Commitment, renewals and more renewals

Rachel Ambrose (left) participates in her Rite of Commitment with Sister Diane Mason.

There was a flurry of Providence Associate activity in River Grove, Ill., and Brownsburg, Ind., last Saturday, Nov. 19. Providence Associates were renewing their commitments in both locations, and Rachel Ambrose, from Palos Verdes Estates, Calif., made her first commitment in the Hoosier state. During her year of candidacy, Rachel was companioned by Sister Barbara Reder, who resides in Brownsburg.

November has been a big month for the Providence Associate Relationship. A Rite of Commitment and Renewal Eucharistic Liturgy was held at the Woods on Nov. 12. A small Rite of Renewal ceremony was also held in Louisville, Ky., that same day.

A few more renewal ceremonies are slated for this winter in California, Florida and St. Meinrad, Ind.

Five Providence Associates sign their commitment forms in River Grove, Ill.

Thanksgiving is about relationships

Sister Marceline Mattingly received a phone call recently from the daughter of a former student asking for prayers for her mother, Patricia, who had a severe stroke.

The unusual thing about this story is that Sister Marceline taught the daughter’s mother in 1943 — yes, you figured correctly, that’s 68 years ago!

You see, Sister Marceline is 96 years old today and through the years she and her former student have remained in contact and become good friends.          

I relate this story on this Thanksgiving Day Eve because I think it’s what thanksgiving is all about — relationships, be they family, neighbors, co-workers, students, teachers or friends.

Today, let’s remember with gratitude all those persons who have made up the fabric of our lives and thank God’s providence that has placed them on our life’s journey.

Letters of Thanksgiving from the desert

Sister Concetta Banez, right, shares a meal
with members of the Providence in the Desert family.

Sisters Carol Nolan, Loretta Picucci and Concetta Banez bring their teaching skills and passion for justice to the deserts of southern California in their ministry with Providence in the Desert. There they teach English and provide for needs of immigrants who make up some of the poorest residents of the United States.

Below, some of the Providence in the Desert family share their thankfulness for Providence in the Desert in their lives.

"I’m [grateful] that they gave us the privilege to learn [English]. … I thank God for putting these wonderful mothers [sisters] in our path." Guadalupe
　
"…[I] want to thank them because now I can help my child with homework …" Brenda
　
"…[through] Providence in the Desert our lives have changed in the way that we are more confident that when we need to make any arrangements or business, we are sure that we know what is the best for us, because we can understand better our options." Miguel and Berenice
　
Read the full letters of how this transforming ministry has made life easier for the immigrants they serve.

Come to the SP Bake Sale on Sunday, Nov. 20!

Join the Sisters of Providence for their annual Bake Sale, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20, in the lobby of Providence Center at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind.

The one-day event is hosted by The Gift Shop at Providence Center.

Customers will find tables filled with great homemade foods just outside The Gift Shop. Many people return annually to stock up for the holidays.

In the past, bake sale selections have included a vast assortment of pies, cakes, cookies, fudge, breads and more.

According to Debbie Victor, manager of The Gift Shop, people look forward to the annual event. “People inquire about it,” she said, “and I am grateful that the sisters will step up to the plate each year to do the baking.”

Customers are also invited to get a start on their holiday shopping at The Gift Shop, which will observe special Bake Sale hours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 20. The Gift Shop stocks religious and other merchandise, including one-of-a-kind Saint Mother Theodore Guerin items, rosaries, medals, Bibles, clothing, alpaca socks and gloves, Christmas and other cards, nativities, jewelry, books, clothing, soaps and lotions, candles and more.

Providence Center, a ministry of the Sisters of Providence, is located a few miles northwest of Terre Haute,  off of U.S. 150, in west-central Indiana. For more information, call 812-535-2947, 1-866-996-2947 (toll free) or see ProvCenter.org.

Called to Glory!

The Sisters of Providence will have a presence at the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) entitled Called to Glory in Indianapolis this week (Nov. 17-19), where 23,000 spirited teens and adults are expected to converge. If you’re in town, come visit us at booth #247-250. This event, which happens every two years, is sponsored by the NFCYM.

