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 journey of Providence on Chicago’s westside
My journey in pastoral ministry has been very transforming for me. I have had the privilege and opportunity of stepping inside another race, culture and hearts. I am truly blessed.
Music, nature, environmental justice all part of young Providence Associate’s call
I desired to be part of a community that serves in environmental and social justice. Inner stillness, creativity, combined with social action, is a walk I feel called to.
Sister Joseph Ellen Keitzer: Blessed by the African American Catholic Community
t’s been a wonderful journey. I love the people. I’ve been so blessed by the African American community. Having shared their story, their faith, their dependence on God, my own journey as a Sister of Providence has been really transformed."
Prayer poem: heaviness of war
what will the world turn into now when we no longer protect the weak
what can i do when i am so far away and my voice is meaningless to those with the guns ...
and i am not strong enough physically to fight them
what will be left when the fighting stops
Walking through an experience of resurrection
The life after death is different from the here and now. What about our seeing or sensing a Loved One after their death? Can we understand that the dead live but not in the same way as the here and now?
Making sense of warring leaders both made in God’s image
Bearing God’s image requires us to love even the Russian dictator. What does this mean for our own response to this situation? What would God have them/us do in this moment?
Images of God: Providence Community spring retreat 2022
This past weekend, March 11-13, 2022, members of the Providence Community gathered in retreat to reflect on the theme "Images of God." Thirty Providence Associates, candidate-associates and Sisters of Providence gathered in person at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. They were joined by another 47 who joined them virtually.
Ash Wednesday: The ‘Black Friday’ of the Church year
Sometimes, the liturgical action, in this case receiving ashes, expresses what we struggle to find words to express on our own. Even when we know we’re pulled toward a journey, we may have no idea what direction to take or where the path even is.
Pondering Christ’s birth in our hearts
Mary, though feeling confused and filled with questions, was faithful and obeyed the angel’s instructions. She must have been blindsided by the situation that she was thrust into. But by her faith she was obedient and surrendered to God’s will.
Walking a labyrinth: one Providence Associate’s experience
I think walking a labyrinth can be a prayer experience in the same way that anything we do with quiet reverence and intention is prayer. I find sitting in prayer very challenging. The helpful part of labyrinth as a prayer practice is that it is an embodied experience. The path allows me to bring my whole self.
One Good Day: Thoughts on Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving this year, in many ways, hearkens back to Thanksgivings of old. As a nation, we remain bitterly divided politically. Those on the margins face terrible persecution. But mightn’t we still manage to have one good day together?
The call of Providence
At the orientation, each Providence Associate candidate shared what brought them to the Providence Community. Here is some of what they shared.