CNN to show documentary on Saint Mother Theodore Guerin

If you have traveled the world in search of truth, justice and the American way, or whatever else you might seek, you could be a difficult person to impress.

Jen Christensen travels the world for CNN. She works as a producer in the Special Investigation and Documentary Unit. And, she's impressed by her visits to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.

Jen has led a  team that has made three trips to the motherhouse for an upcoming documentary on "CNN Presents." The documentary will explore the process of becoming a saint in the Roman Catholic Church and will tell the story of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin. It is scheduled to be televised Sunday, March 4, at 8 p.m., 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. (EST).

In addition to visiting Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, her crew traveled to Rome to meet with the postulator who worked with the Congregation, and to Florida to meet with the recipient of a miracle healing.

Here is some of what Jen had to say about her research and work at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods:

"This is Heaven on Earth. I've never been to such a beautiful place, not just the land, but the spirit here is unlike any place I've ever been. I've been very fortunate to travel the world and to see the best and the worst of humanity. But, this is singular. It makes me emotional. That's how much I really love it here.

"I am struck by the determination that had to go into this cause. It's clear to me that this woman was a saint without the Vatican's blessing. I am so impressed with the dogged determination with the people here who want the rest of the world to know her story," she said. "I think the sisters here have the secret to life, the secret to happiness. I think Mother Guerin set the tone for that in all of the right ways."

So, tune in to "CNN Presents" on March 4 to see what the story says, then think about how Saint Mother Theodore might have impact on your life. 

Join us Feb. 28 for SMTG 101: Health & work

Sister Joan Slobig

A discussion focusing on the relationship between health and work, using Saint Mother Theodore Guerin as our model witness, will be presented Tuesday, Feb. 28, in the Providence Center Conference Room at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind.

"Saint Mother Theodore Guerin 101: Health and work," led by Sister Joan Slobig, is scheduled 6:30-8 p.m. (EST). The program is open to the public free of charge, although free-will donations are welcome. Click here for driving directions to Providence Center.

Sister Joan Slobig, who is approaching her 48th year as a Sister of Providence, said that Saint Mother Theodore, who was born Oct. 2, 1798, in the village of Etables-sur-Mer in Brittany, France, battled illness most of her life.

Mother Theodore entered the community of the Sisters of Providence in Ruille-sur-Loir, France.

"As a new member of the [Sisters of Providence], and within the first six months [while serving her first assignment at a parish], she contracted an illness." Her digestive tract was so severely damaged from medication that she could not eat solid food the rest of her life. In 1856, she died at age 57.

Because of her health, Sister Joan notes that when Mother Theodore was asked to establish a school and novitiate at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind., "she didn't even think she'd have the strength to get here."

But she and her five companions did leave France and, in 1840, Mother Theodore founded the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. She was canonized as America's eight saint (and Indiana's first) on Oct. 15, 2006, by Pope Benedict XVI at a ceremony in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican in Rome.

Mother Theodore understood the importance of what we refer today as work-life balance. "Her instructions to the sisters included the need and importance of that balance," Sister Joan said. "She would ask the sisters to come back early to the motherhouse so that they could rest from their labors during the year. She realized they worked hard, but needed that break before they went back to their ministries."

According to Sister Joan, Mother Theodore was also a proponent of "natural remedies." Being at the Woods, helped in this regard. In fact, when she opened free clinics and schools free remedies were dispensed to the poor.

In doing research, Sister Joan focused on "Mother Theodore Guerin Journals and Letters" (words taken directly from Mother Theodore's personal journals), and "Saint Mother Theodore Guerin — Woman of Providence" by Sisters Diane Ris and Joseph Eleanor Ryan. Books about Saint Mother Theodore, including the two mentioned, are available at The Gift Shop at Providence Center.

"I also looked at the culture at that time, the challenges of being a pioneer and the history of the area in the 1800s," Sister Joan said.

For more information about "Saint Mother Theodore Guerin 101: Health and work" contact Sister Jan Craven, coordinator of the interim Shrine of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, at 812-535-2925 or jcraven@spsmw.org.

Picture of the week: February 22

Sister Jan Craven, the coordinator of the Office of the Shrine of Saint Mother Theodore, and Tina Soules, coordinator of tours at Providence Center, pose with ashes. Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent, a time of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. You can read Sister Denise Wilkinson's musings on the season in her reflection, "Gracious, spacious and precious."

Seeing ‘all creation as worthy of love and respect’

Providence Candidate-Associate Bill Hughes enjoys a moment with Sister Ann Casper.

