Noreen Lynch at four years of age. |
Sister Ann Therese was born Noreen Lynch in San Francisco, the older daughter of Vincent and Ann Teresa (Corsiglia). She and her younger sister, Lorraine (Lorrie), were third generation San Franciscans of Italian, Irish and German heritage, their grandparents having settled in the City before the fire and earthquake of 1906. Her father, one of fourteen children, was an Inspector with the San Francisco Police Department. Her mother, a part-time employee of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company after the sudden death of her father, was one of nine children.
The Lynch family lived south of Market Street in St. Joseph parish, where the girls attended elementary school. Their pastor, Msgr. Richard Collins, was vicar for the Sisters of the Presentation, whom he greatly admired, and thus steered Noreen and Lorrie to the Academy of the Presentation across town for high school. Among Noreen’s high school experiences, she particularly enjoyed her three years on the staff of the school newspaper, The Reflector, serving as editor in her senior year.
Sr. Ann Therese Lynch, left, enjoying free time. |
After graduation, Noreen entered the Presentation novitiate, received the name of Sister Mary Anne Therese, and professed first vows February 21, 1953. Upon completing her novitiate, she began her primary ministry of elementary school teaching. During this time, she also earned her BA in English/Drama from the University of San Francisco, her teaching credential from College of Notre Dame, Belmont, and her MA in education and administrative credentials from California State University, San Francisco.
Sister Ann Therese’s teaching experience has been primarily in the intermediate and junior high grades in Presentation schools in Montebello, Gilroy, Morgan Hill, San Jose and San Francisco. She served as vice-principal at St. Lucy Elementary in Campbell, and as vice-principal and principal at St. Catherine Elementary in Morgan Hill. As with most of our Sisters, she also taught in parish religious education and Confirmation preparation programs. For three years, she did have one non-teaching ministry as pastoral associate at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Hunters Point, where she was involved in the RCIA and RENEW programs.
Sr. Ann Therese Lynch at work in 1979. |
On and off from the mid-seventies to 2004, “AT” as she is fondly called, served in Congregational administration, first as secretary, then as councillor, vice-president, and president. She has said, “The most rewarding aspect of administration has been working with our Sisters in many capacities to solve problems and to enrich ministerial experiences. Other enriching aspects of these positions have been the opportunities to meet with Presentation Sisters and leadership nationally and internationally, to share ideas and visions for the future, and to develop shared retreat and ministry opportunities.”
She recalls two great challenges during her administration as president. The first was the untimely death of her predecessor, Sister Adele Hancock, from cancer in 2000. Having been elected in 1998 to a six-year term, Sister Adele’s death left a bereft Congregation to carry on without her. The second challenge was the Motherhouse renovation project, some aspect of which was on the daily agenda from 2001-2004.
Sister Ann Therese Lynch visited Guatemala during her term as president of the congregation. |
After leaving administration in 2004, Sister Ann Therese tutored at Learning and Loving, a Presentation-sponsored education center for migrant women and children in Morgan Hill. She has also enjoyed her participation in a monthly book club of Presentation Sisters called “Wings.”
Most of AT’s relatives still live in the Bay Area and gather for major holidays and family events. Before Lorrie’s death in 2019, they vacationed together frequently in U.S. National Parks. She recalls, “And I have fond memories of a trip to Europe in 1970 with our aunt Jen Corsiglia.” AT’s ministry through the years has been varied and rich in blessings, “and I have made many lasting friendships. For this, I pray with John, ‘If you have love for one another, then everyone will know that you are my disciples.’” (John 13:35)
Sister Ann Therese moved to the Presentation Sisters’ Motherhouse in San Francisco in 2019. She enjoys the blessings of community life there, walking and frequently visiting with Sisters in the Care Center, friends, and the frequent visiting pets.
1952 | Novitiate |
1953 | Teacher, Epiphany School, San Francisco (Spring term) |
1953 – 1954 | Teacher, St. Benedict School, Montebello |
1954 –1955 | Teacher, St. John Vianney School, San Jose |
1955 – 1958 | Teacher, St. Benedict School, Montebello |
1958 | Teacher, St. Mary’s School, San Francisco (Fall term) |
1959 | Teacher, St. Elizabeth School, San Francisco (Spring term) |
1959 – 1962 | Teacher, St. Anne School, San Francisco |
1962 – 1963 | Teacher, St. Patrick School, San Jose |
1963 – 1966 | Teacher, St. Christopher School, San Jose |
1966 – 1970 | Teacher, Epiphany School, San Francisco |
1970 – 1973 | Principal and Teacher, St. Catherine School, Morgan Hill |
1973 – 1976 | Teacher, St. Elizabeth School, San Francisco |
1976 – 1981 | Congregational Secretary, Presentation Sisters, San Francisco |
1981 – 1986 | Councillor and Ministry Coordinator, Presentation Sisters, San Francisco |
1986 – 1989 | Pastoral Associate, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, San Francisco |
1989 – 1992 | Administrator, Religious Education Coordinator, St. Catherine School, Morgan Hill |
1992 – 1993 | Sabbatical |
1993 – 1995 | Vice-Principal, St. Lucy School, Campbell |
1995 – 1998 | Principal, St. Catherine School, Morgan Hill |
1998 – 2000 | Vice President, Presentation Sisters, San Francisco |
2000 – 2004 | President, Presentation Sisters, San Francisco |
2004 – 2017 | Teacher, Learning and Loving Education Center, Morgan Hill |
2017 – Present | Ministry of prayer |