Father Thomas Tureman, SDS has been elected as the Provincial Superior for the Society of the Divine Savior (known as the Salvatorians) in the United States. He is currently the pastor at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Parish on Tucson’s west side, a community he’s led for the last 11 years. As the new provincial of the Salvatorians he’ll be relocating to Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Before returning home, Fr. Tom spoke with the New Outlook and explained that he did not expect to be named provincial of the USA province. “I was shocked and honored that the chapter decided they needed me as the provincial.” Fr. Tom stated that Salvatorian provincials often serve two terms of three years. “I’m 70, I guess I’m going to have to delay my retirement for a bit.”
The Salvatorian society is somewhat small in the US with foundations in Milwaukee, WI., Sacramento, CA., Huntsville, AL., and Tucson. A provincial serves the needs of the province and works with his leadership team charting the future of the community. “We’re like a nationwide parish,” Fr. Tom said.
Salvatorians exist in 30 countries, headquartered in Rome. Tureman said, “Our ministry is about helping people know the goodness and kindness of the Savior. We’re in parishes and schools; we do missionary work all over the world but especially in Africa, South America, and Asia where we are developing the Church.”
Fr. Tom first came to the diocese in 1995 where he served Saint Cyril of Alexandria Parish as a Paulist Father. He later switched orders and became a Salvatorian. As he looks back on his time at Most Holy Trinity, he is most proud of how the parish handled itself during the Covid 19 health crisis. Fr. Tom added, “As a community we stuck together. We were creative in caring for people. It was probably the proudest moment of my ministry because that’s when people needed the Church and the support it can offer.”
As he prepares to leave Tucson, Father Tom said he’ll miss the community the most. “The people have been incredible. It’s a welcoming and caring environment. I am rather prejudice in saying that Most Holy Trinity is the most loving parish in the city,” he said with a laugh.
About six years ago Tureman learned to fly, “It was always a dream. Then one day an opportunity presented itself and I went for it. After all, life on the ground is too messy.” He hopes to continue his hobby in Milwaukee though he knows he’ll be busy over the next few years. “In the future I’ll be traveling to Tanzania in East Africa then Bogota, Colombia.”
Fr. Tom leaves Tucson at the end of May but is confident the mission of Most Holy Trinity will continue to grow. “I hope I prepared them well. Most Holy Trinity is a wonderful parish.”
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