Theresa’s work in Special Needs focused on issues and assessments with developmentally disabled persons. She also assisted parishes in planning and developing religious education programs for people with disabilities. She worked with parishes in catechist training, as well as Christian formation planning and development, she provided retreats and days of reflection for people with disabilities. Programs for chronically mentally ill persons were also developed under her supervision. Her early work in the office included visiting many parishes and schools accompanied by “The Kids on the Block,” life-size puppets with special needs. She also provided an awareness program entitled “Welcome to My World.” The summer camp program for persons with developmental disabilities was expanded and enhanced under Theresa’s leadership, and she began the New Year’s Eve Retreat, which will celebrate its 24th year in 2002.

As the director of Adult & Family Ministry, Theresa oversaw evangelization efforts for the archdiocese, including updating an evangelization manual for parishes. She served as a liaison with area colleges and universities while overseeing campus ministry at the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee and Whitewater, as well as Parkside/Carthage in Kenosha. Theresa gave many hours to overseeing the planning and implementation of activities for families at the archdiocesan 150th anniversary celebration in 1994, the archdiocesan Jubilee celebration in 2000 and the picnic for families in summer 2002 that welcomed Archbishop Dolan to Milwaukee.

Theresa will continue, at least for the present, to coordinate the New Year’s Eve Retreat and Summer Camp, as well as serving as a consultant in other areas of Special Needs Ministry. The Adult and Family Ministry staff noted that some of the things they truly appreciate about Theresa are her creativity, organizational skills, generosity, sensitivity, dedication, loyalty and stamina. The Adult and Family Ministry staff, along with the Department for Parishes, thank Theresa for her good work and many years of service to the archdiocese and wish her the very best.