Memories, hidden away in a sealed box

The former convent at the former Paul C. Schulte High School in Terre Haute, Indiana, has been razed. It once was home for many Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods who taught there. Amid the piles of rubble, a well-sealed box was found, containing memories of the groundbreaking ceremony and the era around 1958 when construction began.

One Sister of Providence who lived there and was teaching at the school when construction began is still alive. Sister Estelle Scully has good memories of her years there and she remembers how thankful she and the other sisters were for the then-new facility. You can read the account of the contents of the "time capsule" and Sister Estelle's comments in today's Tribune-Star. Here is the web site: www.TribStar.com.

A look back at 2010

During 2010, Providence Associates and Candidate-Associates enjoyed retreats, commitment and renewal ceremonies and other engagements throughout the United States and Taiwan. Providence Associates made history this past summer when they joined Sisters of Providence for the opening ceremony of the sisters' Annual Meeting. The year culminated in the Rite of Commitment and Renewal in the Church of the Immaculate Conception on Nov. 13.

A new video illustrates the myriad celebrations enjoyed by associates, candidates and sisters in 2010. To view this video, click here.

What a way to recycle Christmas Trees!

A man recently called Facilities Management at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods to inquire about the Sisters of Providence annual Christmas tree recycling program. Instead of dropping off a tree to be recycled into heating fuel or mulch, he wanted to know if he could have a few of the trees.

Thinking the request was a little unusual, Sister Rose Ann Eaton, associate director, said probably, but she was curious about the intended use.

The caller said his daughter plans to be married soon and wanted real trees to use as a decorative back drop for her ceremony. Sister Rose Ann agreed. The caller even wanted to know if he could return the trees so they could be recycled ... again ... for their regularly intended re-use. So, some discarded Christmas trees might be recycled two different ways!

If you have Christmas trees that you want to be rid of, bring them to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods and drop them off near the horse barns. Trees will be accepted through Jan. 5.

Seven Sisters of Providence shared birthdays with Jesus

Light up the birthday candles! Let the Advent candles glow! It's time to celebrate the birth of Jesus!

As we anticipate the glorious birth of Christ and the Christmas liturgical season that embraces us warmly, we might also want to honor those who have celebrated a common birthday.

Seven Sisters of Providence shared Dec. 25 as the date of their birth. All have now gone home to God. Those seven were Sisters Mary Eleanor Buckley, Michael Therese Elliott, Ludwina Geschke, Mary Harmandine McDonald, Mary Aileen Minta, Irma Joseph Thiele and Helen Patrice Tobin.

Sister Jean Anne Maher, a current Sister of Providence, almost made it. She was born on Dec. 24.

Other sisters born on Christmas Eve were Sisters Mary Remigia O'Brien and Ursala O'Brien, who were twins, along with Sister Noel Waters. They all are deceased.

December 25 also is a memorable day for sisters who died. Sisters Saint Gertrude McCarthy, S. Francis Maurice Ketzner, Mary Catherine Hogan, Agnes Philomene McGovern, Margaret Josephine Dooley and Margaret Celine O'Boyle were called by God on the Holy Day.

Of course, Christmas birthdays really aren't all that uncommon. Here are some notable people who share that birthday: Anwar Sadat (1918), Humphrey Bogart (1899), Conrad Hilton (1887), Sir Isaac Newton (1642), Amy Grant (1960), Jimmy Buffett (1946) and Pope Pius VI (1717).

Some you might recognize who died on Dec. 25 would be Dean Martin (1995), James Brown (2006), W.C. Fields (1946) and Pope Adrian I (795).

Merry Christmas (and happy birthday if it is appropriate for you)!

Christmas wishes from Tanzania

Warm Christmas wishes have been sent to the Providence family by Providence Associate Pat Stucke from far-away Lusanga, Tanzania, Africa. Pat and her husband, Glen, have been serving as teachers through the Peace Corps since the fall of 2009.

In her Christmas letter, Pat shares the many accomplishments that she, Glen, other Peace Corps volunteers and the people of Lusanga have made in the past year. Pat highlights such activities as graduations, national student exams, HIV/AIDS awareness education and bustani or community gardens. Pat and Glen have rolled up their sleeves and have worked side-by-side the citizens of Lusanga and surrounding communities.

Pat and Glen are excited that they now have a little time to themselves until Jan. 17. During the holidays, one of their daughters will be visiting them.

What a difference this Providence Associate has made in the lives of others. To read Pat’s Christmas letter, click here.

SMWC saddles up to carol

The temperature may have been bitterly cold, but hearts were warmed Tuesday (Dec. 7) when students in the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College’s Equine Studies program conducted the Second Annual Senior Holiday Ride.

While many people can’t wait to deck the halls during the holiday season, the SMWC Equine Studies seniors instead put some red or silver tinsel on their horses (and themselves), before riding about the grounds to sing carols to youngsters and adults.

Chris Marks, chairperson of Equine Studies at SMWC, said last year was the first time the Senior Holiday Ride took place. It was enjoyed so much by all it was an easy decision to do it again this year.

“We plan to make this an annual tradition,” Marks said Tuesday, just after she, the students and their horses put their best voices (and hooves) forward.

Despite the bone-chilling cold, there was no doubt the students were up to the task. The seniors first performed for a small group at Owens Hall on the Sisters of Providence side of the grounds, before heading to the Woods Day Care/Pre-School, a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Providence.

Marks even added sweetness to the festivities by leaving a huge box of candy for the Owens group. Later, she went inside the Woods Day Care/Pre-School delivering candy to Sister Lucy Lechner at the front reception desk so that each youngster would be sure to receive a holiday treat.

Approximately 14 Equine Studies seniors and faculty braved Tuesday’s cold for the caroling. Meanwhile, Equine Studies freshmen, sophomores and juniors served on the all-important clean-up crew.

In addition to the students, Marks said other SMWC Equine Studies faculty — instructors Sara Schulz and Krista Steinmetz and stable manager Angie McMillin— rode along to help with the caroling.

In addition to Owens Hall and the Woods Day Care/Pre-School, the students rode on horseback to sing at Hulman Hall, LeFer Hall, the Mary and Andrew Rooney Library and Guerin Hall (between both buildings), in addition to the Conservatory of Music.

Marks said the group truly enjoyed spreading good cheer.

“It’s kind of a reward for the seniors to do this,” she said, adding it also provides for great camaraderie and a means to set a cheerful tone for the holidays.

