Meet Debbie, PA

The General Officers have announced that Debbie Dillow, Lizton, Ind., has been named the assistant director of the Providence Associate Relationship. A Providence Associate since 2008, Debbie will begin her duties on Feb. 1, 2012.

Shortly after the death last March of Sister Mary Alice Zander, founding director of the relationship, Debbie was named to the Providence Associates Advisory Board. Since then, Debbie has volunteered many hours assisting Sister Diane Mason, director, with the Annual Gathering, orientations, and first commitment and renewal ceremonies.

Debbie earned a master’s degree in media arts and science from Indiana University/Purdue University. She also received a master’s degree in pastoral theology from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. She is currently completing her work as a configuration consultant with Moodlerooms Inc., a company that sells online learning management software. Debbie has been an active member of St. Malachy Parish, Brownsburg, Ind., since joining the Catholic Church 27 years ago.

Why did Debbie desire to become the assistant director?

“While working with Sister Diane I noticed a great need that needed to be filled. During the Providence Associate orientations this fall I heard a voice that said, ‘Why not mention that a Providence Associate might be a good candidate for the assistant director position?’ This was something so totally unexpected that it took me by surprise. I thought about it and mentioned to Sister Diane that if a Providence Associate would be a consideration I would be interested in applying for the position.

“I have wanted to leave the corporate world for some time, but the right position and time had not presented itself. When the council approved the position to be for either a sister or a Providence Associate, I realized the perfect position and time had presented itself. I love working with the Providence Associates and Candidate-Associates, so what a perfect opportunity this was to further this relationship between the Sisters of Providence and the associates,” Debbie said.

Debbie is excited about helping the relationship grow.

“The Providence Associate relationship is still young, so working to help develop this and nurture it into a strong community that can further the charism of Providence and the mission of the Sisters of Providence in the world is why I wanted to be the assistant director. As associates we have the opportunity to be in areas where the sisters are not and can help further the mission of honoring Divine Providence and furthering God’s loving plans by devoting ourselves to works of love, mercy and justice in service among God’s people,” continued Debbie.

Debbie brings many strengths to her new position, one of which is her familiarity with technology.

“I have worked in many varied positions in the corporate world for the last 35 years, most recently with two software companies that offer online learning to schools — K-12, community colleges, and universities — as well as corporations which allowed learning to take place wherever students could access the Internet. My degree in media arts and science gives me some knowledge of technology that we might consider using in the future to gather associates and sisters together virtually where we might not have the opportunity to meet face-to-face,” said Debbie.

“Working with the associates and the Sisters of Providence has brought new faith-filled and spirit-led experiences into my life that are allowing me to grow in my spirituality. I hope to be able to share this with other associates as they journey in their relationship with the Sisters of Providence and other associates,” she continued.

“I am excited and humbled at this new opportunity to serve our Provident God. I look forward to working with the associates and sisters as we continue to develop this relationship and take it to a higher level,” said Debbie.