Providence Associates
Get a feel for who the Providence Associate community is and find inspiration in these stories. Reflections, poetry, articles and more by and about Providence Associates. Are you being called to walk with the Sisters of Providence as a Providence Associate?
A call to change
There are many things from which we can fast — irreverence, exploitation, and control, for example. I heard some options several years ago that bear repeating: We can choose to fast from having the last word, or fast from holding on to a past hurt or memory. We can fast from always being right so that we can hear and hold sacred the truth of another.
Providence Associates living out their commitments
Providence Associates strive to live out within their own lives the Sisters of Providence mission of honoring divine Providence by works of love, mercy and justice in service among God’s people. What this looks like played out in individual lives…
Neighbors and nonviolence: a call to reflection
What things might make you feel better than someone else? Perhaps you went to school longer. You earn more money. You have better behaved kids. You hold yourself to a higher moral order. These things might bring a sense of pride. Recall people and circumstances in your life that have made good things possible for you. Consider whether those you disdain, look down on, have been surrounded by such blessings?
The Christmas story: new and old
God so loved the world that he gave us his only Son, Jesus Christ. This very Jesus Christ, the Holy One, is within you! Embrace this gift of the sacred. Share it with your family and friends. Open your eyes to see the Christ in those who have hurt you. Share the light of goodness with others who long to be loved.
Providence prayers for the journey of Advent
Advent means coming (Latin adventus; Greek parousia): the coming of Emmanuel (God-with-us) into our lives, the coming of Providence into the universe. This start of the Christian liturgical year invites us to prepare for the coming of light, liberation, and love into the universe. It challenges us to stay awake to Providence in our midst and to witness to this relationship.
Giving thanks from the heart
The two words thank you are so simple! But if said from deep within our hearts they can open a field of compassion and gratitude to others. If said from deep within our hearts, the saying of thank you becomes real. When we are real, we are able to melt the frozen places in others and ourselves.
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.
Journey of the Spirit: companioning a Providence Associate Candidate
When we began our journey a year ago, we were strangers. As we reach this milestone, we have become companions on the journey with a Provident God who often surprises us with twists and turns along the path.
Providence Associate commitment liturgy reflection
“Here’s the thing, Hon.” Like most mysteries, like most authentic relationships, it’s not easy to describe or explain how deep and strong is the connection between, among those who share the charism of Providence.
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.