Growing in depth: Providence Associate Joanna Dailey

Providence Associate Joanna Dailey’s relationship with the Sisters of Providence goes back to her youth. The Sisters of Providence were her teachers in grades 5-8 in Hammond, Ind.

Joanna Dailey, at left, helps prepare the altar during her first commitment ceremony as a Providence Associate in 2012.

She was so impressed with the Congregation that she entered the novitiate of the Sisters of Providence in 1965. Joanna left to pursue another path four years later, but she continued to stay in touch with friends who were Sisters of Providence through the years. She was one of the first members of Women in Providence (a group of former members). This, too, helped her stay connected.

Today Joanna lives in Terre Haute, Ind., and works as an editor and staff writer at Saint Mary’s Press in Winona, Minnesota. Working full time from home, she helps prepare Bible and religious education materials for use in school and parish religious education programs.

“When the associates were formed, I didn’t think I needed to be one, because I was ‘associated’ anyway,’” Joanna says.

But one day three years ago, Joanna met Sheila Donis, a Providence Associate who had been a year behind her in the SP novitiate, in the hallway at Providence Spirituality and Conference Center. “You need to be an associate. Call Sister Diane,” Sheila told her.

Providence Associate Joanna Dailey

Joanna took it as a directive and contacted Sister Diane Mason, the director of Providence Associates. She officially became a Providence Associate in 2012.

“I finally took it to heart. I am glad I did, because I know I am growing in depth through this more intentional relationship with the Sisters of Providence.”

“My favorite part of being a Providence Associate is coming to the Woods for events open to associates, and sometimes, when I can, coming for Mass. I enjoy being among like-minded people to whom you do not have to explain a pursuit of life in the Spirit,” Joanna said.

Read Joanna’s reflection on the March 2014 Providence Associate retreat here.

Interested in becoming a Providence Associate? Applications for the coming year are being accepted through June 30, 2014. Contact Debbie Dillow at 317-994-6821 or ddillow@spsmw.org for an application.