beginning in 1961.
www.theresians.org
We come to you now seeking wisdom,
guidance and an outpouring of your Holy Spirit
as we enter into discernment, preparation and selection
of a new Executive Director for our international community.
Empower the TI Board and the Search Committee
Patrick O’Brien
PRESIDENT AND CEO
in the work of leading Theresians
Janna Stellwag
through the succession process in a timely manner.
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Grant them gifts of open collaboration and strong
InnerWorkings communication with our membership.
PRINT MANAGEMENT
6 Theresians International • Fall 2019
FEATURE STORIES
Surrendering to God’s will
I have always been an idealistic and romantic person. When I was younger, I would
stay up late talking to my father and mother about my dreams and ambitions. I
shared with such certainty and conviction that I would, someday, conquer the world GIANINNA LABICANE,
and make a huge contribution to humanity. I was so sure that I would serve a purpose MARINDUQUE
UNIVERSITY IN THE
more important than myself. And, only achieving that goal would make me feel truly PHILIPPINES
alive. Looking at the night skies, at the stars, I whispered to God, “I don’t know what
your plans are for me, but I am excited, and I am ready. Do as you will.
As I grew older, reality began kicking in and I about the destination, but more about the stories,
realized that getting to my destination would not lessons and friends we gain along the way.
be as easy as I thought. I began thinking that all Less than a year ago, a Theresian sister suffered
my dreams were products of my naiveté. As I failed a devastating betrayal from a former partner. She
over and over, I began building walls. I lost people felt it was something she had done and ques-
who were important to me. Worse, I stopped tioned her behavior and her own worth. We “Life is not about
talking to God. I tried to fix everything myself and worked together to rebuild her confidence and the destination,
a friend reminded me I was clutching a handful of affirmed that together we could help establish her
sand, which continued to trickle from my fingers. self-worth. but more about
A heartbreaking incident in my life led me to Through my years as a Theresian, I have devel- the stories,
the night I sat alone in my bedroom, speaking oped a better understanding and deeper appre-
to God in a moment of complete surrender. My ciation of why we must weather storms in our lessons and
silent prayer: life. Just as friction is necessary to polish precious friends we gain
gems so we are required to face difficulties to
Lord, I don’t know what your plans are. I don’t become a better person. along the way.”
understand what you have in store for me, but I At this point in my life, I find the Spirituality
surrender and am ready to do your will. and Community Dimension to be at the forefront,
while I still strive to continuously integrate all oth-
I am still in the process of healing and accept- er dimensions into my everyday life. I would now
ing who I am. My circumstances taught me that like to focus on establishing spiritual maturity to
while the future does hold much promise, it is better serve and show compassion to people both
important to enjoy living every day. Life is not within and beyond the Theresian community. ◊
Bless us with candidates who will lead us
in the continued growth of Theresians International,
who will embrace the Theresian motto
“Women in Support of Women … Reaching Out with Gospel Values,”
and the Five Dimensions that enrich our lives.
Protect all who will travel for meetings and interviews.
In the spirit of St. Thérèse of Lisieux,
we bring all our needs to you,
trusting in your great love and mercy.
Amen
Written by Rosemary Simek and Anne Murphy (2019)
Women of the Spirit Community, Phoenix, Arizona
www.theresians.org 7
COVER STORY
b y t h e S p i r i t
Led DISCERNING IN THE
Y
MIDST OF CHANGE
8 Theresians International • Fall 2019
I am Irene Acosta McGee and I have been a Theresian
in Lake Charles since 2003. Our community is
By Irene Acosta McGee,
called SISTERS — Sisters Inspired to Seek Theresian SISTERS COMMUNITY, LAKE CHARLES, LA.
Experiences Revealed by the Spirit. We pray each
month using Lectio Divina as part of our program and
I believe we have been guided by the Spirit in our quest
for knowledge and understanding for our lives and for
our world.