“The horses are festive and the students are in a great mood for this,” Marks said, adding, “Besides … they look so awesome!”

Getting to know our Providence Associates

What Providence Associate:

• was a Franciscan Brother for 17 years?
• had a great-aunt who was a Providence Associate?
• was companioned by Sister Rosemary Ward?

Why would a Protestant want to become a Providence Associate?

Who can hardly wait for the next Summer Gathering of Providence Associates?

If you would like to know the answers to these questions, then you’ll want to read the latest issue of Providence Associates newSPaper that’s now available online!

A big hint for the first three questions: if you know who’s pictured with 15-year-old Foxy then you’ll know the correct Providence Associate!

Hanging of the Green at Providence Center

It's time to prepare. Christmas is only about three weeks away. Shopping to do. Cookies to make. Parties to plan. Gifts to wrap. Stress to survive! Oh, my!

It's also time to prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus. That preparation began Sunday, Nov. 28, at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods with an Advent vesper service and it continued on Monday, Nov. 29, with the annual "Hanging of the Green" in Providence Center's lobby.

Traditionally, the Advent season is a time for expectation, reflection, preparation and great joy. And that great joy certainly was plentiful as the 12-foot Christmas tree was adorned by those who were in a festive mood. They also enjoyed refreshments along with their good spirit and decorative assistance.

Several Sisters of Providence participated as did staff members and friends. Sister Marsha Speth, the Congregation's vicar, led the prayer which was followed by singing.

Please feel welcome to stop by and see the tree and enjoy the other beautiful places on the Sisters of Providence motherhouse grounds. Be sure to stop by The Gift Shop at Providence Center for its annual "Light Up for Christmas Sale" Dec. 4-10.

Andrew Conner's first day on the job

You know the drill. You walk into a new work environment with a million questions racing through your mind. You want to make a good impression. You know few, if any, people with whom you will be working. Do you have e-mail? How does the phone service work?

Andrew Conner probably experienced some of those symptoms Monday, Nov. 29, when he came to work for the first time as Director, Sisters of Providence Programming and Hospitality. He'll be based in Providence Center, the Congregation's official welcoming place.

"It has been a wonderful reception. Everyone has been very warm and welcoming. I can sense an enthusiasm and eagerness among the sisters and staff for the exciting future ahead of us," Andrew said, reflecting on his first day. "Everything was ready and waiting: computer, phone, business card. There was a lovely plant on my desk to welcome me. I feel very fortunate to be here."

He didn't have long to wait before his first experience of a large tour group. On his second day, a group of 106 visitors from the Archdiocese of Indianapolis visited Saint Mary-of-the-Woods as part of a pilgrimage.

"Even in my eagerness to begin work on new ideas and projects, I am working to temper that with a thorough examination of the traditions and strong foundation in place. My heart soars when I think of coming to work here each day, and I thank God for bringing me here," Andrew said.

Throw it on the Fire

It had been one of those days: my 3 year old was tearing up and down the aisles of our grocery store despite my protests, my newborn was issuing plaintive cries of hunger as I lamely shoved a pacifier her way, and I discovered after an hour of shopping and bargain hunting that I had forgotten my wallet at home. It was all I could do to pray for strength as I gritted my teeth and dragged both cart and toddler to customer service to ask that my cart be held so I could go home to get my wallet.

A chance encounter with a friend later in the day found me relating the tale with slightly lower blood pressure but still with more than a modicum of "why me?" My friend, twenty years my senior, laughed and told me that days like those remind her that sometimes you just have to "throw it in the fire." Her explanation for this somewhat cryptic remark was fascinating: whenever life hands her an irritation that, while troublesome, is out of her control, she envisions a bonfire in her heart and actively chooses to throw in whatever is standing between herself and peace.

I found myself thinking of this several times over the next few days, and I experimented with throwing into my own "inner fire" whatever wasn't helping live my own life mission. It was easy when the irritation was external (ie someone cut me off in traffic), but more difficult when it was my own emotions or thoughts that needed to be let go.

I also challenged myself to "throw in the fire" my own selfish urges and fears and pay closer attention to what I thought God might be leading me to do, see, or feel. Instead of living in an emotionally reactive way, I found myself much more receptive (not to mention my blood pressure much lower!).

To extend my friend's image, I imagine that throwing my own fears and selfish desires into the proverbial fire can "try" my faith into greater purity; a faith more aligned with my goal of serving God by responding with love, mercy, and justice to God's people.

Do you have images or other reminders that you use to let go of thoughts that aren't serving you? How have you found that they help your faith grow?

Christmas memories

Ho, ho, ho! Merry Christmas! Take a look at this photo and step back in time to 1946. These young women receiving gifts from Santa were students at Ladywood High School in Indianapolis. In the Sisters of Providence section of Wabash Valley Visions & Voices (WV3) you’ll find some other Christmas photos from Ladywood as well as a photo from Dunblane School in Washington, D.C. Click here to view these photographs.

The Sisters of Providence are one of the founding members of WV3, a digital memory project. Be sure to check out the WV3 blog.

Renewals, renewals, renewals

Saturday, Nov. 20, was a busy day for Providence Associates in Chicago and Indianapolis. Twelve associates in the Chicago area gathered in the chapel of Mother Theodore Guerin Convent in River Grove, Ill., to renew their commitments. Providence Cristo Rey High School, Indianapolis, hosted 13 Providence Associates and their family, friends and Sisters of Providence.

For images of the Chicago ceremony, click here. For photos from the Indianapolis Rite of Renewal, click here.

Turkey and football!

Do Thanksgiving Day and football go together in your family? In many families, it’s a tradition to stuff your face and then moan and groan on the couch while watching football! And back in the day, many local high schools played football on this holiday. For nearly 40 years, Garfield and Wiley high schools in Terre Haute, Ind., met on the gridiron on Turkey Day.

This tradition is just one of many you’ll find on Wabash Valley Visions & Voices (WV3), a digital memory project of which the Sisters of Providence are founding members. Check out more information on this annual football game by clicking here. While there, you might want to subscribe to this blog.

For more information about WV3, click here.

Feast Day of Our Lady of Providence

The public is invited to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Providence today, Nov. 20 at 11 a.m. in St. Joseph Chapel in Owens Hall at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind. (Note the change of venue. Construction this year requires us to hold services in St. Joseph Chapel.) Providence Center staff and Sisters of Providence are included in a processional at the beginning and end of services. The painting of Our Lady of Providence, which is usually at the Shrine in Providence Center, will be placed in the sanctuary of the chapel.

