Sisters in Ministry
Our Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods are passionate about serving God by caring for all God’s creation, especially those most in need. We serve in many ways, from education to social justice, parish ministry, hospital ministry, serving the economically poor, advocating for immigrants and for a healthy environment. Read how some of our sisters serve God and others through their ministries.
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.
Finding courage and joy as a caregiver
For seven years, Sister Bernadette Mary Carroll was a caregiver for her ailing sister, Catherine. She cooked, cleaned, shopped for groceries, administered medications, and drove her sister to and from her many appointments; anything she could do to make her life as comfortable as possible.
Walking with the people from a position of influence: Sister Therese Guerin Sullivan
Statistics from the National Association of Church Personnel (posted at www.usccb.org in 2013) reported that: “About one-quarter of all diocesan chancellors are women. . . a position of considerable influence in many dioceses.”
Cleveland bishop: value in women’s leadership
“I value women in leadership roles because they share a desire to serve God and God’s people, and they bring different perspectives and aspects of human relationships to conversations and decision-making that enrich the whole process,” Bishop Lennon stated.
Ministry in the marriage tribunal
As the only woman reviewing cases in our tribunal, I feel I balance the male perspective. I am a good listener and feel that I relate to people with empathy. If a case is particularly difficult, I will put it aside for a while and reread it later. Often I have new insights in doing so that strengthen the case.
Voices to prevent abuse: Sisters Cathy White and Cathy Campbell
“That child has no voice, and I have a pretty big one,” Sister Cathy White said. “I continue in this ministry because I feel I can have a voice for the voiceless.”
Outreach through liturgy: Sister Jeremy Gallet
From a very musical family, Sister Jeremy has always been involved with music. She started as a music teacher and eventually moved on to serve as a music minister at several parishes. She plays piano, guitar and has sung in choirs since age 8.
Steadfast in her calling: Sister Mary Ann DeFazio
“Where else is church? This is where the church is,” she said. Living and building a community with the people,” she said, is “like we are figuring out where we are as God’s people. … We learn faith by living it as much as possible.”
Question and answer with Sister Jane Iannaccone
I stay in this ministry because of love. Love for all the people of God. Jesus’ commandment is to love everyone, not just the members of the church I like.
A companion in the dying and rising of daily life: Sister Jane Iannaccone
Often in my daily encounters, people are experiencing great sorrow and pain. I cannot take their pain away. However, I can be a supportive caring presence. I am willing to stay with them in their pain. I hope that through me they will experience the face of God and this will enable them to put their trust in a loving merciful God. I am mirroring for them and they to me, a God who journeys with us through our pain and suffering.
Grateful for all who have served this Memorial Day
On May 5, 1868, three years after the end of the Civil War, Memorial Day was officially proclaimed by General John Logan, National Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic in his General Order No. 11. It was first…
Sophia: a poetic look at the feminine face of God
Can you hear her?
The gentle whisper,
She is calling you,
beyond what you know,
what you believe to be truth or reality.