“The spirituality I experience helps me see all people and all creation as worthy of love and respect. It also gives me courage to ask tough questions of myself, of the church, and of life without losing hope when things look dark or become discouraging,” shared William “Bill” Hughes, a Providence Candidate-Associate from Terre Haute, Ind.

Since last October, Bill has been meeting with his companion, Sister Ann Casper, and they have delved into the Spiritual Integration Units, the formation material used by candidates and companions for the year prior to the candidates’ first commitments next November. During their time together they have shared with one another the role that Providence has played in their lives. This year of orientation is a time for introspection, growth, contemplation, prayer and discussion.

“The units are wonderfully written, and they evoke serious engagement with the theology and life-experience of Providence. Though it is early in my candidate process I have already been pleasantly surprised to find lots of references to writers, materials and practices with which I am familiar. I strongly resonate with the process so far; I have told Sister Ann that this journey feels Providential at this point in my life. I have enjoyed the challenge of revisiting some topics and practices that have not been in the forefront of my life for a while,” concluded Bill.

Learn more about Bill and the “Holy Shove” that helped him to become a Providence Candidate-Associate.

Treasures from Archives

Foley Hall conjures many memories for many people. For those of us who never had the privilege of seeing this magnificent edifice, old photographs help us to imagine what an awesome structure Foley must have been. Another way in which we can appreciate the grandness of this building is to peruse some old documents wonderfully preserved in our Archives.

The cornerstone of Foley Hall, then known as the Academy, was laid in 1860 with the three-story structure completed in 1868. Electric lights were first installed in 1890, and a fourth-story front section was completed in 1898.

By 1909, the Sisters of Providence sought a contract with the Otis Elevator Company out of Indianapolis for an Electric Push Button Passenger Elevator for the Academy. The car pictured above, number 3036, was the design that the company suggested. A specification sheet dated Oct. 28, 1909, stated that the elevator had to travel from the first to the fourth floor, an approximate distance of 44 feet. It had to travel at a speed of 150 feet per minute, and it had to be able to lift 2,000 pounds in addition to the weight of the car. The engine for the elevator was to be located in the basement. The price for this part of the elevator was $2,750.

The contract also included design number 3218 (pictured above) for the enclosure work. This was priced at $678.

This invoice from the office of D.A. Bohlen and Son, architects, shows that the entire bill for the project cost $3,428.

Walking near the edge — Fat Tuesday

By Leslie Thayer

Tuesday, Feb. 21, marks a significant day in both popular and religious culture since the Middle Ages. It is the day before the Christian celebration of Ash Wednesday – the beginning of the season of Lent, and is known variously as Fat Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday, Mardi Gras, Pancake Day, Fasnacht Day, or the last day of Carnival.

Each title for this special Tuesday highlights an aspect of community life over the centuries, and depicts a creative tension between secular and sacred life.

Fat Tuesday is the English translation of “Mardi Gras,” originally a three-day celebration before Lent. The purpose was to consume all spoilable foods such as meat, fish, eggs, and milk prior to the 40-day fast of Lent. “Shrove” Tuesday is a translation of the Latin word “shrive” — to hear confessions, denoting an aspect of cleansing and self-sacrifice in preparation for Lent.

The title “Pancake Day” comes from the English traditions of using up the flour, eggs, and milk in order to make pancakes and fritters, as well as participating in Pancake races wherein women would run pre-designated courses holding a hot skillet and flipping a pancake three times while Across the Channel in France children go around their neighborhoods in masks demanding pancakes or fritters.

In Province, an old adage stated that if one held a coin in the left hand and flipped a pancake with the right hand, he or she would become rich. And in Brie, the first pancake of a batch was given to the hen who laid the eggs used to make them. Incidentally, it was always considered bad luck to drop a pancake on the floor while flipping them!

German-American communities, especially in Pennsylvania and Ohio celebrated Fasnacht Day with the eating of sweet, cake-type doughnuts, and games and music. “Carnival” comes from the Latin carne vale – farewell to the flesh – at one time an entire season of frivolity and feasting in parts of Europe, South American, and French-Catholic communities along the U.S. Gulf Coast such as New Orleans. The season would culminate with Mardi Gras.

Today we see a creative tension between the boisterous, public revelry and carousing sometimes associated with our Americanized Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday celebrations and a more subdued, methodical “getting our house in order physically and spiritually” celebration.

King cake is a popular Mardi Gras treat.