Novena to Our Lady of Providence - Nov. 19 - day 9

The novena to Our Lady of Providence should be said Nov. 11-19.

Nov. 19 — day 9

Our Lady of Providence, Hope of the Oppressed, pray that all persons may have meaningful work, just wages, financial and retirement security.

Prayer to Our Lady of Providence

Remember, O most faithful Lady of Providence, that you have been given to us by your Son to be our mother. We entrust to you our labors; bless them. We commend to you our needs; supply them. Show for us the same concern you manifested at Cana, for we trust that whatever you ask of your Son will be done. Pray for us on our pilgrimage that we may share the faith and hope that marked your life. Full of confidence in your power before God, we place ourselves, our loved ones, and all our petitions in your providential care. Amen.

Feast Day of Our Lady of Providence

The public is invited to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Providence on Saturday, Nov. 20 at 11 a.m. in St. Joseph Chapel in Owens Hall at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind. (Note the change of venue. Construction this year requires us to hold services in St. Joseph Chapel.) Providence Center staff and Sisters of Providence are included in a processional at the beginning and end of services. The painting of Our Lady of Providence, which is usually at the Shrine in Providence Center, will be placed in the sanctuary of the chapel.

A video of the Rite of Commitment

Saturday, Nov. 13, was indeed a day of celebration for the 20 candidates who made their first commitments as Providence Associates during a Eucharistic Liturgy in the Church of the Immaculate Conception. The skies outside might have been gray, but a glorious warmth and a palpable energy were inside the church.

Also during Saturday’s rite, 60 Providence Associates renewed their commitments. This Saturday, Nov. 20, more Providence Associates in the Chicago and Indianapolis areas will be renewing their commitments.

To view a video from the Rite of Commitment on Nov. 13, click here. To learn more about Providence Associates, click here.

Novena to Our Lady of Providence - Nov. 18 - day 8

The novena to Our Lady of Providence should be said Nov. 11-19.

Nov. 18 — day 8

Our Lady of Providence, Help of Christians, pray for victims of abuse, those suffering from the effects of hurricanes, earthquakes, drought, fire, floods and other natural disasters.

Prayer to Our Lady of Providence

Remember, O most faithful Lady of Providence, that you have been given to us by your Son to be our mother. We entrust to you our labors; bless them. We commend to you our needs; supply them. Show for us the same concern you manifested at Cana, for we trust that whatever you ask of your Son will be done. Pray for us on our pilgrimage that we may share the faith and hope that marked your life. Full of confidence in your power before God, we place ourselves, our loved ones, and all our petitions in your providential care. Amen.

Feast Day of Our Lady of Providence

The public is invited to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Providence on Saturday, Nov. 20 at 11 a.m. in St. Joseph Chapel in Owens Hall at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind. (Note the change of venue. Construction this year requires us to hold services in St. Joseph Chapel.) Providence Center staff and Sisters of Providence are included in a processional at the beginning and end of services. The painting of Our Lady of Providence, which is usually at the Shrine in Providence Center, will be placed in the sanctuary of the chapel.

Providence Associates in Chicago and Indy to renew commitments

Providence Associates in the Chicago and Indianapolis areas will be renewing their commitments in ceremonies this Saturday, Nov. 20. The Renewal of Commitment for Chicago-area associates will be held in the chapel at Guerin Convent in River Grove, Ill., starting at 1:30 p.m. (CST). The Renewal of Commitment for Indianapolis-area associates will be held at 1:30 p.m. (EST) at Providence Cristo Rey High School, 75 N. Belleview Pl. The public may attend these celebrations.

Last Saturday, Nov. 13, 20 Providence Candidate-Associates made their first commitments, while 60 Providence Associates from throughout the country renewed their commitments. To see some images from the day as well as to read the reflection by General Superior Sister Denise Wilkinson, click here.

Novena to Our Lady of Providence - Nov. 17 - day 7

The novena to Our Lady of Providence should be said Nov. 11-19.

Nov. 17 - day 7

Our Lady of Providence, Consolation of the Afflicted, pray for those suffering from addictions of any kind, from depression and other mental or emotional distress.

Prayer to Our Lady of Providence

Remember, O most faithful Lady of Providence, that you have been given to us by your Son to be our mother. We entrust to you our labors; bless them. We commend to you our needs; supply them. Show for us the same concern you manifested at Cana, for we trust that whatever you ask of your Son will be done. Pray for us on our pilgrimage that we may share the faith and hope that marked your life. Full of confidence in your power before God, we place ourselves, our loved ones, and all our petitions in your providential care. Amen.

Feast Day of Our Lady of Providence

The public is invited to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Providence on Saturday, Nov. 20 at 11 a.m. in St. Joseph Chapel in Owens Hall at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind. (Note the change of venue. Construction this year requires us to hold services in St. Joseph Chapel.) Providence Center staff and Sisters of Providence are included in a processional at the beginning and end of services. The painting of Our Lady of Providence, which is usually at the Shrine in Providence Center, will be placed in the sanctuary of the chapel.

More comments from NASPA visitors

As you may know, members of the National Association of Shrine and Pilgrimage Apostolate were at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods last weekend for their annual convention. You can read in an earlier post what the organization's president, Msgr. Walter Rossi of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington D.C. had to say about the reason for the meeting and his impressions of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.


Here are some comments from other participants:


"Saint Mary-of-the-Woods is a relaxing place, physically and mentally. It is a very, very wonderful facility. I think the sisters have great resilience and determination. They have been here since the 1800s and have built this place into what it is now. The sisters are really living out the charism of Saint Mother Theodore [Guerin]. I really loved my time at the Basilica [of St. Francis Xavier]in Vincennes. The pastor there did a really good job of taking us through the history of Vincennes and the presence of Catholics from France."


~ Rev. Ferdinand Okorie, CNF, National Shrine of St. Jude, Chicago.


"As far as coming to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, I was a little apprehensive. Being here has been absolutely marvelous. When you hear the history, it’s so incredible. The campus is beautiful. Everyone here has been an angel, helped us in every way. The chapel is magnificent. I’m very grateful that I had enough common sense to come and network with the people. When you network with the rest of the members, you learn more and you take it back to your shrine and you implement the suggestions. It’s absolutely phenomenal what they have done out here. When you think back to 1840, ladies came here and established this school. It’s amazing, hard to comprehend, but I see with my own eyes what they have done here."

