Spirit in community: Providence Associate spring retreat 2019

It was a beautiful weekend despite the rain for the 80-plus Providence Associates, Sisters of Providence and guests who attended the Providence Associate spring retreat March 8-10, 2019, at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. Sister Dianne Bergant, C.S.A, led us in a deep and living conversation around the topic of the Community of Earth and how we understand our common home. Retreatants looked deeply into how a fuller understanding of the Bible can help humans shift our mindsets from dominating and polluting the Earth to caring for all creation. Enjoy the photos below that help capture the joy of gathering and learning together as a community of faith.

Interested in becoming part of a community of love working together to make the world a better place? Apply to become a Providence Associate!

At right, Sister Theresa Clare Carr and Providence Associates Jeanie Fentz and Yvonne Conniff join in an excited hug as the retreat gets started.

Joyful welcome! Sister Rosemary Nudd shakes hands with Providence Associate Father Bernie Lutz as Providence Associate Deanna Ruston smiles.

Attendees clap as Sister Sue Paweski introduces Sister Dianne Bergant, C.S.A., retreat leader.

Presenter Sister Dianne Bergant, C.S.A. speaks on the community of Earth and how we see our common home.

Sister Dianne presents to a full room of more than 80 Providence Associates, Sisters of Providence and guests.

Providence Associate Diane Gardner at prayer.

Providence Associates Peggy Bowler and Sheila Galvin chat during down time.

Providence Associate Connie Schnapf greets another associate.

Candle decorations help set the tone as sisters, associates and others come together to discuss care of Earth.

Providence Associate Regina Hartman reflects.

Retreat attendees enjoying Sister Dianne’s wisdom and humor.

Providence Associate Maria Price laughs while talking with those at her table.

Providence Associate Sandra Wickware joins Sister Helen Therese Conway in working on the puzzles during some down time in the retreat.

Providence Associate Jeanie Fentz speaks with sisters and associates at her table.

Providence Associate Christine O’Connor and Sister Dawn Tomaszewski discuss a point.

A nice place to relax on a rain-filled retreat day: the recliners and the couch in the community room. From left, Providence Associates Lenore Renier, Jenny Nowalk and Donna Watzke

Sisters and associates shop at Linden Leaf Gifts during break time. Sister Cynthia Lynge rings up their sales.

Phyllis Harman greets Sister Betty Koressel.

Providence Associate Sherrie Mansfield visits with others at her table.

Providence Associate candidate Mary Heins speaks with another attendee at her table.