Inspired by a sister’s holiness

“My spiritual heroes are Mother Teresa, Ghandi, Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, Tony Dubois, Grace Sarosi, and Mr. Gurdjieff. They have lived in the world with souls of kindness and love inspirited by the Creator,” says Sheila Donis, a Providence Associate from Jasonville, Ind.

Where did Sheila’s great reverence for these women and men come? It came from her own heart that was touched by the many Sisters of Providence who taught her. It came from her companion, Sister Catherine Livers, of whom Sheila says, “Her kindnesses to the poor coupled with her holiness has inspired me for over 40 years.”

“It is difficult to think how life would have been for me if I had not been taught and loved by the Sisters of Providence,” says this fun-loving Providence Associate.

Picture of the week: Sept. 28

The leaves in Sacred Heart Grove are just beginning to change with the start of autumn. Fall is always a lovely season at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods!

And since it's fun to see a bit of historical perspective, here's a delightful undated photo of novices in Sacred Heart Grove back in the day.

Chorus to spread joy at the Fest

You're invited to an Oct. 22 concert during the Fest.

Do you love good music that makes you want to tap your toes, clap your hands and sing along?

Then get ready to enjoy the Vigo County Extension Homemakers Chorus, who will headline an Oct. 22 evening concert during the Saint Mother Theodore Guerin Fest.

The Fest, scheduled Oct. 21-23, 2011, at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind., is a weekend celebration of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, the eighth U.S. and first Indiana saint. “Living the Legacy Now” is the Fest’s theme. The Sisters of Providence invite you to join us for workshops and presentations that highlight spirituality, art, music, sustainability and more.

As a part of the Fest, the Vigo County Extension Homemakers Chorus will be in concert at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 22 in Cecilian Auditorium in the Conservatory of Music at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College on the same grounds as the Fest activities. Fest participants attend the concert free of charge. The public is also invited to attend and a free-will offering at the door is welcome.

The chorus, directed by Jackie Reeves, began in 1936. The group is 30-plus members strong and serves as a musical outlet for women who love to sing.

“The purpose of the chorus is to spread joy!” Reeves said.

If you’ve heard the Vigo County Extension Homemakers Chorus in person, let us know what you think. We’re looking forward to an exciting evening of great music!

To learn more about the Fest, contact Sister Jan Craven at jcraven@spsmw.org or 812-535-2925. Read more about the Fest, register online and check out the schedule of events.

Alpaca open house Sunday afternoon

Providence Sampson is one of the alpacas at White Violet Farm Alpacas.

If you’re looking for an excuse to head out to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods this weekend maybe an event involving some of God’s furry creatures is the answer.

White Violet Farm Alpacas, a ministry of the Sisters of Providence, will have an open house from 1 to 3 p.m. this Sunday (at the alpaca barn closest to Owens Hall) to celebrate National Alpaca Farm Days.

It’s a great opportunity to get up-close to the alpacas and talk with those who care for them.

The sisters’ herd of alpacas has grown from three to more than 60 since 1998. Many of them are for sale, and they all provide luxurious fiber to a successful fiber program at White Violet Center for Eco-Justice (WVC).

The alpacas are sheared each spring and sisters and friends make hats and scarves from the fiber that is softer than cashmere and as warm as wool.

The items are sold at the WVC and The Gift Shop at Providence Center throughout the year. The ministry also belongs to a fiber co-op that produces socks, gloves and mittens that are sold at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. Alpaca items and yarn will be sold at Sunday’s open house.

Make a day of it and go to Sunday Brunch in O’Shaughnessy 10:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.

Please use the comment area below to ask any questions you may have about alpacas.

General superior wishes Archbishop well in retirement

The Most Reverend Daniel Buechlein, archbishop of Indianapolis, was pretty emotional as he announced his retirement Wednesday. His love for his role with the Catholic Church and the people of archdiocese was evident. He gave his best in trying to rebound from significant health issues the past few years, so now he's heading "home" to St. Meinrad for time of peace, quiet, prayer and he intends to work on his memoirs.

He has had a good relationship with the Sisters of Providence, most notably through his devotion to Saint Mother Theodore Guerin.

After the archbishop made his announcement, Sister Denise Wilkinson, the Congregation's general superior, offered her thoughts:

"Archbishop Daniel has been a good friend to the Sisters of Providence for many years. He blessed us so abundantly with his support, encouragement and personal involvement leading up to the canonization of our foundress, Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, in 2006. He also participated in many Eucharistic Liturgies and celebrations in her honor. His devotion to her is genuine. We are grateful that he has walked the path of providing service among God's people with us and we hope he is able to enjoy many beautiful years of retirement at his St. Meinrad home. If his willpower could have prevailed over his health, he would still be our archbishop, but we know he always will be united with us in prayer."