It’s high energy and it’s encouraging for this Catholic convert – to see so many youth excited about their faith in God. High school age women and men, their chaperones and youth directors, will attend sessions designed to help them tackle real-life issues as well as encouraging them to put their faith in action through ministry. There will be beautiful and upbeat Christian music with poetic lyrics and rhythm to stir our hearts. It’s impossible to attend this event without being changed in some way. I’m reminded that there are young women (and men) who are seriously considering religious life. Our Christian faith is relevant to our lives today and the renewed lamp that shines on my own path will hopefully keep its brilliance as I return to my work, family and friends. My own faith is strengthened as I interact with all types of people. It’s a lot of work to set-up the booth, staff it adequately for three days and provide thousands of pieces of literature. But those are just the logistics. The true Spirit is in the faces of those attendees who I am blessed to meet. Here’s to a wonderful three days!

Welcome, new Providence Associates!

Kay Lambert Smith (center) and her companions, Sisters Mary Ann McCauley (left) and Ann Matilda Holloran, pose for a photo before the Rite of Commitment and Renewal.

There was a lot of good energy in the Church of the Immaculate Conception on Saturday, Nov. 12. That energy emanated from 15 Providence Candidate-Associates who made their first commitments as Providence Associates and from nearly 40 Providence Associates who renewed their commitments. Family, friends and many Sisters of Providence joined in this joyous day of celebration.

General Officer Sister Dawn Tomaszewski, liaison to the Providence Associate Relationship, welcomed everyone. General Superior Sister Denise Wilkinson delivered the reflection and Sister Diane Mason, director, led the Rite of Commitment and Renewal. Providence Associate Father Daniel Hopcus presided at the Eucharistic Liturgy.

On Saturday another Rite of Renewal ceremony took place in Louisville, Ky. Providence Associates Margo Edwards-O’Toole, Joan Frisz and Maria Price renewed their commitments in an intimate setting with Sisters Brigid Ann and Eileen Rose Bonner.

This coming Saturday, Nov. 19, ceremonies are slated in the chapel at Guerin Convent, River Grove, Ill., and St. Malachy Catholic Church in Brownsburg, Ind.

Joan Frisz, Maria Price and Margo Edwards-O’Toole (left to right) pose for a photo before their renewal ceremony in Louisville, Ky.

The attraction of sisters and associates

Sister Denise Wilkinson gives the reflection during the Rite of Commitment and Renewal on Nov. 12.

The big day for the Providence Associate Relationship for 2011 has now come and gone. The Church of the Immaculate Conception at the Woods was filled with candidates, associates, sisters, family and friends as 15 women and men made their first commitments as Providence Associates. Along with these candidates, nearly 40 Providence Associates renewed their commitments.

General Superior Sister Denise Wilkinson provided the reflection for the rite. Sister Denise reflected on the words of Brian Swimme in his work, “The Universe Is A Green Dragon.” She talked about Swimme’s concept of “an activity of attraction.”

Sister Denise shared, “ … we have a deep inner knowing that – in spite of the wide variety of gifts, service, and ministries among us as Sisters of Providence and as associates – we experience a pull to one another that is both inexplicable and undeniable. We find ourselves attracted to one another – as different as each of us is from the other – by a recognition of the action of  Providence, the action of God’s Spirit.”

After the Rite of Commitment and Renewal and the Eucharistic Liturgy, everyone gathered in the auditorium of Owens Hall for a reception. Be sure to check back next week to see photos from this special day.

Feeling the energy of Sister Mary Alice

Sister Mary Alice Zander (left) and Sister Diane Mason smile for me during the spring 2010 retreat.

As the Rite of Commitment and Renewal for Providence Associates quickly approaches, I can’t help but think of Sister Mary Alice Zander, the first director of this relationship. As some of you know, I was privileged with working for and with Sister Mary Alice since the beginning of the Providence Associate Relationship in 2006.

