Sinsinawa
Spectrum
A Congregation News Magazine
Sr. Theresa Thomas Feels
Blessed at Bethlehem Academy
by Theresa Thomas, OP
One sunny, Saturday afternoon, when I was 5 years old, my grandfather’s car came into our farmyard driveway. I was told he was bringing his three sisters who were Dominicans. There I was, wearing one of my few dresses and on my best behavior. I can only remember two things about the Sisters that day―the breeze that blew their white habits and how tall they appeared. After they left, I asked my father what these Sisters did. With a brief pause, he sent me to ask my mother.
As I grew older, I was able to answer these questions myself. Sinsinawa Dominicans educated me in part of my grade school, all of my high school, and most of my college. So it was that I became a teacher myself. My Dominican mission and ministry brought me to many states in the Midwest. The students, teachers, and Sisters have always been a blessing to me in many ways. Being here at Bethlehem Academy (BA) in Faribault, MN, is truly like coming home since I graduated from this distinguished school in 1953. From its beginnings in 1865, BA has become our oldest mission to continually have Sisters. Both Catherine Lyons, OP, and myself feel fortunate to follow the many dedicated and generous women who have served here in the Sinsinawa Dominican tradition.
Today I volunteer in the Academy Advancement Office. One of my main responsibilities is the upkeep of the school archives. They are a source of our history in the school, Congregation, and Faribault community. We try to keep everything up-to-date and available to others, especially to those planning class reunions as we average about eight to 10 each year. Every five years, an all-school gathering is planned and well attended.
Four times a year we send out TRADITIONS, a publication for all our graduates, former teachers, and faithful friends. It shares the happenings of our school and the lives of our alums. There is a little bit of BA in almost every part of the globe.
One of my most gratifying tasks is to mail letters to classes informing them of a classmate’s death. It includes an obituary and a list of other deceased members of their class. We have found this to be very much appreciated by others.
Coming back to my roots has been a wonderful experience. Along with nearly 100 other Sinsinawa Dominicans who have graduated from BA, it is our privilege to have Mother Samuel Coughlin as one of our alums. It is also fitting that on all our communications, we have next to our BA Dominican shield a logo that reads, “The miracle is here.”