Newsnotes

Sisters of Providence celebrate Jubilees

Five Sisters of Providence, including (front, from left) Sisters Pat Linehan, Jan Craven, Kathleen Bernadette Smith, and (middle row, second from left) Jody O’Neil and Marianne Ridgell, celebrated their 25th and 50th Jubilees on Saturday, June 30. They are photographed here with the General Officers, including (middle row, left), Sisters Mary Beth Klingel, and (back, from left) Jenny Howard, Lisa Stallings, Jeanne Hagelskamp and General Superior Dawn Tomaszewski.

New programs at the Woods

You’re always welcome at the Woods! Looking for a great reason to visit? Why not plan on attending a program or event this year? The 2018-19 program book is now available. The sisters have planned some great retreats, tours, workshops and events. This year you’ll find something new called “Sundays at the Woods.” Throughout the year on select Sundays, we invite you to spend two hours discovering Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. Each month we have something new and interesting planned for you to explore. To see the complete calendar of events or find out how you can get a program book mailed to you, go to Events.SistersofProvidence.org

Fall Farm Day at the Woods

Celebrate the autumn season with the Sisters of Providence on Sept. 30 from 1-4 p.m. Visit our alpaca herd, learn about the history of the farm and find ways you can help protect the environment. There will be hayrides; short presentations; fall snack favorites such as popcorn and apple cider provided by Providence Health Care; alpaca fiber demos including felting, spinning, weaving and knitting; and children’s activities such as an alpaca photo booth. All activities are free and will take place at various locations at Providence Spirituality & Conference Center and White Violet Center for Eco-Justice. If you would like more information on this and other great events at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, go to Events.SistersofProvidence.org.

Celebrating three Sisters of Providence ministries

It is with deep gratitude and sadness that we say good-bye to three much-loved ministries of the Sisters of Providence this year.

Providence in the Desert, based in California’s Coachella Valley, along with 8th Day Center for Justice and Providence Family Services — both located in the Chicago area — will be completing their mission this year.

Providence in the Desert has existed for more than 15 years. The ministry’s primary focus has been to teach the English language and offer love and support to immigrant field workers. The ministry was founded and led by Sister Carol Nolan with help from Sister Loretta Picucci.

Providence Family Services has existed for 23 years, serving residents in need in the Humboldt Park community of northwest Chicago. The ministry has offered young people a safe place and homework help after school. It has helped adults learn English as a Second Language and has provided bilingual, affordable counseling to people who struggle. The ministry comes to a close as Founder and Director Sister Patty Fillenwarth retires.

The 8th Day Center for Justice was founded in 1974 by six Catholic congregations of women and men religious, including the Sisters of Providence. First Sister Dorothy Gartland and then Sister Kathleen Desautels have ministered at 8th Day from its beginning till the present. The ministry acts as a critical alternative voice to oppressive systems and works to change those systems.

We are so grateful for all the good work, service and advocating for others, that these sisters and these ministries have been able to accomplish over the years.

Sharing life as an SP

We were so excited to have 17 women join us for our spring Come and See weekend in April. Single, Catholic women ages 18 to 42 came to explore if life as a Sister of Providence might befor them. One participant said of her experience, “I like the sisters’ deep and beautiful understanding of God — how it connects them to others, the Earth and art. There is so much life and creativity flooding from the SPs and it resonates with my soul. I also love their social justice.”

Thanks to all of you, our supporters, for your generous donations that help us get the good news about life as a Sister of Providence out to women who may be called to join us. Our next Come and See weekend is Oct. 26-28 at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. Help us spread the word! Invite someone you know who might find a fulfilling life as a Sister of Providence. Learn more at ComeandSee.SistersofProvidence.org

Generous benefactors recognized

Paul J. Adams III receiving the 2018 Queen Amelia Award from General Councilors (from left) Sisters Lisa Stallings, Jeanne Hagelskamp, Jenny Howard and General Superior Dawn Tomaszewski.

On June 2, the Sisters of Providence invited benefactors from near and far to join us for the annual Saint Mother Theodore Guerin Dinner. There we presented awards to several special guests.

This year’s Queen Amelia Award, given for significant monetary gifts and for influencing others to support the Sisters of Providence went to Paul J. Adams III.

The Sarah and Joseph Thralls Award, given to someone who has shared significant time and talent with the Congregation, went to Jude Magers and Donna Watzke.

Our 2018 Companions Award honorees were: Father Daniel Hopcus, Barbara Cottrell, Magdalena “Maggie” Martinez, 8th Day Center for Justice and April & Donald Bradley.

Donna Watzke (left) and Jude Magers (right) accepting the Sarah and Joseph Thralls Award from Sister Dawn Tomaszewski.

Those added to the Rooted in Providence plaque for having contributed $100,000 or more were: Frank Bussing Family; Viola and Emil Klingenfus; Marywood Alumnae Association, Anaheim and Orange, California; Providence St. Mel School, Chicago; The Sheehan Family; and the Mary Cross Tippmann Family.

We offer our deep gratitude to all of you who so generously support our life and mission.

You make our work possible!

(Originally published in the Fall 2018 issue of HOPE magazine.)