~ Jean Markunas, Divine Mercy Shrine, Stockbridge, Mass.


"What the sisters have done and are still doing, especially how they combine creation and nature and all of their work, is just amazing. Through the discussion, especially the one-on-one talks, I have a lot of ideas. One thing I will always remember is Sister Denise Wilkinson [general superior, Sisters of Providence] giving a sentence from Saint Mother Theodore. 'When one has nothing to lose, the heart is inaccessible to fear.' It’s so amazing. There is nothing to be afraid of. When I go back home to my shrine, I will remember that I have nothing to lose and everything to gain."


~ Rev. Rafael Lavilla Jr. OSJ, Shrine of St. Joseph Guardian of the Redeemer, Santa Cruz, Calif.

Novena to Our Lady of Providence - Nov. 16 - day 6

The novena to Our Lady of Providence should be said Nov. 11-19.

Nov. 16 — day 6

Our Lady of Providence, Gate of Heaven, pray for the lonely, the abandoned, the dying, the grieving and the faithful departed.

Prayer to Our Lady of Providence

Remember, O most faithful Lady of Providence, that you have been given to us by your Son to be our mother. We entrust to you our labors; bless them. We commend to you our needs; supply them. Show for us the same concern you manifested at Cana, for we trust that whatever you ask of your Son will be done. Pray for us on our pilgrimage that we may share the faith and hope that marked your life. Full of confidence in your power before God, we place ourselves, our loved ones, and all our petitions in your providential care. Amen.

Feast Day of Our Lady of Providence

The public is invited to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Providence on Saturday, Nov. 20 at 11 a.m. in St. Joseph Chapel in Owens Hall at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind. (Note the change of venue. Construction this year requires us to hold services in St. Joseph Chapel.) Providence Center staff and Sisters of Providence are included in a processional at the beginning and end of services. The painting of Our Lady of Providence, which is usually at the Shrine in Providence Center, will be placed in the sanctuary of the chapel.

Welcome, new Providence Associates!

Twenty new Providence Associates were welcomed Saturday, Nov. 13, during a Rite of Commitment and Renewal in the Church of the Immaculate Conception. General Superior Sister Denise Wilkinson, in her reflection, said about the day:

“This is the gift we celebrate today — the union of our hearts in God’s Providence — a union given so that the works of Providence will continue.”

In addition to the 20 first commitments, 60 Providence Associates renewed their commitments. Indeed, it truly was an awesome and sacred day.

For photos from the celebration, click here. To read Sister Denise’s reflection, click here.

Novena to Our Lady of Providence - Nov. 15 - day 5

The novena to Our Lady of Providence should be said Nov. 11-19.

Nov. 15 — day 5

Our Lady of Providence, Mother of Grace and Mercy, pray for the marginalized: the poor, the elderly, the unborn, for prisoners, for victims of violence, and for world peace.

Prayer to Our Lady of Providence

Remember, O most faithful Lady of Providence, that you have been given to us by your Son to be our mother. We entrust to you our labors; bless them. We commend to you our needs; supply them. Show for us the same concern you manifested at Cana, for we trust that whatever you ask of your Son will be done. Pray for us on our pilgrimage that we may share the faith and hope that marked your life. Full of confidence in your power before God, we place ourselves, our loved ones, and all our petitions in your providential care. Amen.

Feast Day of Our Lady of Providence

The public is invited to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Providence on Saturday, Nov. 20 at 11 a.m. in St. Joseph Chapel in Owens Hall at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind. (Note the change of venue. Construction this year requires us to hold services in St. Joseph Chapel.) Providence Center staff and Sisters of Providence are included in a processional at the beginning and end of services. The painting of Our Lady of Providence, which is usually at the Shrine in Providence Center, will be placed in the sanctuary of the chapel.

Novena to Our Lady of Providence - Nov. 14 - day 4

The novena to Our Lady of Providence should be said Nov. 11-19.

Nov. 14 — day 4

Our Lady of Providence, help of the sick, pray for those suffering from chronic or terminal diseases of all kinds and those without medical assistance.

Prayer to Our Lady of Providence

Remember, O most faithful Lady of Providence, that you have been given to us by your Son to be our mother. We entrust to you our labors; bless them. We commend to you our needs; supply them. Show for us the same concern you manifested at Cana, for we trust that whatever you ask of your Son will be done. Pray for us on our pilgrimage that we may share the faith and hope that marked your life. Full of confidence in your power before God, we place ourselves, our loved ones, and all our petitions in your providential care. Amen.

Feast Day of Our Lady of Providence

The public is invited to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Providence on Saturday, Nov. 20 at 11 a.m. in St. Joseph Chapel in Owens Hall at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind. (Note the change of venue. Construction this year requires us to hold services in St. Joseph Chapel.) Providence Center staff and Sisters of Providence are included in a processional at the beginning and end of services. The painting of Our Lady of Providence, which is usually at the Shrine in Providence Center, will be placed in the sanctuary of the chapel.

Novena to Our Lady of Providence - Nov. 13 - day 3

The novena to Our Lady of Providence should be said Nov. 11-19.

Nov. 13 — day 3

Our Lady of Providence, Model of Disciples, pray for church and world leaders, teachers, retreatants and retreat directors, all students and universal conversion of hearts.

Prayer to Our Lady of Providence

Remember, O most faithful Lady of Providence, that you have been given to us by your Son to be our mother. We entrust to you our labors; bless them. We commend to you our needs; supply them. Show for us the same concern you manifested at Cana, for we trust that whatever you ask of your Son will be done. Pray for us on our pilgrimage that we may share the faith and hope that marked your life. Full of confidence in your power before God, we place ourselves, our loved ones, and all our petitions in your providential care. Amen.

Feast Day of Our Lady of Providence

The public is invited to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Providence on Saturday, Nov. 20 at 11 a.m. in St. Joseph Chapel in Owens Hall at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind. (Note the change of venue. Construction this year requires us to hold services in St. Joseph Chapel.) Providence Center staff and Sisters of Providence are included in a processional at the beginning and end of services. The painting of Our Lady of Providence, which is usually at the Shrine in Providence Center, will be placed in the sanctuary of the chapel.

Saint Mother Theodore Guerin receives another honor

How was Saint Mother Theodore Guerin a pioneer? Let us count the ways!

She led a group of five other Sisters of Providence on a treacherous ocean voyage, through densely wooded terrain to a forest that became home.

She was a leader in building Catholic education in Indiana.

