In Memoriam: Theresa Moser, RSCJ

Dear Sisters and Brothers –

As many of you already know, our dear friend and colleague, Sr. Theresa Moser, R.S.C.J., went home to God last Friday, February 9. She suffered a debilitating stroke and broken hip at the end of last November. Determined to return to San Francisco and St. Ignatius parish, she worked hard at the various types of rehab since. But early in the morning last Friday, while being helped back to bed, Sr. Theresa paused and said to the aide, “I think I’m going.” Thus she went, in the faithful and peaceful way she lived her life.

When I met Sr. Theresa, she was still the assistant dean for academic programs in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of San Francisco, a position she came to after having had many other responsibilities there. When she retired in 2013 after 23 years, she explained to her boss, “Religious people never retire, but move onto other things.” Lucky for us! In early 2014, Sr. Theresa joined our parish staff in early 2014 as the administrator for sacramental ministries. Her kind, welcoming, we’re-so-happy-you’re-here-how-can-we-help-you disposition made her a most wonderful “face of St. Ignatius Parish" for all who called to schedule a baptism, wedding, or funeral.

Deeply formed and inspired by the vision of the Second Vatican Council, Sr. Theresa believed in robust lay leadership in the Church. She was, therefore, a strong advocate for our four Commissions. She believed in the ways they draw out and encourage the necessary partnership and sharing of responsibility for the mission of the parish between lay people and clergy. She was instrumental in its effective adoption and implementation. Sr. Theresa was long involved with the Advent Giving Tree; she helped coordinate awarding small grants to various social services and charities from our Social Ministries Fund; and she was our parish liaison to Catholic Charities. She frequently served as a Eucharistic Minister and Lector at both daily and Sunday Mass, and she was a beautiful presider at our Good Friday Women Preach service. When Sr. Theresa left the staff in 2018 to be part of the provincial leadership team of the Society of the Sacred Heart, she continued in an “emerita” status, attending staff meetings, helping at parish events, working with the Mercy & Justice Commission, and more. Read more of Sr. Theresa’s life, her many ministries and accomplishments, here.

One of Sr. Theresa’s greatest contributions to our faith community was her kindness and positive view of people and the world. She was always able to see good in those whom she met and ministered to. She had a knack at the staff meeting table for calling us back to what was important and into companionship with one another in our shared ministry. Sr. Theresa was also generous with her time and her talents. As one staff member noted, “She always said ‘yes,’ and …?” Finally, Sr. Theresa was a member of the Society of the Sacred Heart for 58 years. It was an added blessing for the mission of St. Ignatius Church that our two communities share a spirituality and a vision for the Church. (I should also note that in composing this letter, I had to make a correction almost every time I typed “Sr.” I kept typing “St.” There is something to that.)

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for Sr. Theresa in St. Ignatius Church at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 7. It will be followed by a reception in Fromm Hall. I hope you are able to join us.

We will miss you, Sr. Theresa. Your faith and gentleness, your commitment to your ministry and your hard work, your belief in the Church that wants to come to us from the future and your faithfulness in trying to receive it were all a magnificent blessing, and they will continue to be. We are grateful for the time you were ours and for the time we were yours. We love you. Godspeed.

Eternal rest grant unto Sr. Theresa, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon her.

May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Oremus pro invicem.

Fr. Greg