Sister Terry Rickard, O.P., has announced that she will resign as president and executive director of RENEW International, after 18 years of service, effective December 2021.
RENEW is a leader in development of Catholic small-group programs designed to renew personal faith and parish life. Millions of people speaking more than 40 languages and dialects have participated in RENEW small groups using programs that include Why Catholic?, ARISE Together in Christ, and Healing Our Church. RENEW seeks to evangelize young adults through Theology on Tap and a new online sacramental parent-preparation program entitled Baptism Matters.
Under Sr. Terry’s leadership, RENEW established a satellite office in South Africa that continues to flourish. In the past year, RENEW acquired the Parish Catalyst program, which offers learning communities and monthly webinars for pastors and parish leaders to help their parishes thrive. RENEW is currently working with Bishop W. Shawn McKnight and the Diocese of Jefferson City, Missouri, to develop Grateful Living: The Joy of Stewardship. A program that includes webinars, a learning community for pastors and staff, and a faith-sharing process and book for small groups. Grateful Living will eventually be available to all dioceses and parishes.
Sr. Terry, a Dominican of Blauvelt, New York, joined RENEW in 2002. She became executive director in 2006 and president in 2009, following the late Monsignor Thomas A. Kleissler, who founded RENEW more than 40 years ago. She will take a sabbatical to discern her next ministry.
Board President Eric Dill, speaking on behalf of all of the trustees, said, “I would like to thank Sr. Terry for her many years of devoted and faithful service to RENEW International, and for the inspirational leadership, vision, and commitment to excellence that she exemplified in her role as president and executive director. Her contributions to RENEW’s success were immeasurable and outstanding in every way.’’