I was born in El Paso, Texas, in 1941, and was fortunate to have
been brought up in a very loving, child-friendly Mexican family with
a grandmother that lived with us until I was 8. Much of my faith was
instilled in me as a child by my grandmother. She took me to Mass
weekly; I loved going to church with her and watching her pray. Her
lips moved silently as she moved the beads with her hands. During
the month of May, she also took me to offer flowers to the Blessed
Virgin. I also loved going to catechism classes as I got older. I studied
and knew my faith well, until I was challenged by some life events.
My father died when I was 29. A few years later, three of my Catho-
lic-educated nephews embraced Judaism (they discovered that our
ancestral family had been Jewish). Were they all going to hell? As I got
older, I prayed more, meditated more, studied more and tried to under-
stand what the truth really was. I was discerning in the midst of change.
The Spirit was with me as I studied and grew from a pre-Vatican II,
spoon-fed Catholic who questioned nothing into an adult Catholic
who wanted to understand the teachings of the Church. I moved from
reading Scripture literally to reading and studying Scripture with
help from the writings of theologians and Scripture scholars such
as Fathers Richard Rohr, Ronald Rolheiser and Thomas Merton, and,
of course, St. Therese of Lisieux.
Life has changed quite a lot in my lifetime; many lifestyles are
different and I have found that it does no good to judge or to try to
change people. I only live by what I believe to be true and pray to
bring others to Christ by my example and not my mouth.
Many years ago, I read a passage from 1 John 46: “God is Love.
And he who abides in love, abides in God, and God in him.” I have
pondered this for many years and have come to believe that if God
IS Love, and if God lives in me, then I must also be Love. I want to
be Love; I want to respond to all situations with Love. Sometimes that
means just being silent, instead of responding in difficult situations.
It means praying for the rapists and killers as well as for the victims.
It means not to judge.
My Theresian SISTERS and I have prayed and studied with a
video series called “The Wild Goose” – alias “The Holy Spirit,” for
the past two years. I can truly say that we have all grown in prayer,
love, understanding and knowledge. We experienced a wonderful
adventure with the “Wild Goose” and I’m sure we are better prepared
to face our lives in the midst of continuing change.
It is a joy to say that committing for life to Theresians has created for
me a family of sisters. We share our joys and our sorrows; we pray for
each other; and we know that all we have to do is ask or even let a need
be known and we are there for each other.
In closing, I want to express deep gratitude for my faith, my family,
my SISTERS and for the Holy Spirit that guides my life in the midst
of change. Amen.
www.theresians.org 9
Invite the Holy Spirit By Jamie Myers,
to guide your life SISTERS ON THE
FAITHFUL JOURNEY,
LAFAYETTE, LA.
E very life event — good, bad, joyous, or painful — really is
in accordance with his will. You hear the words “It is God’s
will.” But I have always been a planner and perfectionist by
nature, so when life threw challenges that yielded big changes
for me in my early 20s, I struggled to understand how or why
any of it was part of his plan.
Shortly after graduating from college, my boyfriend (now husband) and I be-
came pregnant with our daughter Cadence, Within the same year, I also lost my
best friend to a drug overdose. As a young girl, I often imagined that my adult life
would be a nonstop array of glamour and good times, but at 23 I was finding out
that God had other plans. Adversity both challenges and strengthens you. During
that difficult year, as I mourned the loss of one life and welcomed the uncondi-
tional love of another, I felt a pull to deepen my faith and find a place to share
and connect with others.
For me, having faith means inviting the Holy Spirit into my circumstances,
knowing I don’t have to know the plan or have the answers. The invitation from
myself to the Spirit is ongoing – requesting my needs to him and listening to
where he is leading me every day.
I was introduced to Theresians by a dear friend that I met at work. Looking
back, I truly believe that God placed me in that particular job for two very import-
ant reasons: first, to gain the experience and recognition I would need to further
my career and be successful; and, secondly, to meet her and be led to where he
was calling me. God chose the right person to encourage me, and I still turn to
her for spiritual guidance, direction and inspiration today.