I remember those first orientations, where, I admit, I had no idea what was going on! I went along for the ride with Sister Mary Alice and soon learned what she already knew: people were hungering for community and something bigger and more spiritual in their lives. Because of Sister Mary Alice, I have been introduced to people of all ages and backgrounds who are going about their lives sharing Providence with God’s people in a multitude of ways. Our associates and candidates have blessed me by sharing a little of their journeys with me for our website, print media and so forth.

Due to her health, Sister Mary Alice was unable to participate in the Rite of Commitment and Renewal at the Woods for the past couple of years. Even though she was not physically present, all who participated in the rite and Eucharistic Liturgy could definitely feel her presence. This year will be no different. While Sister Mary Alice is no longer physically with us, we will always feel her energy through the Providence Associate Relationship. And we will always have the gift she left for all of us: the Providence Associate Relationship. Yes, others have helped to build this relationship, but, as Sister Pat Mahoney said in Sister Mary Alice’s commentary, “Sister Mary Alice gave her all to building this relationship. She loved this ministry. It was her ‘baby’. …” Now we are blessed to have Sister Diane Mason helping to grow this relationship through its adolescent years. We are in good hands!

So, as I snap photos of this year’s Rite of Commitment and Renewal in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, I know I will also be thinking of Sister Mary Alice. I will be thankful for the years that I worked beside her, and I will be grateful for the candidates, associates and sisters she brought together to form the Providence Associate Relationship. Thank you, God, for the gift of Sister Mary Alice.

The Rite of Commitment and Renewal in the Church of the Immaculate Conception will begin at 1:30 p.m. (EST) this Saturday, Nov. 12. The public is invited to this rite and Eucharistic Liturgy.

Sister Diane Ris publishes new book about Saint Mother Theodore Guerin

Picture this: A Sister of Providence hovered over a desk in her writing room. A candle swaying delicately through currents of air as the sister works intently on her project. Sound familiar? Saint Mother Theodore Guerin did that when she documented events in her life and those special moments that were of vital importance to the fledgling Congregation in the middle 1800s.
Most recently, though, former General Superior Sister Diane Ris, who is truly devoted to Saint Mother Theodore, found herself in a similar posture.
"I wanted to tell a complete story. I had Mother Theodore's picture in front of me on the desk in my writing room. I had her first-class relic in front of the picture. I had a candle glowing. There was not one day when I didn't want to continue working on the book. I was eager to do it," she said.
The book is called Saint Mother Theodore Guerin: Woman of Providence. It was begun more than a dozen years ago by Sister Joseph Eleanor Ryan (RIP), then Sister Diane took over the work after a sabbatical which followed her term in leadership.
"I have deep love for Mother Theodore. I have so much respect for what she was going through, all that she experienced from birth to death. What a holy woman she was! In the words of Pope John Paul II at her beatification, ' ... not only was she holy, but she was fully human.' Put those two things together and you have a saint," Sister Diane said.
The result is a 277-page book with another 35 pages of notes and information that provides a buffet of luscious details, many of which are shared for the first time.

The book is available at The Gift Shop at Providence Center at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. The Gift Shop can be contacted in various ways: giftshop@spsmw.org, http://www.spgiftshop.com/, 812-535-2947 or 866-996-2947.

Dwell with wisdom

Today’s Scripture reading is from the book of Wisdom – lyrical and poetic. Listen with your heart!

And she [Wisdom] produces friends of God and prophets; For there is naught God loves be it one who dwells with Wisdom. (Wisdom 7:27)

How do I dwell with Wisdom – in order to be a friend of God? Here are some of the adjectives the same Scripture reading lists to describe Wisdom: “intelligent, holy, unique, manifold, subtle, agile, clear, unstained, not baneful, loving the good, keen, unhampered, beneficent, kindly … pure and very subtle.”

So pick an adjective, any adjective – and turn it into an adverb – live in the manner of the word you choose! Which one will I choose? Before I choose, I have to go look up “baneful” in the dictionary! Let me know yours …

Pray the OLP Novena Nov. 10-18

The Our Lady of Providence Feast Day is Saturday, Nov. 19, with a Eucharistic Liturgy scheduled at 11:30 a.m. in the Church of the Immaculate Conception at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. The public may attend and all faith traditions are always welcome to join us.