She was an astute businesswoman and landowner.

She was a model of devotion to God.

Oh, you get the idea. And so does the Society of Indiana Pioneers. On Nov. 6, Saint Mother Theodore was named a Pioneer Founder of Indiana. The society honored 18 counties this year. More individuals will be honored in the next five years as Indiana prepares to celebrate its Bicentennial in 2016. In 2007, Saint Mother Theodore was honored by the group as a Hoosier Pioneer in recognition of her canonization.

Mary Alice Hines, PhD., of Indianapolis offered Saint Mother Theodore’s nomination.

The Society of Indiana Pioneers was established in 1916 in conjunction with the state’s centennial celebration with the intention to honor the memory and work of the early settlers who opened the state to exploration and continued its development.

‘The little Indian of the northern Lakes’

“Here we see the little Indian of the northern Lakes becoming one of the Torch-bearers of Christian education in southern Indiana and a notable factor in the expansion of St. Mary-of-the-Woods.” Such are the words about the life of Mother Mary Cecilia Bailly, second general superior of the Sisters of Providence, from the book, “In God’s Acre.”

Mother Mary Cecilia Bailly became the leader of the Congregation upon the death of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin on May 14, 1856. Mother Mary Cecilia had held a variety of leadership positions in the Congregation prior to Mother Theodore’s death. She served as general superior until 1868, leading the Congregation through the difficult years of the Civil War.

Providence Associate Paul Beel (who is also a systems analyst for the Congregation’s IT Department) is an admirer of Mother Mary Cecilia and has spent numerous hours in Archives researching this early leader of the Congregation. The Sisters of Providence web editorial board is pleased to present Paul’s research on the second general superior of the Congregation in our history section. Click here to learn more.

Novena to Our Lady of Providence - Nov. 12 - day 2

The novena to Our Lady of Providence should be said Nov. 11-19.

Nov. 12 — day 2

Our Lady of Providence, Queen of the Home, pray for strong and happy marriages, safe pregnancies, peace within families, for those divorced or separated and for all children, especially the unborn.

Prayer to Our Lady of Providence

Remember, O most faithful Lady of Providence, that you have been given to us by your Son to be our mother. We entrust to you our labors; bless them. We commend to you our needs; supply them. Show for us the same concern you manifested at Cana, for we trust that whatever you ask of your Son will be done. Pray for us on our pilgrimage that we may share the faith and hope that marked your life. Full of confidence in your power before God, we place ourselves, our loved ones, and all our petitions in your providential care. Amen.

Feast Day of Our Lady of Providence

The public is invited to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Providence on Saturday, Nov. 20 at 11 a.m. in St. Joseph Chapel in Owens Hall at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind. (Note the change of venue. Construction this year requires us to hold services in St. Joseph Chapel.) Providence Center staff and Sisters of Providence are included in a processional at the beginning and end of services. The painting of Our Lady of Providence, which is usually at the Shrine in Providence Center, will be placed in the sanctuary of the chapel.

Novena to Our Lady of Providence - Nov. 11 - day 1

The novena to Our Lady of Providence should be said Nov. 11-19.

Nov. 11 — day 1

Our Lady of Providence, Mother of the Church, pray for our Holy Father, our bishops and all other clergy, religious, the laity and vocations to the priesthood or religious life.

Prayer to Our Lady of Providence

Remember, O most faithful Lady of Providence, that you have been given to us by your Son to be our mother. We entrust to you our labors; bless them. We commend to you our needs; supply them. Show for us the same concern you manifested at Cana, for we trust that whatever you ask of your Son will be done. Pray for us on our pilgrimage that we may share the faith and hope that marked your life. Full of confidence in your power before God, we place ourselves, our loved ones, and all our petitions in your providential care. Amen.

Feast Day of Our Lady of Providence

The public is invited to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Providence on Saturday, Nov. 20 at 11 a.m. in St. Joseph Chapel in Owens Hall at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind. (Note the change of venue. Construction this year requires us to hold services in St. Joseph Chapel.) Providence Center staff and Sisters of Providence are included in a processional at the beginning and end of services. The painting of Our Lady of Providence, which is usually at the Shrine in Providence Center, will be placed in the sanctuary of the chapel.

Sister Jenny casts the net

Sister Jenny Howard, vocation director for the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, just returned from the National Religious Vocation Conference in Cleveland, entitled “Casting the Net – Vocation Ministry in a Global Church and World.” She and about 400 other vocation directors convened Nov. 4-8 to talk about shared concerns and challenges in inviting women and men who feel called by God to join religious life and the priesthood today. They discussed what the gifts and blessings are for young people today who receive that kind of an invitation.

There was also discussion about the spirituality of sustainability, globalization and the Church, and the need for vocation directors to be highly involved in social media as a means of communicating with young people. “It’s always wonderful to connect with other vocation directors to network and share ideas,” said Sister Jenny. “You get a sense that you are not alone, and that vocations is bigger than one community’s efforts. There is a sense of unity and a sameness that Providence is at work. We’re all facing the same challenges. It helps put everything into perspective,” added Sister Jenny.

The convocation included keynote speakers, workshops, theological reflection and celebrations of common prayer and the Eucharist. If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about becoming a woman religious, visit events and consider attending one of the upcoming events sponsored by the Sisters of Providence. Many times it’s the encouragement from others that helps confirm the call to vocations in a person, so why not be that encouragement to someone you know?

Enhance your spiritual feast by enjoying a pilgrimage to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods

This time of year, it’s natural to give a quick thought or two to the ancestral heritage of the pilgrims, who are legendary for giving thanks to God for their bounty.

But what about spiritual pilgrims and pilgrimages today? If you’re like most Americans, you may not think a lot about that possibility.

What better time of year is there to begin fortifying your spiritual feast and thanking God for your bounty? So befitting, then, that pilgrims who are experts about spiritual pilgrimages, gathered at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods for the annual convention of the National Association of Shrine and Pilgrimage Apostolate (NASPA).

“Each year, this national group has an annual meeting. We go to some place that has a national shrine. This year, the shrine of Saint Mother Theodore is our location,” said Msgr. Walter Rossi JCL, president of the association. Msgr. Rossi also serves as rector at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., one of the most renowned churches in the world.

“We hope our presence here brings more awareness to Saint Mother Theodore [Guerin], and also to the Sisters of Providence, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, and also the full concept and spiritual tradition of pilgrimage and shrine which is something most American Catholics have no concept of. We are trying to encourage that in a greater way,” Msgr. Rossi said.