There is serenity in knowing that you are in the exact right place at the
exact right time, and I felt that so deeply at my very first Theresian meeting.
The yearning and pull for a deeper connection to my faith finally had an
outlet to grow in my life.
Therese’s Little Way and the Five Dimensions of Theresians are perfect in their
simplicity. The idea of growing and loving in community with a few awesome soul
sisters is the best part of all! I belong to a community of diverse women ranging in
ages and we are beautiful in all of our differences. What I value most is the trust
and support that we share and the comfort in knowing that my sisters pray
for me and with me. The Holy Spirit led me to Theresians nine years ago. In my
community, I feel home.
One of the things I love most about God is his unwavering commitment to lead
me through the Holy Spirit. I like to think that God has curated a collection of
tools just for me that I can pull from when I am facing difficult times or am in need
of him in any way. I only need to pray and discern to choose the right tool. A few
things in my personal tool collection are meditation, prayer, Our Blessed Mother
Mary, favorite books, my family, my Theresian sisters and, of course, St. Therese.
Looking back now, I am so thankful for the struggles, challenges and change in
my life because they allowed me to deepen my faith and desire to grow spiritually.
Change for me has truly been grace – leading me to some of my biggest blessings,
and a community of faith-filled women that I cherish.
10 Theresians International • Fall 2019COVER STORY
“What I thought was By Sheryl Lyons,
gonna be the death of
me was my saving grace.” ROSÉ JOLIE COMMUNITY,
LAFAYETTE, LA.
— LUKE COMBS, WHEN IT RAINS IT POURS
H urricane Katrina struck New
Orleans on Aug. 29, 2005. I had
developed into a close-knit group of grace-filled
women who accompany each other through all
evacuated in advance of the storm the joys and heartbreaks of life.
Fast forward to August 2016. Eight months ear-
with my two young sons and my
lier, my 21-year marriage had ended in a painful
widowed mother-in-law. My husband divorce. I woke up one morning to discover that
had insisted on staying behind “to floodwaters were about to enter the home that I
protect our things.” purchased as a newly single mom.
I was displaced for over a year and had to endure
The immediate effects of the storm were min- my home being gutted and repaired, all while
imal, but the levee breach that followed caused working full-time and trying to maintain a sense
floodwaters to rise to the third floor of our of normalcy for my sons, who were now in high
split-level home, and both of our vehicles were school. Initially, the former me, as I like to refer
totaled. For nearly one week, I was unable to to as the pre-K (pre-Katrina) me, responded
speak to my husband. At the depth of my despair with a “Why me?” mentality. Eventually,
of not knowing his fate, I fell to my knees and however, I was able to see God’s purpose in
bargained with God, promising to give up all of the trials and tribulations that I have faced.
my material possessions if he were to spare my Two one hundred-year floods in 11 years! Are
husband’s life. My prayer was answered. Several you kidding me?
days later, my husband was rescued by some Through discernment and a strong prayer
Good Samaritans and joined us in my hometown life supported and encouraged by my
of Lafayette. My husband longed to return to Theresian sisters, I have learned that relation-
New Orleans, but because I was fearful of return- ships are more important than money and
ing to a city that lay below sea level, our family possessions. I have learned that human
relocated to Lafayette. suffering, when accepted and offered up
I remember attending a talk given by Father in union with Christ’s suffering, can have
Hampton Davis, a local priest who had to evac- redemptive value. I have learned that in
uate the Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans. serving others, one becomes more aware
He relayed a conversation that he had with a of her own blessings. I have learned
saleswoman he encountered while shopping to trust God and his plan for my
to replace his favorite pillow. When he told her life. And I am so very thankful
that he was a victim of Katrina, she had replied, that he surrounded me with
“You’re not a victim, you’re a survivor!” That beautiful women of faith
sentiment has resonated with me ever since. and hope who are there for
Several months later, I headed to meet my sons me when I need them most.
