Providence in the Desert
New energy, focus for justice
Before discerning a focus, sisters and associates gave input on their priorities. Six key justice issues emerged: environment, human trafficking, immigration and refugees, anti-racism, women’s issues and nonviolence. Still … there was a clear desire for focus.
You help Providence in the Desert make a difference!
Imagine what it would be like coming to a new country, trying to make a better life for yourself and for your children. Imagine how difficult that would be if everyone around you spoke a language you did not know. Because of your support, Providence in the Desert enables a parent to speak confidently to her child's teacher. A grandmother can understand what her doctor tells her about her health. A laborer can understand the people he works for, allowing him a better job.
Sister Loretta Picucci
“I think what we do creates hope, because it gives them confidence in themselves. It gives them confidence that they can learn. They find out that they can learn the language, but they also find out that even when they make mistakes, they are learning, so it’s OK to keep trying," says Sister Loretta Picucci of her ministry teaching English to immigrant farm workers at Providence in the Desert in California.
Hope through education in the desert
Passion for justice, love for neighbor and deep faith fuel the work at Providence in the Desert in southern California. Sister Carol Nolan (formerly Sister Mary Sheila) founded the ministry 13 years ago at age 69. The dynamic educator went to live among some of the poorest residents of the United States, immigrant laborers in the Coachella Valley. She asked what they needed and then made it happen. Today Sister Carol and Sister Loretta Picucci and a small staff bring classes in the English language to people who need the help.
Learning English with Sister Carol Nolan
For 30 years Rufina Martinez lived in the United States and spoke very little English. Each day was a struggle for the Mexican immigrant. Thanks to Sister Carol Nolan and Providence in the Desert, life is getting easier for Rufina.
Love in action at Providence in the Desert
Providence in the Desert is about a lot more than teaching.
It’s about presence. It’s about caring. It’s about love and compassion.
It’s about calling a student during your down time in the middle of the day to quiz her on what she will need to know for her upcoming U.S. citizenship exam.
When I’m rich: Providence dreams in the Desert
A few days ago, Leticia, one of Sister Loretta’s students here at Providence in the Desert, said to Sister Loretta, “When I’m rich, I want to have a car like yours.”
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.
Frances Ginther: a partner in Providence
This year's Guerin Outreach Ministries Leadership and Advocacy Award winner Frances Ginther has a long association with the Sisters of Providence, one that helped to shape her life-long dedication to people in need.
National Catholic Rural Life Conference highlights Providence in the Desert
Click here to read the National Catholic Rural Life Conference’s coverage of Providence in the Desert’s ministry to Mexican immigrants in rural Coachella, Calif.
Guerin Outreach Ministries: Catholic religious sisters offer English classes, friendship to residents of St. Anthy Trailer Park in rural Mecca, Calif.
Martha Arrendondo is 46 years old and has been in the United States for 26 years. She works in the grape fields in and around the Coachella Valley in California. Right now she is looking for a better job, and…
Sisters with California’s Providence in the Desert offer English classes, friendship
Martha Arrendondo is 46 years old and has been in the United States for 26 years. She works in the grape fields in and around the Coachella Valley in California. Right now she is looking for a better job, and…