22 New Providence Associates

Twenty-two women and men recently made their first commitments as Providence Associates with the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. That brings the total number of Providence Associates in the United States and Taiwan to more than 200.

By numbers alone, that is exciting.

This new way of being in relationship with the Sisters of Providence began in 2007. It continues to grow into itself and to deepen. As numbers of professed sisters are dropping, the number of associates continues to grow. It brings hope for the future.

For each individual new associate, it is also exciting on a personal level.

I understand this more deeply this year. I was among the 20 who made their commitments this past Saturday.

Perhaps the best way to share some of the individual joys, excitement and conversion is to hear it from some of the newest associates themselves.

Jennifer Calvert of Worthington, Indiana, who works in medical records for Providence Health Care at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, calls the time she spent reflecting and learning with her companion, Sister Rosemary Borntrager, a “transformation.”

“All my life, I had mostly looked at the surface of myself and outer appearances regarding others. That was how I was early on. My how things can change! As I look inward to the special intimate place, that which only God sees, it is with great amazement I see the transformation within me, one of love, mercy, and justice — replacing self-centeredness, vanity, and narrow mindedness,” Jennifer said.

Diana M. Garza, an educational consultant from Falfurrias, Texas, who made her commitment on Oct. 21, said, “Through the units I learned about the Sisters of Providence and their mission. The units also consisted of self-reflection and prayer. At times the units were not easy for me, but Sister Barbara was always there to inspire and encourage. She was a great mentor and friend.

“It’s an honor to represent this community of strong, progressive women religious. I recall a quote from Saint Mother Theodore: ‘We are not called upon to do all the good possible, but only that which we can do!’ I want to do what ‘I CAN do’ as an associate to help the Sisters of Providence continue their mission of love, mercy and justice.”

Marilyn Rausch of Indianapolis, recently retired as a medical doctor, says, “In uniting with the mission of the sisters to promote works of love, mercy, and justice, there is new meaning to ‘living life with a purpose on purpose.’ I have learned not to predict what miracles are waiting to be discovered, but to appreciate the blessings of the moment as being evidence of that Providential Care.”

Rev. Rebecca Zelensky, senior minister at Central Christian Church Disciples of Christ in Terre Haute, Indiana, says, “The Spirit of God has done and is doing incredible, life-giving things among and through these extremely faithful sisters and associates, and I am very excited to be able to serve God with them.”

Marcy Meldahl, a human resources professional from Knoxville, Tennessee, says, “I want to be a part of an organization of women where intelligence is not threatening, where I am fed spiritually and whose activities seem to reflect Jesus’s stated expectations for humanity. I also want to continue to find ways to ensure ‘love, mercy, justice.’”

DeAnna Havel of Corpus Christi, Texas, says, “The past year was a remarkably insightful and spiritual journey. I have experienced a type of surrender to the providence of God’s will that has brought peace to my heart and mind.

“I see God’s hand at work in my life and I feel as though this is my personal fullness of time.”

The excitement of making a year-long commitment with the Sisters of Providence is still fresh. But the fullness of the relationship is just beginning.

Please keep all of us newly committed Providence Associates in your prayers as we continue to discover what living out more deeply a mission of love, mercy and justice means for us in our day-to-day lives.

Director of Providence Associates Sister Diane Mason raises her hand in blessing over the new Providence Associates during the Nov. 8, 2014 commitment ceremony.

The newest Providence Associates of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. From front left: Jennifer Calvert, Donna Snelling, Traci Tucker, Marcy Meldahl, Jean Smith, Helen Flavin and Director of Providence Associates Sister Diane Mason. Second row from left: Amy Miranda, Tracy Biggs-Green, Marilyn Rausch. Third row from left: Charles Fisher, Jane Fischer, Suzie Ray, Terry Urban, Duane Drake and Marsha Bialaszewski. Back row from left: Assistant Director of Providence Associates Debbie Dillow, Tara Lane, Lorraine Scheidler, Rev. Rebecca Zelensky, Sarah Wilson, Susan McDowell and General Officer for the Sisters of Providence Sister Dawn Tomaszewski.

Jane Fisher and Donna Snelling carry remembrance candles during the entrance procession for the Providence Associates first commitment on Nov. 8, 2014, in the Church of the Immaculate Conception at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.

Jean Smith, Sarah Wilson and Traci Tucker carry candles during the entrance procession for their commitment ceremony as Providence Associates.

Director of Providence Associates Diane Mason sings during the entrance procession followed by Sister Ann Sullivan and Rev. Rebecca Zelensky.

Sister Jody O’Neil prepares to carry a banner in during the liturgy’s procession.

Sister of Providence Sister Rosemary Borntrager declares her companion Jennifer Calvert, seated, ready to become a Providence Associate.

From left, Terry Urban and Marilyn Rausch make their commitments as Providence Associates.

From left, Providence Associates Tracy Biggs-Green and Duane Drake during the commitment ceremony.

Sister Dawn Tomaszewski, Sisters of Providence general officer relating to the Providence Associates, addresses those gathered during the commitment ceremony.

The Rev. Rebecca Zelensky makes her commitments as a Providence Associate.

From left, Sarah Wilson, Traci Tucker, Jennifer Calvert, Marsha Bialaszewski and Tara Lane make their first commitments as Providence Associates.

Helen Flavin, center, during the commitment ceremony.

Providence Associate Marilyn Rausch with her Sister of Providence Companion Sister Susan Dinnin.

Sister Lisa Stallings pins the Providence Associate pin on her Providence Associate Companion Traci Tucker.

Sisters of Providence Companions extend their arms in blessing over the new Providence Associates.

Amy Miranda, Marilyn Rausch and Terry Urban during the commitment ceremony.

New Providence Associates Lorrie Scheidler and Marsha Bialaszewski greet each other after making commitments.

A real hero: the husband of new Providence Associate Tracy Biggs-Green keeps their children ages 3, 2 and 1 quiet and away from mommy during the liturgy.

New Providence Associates, clockwise from left, Lorrie Scheidler, Tracy Biggs-Green, Amy Miranda and Suzie Ray prepare the altar cloth during Mass.

From left, Sister Maria Bui, OP, and Sister Emily Walsh receive the offeratory gifts from Marsha Bialaszewski and Marilyn Rausch as Helen Flavin, Jennifer Calvert and Marcy Meldahl place candles on the altar.

Sisters, Providence Associates and guests join hands during the praying of the Our Father prayer.

New Providence Associate Susan McDowell, center, offers those around her the sign of peace.

Providence Associate Tracy Biggs-Green fixes her three-year-old daughter’s hair after the liturgy as her Sister of Providence Companion Sister Rosemary Eyler looks on.

Sister of Providence Nancy Nolan of “Here’s the thing, Hon” fame with her Providence Associate Companion Amy Miranda at the first commitment ceremony Nov. 8.

Director and Assistant Director of Providence Associates Sister Diane Mason and Debbie Dillow bless the Providence Associates pins during the Oct. 21 ceremony for the Texas associates.

Sister of Providence Companion Sister Barbara Bluntzer pins the Providence Associate pin on Diana M. Garza during the ceremony Oct. 21 in Owens Hall Chapel.

New Providence Associates Diana M. Garza and DeAnna Havel of Texas sign their commitment statements during their commitment ceremony at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods on Oct. 21, 2014.