at their school Mass. As another woman and I “Our sufferings bring
discovered, the Mass had been rescheduled. We acceptance, acceptance
struck up a conversation that soon developed brings hope, and our
into my first new friendship. Over the next few hope will not deceive
years, I became friends with many other women us, for the Spirit has
who had children who attended school with my been poured into
sons, and I was invited to join a group of them our hearts.”
in forming a Theresian community. We were (Rom 5:3-5) ◊
chartered in November 2010, taking the name
Rose’ Jolie, or Beautiful Rose. Since then, we have
www.theresians.org 11FEATURE STORIES
AGNES AMIHERE,
LITTLE PETALS
COMMUNITY,
KNUST, GHANA
Change is constant,
let us welcome this gift
C hange is a constant thing in social and organizational life. People and organizations
change leaders, systems and practices on a continual basis with the view of improving
organizational effectiveness and fulfilling set goals. However, a change process has to be
properly handled for it to become successful.
I am your As an organization, Theresians International, which the work of the Search Committee. This involves
is a global ministry founded in a Catholic tradition, constantly imploring the Holy Spirit for the seven
servant; finds itself in the tentacles of change. In October gifts of Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude,
give me this year, Theresians will commence the process to Knowledge, Piety and the Fear of the Lord; and
call forth a new Executive Director as Vicki Schmidt being mindful of the 12 fruits of Charity, Joy,
discernment retires. Under the theme “Discernment in a Time of Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Generosity,
that I may Transition: Theresians Evolving Toward a Bright Future,” Faithfulness, Modesty, Self-control and Chastity.
this process, which includes prayers by all Theresians, In going through our discernment, we have to
understand advertisement and interviews by the Search rest assured that so long as we seek God’s direction
your statutes. Committee, will end hopefully in August 2021 when and depend on the Spirit, the search process will be
a new Executive Director takes over. successful. Those who allow themselves to be carried
– Psalm 119:125 Very critical in this process is the need to manage along by the Holy Spirit will have prophecies revealed
it properly and ensure that it becomes effectual. to them through the will of God. (2 Pt 1:21)
For Theresians International, this means being led Therefore, I wish to entreat all Theresians to pray
by the Spirit and going through our discernment ceaselessly to God, imploring the Spirit to be our
process patiently and diligently. As women of faith helper, intercessor, comforter, strengthener and
with diversity of gifts and varied backgrounds, we leader in this time of transition as we search for
need a change process that will allow the Spirit of our next Executive Director. Indeed, we all have to
God to lead and guide us in our deliberations and be confident that the Lord who goes before us will
sharing of ideas and perspectives during the October not fail us (Dt 31:8) and will allow a new, competent
meeting, gatherings of the various communities and Executive Director to emerge in August 2021. ◊
12 Theresians International • Fall 2019Thoughts on Holy Emergence
Pope Francis has asked, “How can we proclaim
Christ to a world that is constantly changing?”
JUDY ROLKE,
THERESIAN VII
COMMUNITY,
HOUSTON, TEXAS
Daniel Ibáñez/CNA
We see this change daily in the world as refugees the WEET community. As we listened to hear the For those
leave troubled areas in search of safety. We see it concerns, observations and ideas from each other,
in ourselves as we go through all the phases of our we prayed for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. As we
who are led
lives. And we see it clearly in Theresians and in the worked, our friendships in Christ developed. by the Spirit
history of our Theresian organization. More change From the many ideas we discerned, there were 2
is coming with Vicki’s future retirement in 2021. key components to be addressed: revitalization and
of God are
Though we have been and continue to be “Women formation. We needed to embrace our vocation as the children
in Support of Women Reaching Out with Gospel Theresians and to visualize the process of opening
Values,” Theresians are experienced with change, yet our Theresian communities to women who could
of God.
always with prayerful guidance and support! benefit from living the Five Dimensions. The WEET – Romans 8:14
In 1961, when Theresians was first established, Team gathered input, with suggestions of hosting
its corporate ministry was to promote the vocations more Days of Prayer and developing a Mentor
of women religious. As the role of women in society Training Program. The WEET Team produced final
evolved, and with the Holy Spirit at our side, we recommendations that were given to the National
discerned our mission would be to acknowledge the Leadership Team and the Theresian International
role of ALL women as we advocated living the Five Board. Many of these recommendations have been
Dimensions. In 2008, again with the Holy Spirit at implemented, and our membership is increasing.
our side, we discerned a call to unity and equality But maybe the best outcome has been that within
for Theresians around the world and we became our membership, we have learned to embrace change
Theresians International. together knowing that the Holy Spirit is with us.
