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Theresians

Charism Statement

Inspired by the prophetic vision of our founder Msgr. Elwood C. Voss and the spirit of our founding women, we are committed to the call of Vatican II. Following the example of the missionary heart of our patroness, St. Therese of Lisieux, we seek to live according to Gospel values:

• personal and communal prayer, scripture reflection, and faith sharing (SPIRITUALITY)
• our call to discipleship by witnessing the Gospel of Jesus in and through the ordinary in our lives (VOCATION)
• monthly gatherings that enrich, support, and encourage women to grow in holiness (COMMUNITY)
• continued formation leading to spiritual maturity (EDUCATION)
• presence and service that exemplify love, compassion, tolerance, understanding, and empathy with the feminine heart and global spirit (MINISTRY)

Why Are We Called Theresians?

Why the name Theresians? Therese of Lisieux was chosen Theresian patron saint because she saw through the complicated spirituality of her own day. She worked out her own unique approach to God, apparently without entrenching herself in the more complex and sometimes stifling forms of . spirituality and theology .developed by many theologians and spiritual directors over the centuries. St. Therese knew how to communicate with God and love the people in her midst at any given moment. More recently, studies of the spiritual practices of her time, with their maudlin piety and florid imagery , and of Therese's own spiritual straightforwardness, indicate her almost radical approach toward spiritual development. She sought a "means of going to heaven by a little way - a way very straight, very short and totally new."

Theresian Prayer

St. Therese, we need your help and example.
To communicate with God.
To enlighten ourselves,
To live our Christian vocations,
To love in community,
To minister to people, as you did.
We ask these favors through Jesus, The Lord