Sisters of Providence new-look vocation team in place

The Sisters of Providence vocation team has a new look.

Sister Editha Ben is the new vocation director. As vocation director, she will assist women in their discernment about religious life. She travels extensively to visit with interested women.

When a woman feels ready to join the Sisters of Providence, Sister Editha assists her with the application process. Sister Editha also spreads the word about the Sisters of Providence by representing the Congregation at national conferences and other outreach opportunities.

She is a native of Vigan, Ilocos Sur, the Philippines. She transferred her perpetual vows to the Sisters on June 30, 2002, after previously ministering with the Sisters of St. Paul de Chartres. She first entered religious life in 1967. She has a bachelor’s degree in education from Rosary College in the Philippines, and a master’s degree in theological studies from Ateneo De Manila in the Philippines.

She previously ministered as director of religious education at St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Bensenville, Ill. She also ministered as an instructor and staff member in the Office of International Affairs at Providence University in Taiwan. She previously was director of religious education for St. Michael Parish in Marquette, Mich.

Sister Marsha Speth is the new postulant director. Her primary responsibility is to give women a deeper appreciation of the Congregation, an understanding of its mission and charism, and develop an awareness of the diversity of the members and their ministries.

Sister Marsha is a native of Vincennes. She entered the Congregation Sept. 12, 1964, and she professed perpetual vows Nov. 9, 1974. She graduated from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College with a bachelor’s degree in education. She received a master’s degree in religious education from Seattle University.

She most recently ministered as the Congregation’s vicar and general officer. She also has ministered as a teacher, pastoral associate at various places, and as assistant manager of the Resource Center of the Office of Catholic Education in Indianapolis.

Sister Nancy Nolan is the new vocation office coordinator. She responds to initial inquiries from persons interested in religious life and sends information to those who request it. She keeps the current data base of women interested in SP life and refers seriously interested women to the vocation director.

Sister Nancy is a native of Galesburg, Ill. She entered the Congregation Feb. 2, 1955, and she professed perpetual vows Aug. 15, 1962. She graduated from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College with a bachelor’s degree in education. She received a master’s degree in education from the University of Illinois and a master’s degree in pastoral studies from Loyola University.

Sister Nancy served as the Congregation’s general superior from 1986-1996. She ministered many years as a teacher and principal and in several administrative positions, including president of Guerin College Preparatory High School in River Grove, Ill., and as program director for the Institute for Spiritual Leadership in Chicago.

Sister Jenny Howard, who previously served as vocation director, now ministers as a general officer for the Congregation. Sister Mary Beth Klingel, also a general officer, remains as novice director.

For more information about vocation opportunities, by email use moreinfo@spsmw.org; or call 1-800-860-1840, ext. 2895; or write the Sisters of Providence Vocation Office, 1 Sisters of Providence, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, IN 47876-1089.