But change did not stop there. In November 2010, At our final meeting, Kathy McCormick chose this
Vicki called together a group of Theresians to address prophetic Scripture reading:
another change. Our numbers were declining and
we were becoming less active. From that group, the According to the Grace of God given to me, like a
WEET Team formed, Women Emerging to Embrace wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another
Theresians. I was blessed to work with more than is building on it. But each one must be careful how
25 beautiful women for about three years. We he builds upon it, for no one can lay a foundation
talked, we prayed, we emailed, we phoned, we met, other than the one that is there, namely, Jesus
we observed ... we communicated as we formed Christ. (1 Cor 3:10-11) ◊
www.theresians.org 13FEATURE STORY
Life in the House of Belonging
Discerning our way in the Holy Spirit
three in everlasting, loving communion, a holy con-
versation of love that is heaven. Their communion
also is an everlasting invitation to you and to me, to
dwell in, to make our home within, the Holy Trinity.
Do you know what this means? The Holy Trinity is
our House of Belonging.
We dwell, you and I, already in this House of
Belonging, in the Holy Trinity. Therefore, let noth-
ing disturb you! Especially in times of uncertainty,
MARY SHARON MOORE
when chaos runs wild in our cities and thunderous
is author of several clouds rise on every horizon.
books, including Our work, yours and mine, is to lean intently into
Conformed to Christ and the Holy Spirit of the risen Lord and wait upon and
Anointed for a Purpose. trust the subtle and gracious movement as we make
Her latest book, Dare our way through dark and troubling spaces, through
to Believe, Rise Up to unsettling landscapes of change.
Act, will be the resource Do we dare lean this deeply? Do we dare trust
for her talks at the the Spirit whom the Lord promised will instruct us
Theresians Conference and lead us, if we but allow?
in Toronto, July 24-26,
RUBLEV, ICON OF HOLY TRINITY
Daily, I tell you, we are being apprenticed, you
O
2020. Her website is and I, to the work of complete abandonment and
n my prayer table, I behold a large, radical trust in the Holy Trinity, whose only conver-
marysharonmoore.com,
sacred icon of the Holy Trinity. You sation is everlasting love.
where you can read
sample pages of Dare to may know this icon, with the three holy We are being apprenticed daily to the subtle
Believe and order your visitors sitting at Abraham’s table. and sure discernment toward the next steps, new
advance copy. (For orders understandings and courageous actions, at home
outside the U.S., select The three are in conversation. But notice the and abroad, as we rise up, anointed and fully
International Orders.) dynamic: the Son, seated in the center, gazes with equipped, to act in the place of him who was raised
everlasting, love upon the Father. The Father does from the dead.
not return the gaze, but gazes, instead, with ever- We do this rising up with confidence and joy, be-
lasting love, upon the Holy Spirit. And the Holy cause we know, you and I, whose flesh is embedded
Spirit gazes at neither Father nor Son, but with in our flesh, and whose blood flows in our veins.
everlasting love upon the world – the world that Our mission is quite simple: To remain in Christ
you and I inhabit right now – with hand extended and reveal him everywhere, just as his mission
in everlasting blessing. was simple: To remain in his Father and, yes, reveal
To consider one of these figures is to consider all him everywhere. ◊
INTERNATIONAL THERESIAN GATHERING IN TORONTO
JULY 24-26, 2020
TORONTO SHERATON
Keynote Speaker: Mary Sharon Moore Plan to arrive on July 23 so you can participate in a
(marysharonmoore.com) visit to Niagara Falls and enjoy lunch at a Carmelite
Monastery on Friday, July 24.
