'We Still Have A Job To Do.…'

Evansville’s St. Theresa Parish family gathered the weekend of May 30-31 to celebrate St. Theresa School, which held its last day of classes on May 29. St. Theresa Pastor Father Zach Etienne, former Pastor Father Ted Temple and former Associate Pastor Father Bill Dietsch concelebrated Mass on May 30. Deacons Dave Seibert and Don Yochum assisted.

In his homily, Deacon Seibert reflected on some of the sights and sounds of school children, including the children bursting with excitement on First Communion Day, children struggling to read that later became church lectors, school plays, Christmas Programs and recess. ”Our work is not done here,” he said. “We still have a job to do. We’ve been given many gifts at St. Theresa School, and we must go on sharing those gifts we received.”

A school open house followed Mass. Attendees enjoyed a chicken dinner with all the trimmings, viewed historical displays, collected souvenirs and bid in the silent auction.

More than 500 students, alumni, parishioners and friends gathered with hugs, smiles and tears to honor and reminisce about the school’s impact over more than six decades. Those in attendance said the excellent education, deep spiritual foundation and community spirit instilled at the school will be carried with them throughout their lives.

Gift Bearers Beverly (Hile) Henzman and Patti (Dillman) Hirsch represented St. Theresa’s first graduating class (1951), and Emma Block and Grace Friona joined them to represent the last graduating class (2015).

Parishioners, staff and graduates from various years served as lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, servers, event planners and workers for the event. Among those in attendance were Benedictines Sister Christine Kemp, former St. Theresa principal; Sister Beata Mehling, who founded the Marian Day School at St. Theresa; Sister Mary André Gettelfinger, former kindergarten teacher; and former elementary teachers Sister Christine Marie Fendel and Sister Jane Will.

“I grew up here”, said 2003 graduate Amy Steinkuhl, “and the St. Theresa community is like a second family to me. Some of my best friends are those that I met at St. Theresa.” Steinkuhl went on to Memorial High School and the University of Southern Indiana, and now enjoys a career as a graphic designer.

Ray and Shirley (Diehl) Ubelhor, members of Evansville’s Good Shepherd Parish, also attended. Shirley’s parents, Al and Mary Diehl, were among the first to help establish the parish and build the church. Shirley is a member of the school’s class of 1955 – the first class that completed all eight grades. The Ubelhors were married at St. Theresa in 1962. “We understand that the school closing was necessary,” Shirley siad, “but we are sad to see it happen.” 

2015 graduate Charlie Becker, son of Mark and Ruth Becker,  said it was an honor to be part of St. Theresa’s last graduating class. He attended 10 years – preschool through eighth grade. His father attended St. Theresa as did his sister Angela, a 2011 graduate. 

While viewing the graduation-photo wall, Kaitlynn Hassel, who completed the seventh grade at St. Theresa on May 29, pointed to an empty frame. “This is where my photo would have been,” she said. “Instead, it will be at Westside Catholic.” Kaitlyn, her three siblings and her Mom, Amy, were baptized into the Catholic faith in 2014.

Another Open House occurred after St. Theresa’s May 31 Mass.