Providence Associates: Furthering the Mission
As the Sisters of Providence begin a new era with a newly elected leadership team in place, they also are strengthened by a growing Providence Associate community of women and men who have committed to joining with them in prayer and furthering the mission of Providence through acts of love, mercy and justice.
An Attracting Relationship
Karen Goehl, a Providence Associate since 2015, said she was attracted to the relationship by sisters whom she got to know in a Pax Christi group to which she belonged.
“I was impressed by Sisters Ann Casper and (the late) Rita Clare Gerardot and what the Sisters of Providence seemed to be about,” Karen said. “Sister Marsha Speth became my companion as I learned more about the Associate relationship. I liked that it was a separate vocation rooted in lay spirituality as a complement to the mission of the Sisters of Providence.”
Karen lives her ministry by weekly visiting residents in Providence Health Care as well as participating in her parish and other activities where she can express her faith.
“Being an associate is a separate vocation in which I am able to continue to develop my lay spirituality and relationship with God,” she said.
True to the Mission
In her report for the 2026 General Chapter, Providence Associate Director Debbie Dillow wrote: “Our Associates are true carriers of the charism, living love, mercy and justice within their families, workplaces and local communities.”
According to Debbie, 15-20 new Associates each year are welcomed into the relationship after a period of learning more with a mentor about Providence Spirituality, the history of the Sisters of Providence and the mission of Providence.
At the end of their study, the candidates are invited to live out the Providence mission in a manner that fits their individual choice. Associates may choose to renew their commitment annually.
Currently, there are 317 committed Providence Associates.
Deepening Connections
Debbie said Providence Associates reside in 27 states, Canada and Taiwan. She noted in her report that “a significant milestone of this year” was that she was sent to Taiwan to welcome new Providence Associates there.
“Such visits, like mine, deepen our global connections and inspire hope by reflecting the reach of the global connections of our Providence Community,” Debbie noted.
The Providence Associate relationship is now guided by the Providence Associate Board, consisting of five committees: Spiritual Life, Sustainability, Welcoming and Hospitality, Charism, Purpose and Mission, and Engagement, each led by co-chairs.
Associates also volunteer at many activities at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods and enjoy opportunities for spiritual refreshment such as online prayer groups and days of renewal.
Originally published in the Fall 2026 issue of HOPE magazine.