Twenty-six people who are responsible for shrines throughout the United States made their pilgrimage to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods for the three-day program. Also included was a trip to Vincennes to see historical places there that had a significant role in the Sisters of Providence foundation years.

“The purpose of our gathering is to share ideas, share wisdom, share understanding and to see how we can continue to promote the whole question and practice of pilgrimages throughout the country, and to get people to understand the importance of making a pilgrimage,” Msgr. Rossi said. “Pilgrimages are more of a European tradition. European folks have grown up with the custom of going on pilgrimages, one shrine to another. That’s part of their spirituality. That is something we need to develop and encourage. That’s what this meeting is all about.

“How do you do that? By telling people there is much more to life than going on vacation. We need spiritual vacations, spiritual trips. The purpose is not to see something, but to gain something internally and that is through a relationship with the Lord. We can do that by speaking to people about their spiritual life. There has to be something more. You need to develop it. Pilgrimages are a way to develop your spiritual life. Once you convince people to make a spiritual journey, and they actually do it, they understand better and they encourage others to do the same thing,” Msgr. Rossi emphasized.

For the record, the association’s president defined a shrine as a “special place, a significant place, where people go in order to pray, to come into contact with God, and it’s normally a place associated with the life of our Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary, or one of the saints like Saint Mother Theodore. It’s a building, a place. A pilgrimage is designed as a spiritual journey. We all go on vacation, we make trips. It is a spiritual trip with the purpose of coming closer to the Lord.”

Msgr. Rossi has been to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods twice previously. What are his thoughts about the historic grounds?

“Saint Mary-of-the-Woods is a magnificent, magnificent place. It is definitely a place where people should come, not only to come to pray, but also to walk in communion with the Lord. This beautiful, conventual church (Church of the Immaculate Conception) is magnificent, a hundred years old, beautifully restored. Above all, you have the presence of Mother Theodore here and what more could you ask for than to be in the presence of a saint?”

Sister Denise Wilkinson, general superior of the Sisters of Providence, spoke with the group for a morning-long session on Tuesday (Nov. 9). She talked about the evangelization of Indiana by Saint Mother Theodore, and included her own insights about Saint Mother Theodore as a person. “It was shear joy to do that. They already had been on a tour of the grounds and experienced the place of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, and everywhere they went people talked to them about Mother Theodore. They were very open to it. Each of those people in that group has responsibilities for a place where people come to pray and gather, to thank God, to ask favors of God. We are very grateful that they chose to have their annual meeting here,” she said.

You don’t need a pilgrim’s hat or bonnet to visit Saint Mary-of-the-Woods and Saint Mother Theodore’s Shrine. Just make your plans to visit. During October, visitors, pilgrims if you will, came to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods from Indiana, Illinois, Texas, Tennessee, Missouri, Nevada, Kentucky, Florida, California, Minnesota, Maryland, Virginia, Michigan, Colorado, Ohio, Washington, D.C., West Virginia, Montana, Massachusetts and Connecticut. Visitors also came from Northern Ireland, Haiti and Canada.

Novena to Our Lady of Providence

The Sisters of Providence have been home to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Providence since May 1, 1925, but devotion to Our Lady of Providence began long before. The original painting, "Mater Divinae Providentiae," dates back to 1580 and came into the possession of the Barnabite Fathers at San Carlo ai Catinari in Rome. It was placed in a corridor there, where it began to draw faithful visitors.

While it is a beautiful piece of art, the Shrine also serves as a reminder of the importance of mothers. Special prayers are offered for the needs of all families, asking for the protection and intercession of Our Lady of Providence as Queen of the Home.

This year, the novena to Our Lady of Providence should be said Nov. 11-19. The novena will be offered daily through this blog. You can have it delivered to your inbox by clicking here to subscribe now.

The public is invited to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Providence on Saturday, Nov. 20 at 11 a.m. in St. Joseph Chapel in Owens Hall at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind. (Note the change of venue. Construction this year requires us to hold services in St. Joseph Chapel.) Providence Center staff and Sisters of Providence are included in a processional at the beginning and end of services. The painting of Our Lady of Providence, which is usually at the Shrine in Providence Center, will be placed in the sanctuary of the chapel.

More information about Our Lady of Providence can be found on the Sisters of Providence Web site at the links below:

• National Shrine of Our Lady of Providence
• Novena for Our Lady of Providence
• Our Lady of Providence Association
• History of devotion to Our Lady of Providence
• Our Lady of Providence prayers
  

You are invited

The public is invited to participate in an afternoon of celebration when 20 Providence Candidate-Associates make their first commitments as Providence Associates on Saturday, Nov. 13, at 1:30 p.m. (EST). During the ceremony, more than 60 Providence Associates will renew their commitments. The Rite of Commitment and Renewal will take place during a Eucharistic Liturgy in the Church of the Immaculate Conception.

Renewal ceremonies are also slated for Saturday, Nov. 20, in River Grove, Ill., and Indianapolis.

Please come and help all of our Providence Associates celebrate a very special day.

Second commitment ceremony held in Taiwan

Lilia Samson Huang is our newest Providence Associate in Taiwan! Lilia made her commitment in a ceremony attended by Sisters of Providence, family and friends on Saturday, Oct. 30. Special guests during the day were General Officers Paula Damiano and Nancy Reynolds, who were visiting sisters in Taiwan.

Lilia’s companion during her candidacy was Sister Marilyn Baker. To view some images from this special day, click here.

To learn more about Providence Associates, visit here.

California dreamin’

“Pat and I were sailing high on euphoria!” said Providence Associate Jeannie Smith about the Rite of Renewal ceremony that she, Pat Ruck and Linda McMahon participated in on Saturday, Oct. 30.

The ceremony took place in the home of Sisters Mary Concetta Bañez, Carol Nolan and Loretta Picucci in Coachella, Calif. Linda, who was under the weather, participated in the day by cell phone. As with many events of the Sisters of Providence and Providence Associates, the day concluded with a great feast.

To view some images from the day, click here.

A blog for history lovers

Do you enjoy looking at old photographs? Do you like to examine old court records? Do you like visiting antique stores to find treasures? Then the blog on Wabash Valley Visions & Voices (WV3) might be for you!

WV3 is a digital memory project dedicated to the documentation and preservation of the region’s history and heritage in print, pictures and sound. The Sisters of Providence Archives is proud to be one of the founding members of this project.

You can subscribe to the WV3 blog by visiting here.

