Theresians of the United States (Organization)

A Catholic organization open to all women of faith especially in search of religious vocation. The Theresians of the United States is a Catholic organization open to all women of faith. Founded in Pueblo, Colorado, in 1961 by Diocesan Vocation Director Reverend Msgr. Elwood Voss, it originally concentrated on the Church's need for religious vocations for women. Voss patterned the Theresians on the Serra Club in which men foster and support vocations in the priesthood. Originally, laywomen Theresians would concentrate on the apostolate of sponsoring vocations in religious life. However, Post-Vatican II changes in religious life affected the relationship between laywomen and Sisters. In 1969, the Theresians formulated a new statement of purpose in which all women share a common quest: to discover a new perception of themselves as a woman first and then as women of Church and society. Opportunities for life enrichment for the Christian woman are provided through the Five Dimensions: spiritual development, ongoing education, affirmation and encouragement in their vocations, community, and ministry. The Theresians expanded to such a degree that in 1994, 80 communities with more than 1500 members existed in the United States with international Theresians units in Canada, Australia, Ghana, the Philippines, Hong Kong, England, Thailand, and Nigeria.

From the description of Theresians of the United States records, 1961-2008. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 568225066