Yet,the colorful palate created over the centuries of feasting, costumes, dancing, parades, cleaning out of cupboards, pancakes, doughnuts, and fritters have a singular focus or conclusion: They point to the days ahead, to Ash Wednesday and the season of Lent, when our lives become more introspective, when we take time for prayer, “give up” or fast from things that distract us or are unhealthy, and when we offer ourselves – our time, money, physical efforts – to assist others in need.

Even as we acknowledge on Fat Tuesday that all our feasting and celebrations of life are gifts from our loving and generous God, we look ahead toward the season of Lent and acknowledge that God’s love and generosity culminated in the gift of the passion and death of Jesus Christ.

Happy Feast!

Reflection from Burundi, Africa

Sister of Providence Deborah Campbell says the
Catholic Relief Services Lenten rice bowl will take
on a special meaning for her this year.

Note from the Sisters of Providence leadership team: Sister Deborah Campbell is currently in Burundi, Africa conducting an audit for Catholic Relief Services (CRS). As we approach Lent this seems a fitting reflection for all of us; we invited her to share it.

Reflections from the Field
Bujumbura, Burundi
February 14, 2012

I just ate lunch, such as it was, and am realizing how lucky we really are. Most of us, including me, have no idea how the rest of the world attempts to survive on a subsistence diet. The CRS Lenten rice bowl will take on a special meaning for me this year.

The meal that we have for lunch is prepared by a local woman who cooks the food in her home, and then sends her son to serve the food and collect the money. For many of our CRS workers, this is the only meal they will have today. The portion of rice, beans, cassava and little potatoes seems generous to me, but I have access to breakfast in the hotel restaurant every morning and the promise of something else later this evening. Additionally, I really don't have to eat this at all. I can bring my own food or skip lunch knowing that I can dine at the restaurant tonight.

The food is served all together in what I'll call a large cereal bowl. The bowls are pre-made when they arrive. The employees stir up the ingredients and create a sort of casserole or stew. Yesterday, in place of the potatoes we had boiled bananas. I'm told that the basic ingredients don't vary much. The rice, beans and cassava are always present. Bananas, potatoes, and french fries are rotated. Yes, I did say french fries!! Perspective and attitude are certainly important here. I look at the lunch and say, "rice and cassava again!” Others look at the lunch and thank God that they have something, anything, to put into their stomachs. I wonder if the boy who brings the lunch even eats lunch. He takes back what is left in the bowls. Is that what he eats when he gets home?

I felt guilty yesterday and today because I didn't eat all the food. And... because this isn't the only food I'll have today, I still could afford to be choosey and only eat the part I liked... the rice. To ease my conscience a bit about wasting food where so many have so little, I've asked for only rice tomorrow. But imagine my surprise and embarrassment when the man interpreting from French to Kirundi for the cook's son questioned my request for rice only. He clarified my request with me twice, thinking perhaps he had misunderstood. I don't think he was insulted, but the two were certainly shaking their heads. Who was this woman? Did they think I was arrogant in turning down the food they treasure? I'm not sure.

Ash Wednesday is next week, and I’m wondering what I can do for Lent. Maybe I should try eating the entire meal and having nothing else the rest of the day? Will that teach me how it feels to be hungry? Will making food unavailable, so that I can't snack whenever I want, teach me anything?

But does it really mean anything if I do it knowing that it is temporary? Knowing that once again when I am back in the states, I will have access to quite a bit of variety and as much or as little as I want?

Approximately 90 percent of the 6 million people who live in an area the size of Maryland make their living from agriculture. Most of these are subsistence farmers. Can anything I do really make a difference in even one person's life?

The World Bank ranks Burundi as the poorest country in the world. There are a few other rankings, so even if you want to argue that it isn't number one, all of the others will list Burundi in the top five.

How can I really make a difference here? How can all of us or any of us make a difference? If the answer comes to me, I'll let you know!! In the meantime, I'll try to be more thankful for what I do have, and to be more conscious of those who have nothing.

In Providence,
Deborah

At Providence St. Mel, we believe ...

The Providence Effect is a 2009
documentary about Providence
St. Mel School.

I recently had the opportunity to visit Providence St. Mel School (PSM) on Chicago’s West Side. If you’re not familiar with the school and the good work that goes on there, spend some time browsing the website to learn about the school. Better yet, view the 2009 documentary about PSM, “The Providence Effect.”

I promise you’ll be inspired by the efforts made to provide a quality education in one of the roughest neighborhoods of the city and by the amazing results of hard work on the part of students and staff.

