Theresa oversees the process through which people first get introduced to Eden Invitation and get incorporated into the community. Her job is to ensure invitational engagement every step of the way. This includes managing the community-oriented email inbox, supporting engagement volunteers, meeting with inquirers, and finding ways to improve the engagement process. She’s attentive to both the system and the whole person and has gifts of pastoring and innovation. Prior to working for Eden Invitation, Theresa worked in advancement for a non-profit clinic, and then in creative work running a Catholic e-commerce business, doing freelance social media marketing, and photography.
"On the Porch" with Theresa
We’re more than what we do or what we’ve done– we’re unrepeatable people with unique stories to tell.
So if you have a moment, pull up a chair on our metaphorical porch here and get to know us a bit more!
How have you seen God moving in your life?
I first learned about EI back in 2018 through a Google search, but didn’t join the community until 2020. I told my friend to “go check out their book club and let me know how it goes.” She loved it, so then I did my story call and first book club!
Who has inspired you on this Journey to Heaven? Patron Saints, role models, cool authors?
St. Faustina, St. Therese of Lisieux, St. Carlo Acutis, JPII, St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, Servant of God Michelle Duppong, Henri Nouwen, and Jacques Philippe
What’s a beautiful part of your job? Perhaps something that people may not see from the surface level of your job description?
Overall, I get to be part of something that is so much bigger than myself. I see my role as being “intern to the Good Shepherd,” caring for the souls who interact with us, guiding them into the spaces we have to offer, hearing their needs and making sure they’re met to the best of our ability.
How can people be supporting you and your work?
Pray for all the people who are seeking a community like ours and for the people who are just getting introduced to it!
Theresa's role is funded through our generous Monthly Mission Partners (Staff MMP program). Want to join Theresa's support team? Click here to donate today, and write her name in the comment box!
How has being in Eden Invitation inspired you in other creative ways?
Much of my original music is inspired by my time in Eden Invitation:
On a Journey | Song written after my first Hearth Group Community Weekend
I Heard You in the Garden | EP inspired by Eden Invitation book clubs on Reed of God by Caryll Houslander and Can You Drink the Cup? by Henri Nouwen
Porch Events are opportunities for people to get to know our community better. If we did a Potluck for a Porch Event, what are you bringing?
Lumpia, pancit, or chicken adobo. If I’m short on time, a pack of Spindrifts.
Book Clubs are centered on walking together as striving Disciples with LGBTQ+ experiences, usually reading a spiritual classic or Eden Invitation blogs. BUT if you could do a Book Club with Eden Invitation people, on ANY book, which book would you choose?
God is Beauty: A Retreat on the Gospel and Art by Saint John Paul II
We love seeing the beloved and unrepeatable talents of our Community and Pastoral Team during our Retreat TalenTED show! What would you do for TalenTED?
Probably sing an original song! I love writing music :)
If you could go on a Community Weekend, a kind of “family vacation” with your Hearth Group, to ANYWHERE in the world, where would you want to go?
Would absolutely love to go to Japan or Korea with my Hearth Group!
It’s time for Toasts! When we raise a glass to celebrate God’s Graces in our lives, what bevvy are you lifting up?
I love a root beer Olipop!
What’s your favorite piece of EI gear?
We love building playlists for each year’s Retreat theme– what are some top songs on your playlists?