Registrar Theresa Kelly Celebrates 30 Years at St. Augustine’s

This year we celebrate with Theresa Kelly and recognize her 30 years of service with St. Augustine’s Seminary. Theresa’s mother held the role of Faculty Secretary for many years and retired in 2001, and Theresa’s son is currently the Coordinator of Assessment and Information Officer. We would like to thank the Kelly Family for their many years serving the mission of the Seminary.

In her role as Registrar and Academic Officer, Theresa is the backbone of St. Augustine’s Seminary of Toronto. A typical day as registrar is all about the students, taking care of issues, reports, surveys, enrollment, admissions and official documents. Theresa has served 10 Deans over her 30 years “with anything I can do to support the Academic Faculty, the Academic Administration and Students. We want to make the experience at St. Augustine’s Seminary as enriching and pleasant as possible.”

Having a role of supporting our students on their way to ordination is very fulfilling, and because Theresa is able to juggle so many priorities, things run very smoothly at the Registrar’s Office. “Theresa serves with a smile and gives 100 percent of her time and talent. She is a valuable and trusted member of our community,” says Fr. Edwin Gonsalves, Rector at St. Augustine’s.

Theresa herself can empathize with adult education because she went back to school as an adult, so she is well-positioned to make students feel comfortable and overcome their fears. She also works closely with and had previously led the Association of Theological School’s Self-Study initiatives which have highlighted that our seminary is excellent at the formation of priests, deacons and lay disciples.

There are many joyful and spiritual memories over these 30 years, like singing the Litany of the Saints with Rev. John White in St. John’s Chapel for the transitional diaconate ceremony, celebrating the Seminary’s Centenary and being part of this rich history. “Look what we’ve done for 100 years and I’m a part of that!”

When asked about the impact of her own faith journey, Theresa recalls directing two choirs in the early 2000 for 12 years. She feels fortunate to be able to participate in the Seminary events and is grateful to be working where she can actively celebrate her faith with her colleagues.

Theresa succinctly captured the atmosphere at the Seminary by saying, “it’s almost like you can’t express enough thanks for the support and coordination. Everyone knows what the mission of the Seminary is, and we all work together and give it our all. The joy of congeniality is very welcome!”