I spent most of the 1980’s as a teacher there, but it had been a long time since I’d been inside the school, and I couldn’t help but take note and take pride in some of the changes. The first difference I noticed was the prominent placement of images of two Caucasian women in the main hall: Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, foundress of the Sisters of Providence, who owned and operated the school from the 1930’s until 1978; and Sister Loretta Schafer, the 13th general superior of the Sisters of Providence, who transferred ownership of the building to Paul Adams in 1978, allowing the school to stay open as a private school after the Archdiocese of Chicago withdrew support.

Last fall, the TODAY Show aired a follow-up story with Paul Adams — nearly 30 years after originally covering the extraordinary things he’s done and continues to do at PSM.

Another change that is impossible to overlook is that there are lots of little ones at PSM these days. Since the opening of the junior high in 1983, the school’s leadership has worked to bring younger and younger students into the school. Experience has shown that the earlier students can be brought into the system the more successful they will be. Today, the youngest learners at PSM are 3-year-olds in preschool.

All PSM students, from preschoolers to high school seniors, receive the same high quality education for which the school is known, the quality that has made it possible for a string of 30 years during which every high school graduate has been accepted into college, many into first-tier institutions.

The classrooms I visited last week were places of high energy and mutual respect between students and their teachers. The instruction was fast-paced and well-prepared, and students were held to high standards of performance and maturity. There is no doubt that PSM is a place of discipline and structure, but it’s equally clear that it’s a place of positive energy and the infectious faith that success is attainable for anyone willing to work for it.

As I entered into the PSM atmosphere again, I found myself just as proud of the things that had not changed as I was proud of the improvements over the years.

I’d be remiss if I closed without mentioning the school’s mission statement. As much as anything, the mission statement, recited each morning by the entire school community, captures the spirit of PSM; and it has captured more than a few people who have passed through the halls of the school, providing direction and inspiration long after their tenure as student or teacher has ended.

Perhaps you will find it worth a few moments’ reflection:

At Providence St. Mel, we believe.
We believe in the creation of inspired lives
produced by the miracle of hard work.
We are not frightened by the challenges of reality,
but believe that we can change our conception of this world
and our place within it.
So we work, plan, build, and dream – in that order.
We believe that one must earn the right to dream.
Our talent, discipline, and integrity will be our contribution to a new world.
Because we believe that we can take this place, this time, and this people,
and make a better place, a better time, and a better people.
With God’s help, we will either find a way or make one.

Human trafficking bill signed into law

Sister Donna Butler was one of many Sisters of Providence who were involved in offering teachable moments on the issue of human trafficking prior to the recent Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis, Ind. She organized an online petition to help bring attention to Indiana Senate Bill 4, which enhances penalties for persons involved in promoting human trafficking.

The bill was signed into law prior to the heaviest crowds arriving for traditional Super Bowl parties and activities.

Now, Sister Donna has provided an update on the implementation of the new law and she also offers continuing educational information about actions available to individuals or groups. You can find her blog post and the dozens and dozens of comments posted on it here.

Archives to host Indiana Historical Society gathering

The Archives Department of the Sisters of Providence will be hosting an In Your Neighborhood meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 22, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (EST). In Your Neighborhood is offered by the Local History Services of the Indiana Historical Society. The guest presenter will be Cinda May, Wabash Valley Visions and Voices project coordinator. Also present will be members of the Local History Services staff. The public is invited to attend this gathering.

The meeting will take place in Owens Hall in the auditorium. Free parking is available. If you need directions to the Woods, please click here.

Attending In Your Neighborhood meetings is a great way to meet, share and connect with other historical organizations and county historians. In these casual gatherings, learn what others have done that has worked well or not so well in their local history organizations and find out about available resources.

Meet you in Los Angeles!

Providence Associate Pat Ruck talks with a visitor at last
year's RECongress.

If you had the choice to meet a Sister of Providence or Mickey Mouse, who would you choose? Lucky for you, you don't have to choose - there's time to do both. If you will be one of the 40,000 participants attending the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress in Anaheim, Calif., March 23-25, stop by and visit the Sisters of Providence (SPs) at booths #168 and #170. You'll have plenty of time to visit Disneyland during your stay as well!

Here are just a few things you might learn, after visiting us at this event:

• Who is Saint Mother Theodore Guerin and why was she canonized the 8th U.S. saint in 2006?
• What in the world is an alpaca and how is the SP herd furthering the Congregation’s mission?
• What is the difference between an apostolic and monastic Congregation?
• What retreats, tours and pilgrimages are available on the beautiful 1,200-acre motherhouse grounds located just 77 miles southwest of Indianapolis?
• How might you become a Sister of Providence, following your own discernment journey to live out the Gospel message today?

