Providence Associates retreat with Saint Mother Theodore Guerin

“It has been more than I expected. I am just blown away,” said Tara Lane of her first Providence Associate retreat at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. Since October, Tara has been studying elements of the spirituality of the Sisters of Providence as a candidate-associate. She joined 47 other Providence Associates, candidate-associates and Sisters of Providence in attending the Saint Mother Theodore Guerin spring retreat from March 7-9, 2014.

Below are some photos from the weekend retreat. The Providence Associate relationship is open to women and men 18 years of age or older who want walk more closely with the Sisters of Providence and share in their mission. Applications are currently being accepted for those interested in deepening their relationship with the Sisters of Providence. Contact Debbie Dillow at ddillow@spsmw.org to learn more.

The decorative prayer space for the Saint Mother Theodore Guerin retreat included not only a statue of the saint, but also a pair of shoes she really wore.

On display was Saint Mother Theodore’s original journal, in her own handwriting.

The retreat included time for camaraderie with friends new and old. Here candidate-associate Chuck Fisher laughs with associates Sheila Donis and Peggy Balensuela.

These gals were a hoot! Retreat coordinators Sisters Jan Craven, left, and Paula Damiano, right, both of Providence Spirituality and Conference Center, with Director of Associates Sister Diane Mason.

Providence Associate Beth Kyle and Sister Rosemary Eyler choose a time to keep vigil through the night at the shrine of Saint Mother Theodore.

Associate Phil Brady reflects with a rock as part of the Saturday morning prayer.

Retreat participants Jenny Nowalk and Marilyn Webb place their rocks near the statue of Saint Mother Theodore during the morning prayer section. Associate Bill Hughes awaits his turn.

Archivist Sister Marianne Mader talks to the group about Saint Mother Theodore’s journal.

Associate Marilyn Neuman finds a comfortable place to pray during an individual reflection time.

Associate Kathleen Morris gets comfy and spends some time in meditative prayer during individual reflection time.

Retreatant Millie Brady spends her quiet reflection time in front of the Eucharist in Owens Chapel.

A walk through the woods is where this retreatant spends her spiritual reflective time.

Associates Marilyn Webb, Mel Wolff and Donna Kehoe have a good time catching up with each other during the retreat.

Sister Sharon Richards, front, and other associate retreatants during a prayer time.

Providence Associate Jennifer Nowalk participates in an activity journaling with Saint Mother Theodore.

Providence Associate companions Sisters Margaret Quinlan and Rosemary Eyler pray with gathered associates during the retreat.

Candidate-associate Suzie Ray and Associate Earle Harvey do some reflective writing.

Associates Kitty Odle and Anne Shoup participate in a prayer journaling exercise.

Suzie Ray, Kyle Meadors and Donna Kehoe have an animated meal conversation.

It can be hard for a mommy of a young baby to get away for retreat, so Tracy Green brought her family with her. Here Tracy, left, and her husband look on as their two young daughters entertain Sisters Joan Matthews and Tracy’s associate companion Sister Rosemary Eyler.

Sisters and associates join hands in prayer during the mass on Saturday.

“Saint Mother Theodore Guerin” makes a surprise appearance at the start of the vigil on Saturday evening.

The vigil to be kept at Saint Mother Theodore’s tomb throughout the night on Saturday begins.

The first group begins a vigil with Saint Mother Theodore to last through the night in continual prayer.