By Tammy Townsend Denny, TI Executive Director
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In the book The Theresian Story, our founder Msgr. Elwood Voss and our first executive director Patricia Mullen write that the education dimension of our Five Dimensions “calls for a spirit of openness so that members are willing to look at all sides of issues, avoiding the pitfalls that result from tunnel vision and closed minds” (p. 40). They go on to say that “this kind of dialog helps create great respect for the thinking and opinions of others regardless of personal viewpoints and convictions” (pp. 49-50).  

In our document “Thinking About Consensus Decision Making,” written by longtime Theresian Judy Rolke, Theresian VII Community, Houston, Texas, we learn that as Theresians we strive to “take the time to sift through and narrow down ideas in light of our mission and charism.” We don’t force decisions but rather we “listen carefully to each and every member, especially seeking out and welcoming those holding ‘differing’ ideas.”  We commit ourselves to discussions and discernment that will “draw out the quiet member” while remembering to “discuss underlying assumptions.”

And we do all of this with great love! In the words of our patroness St. Therese of Lisieux, “Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love.”

I invite each of you to pause and ponder what “a spirit of openness” means to you. Are you suffering from tunnel vision, convinced that there is only one right way to do something? Or are you listening and welcoming the thoughts of others in your community, especially when they differ from your thoughts? Are you offering kind words of love, even when you disagree with your Theresian sisters?

I also ask that you take four minutes out of your day to watch the video below: “How You Treat People Is Who You Are” (credit to Sr. Danielle Jacob, CSFN, for bringing the video to my awareness). Are you an example of Theresian kindness and integrity, compassion and understanding in the world today? Or do you have some room for growth in those areas?

Who will you be kind to today?

By Tammy Townsend Denny, TI Executive Director

​​Growing up, I was an extremely shy and introverted kid, always hiding behind my parents, more comfortable with the characters in books than the people in front of me. All of that changed in my first year of high school when Mr. West, the speech and drama teacher, saw in me something I didn’t know was there. He saw beyond my nerdy awkwardness and encouraged me to be more than I thought I could be. Soon I was in lead roles in school plays and traveled extensively to compete as a member of the speech team. I took on leadership roles. I grew as a person.  

While my high school years are many decades behind me, I know my path changed because someone took the time to encourage me to step outside myself and do something more in the world. Throughout my life, God has placed people like Mr. West in my path – people who saw in me talents or skills that I didn’t know I had.

I would like to ask each of you to do something similar for each other. At your next Theresian community gathering, please pause for a few minutes. Look around the room at each of your Theresian sisters. What talents and skills do you see in each of these beautiful women? Then, turn to the person next to you and share with her what you see: “I see in you a gift of __________.”

Those gifts that you see in each other are exactly what we need in Theresian leadership roles. You might be saying, “But, I’m not ________ enough to be in leadership.” To which I would say, “You ARE enough, exactly as you are!”

Please consider sharing your gifts, your talents, and your skills in a Theresian leadership role. And, please, encourage your Theresian sisters to share their gifts. Sometimes all it takes is one person encouraging another person!

Below you will find a message from the U.S. National Leadership Team (NLT) regarding nominations. If you are a Theresian in the U.S., please prayerfully consider who you would like to encourage to serve on the NLT.

I see in each of you a gift of leadership. You are enough!

The U.S. National Leadership Team (NLT) is seeking nominations for those interested in serving on a national level. Each person who is selected for the NLT agrees to serve a three-year term and, during that time, agrees to serve on two committees which meet periodically throughout the year. The NLT Executive Committee meets quarterly, and the entire NLT meets in person once a year around May or June. All meetings except for the annual meeting are conducted via Zoom. During the annual meeting, the NLT members provide updates on committee work done throughout the previous year and discern the goals and objectives for the coming year. (Plus, they just have a lot of fun together!) 

The NLT committees are: 

• Spirituality 
• Resources & Technology
• Communication & Education
• Evangelization & Outreach
• Nominations

There is a wide variety of skills and talents needed in the committees, so there is a place for everyone's gifts. To be considered for the U.S. NLT, please review and complete the nomination form below. Deadline is March 31.

by Tammy Townsend Denny, TI Executive Director

​Did you know that 2023 is a jubilee year for our patroness St. Thérèse of Lisieux? According to an FSSPX.NEWS report:

On the solemnity of Epiphany, January 8, 2023, the Holy Door of the St. Thérèse basilica was opened by the Bishop of Bayeux-Lisieux, marking the opening of a jubilee year to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of the one whom Pius XI canonized as “the greatest saint of modern times.”

While this year marks the 150th anniversary of Thérèse Martin’s birth, in 2025, we will celebrate the 100th anniversary of St. Thérèse’s canonization. (Read more here.)

How should Theresians celebrate?

by Tammy Townsend Denny, TI Executive Director

​For 2023, our Theresian Litany of Solidarity asks us to join in prayer and action with women who speak, write, sing, and create art that addresses the dignity inherent in all women.

Our solidarity theme for this year has me thinking about the women who inspire me with their voices. Some are well-known like Anne Lamott, Sue Monk Kidd, Mary Oliver, Sister Helen Prejean, Joan Chittister, Elizabeth Johnson, Edwina Gateley, Joan Didion, and Dorothy Day.

Other women who inspire me may not be as familiar, like Jan Richardson, Sara Thomsen, Natalia Imperatori-Lee , MaryAnn McKibben Dana, Kathleen Deignan, Ella Baker, Dolores Huerta, and the countless mission-driven Catholic sisters who run organizations like Bethany House of Hospitality, Holy Family Institute, The Well Spirituality Center, Siena Retreat Center, Aquinas Literacy Center, A Nun’s Life, and Monasteries of the Heart.

Then, there are those women who quietly create their art and find their voice in basements, spare rooms, kitchens, and backyard gardens, only becoming known to me when they gift me with a small painting, a piece of poetry, a bit of photography, a kitchen-created goody, or a plant cultivated in their garden.

And, there are even more who may never be known to you or to me. These are the creators-at-heart who dream of the day when they might find time or courage to put their creative thoughts on paper or canvas, dive their fingers into clay or bread dough, or stand on the world’s stages and give voice to what is in their hearts.

Each of these women – the well-known, the known to some, and the unknown – all carry within them the dignity and voice of us all.

I invite you to make your own list of creative women who inspire you and hold them in prayer throughout the coming year. Maybe consider adding your name to the list.
Together, as women in support of women, let us unite our prayers this year to lift the voices of all the creative women in our lives whose courage and art address the dignity inherent in all women.