“Dare to Believe: Equipping Theresians
to be the Public Face of Jesus” Limited number of 75 for this excursion, so reserve your
space soon. Cost is an additional U.S. $80.
Registration is U.S. $225 payable to Theresians International
Register online
Please pray for the success of our gathering!
14 Theresians International • Fall 2019Theresian Annual Fund 2018-2019
I am honored to be the Chairperson of the Annual Fund Drive. These donations are critical to the operation and growth of our
beloved organization! We have many generous Theresians, but increasing the percentage of those who give could make such a
difference for our Theresian Women of Faith globally. I hope we can count on ALL of you to take a minute, fill out your donation
form (either one lump sum or a monthly donation) and send it in! Every dollar helps! My heartfelt thanks and love, Sharon Benson.
Theresian Legacy Blevins, Trudy Warwick, Mary Guidry, Susan Quill, Joan
Builders Booth, Jeannette Wingfield, Carol Guillory, Barbara Reilly, Rosemary
St. Thérèse Society Boudreaux, Robyn Yoggerst, Robin Hall, Cecilia Reynolds, Golda
– $2,500 and up Burns, Mary Ann Zander, Anna Hancock, Fran Rizzotti, Ginny
Batdorf, Julia Clark, Ann Zehnder, Rosemary Hanks, Syd Robbins, Mary J.
Gilb, Rose Marie Coselli, Nancy Hargroder, Margaret Robin, Dena
Kramer, Rita Delahoussaye, Hazel Red Rose Guild – Up to $99 Harrold, Marlane Rogers, Sherry
Mangum, Betty DeMont, Mary Ann Albrecht, Mary Clare Hartberger, Patricia Rooker, Barbara
Rolke, Judy Deshotel, Martha Altamira, Connie Havel-Moser, Pamela Ryan, Peaches
DiNardo, Daniel Arendt, Marilyn Healy, Pegge Sakson, Kathy
Msgr. Voss Council Dugas, Barbara Aronson, Marianne Hearts, Hopeful Salerno, Elizabeth
– $1,000-$2,499 Duplechin, Carol Atchison, Helen Hensley, Liz Salls, Bettie
Bruno, Pat Elsner, Katherine Beauchamp, Kay Hicks, Edna Scherner, Joyce
Dederich, Madeline Englert, DeAnn Beique, Kathleen Hodges, Lu Schott, Joan
Duplantier, Sally Fleming, Francine Benoit, Lillian Hotze, Cathy Schreiber, Mary
Goudelocke, Melanie Freeman, Rita Bettis, Teresa Huebner, Sharon Scott, Eva
Herndon, Rebecca French, Laura Billeaud, Gail Humphreys, Nicette Shallock, Peggy
Jennings, Kathy Fuhrwerk, Barb Bindo, Elaine Jarrell, Camille Smith, Inga
Keppel, Barbara Fuller, Marie Bock, Margaret Jewell, Jane Sproat, Sharon
Phornmongkol, Paradee Garlick, Paula Bollich, Joan Jones, Sharon Steffes, Sandy
Phornmongkol, Pachuen Gautreau, Roxane Bond, Audrey Kaupiwe, Jan Stewart, Dorothy
Rareshide, Liz Gessler, Jan Bowslaugh, Toni Kehoe, Lorrie Stroh, Pat
Scott, Kathy Giaccio, Frances Braden, Maria Kelly, Mary Lou Sugalski, Peggy
Giannoni, Janet Briggs, Kathy Kennedy, Judy Sujdak, Luci
Theresian Founders’ Circle – Green, Rose Brindley, Patricia Kiger, Martha Talbot, Eva
$500-$999 Greenwald, Tanya Brueckbauer, Nerissa King, Catherine Tatford, Kristie
Carpenter, Bernie Hanse, Kelly Bruney, Debbie Knoche, Lynda Thomassee, Sharon
