Sisters of Providence welcome new Mission Advancement Director

Providence has provided a way for Maureen Dickinson to make a difference in peoples’ lives with the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana.

Recently, the Illinois native accepted the position of Director of Mission Advancement for the Congregation. The Mission Advancement department is responsible for marketing and fundraising, as well as developing relationships with the greater community and with the Sisters of Providence.

“This opportunity answers my prayers,” Maureen said. “The position blends my professional background with my spirituality, something I have sought for several years. The mission of the Sisters of Providence and the strategic direction, under the leadership of the General Council, present compelling ways of making a difference in peoples’ lives as we grow His kingdom and steward the resources with which we are blessed.

“I am so excited about joining their mission!”

Prior to joining the Sisters of Providence, Maureen ministered as the Executive Director of Quad-Cities Foundation for Black Hawk College in Moline, Ill.

After the extensive search to fill the director’s position, General Councilor Sister Jeanne Hagelskamp said she and the entire Congregation welcome Maureen into the fold.

“I believe that Maureen is just the right person to serve as Director of Mission Advancement at this time in our history,” Sister Jeanne said. “Her vast experience in advancement, her giftedness in other areas, and her desire to work in a faith-based community make her so very well-suited for the position.

“Already, I sense her care for the mission and her eagerness to partner with us in sharing that mission with our many friends and benefactors.”

Maureen grew up on the south side of Chicago and is familiar with the Congregation through its ministries in the “Windy City.”

“I knew about the fine reputation of Guerin Prep High School and the sisters’ education ministry,” she said. “After learning of this opportunity, though, I began researching the Congregation and learned much about its formation, Saint Mother Theodore Guerin’s writings and the great works the Sisters of Providence do through their vast social justice ministries.”

Maureen added she is looking forward in the coming weeks to get to know many more Sisters of Providence and Providence Associates, as well as residents of the Wabash Valley.

“One woman in my book club grew up near Terre Haute and she, too, shared information about the sisters’ involvement in the greater Terre Haute community,” Maureen said. “I look forward to meeting the sisters at the Motherhouse and the others living in different areas, as travel restrictions abate.”

Maureen officially started her position on January 11 and said she is ready to move forward.

“I hope to build on the strong foundation of philanthropy and marketing the Sisters of Providence have cultivated,” she said. “That means first, learning the stories of these remarkable women religious – their histories, spiritual pathways, and personal ministries – and then sharing those stories throughout the world.

“I also want to establish fresh avenues for young women discerning how they will answer God’s call by tapping into existing Catholic networks and mobilizing the shared collective of our members, Providence Associates, staff and supporters.”