Sr. Theresa Rickard, O.P. to Lead RENEW International

RENEW International has appointed Sr. Theresa Rickard, O.P., to serve as both their President and Executive Director. Sr. Terry is a Dominican Sister of Blauvelt, New York who holds a Doctor of Ministry in Preaching from Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, MO. She has also earned a Master of Divinity at Union Theological Seminary in NYC and a Master of Arts in Religion and Religious Education at Fordham University. Sr. Terry has been an important part of this canonically-recognized, international, Catholic organization. Since becoming Executive Director three years ago, she has been instrumental in the development and expansion of several pastoral processes which evangelize Catholics, encourage adult faith formation, and foster spiritual renewal. Among these powerful programs is, "Why Catholic? Journey through the Catechism," which gives Catholics greater understanding of church doctrines, deepens their faith, and gives them the confidence to share it with others.

Sr. Terry has a long-history of understanding an ethnically diverse, global Church which stems from her early ministry years working in multicultural parishes within the South Bronx in New York City. She recognizes the unique challenges of all people and appreciates the benefits parish life and small faith-sharing communities can bring to those socially, economically, and spiritually in need. She has worked tirelessly to share God's blessings with everyone and help people make connections between faith and life. Having identified the spiritual needs of people around the world, Sr. Terry's efforts with RENEW have reached beyond our country's borders into five developing countries. She has personally championed RENEW Africa, a process developed specifically to meet their local pastoral needs and address spiritual concerns expressed by the Synod of Bishops for Africa for their people.

Sr. Terry has helped expand RENEW International into more than forty dioceses throughout the United States, in parishes, and on campuses. College campuses have welcomed RENEW, whose programs are reaching young Catholic adults and becoming an integral part of their emerging adult faith. She is a celebrated retreat leader and passionate speaker known for her enthusiasm for spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. About her appointment, Sr. Terry remarked, "I am honored to have the trust and full support of RENEW's Board, Fr. Tom, and Archbishop Myers to lead RENEW's excellent team in providing innovative pastoral services which build vibrant faith communities of hope and Gospel action." RENEW International is proud to have Sr. Terry leading them forward, as they continue to foster spiritual renewal within individuals and communities by showing them new ways to strengthen, celebrate, and share their faith.