Find greater meaning, community as a Providence Associate

For Indianapolis resident Erin Gick, becoming a Providence Associate was enlightening.

“It was a chance for me to get to know myself better,” Erin said. “It was a chance to learn about a new way to look at spirituality and it was a chance to get to know about the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods and their mission.

“As Providence would have it, my chance came at just the right time for me.”

Like Erin, Terre Haute resident Ashley Poff became a Providence Associate during the COVID-19 pandemic. And Ashley enjoyed every minute of the experience.

“I’m sure my experience was different from the norm, having gone through the process during COVID,” Ashley said. “But I’m honored to have been accepted. As I move forward into my first commitment, I hope to find new ways to connect with the Sisters of Providence as well as continue to explore my faith.”

If you are looking for spiritual enrichment, support, a community, or a sense of mission, God may be nudging you to become a Providence Associate of the Sisters of Providence. Applications are being accepted for those considering being a Providence Associate in the coming year until May 31.

Providence Associates are women and men of faith, ages 18 years and older, who share their own unique gifts and talents with others while walking with the Sisters of Providence.

The Providence Associate Relationship with the Sisters of Providence began in 2007. Currently, there are nearly 300 Providence Associates in the United States and Taiwan.

Accepted applicants spend a year meeting one-on-one on a regular basis with a Sister of Providence or another Providence Associate companion. During the meetings, the candidates and their companions learn and share about Providence Spirituality.

Accepted candidates attend an orientation at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods in November. Following the orientation, the candidate and companion usually meet once a month – in-person, virtually or by phone – for the coming year.

Are you being called to create a more just and hope-filled world with the Sisters of Providence? Contact Providence Associate Co-Directors Debbie Dillow at 317-250-3294 or at ddillow@spsmw.org or Sister Sue Paweski, SP, at 312-909-7492 or at spaweski@spsmw.org to request an application. You can also learn more or request an application online at Learn more here.