First chapel to be re-created at SMW

No worries if you're not a history buff. The re-creation of the first log cabin chapel at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods will still be cool.

Several years in the making, an authentic replica of the chapel visited by Saint Mother Theodore and her five companions when they arrived from France in 1840 is under construction.

A Southern Indiana husband and wife donated a mid-1800s log cabin from their property, the Terre Haute Convention and Visitors Bureau provided support for construction, and volunteers are doing the work.

A stone sidewalk will be installed to lead to the doorway. It will be furnished with plank benches, a plank altar similar to the one described by Saint Mother Theodore, and the fireplace will be eye-catching.

This project will provide a great opportunity and space for personal reflection, enjoyment of an element of Indiana history, and a unique learning experience for students, families and groups who visit the grounds.

It should be ready for visitors by late October. Make your plans now to come to see it. Tours can be scheduled through Providence Center.

Sisters of Providence host Red Mass

Lawyers, judges, paralegals and others who work for justice have an opportunity to participate in a Red Mass in their honor on Sunday, Sept. 25, at 11 a.m. in the Church of the Immaculate Conception. The Sisters of Providence host the Red Mass for those in the Terre Haute area.

If you're not familiar with the Red Mass, in the Catholic faith tradition it offers a time of special prayer for people of all faith traditions who work for justice. Traditionally, they are offered near the time the Supreme Court of the United States reconvenes which is Oct. 1.

The sisters welcome all to join in prayer to ask the Holy Spirit to grant wisdom, inspiration and guidance to whose who serve in our legal and justice systems.

Providence Associates gather in California

Our California Providence Associates, Providence Candidate-Associates and Sisters of Providence are excellent at taking the time to gather with one another. Last Saturday, a group of people from San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles and Imperial County in California and one candidate-associate from Reno, Nev., gathered in Yorba Linda, Calif., for a Day of Reflection on Making and Renewing a Commitment.

Two candidate-associates will be making their first commitments as Providence Associates this November. They are Jennie Bear and Joann Kennelly. An exciting part of this gathering was the inclusion of three people who will be Providence Candidate-Associates starting next month. Emma Contreras, Martha Langarica and David Rudolph got the opportunity to learn more about the relationship with the Congregation that they will “officially” start in October.

Visit our website for more images of this awesome day. 

Picture of the week: September 15

This past Saturday, the Sisters of Providence installed their new general council, with Sister Denise Wilkinson returning for a second term as general superior and Sisters Lisa Stallings, Jenny Howard, Dawn Tomaszewski and Mary Beth Klingel rounding out the team. (For more info, you can read the press release or check out Sister Denise Wilkinson's reflection from the Installation.)

We've compiled a small set of images to introduce you to the new general officers. (If slideshow is not showing up correctly, you may view the set of images here.)

White Violet Center harvest dinner Oct. 8

White Violet Center's 15th anniversary celebration is Oct. 8.

Pick up bow ties for the alpacas, check. Choose chef and plan menu, check. Order local wine and beer, check, check. White Violet Center for Eco-Justice (WVC) at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, a ministry of the Sisters of Providence, is planning a big celebration — and everyone is invited.

It was 15 years ago that the Sisters of Providence blessed and dedicated this ministry that has allowed thousands of children and adults to experience and learn about the interconnection of all creation through hands-on environmental education programs, workshops and eco-spirituality opportunities.

WVC's 15th Anniversary Harvest Dinner Fundraiser is Saturday, Oct. 8. Hors d'oeuvres and cocktails will be served and a silent auction will begin at 5 p.m. in the orchard. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. in Reilly Auditorium, Owens Hall.

Over the years, many have asked how they can help this ministry grow and the Sisters of Providence hope this special night of sharing will be a fun way of assisting in the future of this vital ministry.

Individual tickets are a donation of $80. A table of seven may be reserved for a $500 donation. For more information, call 812-535-2930 or email mfreeman@spsmw.org. Reservations can be sent to: White Violet Center for Eco-Justice, 1 Sisters of Providence, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, IN 47876.

We hope to see you on Oct. 8.

See Sister Becky Keller at ISU's Volunteer Fair

Want to find out about great volunteer opportunities and provide excellent community service?

Then, be sure and stop by Sister Rebecca “Becky” Keller’s Sisters of Providence volunteer booth from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 14 during Indiana State University’s Volunteer Fair. Sister Becky’s booth will be set up around the fountain area at Dede Plaza. (If it rains, the ISU Volunteer Fair will move inside to ISU’s Dede II.)

We look for volunteers who are 18 years or older and who have their own transportation. We can answer some of your initial questions about volunteering with the Sisters of Providence here.

