Founded in 1961 by the late Msgr. Elwood Voss of the Diocese of Pueblo, Colo., the ministry has grown to include nearly 2,000 members in 147 small faith communities spread throughout nine countries.

"In 1961, Theresians embarked upon a journey that would lead them, in 1969, to be the first after Vatican II to re-define publicly the vocation ministry as it applies to the essence of each person's vocation through baptism," Msgr. Voss had noted.

Theresian communities became the forerunners, or models for the bonding of women from among every lifestyle. They are formed around five dimensions: spirituality, education, community, vocation and ministry. Their motto is "Women supporting women, reaching out with Gospel values."

Vicki Schmidt in Springfield is director of Theresians International. Her office is located in Sienna Hall, on the motherhouse grounds of the Springfield Dominicans.

"In Illinois, we have five communities in Mundelein and a community here in Springfield. Those and five communities in Dubuque, Iowa make up the Midwestern region," Schmidt said.

There are 112 communities in the United States. International communities are in Ghana, the Philippines, Thailand, Australia, Canada, Brazil and Argentina.

"It is in the process of being in community that we learn and grow. A big part of our monthly meeting has an educational component for women around the world," Schmidt said.

More information about Theresian International is available on the Internet at www.theresians.org, or e-mail .