Tag archive
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. Continue reading
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. Continue reading
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. Continue reading
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. Continue reading
Daniel: empowered in the Desert
“The people who make the driver’s test only speak English. I understand fine. They say go left, go right. I understand. They say when I am done, ‘Good job.’ I say, ‘It’s Providence in the Desert,’” Daniel said. Continue reading
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. Continue reading
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.” Continue reading
Lessons from an Ant
Surely, as becomes increasingly clear, if everything in the universe emerged from one burst of energy, our connectedness is truly radical.
The ants and the elephants, the trees and the mountains, the first person stepping off the Mayflower and the latest undocumented immigrant: we are all intrinsically part of one another. Continue reading
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. Continue reading
Sisters of Providence ministry snapshot
A peek at Sisters of Providence ministries today. Continue reading
A visit to Providence in the Desert
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College alum Kathy Wentland Lubeznik shares her recent experience visiting Sisters Carol Nolan and Loretta Picucci in their ministry at Providence in the Desert. The sisters and their loyal team of volunteers and teachers bring English-language instruction and a chance for a better future to some of the economically poorest residents of the United States who are living in and around Coachella, Calif. Continue reading
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. Continue reading