FMA New Chancellor in the Diocese of Paterson

Paterson, New Jersey (United States). On 1 February 2023, Sr. Theresa Lee, a Daughter of Mary Help of Christians, of St. Joseph Province, (USA EAST) was appointed as Diocesan Chancellor and Delegate for Religious by Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney, Bishop of Paterson, New Jersey.

In an announcement of the appointment, Bishop Sweeney said that Sr. Theresa “radiates the joy of the Gospel and is well grounded in the charisms of her Salesian Founders, St. John Bosco and St. Mary Domenica Mazzarello”.

Sr. Theresa Lee has 27 years of varied experience in pastoral life.  Born in Korea, she came to the United States very young and was raised in various parishes in New Jersey.  In 1996 she entered the FMA Institute attracted by the strong prayer and community life, their mission to serve young people and the poor, with a global reach and simplicity of life of the Salesian Sisters.

Before entering, Sr. Theresa was active as a catechist and in youth and retreat ministry at St. Andrew Kim Parish in Orange.  As a Sister, she has served in many capacities, most recently as Vocations Director of the Eastern Province and before that as Director of VIDES-East USA, the FMA International Organization of Volunteers. Sr. Theresa has also served in various roles in education and formation.

As Chancellor, Sr. Theresa will work with the Bishop on his projects and carry on a dialogue with people that leads to action.  As Delegate, she will be available to religious communities of men and women that serve the Diocese. She will listen to and accompany them and serve as a liaison between them and the Bishop.

Sr. Theresa calls on Our Lord and her community as she takes on this new challenge.  She states, “I am very happy to work with Bishop Sweeney, the Chancery team, and my fellow religious to serve all the people of the Diocese and to help the Diocese to grow in whatever way the Spirit leads us”.

To Sister Theresa, the wish to continue to put her competence and relational skills at the service of the Church with the same passion and enthusiasm, valuing the specific educational-pastoral of the Salesian charism for women.