Sisters of Providence annual Bake Sale Nov. 21

Stop, hey, what’s that smell
Everybody head for the big Bake Sale

OK, so that’s a lame attempt to rewrite the song “For What It’s Worth,” a 1967 hit for Buffalo Springfield.

Lameness aside, the Sisters of Providence big Bake Sale is coming Sunday, Nov. 21, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Providence Center at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. If you want the best selection, you had better get there early.

The sisters have been cooking and baking up a storm, and that smell is an aroma of wonderful ingredients working their magic as they blend together.

Ahem, for what it’s worth, here is the "menu" for the bake sale (and there may be more):

Sister Martha Ann Rifner and Sister John Mary Rifner: bread and cakes (rum, zucchini, banana and apple)

Sister Marilyn Therese Lipps: pies, fudge (pecan and pumpkin)

Sister Mary Pat Peacock: date-nut swirl cookies, date-nut bread, oatmeal-raisin-walnut cookies

Sister Kathryn Koressel: pies and cake

Sister Elizabeth Meyer: cookies

Sister Ann Casper: breads, cookies

Sister Lucy Lechner: pumpkin pies, fudge, grape jelly, blackberry jelly

Sister Rose Marita Riordan: Irish soda bread

Sister Catherine Livers: cakes, chocolate and peanut butter truffles, peanut butter cookies, almond cookies

Sister Helen Dolores Losleben: caramels

Sister Joan Matthews: cookies and peanut butter truffles

Sister Ann Tran: apple cake, peanut butter cookies and truffles

Sister Marge Funke: peanut butter fudge

Sister Catherine Mayer: cranberry bread, pecan pie

Sister Rosemary Schmalz: banana bread, pumpkin bread, apple bread

Sister Lawrence Ann Liston: sugar-free pies

Sister Barbara Battista: brownies

For what it’s worth, you won’t be disappointed, especially if you come early to buy up the goodies, then stay for our excellent Sunday Brunch in O’Shaughnessy Dining Room.

And, for what it’s worth, we may even talk a sister or two into sharing a recipe, so keep watching!

Providence Candidate-Associates attend second orientation

Women and men came to the Woods from as far away as Texas to as close as Terre Haute, Ind., to participate in the second orientation for Providence Candidate-Associates on Saturday, Oct. 23. Ten candidates and their companions attended the day of introductions to one another and to the Providence Associate Relationship.

To view some images, like this one picturing Marilyn Kirschten (left) and Sister Carol Meyers, click here.

Boo! Did I scare you?

In 1974, a young reporter asked Sister Esther Newport (RIP) a series of questions about her experiences with the supernatural in old Foley Hall, home of the Faceless Nun apparition. Sister Esther indulged the reporter with several stories, including one that directly affected her. It seems Sister Esther was working in Foley Hall when she heard knocking from the cupboard behind her.

“‘When it happened the third time, I was just a little uneasy.’” This knocking was followed by scratching and scraping that seemed to be coming from a little passageway. “‘I was so scared I couldn’t move! At that moment something swished by the window, and I got out of there as fast as I could.’”

To read more hair-raising stories, click here.

Welcome, Providence Candidate-Associates!

2010-2011 Providence Candidate-Associates have begun their journey to become Providence Associates. Orientations for the candidates and their companions were held at the Woods Oct. 9 and Oct. 23. The orientations were facilitated by Sister Diane Mason, assistant director of Providence Associates. Assisting Sister Diane during the first orientation was Providence Associate Priscilla Hutton (pictured). Assisting during the second one were Providence Associate Marilyn Neuman and her husband, Chuck.

Images of the first orientation may be viewed here. Photos from the second orientation will be posted later this week.

2009-2010 Providence Candidate-Associates will make their first commitments as associates on Saturday, Nov. 13, at 1:30 p.m. (EST) in the Church of the Immaculate Conception. The public is invited to attend.

Happy Foundation Day!

On Friday, Oct. 22, we celebrate Foundation Day. This is the day that Saint Mother Theodore Guerin and her companions first set foot on soil at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. Mother Theodore recorded in her journal about this significant event:

“We continued to advance into the thick woods till suddenly Father Buteux stopped the carriage and said, ‘Come down, Sisters, we have arrived.’ What was our astonishment to find ourselves still in the midst of the forest, no village, not even a house in sight. Our guide having given orders to the driver, led us down into a ravine, whence we beheld through the trees on the other side a frame house with a stable and some sheds. ‘There,’ he said, ‘is the house where the postulants have a room, and where you will lodge until your house is ready.’”

To celebrate this special day, the public is invited to attend a Foundation Day Eucharistic Liturgy in the Church of the Immaculate Conception at 11 a.m. (EDT). Come early for during the prelude Schola members will be singing “Hark! On the Windswept Breton Shore.”

Happy Foundation Day!

Second group of Providence Candidate-Associates begin spiritual journey

Ten women and men will begin their journeys as Providence Candidate-Associates on Saturday, Oct. 23, at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. Eight other candidates started their process on Oct. 9 and three candidates in Taiwan will participate in an orientation at a later date.

The candidates will be joined by their companions for a day of introductions, prayer, conversation and Eucharistic Liturgy. Facilitating the day will be Sister Diane Mason, assistant director of Providence Associates.

To learn more about Providence Associates, click here.

Letter from a saint

Portions of a letter to Sister Gabriella of Fort Wayne, Ind.

(Sister Gabriella O’Neill was Mother Theodore’s first postulant of 1841. She was born in 1804 and died in 1875. The letter was dated Sept. 23, 1855.)

“It is with pleasure that I can satisfy your desire of receiving some lines from me. They may be the last, for my health is far from being good. I look better, as my face and left side are much swollen; but in reality, all my better is to feel a little stronger than I did. I am very grateful to Our Lord for this, for I can go to Mass, and after that I am more courageous to carry the cross that Our Lord has sent me in His mercy. Had He taken me sooner I do not think I would have loved Him so much; or at least I would not have appreciated enough the happiness of suffering for Him who has suffered so much for us. I do not think that I yet esteem enough that inestimable favor, but I may say that I do value it more than I did. I would not change my cross for any consolation that Our Lord might give me instead, though I must say that it is painful to be in the state in which I am. But, dear Sister, I must stop — I have already spoken too much about myself. You will excuse me, and you will continue to pray for your old Mother and to offer some of your good works for her particular necessities. I am happy to know that you have the prospect of a good school this year; thus to be afforded more means for doing the work of your holy vocation.” (“Journals and Letter,” p. 406)

For reflections about Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, click here.

