Providence Family Services: support and welcome for the neighbor
“Sister Patty gives me strength to go on. Life is hard and we all need each other,” said a counseling client at Providence Family Services in Chicago.
Amy Miranda
Amy Miranda is a Providence Associate of the Sisters of Providence and a staff member in their Mission Advancement office. Amy is a 1998 graduate of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. After serving in marketing and communication for the Sisters of Providence for nearly 25 years, Amy now serves as the Congregation's annual giving manager.
Sister Patty talks love, mercy and justice
“I tell people, if you get to know some of them personally, you might change your mind. If you hear their story …” says Sister Patty Fillenwarth.
A visible transformation
The video interview with Sister Regina Gallo left me excited about the future. Congregation numbers may be smaller, but that spiritual depth is still being passed on. It will still be here for generations to come.
Sister Regina Gallo: on the vows, becoming a sister and journeying with the dying
"Looking at the things I closed the door on entering religious life — that was very difficult." Sister Regina Gallo talks about giving up her dreams of becoming a wife and mother in order to become a Sisters of Providence.
Providence Associates recommitments 2014
Several Providence Associates from near and far have shared photos from recommitment gatherings in recent months. Check out some of the photos here!
22 New Providence Associates
“It’s an honor to represent this community of strong, progressive women religious. I recall a quote from Saint Mother Theodore: ‘We are not called upon to do all the good possible, but only that which we can do!’ I want to do what ‘I CAN do’ as an associate to help the Sisters of Providence continue their mission of love, mercy and justice,” says Diana M. Garza, one of 22 women and men who recently made first commitments as Providence Associates.
Providence Associate first commitment 2014
22 women and men made first commitments as Providence Associates in the fall of 2014. See photos from the commitment ceremonies here.
Walking with Providence Associate brings burst of energy
“Because she’s so outgoing and so enthusiastic, I think she’s helped me recapture some of that enthusiasm for the Woods. And her spirituality too. Sometimes it’s easy when you go about your day, it gets kind of humdrum. But when somebody gets super excited, which she does, it’s contagious. It just awakens you,” says Sister Peggy Nau of her experience as a companion to Providence Associate candidate Jane Fischer over the past year.
Providence Associate Jane Fischer: peace and quiet from trust in Providence
"When it’s time for me to separate from the distractions of the current moment in order to hear what’s important, to listen, to wait for words and direction, I often hear Peggy saying: Listen! And, oh! What I have heard!" says Providence Associate Jane Fischer of spending time reflecting with Sister Peggy Nau during her candidate year.
Sharing stories, building relationships
An important part of the orientation toward becoming Providence Associates is the sharing of stories.
Several spoke of seeking something more in their lives, of seeking a deeper spirituality.
One young woman saw this as a way to keep her accountable to community service. Another was seeking intentionality.
Several were friends of Providence Associates who had heard their tales of life-giving experience as a Providence Associate and were looking for the same.