Faculty Directory
Theresa A. O'Keefe
Associate Professor of the Practice of Youth and Young Adult Faith
Theresa A. O'Keefe
Ph.D.
Contact
Simboli Hall 322
Telephone: 617-552-0932
Email: theresa.okeefe.1@bc.edu
ORCID 0000-0002-1499-6772
Education
- Hons. B.A., University of Toronto
- M.Ed., Boston College
- Ph.D., Boston College
Research Interests
Youth and Young Adult Faith; Developmental Theory; Feminist Theology; Ministerial and Educational Formation; Catholic Jewish Dialogue
Expertise
- Ministerial Formation
- Religious Education
- Youth and Young Adult Ministry
Profile
Theresa O’Keefe has been teaching in the area of youth and young adult faith, assisting ministerial and educational leaders in that field to read the context of contemporary culture and analyze its impact on their constituencies. Drawing from multiple disciplines her intent is unpack the complexity of the ministerial setting so that educational and ministerial efforts may be more effectively constructed to enrich the lives of youth and young adults.
Dr. O’Keefe also leads the Contextual Education program, in which students use field opportunities to develop their praxis. Her aim is to assist students to develop reflective practices that help them better understand themselves as ministerial leaders.
Both of these areas of study and teaching are informed by her years of service in Catholic schools, parishes, and dioceses across the northeast United States. Her aim is to think critically and intelligently about ministry and leadership so as to assist people to work more effectively in their local settings.
Dr. O'Keefe recently published a book on ministry with adolescents and young adults, titled Navigating toward Adulthood: A Theology of Ministry with Adolescents.