Staffel, Sharon Harnden, Mary Carl, Donna Koroshetz, Jackie Thome, Marie
Benson, Sharon Hasenpflug, Jane Carlin, Lawana La Marca, Marilyn Thousand, Kathy
Avioli, Stephanie Hawkins, Stephanie Carmouche, Quita Laborde, Mary Towns, Trice
Broussard, Anne Hebert, Robin Carr, Joan Landry, Claudette Trahan, Alexis
Giglio, Debbie Henderson, Celine Casey, Jan Langley, Ellen Tusa, Sharon
Hurdle, Jean Herd, Irene Castagno, Robin Laursen, Cindy VanCleave, Dee Ann
Kalman, Gloria Herrig, Marge Caton, JoAnn LeBlanc, Margie Veazey, Brenda
Mueller, Claire Hilbe, Bridget Chachere, Connie LeDoux, Gayle Vidoacovich, Alyson
Sauer, Marjo Hogarty, Mary Condon, Harriet Lyons, Sheryl Volding, Nancy
Schmidt, Victoria Hughes, Lorraine Conmy, Marie Madeley, Diane Von Borstel, Kathy
Jaeger, Judy Cooksey, Elizabeth Maier, Virginia Washburn, Rosemary
Patrons Giving Joffrion, Louise Cooney, Margaret Maloy, Patricia Webre, Mary
Levels Jones, Deborah Corona, Barbara Manthei, Catherine Williams, Helen
Dimension Keepers Karol, Kathleen Coulombe, Rita Manuel, Ph.D., Nancy Willis-Mackey, Mary Ann
– $250-$499 Kelly, Mary Ann Coyle, Mary Margaret Marse, Cheryll Wilson, Carol
Alesi, Linda LeMond, Janice Custer, Ellen Marse, Martha Wohlwend, Michelle
Anderson, Maribeth Longoria, Mary Ann Daigle, Anne Martin, Aline Worscheh, Mary
Bayens, Carol Macha, Dianne Daleo, Margaret Martinez, Lourdes Young, Arlene
Capretz, Marilyn Malsam, Margaret David, Mary Margaret Maurin, Janet Zrubek, Judy
Christ, Joyce Meyer, Marilyn Davidson, Rose Marie Maus, Jacqueline
Earthman, Jerrie Meyer, Mary Ann Davis, Susan McCullough, Corinne Community Gifts
Fischer, Betty Miller, Charlene Del Tatto, Lillian McGlaun, Sharon ACCRA Community, GH
Gonzales, Melanie Monroe, Mary Devlin, Claudia McLaughlin, Karole All Saints Community, GH
Hanse, Bettie Ann Murphy, R. Anne Domingue, Denise McMahon, Rosemary Holy Spirit Cathedral. GJ
Holland, Cathy Cutrer Neyland, Ann Donahoe, Denise Montalbano, Barbara Christ the King GH
Kennedy, Linda Penny, Gretchen Donovan, Elizabeth Moroux, Lynn Fountains of Grace
Kloecker, Nona Phillips, Sharon Doucet, Lyn Morris, Alice Journey of Austin
Litzman, Carol Ploch, Eileen Dougherty, Donna Morris, Ann MMGC Community GH
Martin, Gina Puccini, Mary Dupre, Jalyne Mouton, Catherine Oasis Community
Martin, Patsy Reinhart, Olga Durbin, Madeline Mullen, Patricia OLAM Community GH
McGill, Gretchen Romero, Mary Ann Durden, Rose Marie Murphy Schneider, Gail St. Theresa’s GJ
McNair, Evelyn Schwartzenburg, Nancy Ellsworth, Karen Myers, Mary Kremer Theresians of Canada
Middleton, Kathleen Segura, Soila Erdmann, Barbara Newby, Anne West Valley Theresians
Mountain, Mignonette Sheppert, Lisa Falco, Francine Newton, Jean
Nauman, Mary Silva, Nancy Flasch, Marti Niederkorn, Meridy District Leadership Gifts
Niesslein, Pamela Simek, Rosemary Fontenot, Alyssa Nilles, Karin Fort Bend, Texas DLT
Sneed, Margaret Simoneaud, Toni Fox, Mary Novo, Sonja Fleur de Lis DLT SW La.