A novena is a set of prayers said on nine consecutive days. The practice is derived from Scripture in Acts 1:14.

The novena to Our Lady of Providence should be said Nov. 10-18.

Today,  please pray with us:


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.

Check each following days' prayer here on the Our Lady of Providence novena page of the Sisters of Providence website.

Visit the National Shrine of Our Lady of Providence in Providence Center at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.

To learn more about the Our Lady of Providence National Shrine, contact Sister Suzanne Smith at 812-535-2542.

Gearing up for our Rite of Commitment

Providence Candidate-Associate Mary Kay Powell signs her commitment form Oct. 29 as Sister Diane Mason, director of Providence Associates, looks on.

The public is invited to participate in this Saturday’s Rite of Commitment and Renewal for Providence Associates in the Church of the Immaculate Conception. More than 40 Providence Associates will be renewing their commitments while 15 2010-2011 Providence Candidate-Associates will be making their first commitments.

The ceremony will take place at 1:30 p.m. (EST) during the Eucharistic Liturgy in the Church of the Immaculate Conception.

Over the next few weeks, renewal of commitment ceremonies are slated for Louisville, Ky.; Brownsburg, Ind.; River Grove, Ill.; St. Meinrad, Ind.; California and Florida.

It’s an exciting time for Providence Associates! Please feel free to join our candidates, associates, sisters, family and friends at one of these ceremonies.

Homemade goodies at Nov. 20 SP Bake Sale

Mark your calendar and head to Providence Center at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods on Sunday, Nov. 20, for the Sisters of Providence Bake Sale. Hours of the event, hosted by The Gift Shop at Providence Center, are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The bake sale features table after table of delicious goodies, each personally homemade by the sisters. Selections include cakes, cookies, breads, jellies, candies and more.

All proceeds from the bake sale benefit the Sisters of Providence ministries. Pay via cash, check or credit card.

The day of the bake sale be sure and also stop by The Gift Shop at Providence Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to see all of the new holiday merchandise. Find great selections for those on your gift list or select something unique for yourself. Gift wrapping is available and merchandise can be mailed to recipients. Selections include one-of-a-kind Saint Mother Theodore Guerin merchandise and other faith-based items, gifts homemade by the sisters, home decor, cards, books, coffees, CDs and DVDs, clothing, jewelry and more.

For more information about The Gift Shop or bake sale, call 812-535-2947 or 1-866-996-2947 (toll free) or email giftshop@spsmw.org.

Sister Denise reflects on Election Day

By Sister Denise Wilkinson, General Superior

The last several months have heightened my awareness of and gratitude for the privilege of voting as a way to exercise responsible citizenship and to shape public policy in the United States. As is often the case for me, it is in witnessing the lack of something that tunes me into that “thing’s” value.

Sister Denise Wilkinson

Think back to the images of the people of Egypt, of Syria, of Libya. I am aware, as well, that our nation has its own way of exercising violence against our citizens, of limiting access to rights like education, health care, shelter, food — the list goes on.

We are not a perfect people; we are not free of what Gandhi called “social sins.” And how many times do we hear friends, family (maybe even ourselves) proclaim: “It doesn’t matter who I vote for — nothing ever changes. So I’m not going to vote.” I bet each of us feels some resonance with that sentiment.

So why vote?

Could it be as simple as “it’s the right thing to do?” Voting is a refusal to hand over to another — any other — my freedom to choose a person with values and sensibilities about our city, our nation, our world, that correspond to my values and principles. It’s a refusal to give into cynicism (or lethargy or sloth) and a statement of my willingness to step into the political process and to learn what I need to learn about candidates so I can make an informed and intelligent and responsible choice. It’s a refusal to despair and it’s an act of hope to continue to believe and act from the belief that participation is always more effective than observation.

These thoughts were swirling around in my head when I stopped writing to go to our daily Eucharistic Liturgy. There we heard the passage of Jesus reminding the Pharisees not to invite friends, family or wealthy neighbors to their banquets but instead invite “beggars and the crippled, the lame and the blind” (Luke 14:13).