If you have limited time on your hands due to classes or other commitments, volunteering with the Sisters of Providence is still an option. When a person first expresses an interest in volunteering, Sister Becky meets with the individual to find out that person’s area of interest and what time he or she can devote to volunteering.

Whether you can donate a few hours, a day or a week or two, any time the person can volunteer with us is deeply appreciated.

Check here to find out what volunteer opportunities are available with the Sisters of Providence.
It is Sister Becky’s goal to make the volunteering with the Sisters of Providence a positive experience. To that end, many of our volunteers tell us that they receive so much from helping others.

If you’re interested in finding our more about volunteering, contact Sister Becky at 812-535-2813 or at rkeller@spsmw.org. Also, learn more at www.SPvolunteers.org

Picture of the week: Sept. 9

Happy 100th birthday, Sister Rosalie!



Sister Rosalie Marie Weller was born on September 7, 1911. She entered the Sisters of Providence community in 1934, when Mother Mary Raphael Slattery was general superior. (You can see her name in the first Sisters of Providence entrance book recently digitized with help of the Indiana Historical Society. She's on page 295.)

This makes her the second Sister of Providence to turn 100 this year — Sister Francis Alma McManus turned 100 back on February 28. (She entered the community in 1928.) Here are the two centenarians enjoying the day.

Why do people turn to prayer in troubled times?

Sister Denise Wilkinson

In the midst of remembrances of the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, General Superior Sister Denise Wilkinson reflects on a media interview, where the reporter asked her why people turn to prayer in the midst of crisis.

"Feeling powerless, we turn to a higher power, to God," Sister Denise writes. "I believe part of my motivation is to regain some sense of well-being, some feeling that somehow God’s love continues to hold me and us securely."

Read Sister Denise's full reflection here.

Registry records every woman who has entered the Congregation

Since Nov. 9, 1840, every woman who has entered the Sisters of Providence has had her name recorded in one of two entrance books that are kept in the Congregation’s Archives. Now, thanks to our partnership with the Indiana Historical Society, the first entrance book has been digitized and is now available online in an easy-to-read format.

Working with the IHS’s Historic Document Preservation Program and the Preservation Imaging Lab, the 300 pages of this unique registry provide a wealth of information to genealogists and other researchers.

The first volume of the entrance books ends with number 3,306 — Sister Evelyn Theresa Hickey on Jan. 11, 1936.

Indeed, what a treasure from our Archives!

Saint Mother Theodore Guerin Fest Oct. 21-23

Take a beautiful fall weekend and mix it with programs highlighting spirituality, music and art and you have the makings for this year’s Saint Mother Theodore Guerin Fest Oct. 21-23 at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind.

The Fest’s theme is “Living the Legacy Now!” and the weekend will focus on the life of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin. Saint Mother Theodore came to the Indiana wilderness from France in 1840 and quickly grew to love the land. She felt a personal call to sustainability and being good stewards of what God has entrusted to us which is exemplified in how the Sisters of Providence live today.

Mother Theodore welcomed people of all faith traditions and there is something for everyone at this uplifting event. See our Schedule of Events for workshops and the activities being offered.
The registration fee for the three-day weekend is $50 per person, all meals included. A special Saturday only rate of $25 (two meals included) is also offered.

A special highlight of this year’s Fest is a 6:30 p.m. concert, featuring the Vigo County Extension Homemakers Chorus. The concert will be conducted in Cecilian Auditorium in the Conservatory of Music at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. Fest participants will be able to attend the concert free of charge.

The Vigo County Extension Homemakers Chorus began in 1936. Its Director Jackie Reeves notes, “Our chorus serves as a musical outlet for those who love to sing, providing opportunities to sing throughout the community. As far as I’m concerned, our purpose is to spread joy!”

For more information about the Fest, contact Sister Jan Craven at 812-535-2925 or jcraven@spsmw.org. More details can also be found at www.SistersofProvidence.org.

Providing HOPE to patients and caregivers

“It’s here at A Caring Place that I see the face of God on every face. I experience God’s presence in the laughter of our participants, in their courage in the face of adversity, in their spirited singing of the spirituals and in the sharing of their life stories. I have learned so much from our participants. I have also been privileged to work with a wonderful, caring team of persons,” said Sister Susan Dinnin, program director of A Caring Place, in the latest issue of HOPE.

Sister Susan’s adult day services ministry is just one of the articles that addresses the spirituality of health care. In this issue you’ll meet Sister Betty Hopf, chaplain at the Hux Cancer Center in Terre Haute, Ind. You’ll also be introduced to Sister Mary Jo Piccione who says that nursing and chaplaincy have been a blessing and a gift to her.

Of course, in this issue you will find the usual items of interest — alumnae news, obituaries, partners in our mission, the photo album, upcoming events and much, much more!