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?
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.
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.
Saint Mother Theodore’s welcome: a foundation day reflection
There was no Wabash Avenue bridge. The crossing of the Wabash was made by ferry—probably a flat-bottomed open raft. Arrival on the other side was followed by a carriage ride through the river bottoms on and at times wholly submerged plank road—a soggy, wet, carriage ride during which the horses were at times literally swimming, with water up to their necks. The carriage tipped sideways twice, its wheels caught on tree roots. Later, Saint Mother Theodore Guerin would write, “When one has nothing more to lose, the heart is inaccessible to fear.”
Welcome Providence Associate candidates of 2014
34 new Providence Associate candidates began a year-long journey of deepening their relationship with the Sisters of Providence at an orientation on Oct. 11, 2014 at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. View photos from the day.
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College: Rooted to aspire higher
“I tell parents we are training students today for jobs that don’t exist,” she said. “We hope we’re not assuming people know what we stand for and what we have accomplished. We’re telling them who we are. You have to be on the front side of innovation and the Sisters of Providence have always been very forward-thinking.
A feast-day letter to Saint Mother Theodore
Saint Mother Theodore, you showed us the way. It wasn’t easy, but you never let up. You believed in your Provident God. Providence was your shield of faith and hope, and you lived it to the fullest.
Sisters Lucy and Mary Fran cook up a good time
“We prepare about 30 pounds of meat. The pulled pork sandwiches are complemented by a great horseradish coleslaw which Sister Lucy takes pride in making.”
Sisters Lucy Nolan and Mary Fran Keusal lovingly feed the volunteers and shoppers at the annual Providence Family Services rummage sale, held this year Oct. 4-5 in Chicago. They share their experience and even their recipe here.
Providence is profound
For me, Providence is God’s unconditional and interdependent love for each and every creation, given freely to be shared with, by and for every creation. God is present and acting. I may not recognize or sense God’s Providence, especially in times of struggle or pain.
Gathering celebrates hidden women from scripture
Selected readings and songs of praise honored our foremothers in faith who were witnesses, leaders, deacons, prophetesses, theologians: holy women of our past lineage whose stories we never hear read in our church.
