by Eileen Quinn Knight, Ph.D. Profiles in Catholicism
Dr. Knight: Would you please share with us your early Catholic formation.
Sister Teresa: I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior at a very young age and was baptized by age 8. Then also baptized in the Holy Spirit with evidence of speaking in tongues as the Bible explains. It’s been a tremendous relationship ever since.
Dr. Knight: Please tell us the significance of your work at Catholic Charities.
Sister Teresa: Serving His body is a great pleasure that one can do inside and outside the four walls of a church, within your home/family and throughout life.
Dr. Knight: The Servites’ apostolic work consists primarily in preaching, administering parishes, giving missions, and in fostering devotion to Mary, especially under the title of Our Lady of Sorrows .How do you keep that mission?
Sister Teresa: I believe every word of the Bible. It is alive and active. The five-fold ministry still happens.
Dr. Knight: You were called by God to be a Servite sister what does that entail? What is the significance of your call to be a follower of Christ?
Sister Teresa: My significance for being a disciple of Christ Jesus is the same as yours. I am not any more important than any other Christ follower.
Dr. Knight: You spent formation finding out your abilities and gifts through discernment. How was your discernment helpful to you personally?
Sister Teresa: The Holy Spirit gives the gift of discernment and any who know Father God know that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Dr. Knight: Do you think/feel that your life is somewhat a mosaic of your different gifts?
Sister Teresa: God works all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His will.
Dr. Knight: What do you want the readers to understand after reading this interview? About living in community with your fellow sisters?
Sister Teresa: It is more important to be in unity than to be right. The scripture is clear on this matter.
Dr. Knight: What are some of the challenges of the future Church?
Sister Teresa: We must know the presence of God and truly know Him as individuals. Read the Bible.
Dr. Knight: What are some of the joys you’ve experienced working in the Church?
Sister Teresa: There’s nothing better than salvation in the one, true God. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Him. We each must pursue encounters with Him and share it with others.
Dr. Knight: As a Servite sister what are some of the duties that you perform/pray?
Sister Teresa: Leading others to Christ and praying for their baptism in the Holy Spirit!
Dr. Knight: Thank you so much for offering us this interview and letting us see all the good works that is accomplished at Catholic Charities.