Newsnotes: Sisters of Providence news update winter 2021

Our growing Providence community

The Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods continue to be blessed by our ever-growing Providence community. On Saturday, Nov. 14, 20 women and men made first commitments as Providence Associates. In addition, 89 Providence Associates renewed their commitment to love, mercy and justice. This brings the total number of Providence Associates to 289.

Covid-19 didn’t stop the ceremony. But it did greatly change it. This year there was no bustling activity and loving greetings in the Church of the Immaculate Conception as the Providence community gathered. Only vital ministers were present in the church. Everyone else attended virtually. We look forward to the time that we can all be present in person as community again. Join us in welcoming our new associates, pictured above.

A commissioned artwork

What is a great way to celebrate 50 years of marriage? For Kathy and Steve Delmarter of Texas it was commissioning an artwork created by Saint Mary-of-the-Woods artist-in-residence Sister Jody O’Neil, SP. After viewing Sister Jody’s work on her website CreationSights.org, the couple contacted Sister Jody. Together the three decided a new creation was in order. The Delmarters sent photos of their dining area where the painting was to hang and said they wanted vibrant colors and lots of texture. The finished piece measures 30 inches high by 40 inches wide. Here are Kathy and Steve with their newly completed painting on Oct. 10, 2020.

Plan an outdoor visit to the Woods

Tours

Private, outdoor tours of the White Violet Center farm are now available. Get up close with the alpacas on this 45-minute tour where you’ll learn all about our sustainable farm. Cost is $10 per person. Children three and under are free. Groups should be no more than ten people. Masks are required. For details or to schedule a time and date call 812-535-2933 or email wvctours@spsmw.org.

Pilgrimages

If your church or group desires a deeper journey of faith, now is the time to start planning your pilgrimage to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. We’ll work with you to design the perfect day for your group to visit all the outdoor sacred sites. Places include the Log Cabin Chapel, Saint Anne Shell Chapel and the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto. To get the conversation started call Sister Jan Craven at 812-535-2925 or email tours@spsmw.org.

Sister Jane Iannaccone continues SP pastoral tradition in Saint Mary-of-the-Woods Village

Calling it perhaps one of the most unique times in history to initiate a new ministry, Sister Jane Iannaccone, SP, recently reflected on her new ministry as parish life coordinator at Saint Mary -of-the-Woods-Village Parish, located just west of the Sisters of Providence motherhouse. The parish was founded in 1837 to nurture the faith of the early pioneers in the area.

Prior to her new ministry, Sister Jane, a native of New England, ministered to 2,000-plus families at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Winthrop, Massachusetts, near Boston.

“It is quite a change to be the parish life coordinator here in a rural setting where we have only 100 families,” said Sister Jane. “However, there is a good spirit among the people here. There are many who have been part of this parish for generations and who want to be involved.”

Sister Jane began her service Oct. 1, 2020. She succeeded Sister Joan Slobig, SP, (RIP) who retired last summer.

In her new role, Sister Jane is responsible for overseeing all the activities of the parish except sacramental ones reserved to an ordained priest. She says she has begun to meet parishioners and to coordinate some activities.
“Because of COVID-19 health restrictions, I have had to wear a mask and so do the parishioners. We have been meeting one another but we can’t always see each other face-to-face,” said Sister Jane.

“I really look forward to offering good catechetical programs, especially to the adult community,” Sister Jane said.

Labyrinth receives facelift

The labyrinth at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods recently received a facelift. The outdoor walking prayer space, originally created with a gift in honor of deceased Sister Julie Kramer, SP, needed repairs to make it safer and easier to maintain.

Kramer family and friends continued the tradition of giving in honor of their beloved Sister Julie by donating the seed money for the recent renovation. Hank Metzger Landscaping of Terre Haute completed the job. Metzger said the facelift, which took approximately two-and-a-half months, needed a permanent hard surface. They used compacted white rock. In addition, they outlined the structure with pavers and after the pattern was completely connected, they added a crushed granite surface. The labyrinth at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods once again offers a serene place to walk and pray, thanks in part to the loving gift from Sister Julie Kramer’s loved ones.

Virtual Come and See success

The Sisters of Providence first-ever virtual Come and See retreat was a big success! On Oct. 23-24, 17 women signed on to interact with the sisters and learn more about life as a Sister of Providence. Please join us in praying for all the women considering life as a Sister of Providence! Our next virtual Come and See opportunity will be April 16-17. Visit ComeandSee.SistersofProvidence.org to sign up or learn more!

“Religious Life is a call from God. It is a sacred journey that one embarks on in collaboration with God. It’s a decision about whether or not to dedicate one’s life to the world for the sake of fulfilling the Gospel message. If you know someone discerning religious life, I invite you to support them through prayer and listening without judgment,” says Vocation Director Sister Joni Luna.

(Originally published in the Winter 2020 issue of HOPE magazine.)