A Reflection for the 2026 Providence Associates Commitment Ceremony

Note: The following is the reflection offered by General Superior Sister Jeanne Hagelskamp during the 2026 Providence Associates Commitment Ceremony on Saturday, October 10.

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit – fruit that will last.”

Yes, Associates, St. John was right! You have been chosen by our Provident God to join with the Sisters of Providence as together we collaborate with others to create a more just and hope-filled world through prayer, education, service, and advocacy.

General Superior Sister Jeanne Hagelskamp offering her reflection.

Our Provident God has called you from across the United States and Canada. Some of you have known the Sisters of Providence for a VERY long time or are personal friends with one or more Sisters. For others of you, your relationship with the Sisters of Providence began more recently.

You have already served in a variety of ministries and borne great fruit as educators; writers; advocates and caregivers for those with disabilities; volunteers to the homeless and food insecure; development directors; spouses; parents; and caregivers.

A Calling of Something More

But Providence has called you to something more – not necessarily to a different work or ministry, but to a way of being in the world, in whatever you do, with intention … as a way of honoring divine Providence through your works of love, mercy, and justice, as you walk alongside and serve others.

That you are here today tells me that you have taken your calling very seriously. Over the past year, those of you who are Associates-elect have worked with your companions to learn more about the Sisters of Providence and the Associate relationship. While the Spiritual Integration units certainly helped you to learn more about the Sisters of Providence, their purpose was much bigger than that! Hopefully, they served as an opportunity for personal reflection and prayer as well as prayer and reflection with your companion. So many of you mentioned how your prayer life has been enriched during this past year! May that continue in the years ahead.

Incoming Providence Associate Melissa Reed (right) with her companion, Sister Editha Ben.

You have shared your life stories with one another and learned the “life story” of the Sisters of Providence. You have explored a variety of methods of prayer – both for personal and communal prayer. You have delved more deeply into the charism of the Sisters of Providence and how it is lived out in our lives. No doubt you have recognized how you have already lived that charism yourselves (although you might not have called it that) — AND you have pondered how you might continue to live out the charism in the years to come.

Evolving

You have also tried to better understand Providence spirituality – and you have recognized that, for all of us, our understanding of Providence continues to evolve. And you have learned about our practices – practices of prayer, devotions, rituals, and forgiveness, and you have come to know how much we value music, education, and the arts. Whew!

As I reflected on all that you have done this past year, I once again thanked my God for you and for your unwavering commitment to understand the Sisters of Providence and the Associate relationship. You have not come here on a whim: rather, you all have done significant prayer, reflection, and sharing — to bring you to today.

Sisters (front) Claire Hanson, (back, from left) Jan Craven, Carole Kimes and Betty Koressel at the 2026 Providence Associates Commitment Ceremony.

Truly, you have invested significant time and energy in investigating what you perceived to be a call, AND YOU have chosen to RESPOND to that call. Some of you have done so under very difficult circumstances as you have walked with loved ones who are suffering, or you have endured particular hardships yourselves.

Each of you, whether you are making your commitment for the first time or renewing your commitment, has come freely and with eagerness to more closely unite yourself with the Sisters of Providence, with our other Associates, and with our Provident God who continues to call each of us and sustain us.

Knowing Us more Deeply

Yes, each of you Associates has come to know the Sisters of Providence more deeply. We hope that, in the days and years ahead, we will reciprocate and will come to know YOU as well as you know us! After all, this is a relationship…and relationships are a two-way street.

Now I have to tell you: I couldn’t help but be joyful when I read the commitments that you are making. Some of you have committed yourselves to sing in the choir; to special or extended prayer times or retreats; to particular prayers of the Congregation or to Monday morning prayer with the Associates.

Sister Evelyn Ovalles (front) and General Councilor Sister Norene Wu.

To you, we echo the words of St. Paul to the Colossians: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” Some of you will be caring for others in some special way: providing food for the hungry; serving, caring for, or accompanying the sick, the elderly, the dying, and the homeless; creating a world where everyone belongs; providing education in tennis, suicide prevention, or Bible studies; assisting the Congregation with fundraising, advancement, and marketing; showing love, mercy, and justice to those with whom you interact; focusing on the Vision Statement of the Chapter.

To you, we thank you for living out the words of St. Paul: “Therefore, put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” Still others of you will deepen your connections with the Sisters and other Associates by joining or more fully participating in Circles; reading printed materials and emails from the Providence Community; participating in Associate committees; becoming more involved in the College Alumni Association. In your work, St. Paul’s challenge rings true: “Whatever you do, whether in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God through him.”

In a few minutes, you will formally make your Associate commitments. Each of you will be sent forth to be a person of Providence, women and men who are ready and willing to continue to deepen your prayer lives; who are eager to continue to learn what it means to walk together with the Sisters and other Associates in relationship with one another, and to make a difference in the world.

You will be sent to go forth to continue to bear fruit that will last … And, as you do so, may you know the gratitude of the Sisters of Providence for your partnership in mission with us.

Together, may we co-create a world where the dignity of every person is honored and the sacredness of all creation is upheld.