Father Dan, our chaplain, commented on how often Jesus calls our attention to our duty to those who have the least. He followed that by reminding us of the saying that “the true test of any society is how it treats its poor.”    

Thanks to Father Dan, I started to think about how my vote in local or national elections can be one way to act responsibly on behalf of those made poor. I made the connection — once again — between good citizenship, an informed conscience and Gospel living.

Informing ourselves

Learning about candidates and proposed policies and stated viewpoints certainly takes a willingness to inform myself via a variety of sources. I appreciate these websites: Catholic Charities USA and Network, as well as Pax Christi.

The Sisters of Providence sponsor (along with other religious communities) 8th Day Center for Justice, located in Chicago. Their newsletter, “Centerings,” and their website are very helpful in my quest for alternative information.

“America Magazine" has good social analysis and discussion of the social teachings of the Catholic Church. There’s a ton of resources out there — and it does take an effort to get a view other than from the TV network and syndicated print and electronic media.

Voting in favor of Gospel values

As Christians our votes have to be in favor of Gospel values and one of the clearest Gospel values has to be Jesus’ preference for the poor, despised and discriminated against.

Given that Gospel priority, how will I vote and for whom will I vote? And then, how will I continue to interact with the officials elected in order to shape the public agenda in favor of the Gospel? After all, voting is just the first step in exercising responsible citizenship.

Being a responsible citizen and being a citizen who follows the way of Jesus takes effort. Making the effort depends on our ability to hope for things as yet unseen — but possible. So vote, friends, vote!

Let’s exercise not only our freedom to vote but our responsibility to live our faith in the political choices we make. May each informed, principled vote we cast, make it more likely that the “beggars and the crippled, the lame and the blind” will benefit the most from our choices.

SP 2012 calendars for sale

Order or pick up a new 2012 Sisters of Providence calendar in The Gift Shop at Providence Center. Each month of the calendar follows the theme: "What does justice look like?" Each month showcases a different Sisters of Providence ministry or the sisters in action. Calendars are $10 each and make a perfect gift for your loved ones and friends for the holidays or buy one for your own personal use to keep track of important dates and events. Visit The Gift Shop's website to place your order. For more information about the calendars, call The Gift Shop at 812-535-2947 or 1-866-996-2947 (toll free).

We welcome five more candidate-associates

Kris Beck (right) and her companion, Sister Ann Sullivan, begin their Providence journey together.

On Saturday, Oct. 29, Sister Diane Mason, director of Providence Associates, welcomed Kris Beck, Michelle Davis, Lori Strawn, Maria Varela, Tracy Wilson and their companions to the second orientation for 2011-2012 candidate-associates at the Woods. While most of the candidates came from the Wabash Valley or the Indianapolis area, Lori traveled from Wichita, Kan.

During the Eucharistic Liturgy at the orientation, 2010-2011 Providence Candidate-Associate Mary Kay Powell made her first commitment as an associate. Her companion is her sister, Sister Rita Black.

This was the second of two orientations held at the Woods. The first gathering occurred on Saturday, Oct. 15. Other orientations will take place in California and Texas.

The 2010-2011 Providence Candidate-Associates will be making their first commitments during the Eucharistic Liturgy in the Church of the Immaculate Conception on Saturday, Nov. 12, at 1:30 p.m. (EST). The public is invited to share in this day.

The Providence Associate pin for Mary Kay Powell is blessed by Father Daniel Hopcus.

All Saints Day

Photos displayed during a past All Saints Day Liturgy.

I read in the newspaper this week that in the United States we spend $7 billion on Halloween. In stark contrast to that figure will be what is spent on today's feast day — All Saints.

Next to nothing will be spent celebrating all those persons who lived saintly lives — parents, grandparents, neighbors, co-workers — we all have examples in our own lives.

No, sainthood is not measured in dollars, although it can certainly "cost" to be a saint.

Sainthood is about kindness, patience, loving others ... day in and day out.


 Photo: During a past Liturgy on All Saints Day the Sisters of Providence fill window sills of the Church of the Immaculate Conception at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods with photos of people who they feel have led saintly lives.