Visitors enjoy beautiful fall day

What's not to like about Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, especially during autumn, right? Well, about 35 visitors spent part of a Saturday October afternoon here in an outing organized by Terre Haute Landmarks, Inc. You would guess that group is in to historical preservation, so, again, what better place to visit?

They started inside the Church of the Immaculate Conception, then visited the Blessed Sacrament Chapel and the Heritage Museum. They also were paid a visit from Saint Mother Theodore, a.k.a. Sister Jeannette Hagelskamp. The day was spectacular, so the group split for personal tours around the grounds on their own. Especially attractive were the St. Anne Shell Chapel and the alpacas, of course.

Marlene Lu, who helped organize the event for Terre Haute Landmarks, said the visitors were thrilled with their experience.

Letter from a saint

Portions of a letter to the Most Rev. J. Bouvier

(The Most Rev. J. Bouvier was the Bishop of Le Mans, France. This letter was dated April 20, 1854.)

“America is truly a wonderful country for ‘improvements,’ an English word which will soon be received into our language, if it has not been already. You will see from an oil painting which we intend sending you next summer, how much we have ‘improved’ Saint Mary’s where, fourteen years ago, we were received through charity into a small frame house, the picture of which you have. You perceive a great change already in the little sketch enclosed with this letter.

“The exterior changes are not, however, the most important ones. When you sent your six daughters to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, you thought they were going to lay the foundation of an establishment which, later on, would be of service to religion; but with the means you made use of — these persons, so poor in every respect, strangers to the country, the customs, and the language of the New World — you never expected to see the fruits of your zeal crowned with so much success. Today we are eighty persons in our Community, sixty-four, including twelve novices, wearing the religious habit, and sixteen postulants. There are nearly a thousand children in our schools, eighty-five boarders here at the Academy, thirty-seven of whom are Catholics.” (“Journals and Letter,” pp. 375-376)

To learn more about the Interim Shrine of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, click here.

Finding dedicated followers of the Gospel

“I have chosen to become a Providence Associate because I have found in this Journey of Providence a community of sincere and dedicated followers of the Gospel. Witnessing the Gospel being lived out in the lives of the Sisters of Providence encouraged me and it has made a profound impact on my life,” shares Catherine “Cathy” Keller, an associate from Newburgh, Ind.

Cathy (pictured standing, far right) was companioned by Sister Dorothy Rasche (seated, left). That relationship continues to deepen as Cathy meets Sister Dorothy once a month for spiritual direction.

To learn more about Cathy’s Journey in Providence, click here.

Queen of Mothers, Queen of Home - and Office and Classroom...

I learned the song ‘Our Lady of Providence’ during my first weeks at the Woods (SMWC). Sister Sue Pietrus taught it to us so we could lead the students in song during the first liturgy of the school year. It has stuck with me ever since. Several years later when I married my husband, Sister Sue also gave me a beautiful framed picture of Our Lady of Providence that now resides in our entry way, visible every time I come and go into our home.

I work in a small private, for-profit company. This definitely adds a filter to my perspective on Providence and how it guides and motivates my daily life. My days are filled with creative/design sessions, email/inbox mitigations, project management and office meetings. Throw in some class lectures, project assignments, car seat lugging, diaper changing, dinner preparation, and enriching discussions with my husband and you get a good idea of how a typical day might go.

Working in a secular environment, I am sure many would assume that spirituality has little to do with my day to day work. Regarding the subject matter of our work that is true, but I can’t check my faith at the door or leave my spirituality in the car when I enter the building. I could do that as easily as I could forget my husband and children throughout the day or ignore the child that jumped in my womb during a meeting when I was very pregnant.

As I gain more experience in my work, I realize how important my connection with Providence is with what I do. Perhaps it is an underlying guide – like a ‘Providence Gauge’ that helps to direct my reactions to co-workers and the work that I do. I have felt my most successful projects have been those that were guided by that internal gauge, via communication style and end goals. And almost ALL of our success is surrounded by effective communication and openness to creativity. My spirituality and faith guide me in how well I do at both tasks.

Now, that I have decided to go back to school, it seems that the more focused and positive I can remain in my day-to-day activities, the more successful I can be at actually continuing at this pace. Everything that I am doing is extremely important to me. My time with my husband and family are the most important things to me. They drive why I do other things. My work helps to provide the means to keep our family running. It also enriches my life experience and makes me more capable of raising my children. And, my new adventures into academia are already helping me to grow as an entire person.

There is an underlying spirit that stays with me - that makes me 'Beth' in each role that I am in during a given part of the day. I wouldn't be able to manage if I couldn't take a piece Our Lady's guidance and wisdom out into those different roles. Those roles are like different worlds at time, only connected by my single life thread. I know that the Queen of Mothers can watch over me and my family – not just in the home, but the office, the classroom, and everywhere we roam.

Tough to wrap your arms around this one

No matter what your personal "wing span" might be, it would be tough to wrap your arms around a tamarack tree near Corbe House at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. It was recently named an Indiana Big Tree State Champion. This is the first tree at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods to be selected as a state champion.

The tamarack (larix laricina) stands at a height of 78 feet with a circumference of 102.50 inches and a crown spread of 12.62 feet. In comparison, the largest such tree on the National Registry of Big Trees is 71 feet high, 133 inches in circumferences and crown spread of 60 feet.

So, what better time of year to go tree-watching than autumn when nature gives us a style show of brilliant colors before winter shivers the tall timbers? Nature’s beauty, certainly, will be in full array at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods soon where more than 300 acres of certified natural forest land can be enjoyed.

In April, 1999, an Eastern Hemlock (tsuga canadensis) was named a Vigo County Big Tree Champion with measurements of 50.60 feet in height, 82.00 inches in circumference and 19.35 in crown spread. A tamarack tree also was selected as Vigo County Big Tree Champion in 1999 with a height of 46.50 feet, circumference of 97.50 inches and a crown spread of 26.50 feet.

One year later, another tree was named Vigo County Big Tree Champion. A Kentucky coffee tree (gymnocladus dioicus) was measured at 83.40 feet tall, 135.00 inches in circumference and crown spread of 18.90 feet.

About 70 different species of trees can be found at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, many of which are native to the region. The Indiana Big Tree program is sponsored by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry. Trees Inc. of Terre Haute presented the award.

(Photo provided by Janet Eger, district forester with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.)