
Oral history: The little things with Sister Lois Ann Stoiber
"What delights this Sister of Providence after being a member of this order for 76 years? “The little things. I can find great joy in little things," says Sister Lois Ann Stoiber.

"What delights this Sister of Providence after being a member of this order for 76 years? “The little things. I can find great joy in little things," says Sister Lois Ann Stoiber.

“When I look back over the years of the variety of ministries, I see them as challenging but adventuresome. My last ministry of being a pastoral associate was involved with serving older adults: food pantry, ministry of care and visiting the sick, communion services, etc. These were all things I enjoyed tremendously. God’s love throughout the years has sparked my life and made it more interesting. Life flows like a river: smooth, bumps, twirls, spinning on rocks and falling.”

Sister Patty’s dedication, vows and sense of adventure in service has taken her in many directions since that day 70 years ago when she entered Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.

“I think it is my Irish heritage. When I get worked up about something I go to Chapel. I say, 'Okay, Lord. You got me into this. It’s your job to help me work it out, Providence of God.'” If something bad was there, something good would always come along. Being an administrator, a supervisor, a leader in any capacity brings the challenge with the reward.

Sister Gloria has found music to be a tremendous way to relate to people, from kindergartners through all ages of people in a parish. It has afforded her the experience of ministering to wonderful parishes and communities.