What it means to be a Providence Associate
“No, not me!”
About nine years ago, Sister Carol Meyers, SP, invited me to become a Providence Associate. I responded, “Oh no, not me. I’m a man, older and gay.”
A few days later, director Debbie Dillow called me saying, “We have other people like you who are associates.”
Being close to some Sisters of Providence for several years, I had been hearing about the growing Providence Associate relationship. After some thought, I chose to become a candidate and made my commitment as a Providence Associate one year later.
Naturally, there are more women than men among the associates. After all, the Sisters of Providence are a women’s religious order. Although I, being a man, sometimes question why I remain an associate, I always conclude that I am glad to be one.
I am accepted and encouraged for who I am. Where else could I find a group of people who offer such spiritual enrichment to one another? Such acceptance and encouragement of one another for who we are?
Belonging to the Providence community and its varied spiritual activities has certainly brought me a greater awareness of God’s presence transforming my life-journey and greater trust in Divine Providence.
It’s not promotion of a static, outdated spirituality, but rather one that listens and promotes the Spirit of God active among us today. We find God’s grace to be alive Christians, following Jesus and active in the world today.
I certainly encourage anyone to become more fully alive by joining the Providence Community by becoming a Providence Associate. Men also! I invite you to join us.
There’s still time!
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 of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana.
Applications are currently being accepted for those considering being a Providence Associate in the coming year. The application deadline for this year is June 30.
Are you being called to create a more just and hope-filled world with the Sisters of Providence? Learn more or request an application online or contact Debbie Dillow at ddillow@spsmw.org or 317-250-3294.
