About Us

Living with grief is a common human experience that afflicts both young and old. In the 1970s and 1980s, Sister Georganne Burr, OSB, ministered to the sick and dying at the St. Cloud Hospital and was well aware of the pain of the dying and of the grief and loss left behind among the living. She felt a concern about who could continue to walk with these people in their grieving. Sharing this same concern were Sister Georganne’s companion chaplains at the hospital, Father John McManus, OMI, and Father Al Stangl. Each agreed that there was a very real need for a non-denominational ministry to the bereaved.

This trio had a strong background and considerable experience in theology and spirituality, communication and counseling, death and dying, and chemical/alcohol dependency. One day, Father Al suggested that they use these gifts and begin their own Loss/Grief Center. An exciting dream was born.

St. Therese Center, named after St. Therese of Lisieux, met with its first Loss/Grief Group in the fall of 1985 in the sacristy of St. Augustine Church in St. Cloud, Minnesota. From its inception, St. Therese Center decided to provide a safe and affirming environment for grieving persons growing through their pain. Its purpose is to minister to three groups:

• the grieving
• those recovering in Twelve-Step Programs
• those searching for personal growth through spiritual direction

In 1987, ongoing care became available to the bereaved along with individual or group counseling, lectures, seminars, retreat experiences, and social gatherings.

The Center felt truly blessed when the present space became available in a home located at 2056 - 15th Avenue SE in St. Cloud, Minnesota. St. Therese Center has provided services out of its newest home since June 2001 and hopes to continue there for many years.

Statement of Identity and Mission

St. Therese Center for Special Ministry is based on Gospel values. It ministers to all denominations, believing all people are created in God’s image and have the right to wholeness.

St. Therese Center for Special Ministry is a Charitable/Tax Deductible Organization.
Contributions to St. Therese Center would serve a twofold purpose:
• Provide you with a deductible contribution
• Give needed financial support to St. Therese Center
We are deeply grateful for your support.