Features
Welcome to our features page. Here, we will share with you updates on what is currently happening within our Congregation. Feel free to take time to explore the area.
Reaching out as mercy
“As Pope Francis has spoken so many times, at least the way that I understand it, mercy is shown by reaching out to people where they are and not waiting for them to come to you. So in a way, it is to be alert to the needs of someone. The need to be loved, to be accepted, to be important. I think Pope Francis’ approach to a year of mercy has again called people to be more aware, more alert, to that,” said Providence Associate Daniel Hopcus, the priest chaplain at Saint Mary-0f-the-Woods.
Poem: Human Violence
Tragic legacy
pervasive pattern repeating
itself through the ages
a rippling effect on relationship
at every level …
Counsel and guidance to middle schoolers
“I had a student just yesterday that came to me sobbing with a note that read, ‘I wish you were dead. Nobody likes you. Here are some ways you could kill yourself: drink bleach, starve to death or slash your wrists. Go kill yourself,'” said Providence Associate Lorrie Scheidler, a middle school guidance counselor in Terre Haute, Indiana, helps students work through times of uncertainty.
Saint Mother Theodore Guerin quotations on mercy
“... Be assured that in leaving the past to the mercy of God and the future to (God’s) Providence, you will derive from your offering very great peace and very great consolation.”
Mercy to Earth
Love, mercy and justice are central to the mission of the Sisters of Providence. The sisters have come to see that mission extending to all creation. As we focus on mercy in this issue of HOPE, several Sisters of Providence answer the question, “What is one way to show mercy to Earth?”
Dare to be merciful
“You persistently encourage us to build not destroy, … to have mercy towards the one we see as least deserving or the one who has hurt us deeply and to love, love, love and love more.” Sister Denise Wilkinson dares us to look more deeply at mercy in our lives.
Feeding neighbors in need
“Our clients always speak words of gratitude,” Sister Joseph said of her ministry at Providence Food Pantry in West Terre Haute, Indiana. “That’s really a very uplifting feeling. This is unconditional love. That’s mercy. We see Christ in these people. We try to help in any way we can.”
Get to know Sister Arrianne Whittaker
In these video clips, 29-year-old Sister Arrianne Whittaker talks about being a Sister of Providence. From her call to religious life, to what it was like entering a Congregation of women religious at age 25, to what it looks like to be a member of a family and a member of a religious order today. Sister Arrianne answers some of the questions you might have about becoming a Catholic sister today.
Experiencing change through the Woods
Many people find something special at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. One staff member shares how working for the Sisters of Providence has been a blessing for him and for his family.
Transformed by these Woods
“I don’t know what it is — there’s just something about the Woods.”
These are familiar sentiments for people who have lived or worked at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. Most of us have heard these things. And most of us have said them ourselves. Sister Lisa Stallings reflects on the transforming power of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.