Swinehart, Therese Smith, Sandy Frank, Kay Nunez, Carol
Snokhous, Clarice Frankmann, Carol Obey, LuRae Diocesan Gifts
Fellowship of the Spiller, Mary Garcia-Prats, Catherine O’Boyle, Mary Ann Diocese of Colorado
Little Way – $100-$249 Stokes, Donna Gardes, Beverly O’Grady, Jane Springs, Colo.
Adams, JoLynn Suggs, Dawn Garland, Jess Orman, Liz Diocese of Austin, Texas
Albrecht, Mary Tenney, Jan Gaubert, Linda Orr, Mary Anne Diocese of Galveston-
Appling, Jennifer Trummer, Rosey Gibbs, Joan Owen, Kate Houston
Baxter, Adele Uriegas, Kelley Gomez, Catherine Packard, Genie Diocese of Charleston, S.C.
Berwick, Janet Vargas-Podorsky, Monique Gomez, Maureen Pesson, Antonio
Billmyer, Cheryl Villegas, Beth Grace, Fountains of Piemontese, Claudia
Bleichroth, Janet Waleke, Jean Graziano, Joan Pozzi, Mary Byrne
www.theresians.org 15International
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Perrenial Donors for 2018-2019
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Mary Clare Albrecht Mary Jo Daugherty Fran Hancock Betty Mangum Victoria Schmidt
Mary Albrecht Madeline Dederich Bettie Hanse Liz Maraist Joan Schott
Linda Alesi Hazel Delahoussaye Pat Hartberger Patsy Martin Mary Schreiber
Connie Altamira Martha Deshotel Jane Hasenpflug Kathy McCormick Nancy Schwartzenburg
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Legacy Donors
What better way to continue the vital ministry of Theresians than to consider leaving a bequest to Theresians International
and/or the Theresian Foundation. As a woman who has been touched by this ministry, wouldn’t you love to help ensure a
generation of Theresians to come after you? You can do so by leaving a bequest to Theresians in your estate planning. It matters
not the amount. It matters that you care enough to remember Theresians.
We are happy to recognize Theresian sisters who have decided to include this ministry in their estate planning. These Legacy
Donors have acknowledged the gift that Theresians have been in their lives. They not only want to acknowledge the benefits they’ve
received; they want to make it possible for women in the future to experience the ministry of Theresians. God bless each of them.
Making a Legacy gift is easy:
• Make a beneficiary designation to TI and/or TF through life insurance policies.
• Include TI and/or TF in your estate plan. Our legal names are: Theresians International, Inc. and Theresian Foundation, Inc.
•A gift to TI would be a gift toward the annual operating budget of TI. A gift to TF would be a gift that would continue
to grow through investments with Christian Brothers Investment Services.
•N otify us of your intentions to remember TI and/or TF in your estate planning so you can be added to our growing list
of Legacy Donors. Talk to Vicki Schmidt, Executive Director, at 888.545.7230.
Legacy Donors for 2019 James and Stephanie Hawkins, Illinois
Stephanie Avioli, Houston, Texas Jean Lindberg, Houston, Texas
Joseph and Julia Batdorf, Houston, Texas Claire Mueller, Houston, Texas
John and Sharon Benson, Phoenix, Arizona Anne Murphy, Phoenix, Arizona
Bob and Bernie Carpenter, Houston, Texas Elisabeth Rareshide, New Orleans, Louisiana
Betty Fischer, Houston, Texas Roger and Judy Rolke, Houston, Texas
Joe and Debbie Giglio, Louisiana Victoria Schmidt, Springfield, IllinoisYou can also read
