21 persons make commitment as Providence Associates

Twenty-one persons recently deepened their relationships with the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana.

On Saturday, Oct. 8, Indianapolis residents Brenda Kyle, Sheila Lauck, Diane Off-Schafer, Theresa Stinson and Elysa Turula, along with Greenwood residents Martha Pluckebaum and Felicia Tiritilli-Davis; West Terre Haute resident Janet Roth; Bloomington resident Michael Tosick; Terre Haute resident Laura Tucker; and Martinsville resident Tracy Van Auken, were joined by Marilyn Antonik of Wilmette, Ill.; Ann Clem of Clarksville, Tenn.; Lisa Collins of Avon Lake, Ohio; Cynthia Garcia and Della Gunning, both from Corpus Christi, Texas; A. Rodriguez; Tara Ronda of Malaga, N.J.; Mary Ellen Savage of Woodridge, Ill.; Kara Wilson of Reston, Va.; and Susan Yochum of Glenview, Ill., in making commitments as Providence Associates, choosing to walk more closely with the Sisters of Providence and live out their mission of love, mercy and justice.

“I have enjoyed the journey of becoming a Providence Associate and to have a role model such as Saint Mother Theodore Guerin as a spiritual guide, along with the Sisters of Providence,” Brenda said. “I look forward to this journey with the Sisters of Providence in practicing daily prayer, but also to incorporate the love, mercy and justice practices as guidance to a more fulfilling and spiritual life.”

“I have grown in relying on God’s Providence and in not being worried about what the future holds,” Martha added. “I am also intrigued by Saint Mother Theodore Guerin and her belief in God’s Providence. I am inspired by her and the history of the Sisters of Providence.”

Providence Associate Co-Director Sister Susan Paweski, SP, said in order to become a Providence Associate, a candidate is paired with a Sister of Providence or Providence Associate companion and goes through a year of study, prayer and reflection.

Sister Susan said the 2022 commitments brought the total of Providence Associates to more than 300 in the United States and Taiwan.

“To become a Providence Associate means I relate to an apostolic Congregation that is praying and working for God’s kingdom of love, mercy and justice in this world,” Martha said. “This will be an exciting adventure. By making a commitment to the Sisters of Providence, I can share my God-given gifts to help make the world a better place.”

“I hope by committing to the Providence Associate relationship that I can inspire others to keep the doctrine of Divine Providence as an intimate part of their life and understand that God is in complete control of all things,” Brenda added.

“This means I now have a community, a full community to share with,” Della said. “I have a connection to continue learning and giving through my commitment. This community will enrich my journey and I will not be alone.”

The Sisters of Providence are a community of Catholic women religious who collaborate with others to create a more just and hope-filled world through prayer, education, service and advocacy.

If you feel called to explore the Providence Associate relationship, learn more here or contact Sister Susan at 312-909-7492 or spaweski@spsmw.org.