There's a lot more to learn, so if you've "read ahead," that's great. We look forward to seeing you in California. If you’d like to set up an appointment to talk with someone, give us a call beforehand at 812-535-2802. You might even receive a free gift if you mention that you read our blog.

Enter the 2012 Youth Art Contest today!

Pictured above are past Youth Art Contest entries.

Young artists ages 5-18 are invited to enter the sixth annual Sisters of Providence 2012 Youth Art Contest.

 The theme of this year's contest is "Designing a Permanent Shrine for Saint Mother Theodore Guerin."

Use your imagination and talent to design a shrine, which is a place where devotion and honor is paid to a saint. The design itself should honor Saint Mother Theodore, foundress of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind. Your artwork can show it as being an indoor or outdoor shrine. Perhaps you'll add flowers, stained glass windows or stately columns and a statue or picture of Saint Mother Theodore.

Did you know that Mother Theodore was canonized as the eighth U.S. saint and is Indiana's very first saint? Find out more about Saint Mother Theodore here. You may also go to the Sisters of Providence website for youth — www.WoodsUp.com — by clicking here.

Youth entering the contest must reside in Vigo, Parke, Vermillion, Clay and Sullivan counties in Indiana, or Clark, Edgar and Crawford counties in Illinois. Only one entry per artist will be accepted.

There are four age divisions: 5-7, 8-10, 11-13 and 14-18. The Top 16 winners will receive prizes, ribbons and certificates.

Each young artist who enters the contest will receive a participant ribbon and certificate.

Artwork must be original, created in 2012 and no larger than 11-inches x 17-inches. It must be a "flat" piece of artwork that is mounted on foamboard or cardboard and is ready for display. The 2012 Youth Art Contest entry form must be attached to the back of the artwork. Get a contest entry form here.

Entries must be received by the deadline, which is 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 6. Entries may be submitted to the Providence Center Reception Desk at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, or from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

A reception for all youth who enter the contest is scheduled 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 15, in the O'Shaughnessy Dining Room at Providence Center.

Click here to read more details about the Youth Art Contest.

Good luck to all of our talented Wabash Valley youth!

Valentine's Day, on the other hand

"On the other hand," Sister Ann
Casper's feelings about Valentine's
Day are somewhat like Tevye's
in "Fiddler on the Roof."

I Googled “Valentine’s Day” and found 412,000,000 entries! A week later, I Googled it again and the number was up to 440,000,000 entries.

Whew! Am I ever glad I have a pretty good handle on the topic and don’t have to wade through even 10 entries.

My feelings about Valentine’s Day are somewhat like Tevye in "Fiddler on the Roof."

“On the other hand," it’s so commercialized and somewhat disheartening to me that billions of dollars are spent each year on chocolates and roses in order to celebrate or impress a loved one.

And “on the other hand,” should we not celebrate what is most basic in our lives — being loved and loving someone? Those who experience a loving family and being loved as children have a much better chance of growing up healthy in every way. Being loved gets me over many a rough spot. Being loved somehow makes life worth living.

So I am grateful, this Valentine’s Day, for all who love me or have loved me, even when I’ve not been all that lovable! I celebrate each of you and thank God that Providence has placed you in my life.

Just don’t expect a dozen roses or a box of chocolates, okay?

Meet our PA Advisory Board members

The late Sister Mary Alice Zander, founding director of the Providence Associates, had a vision for this relationship, but like any good leader, she knew she had to reach out to others for their expertise, insight and energy to make her vision a reality. Now that leadership has been passed to Sister Diane Mason, director, and Debbie Dillow, PA, assistant director. Sister Diane and Debbie are extremely appreciative of the unheralded work behind the scenes done by the Providence Associates Advisory Board.

The 14 women and men who comprise this board include Providence Associates, sisters and staff members. The board members include not only Sister Diane and Debbie, but also General Officer Sister Dawn Tomaszewski.

Why do these 11 members enjoy serving on the board? Their answers are many and varied:

“I love serving on this board because of the other board members and the energy, creativity and fun that we all share and because I think that this Providence Associate Relationship is a GREAT connection for us with others who desire to help to spread the charism of Providence.”

“I feel so blessed to be on the board and to have been involved from the very beginning of this associate relationship. I look forward to the give and take at our board meetings. I consider all our board members as new friends and have learned much from them.”

What are their hopes for the future of the relationship?

“I hope the relationship of SPs and PAs continues to evolve. It seems we are all involved in works of love, mercy and justice in many places. We exemplify Providence at work in our lives and the lives of those with whom we relate. As we unite and expand, Providence will permeate relationships in many parts of the world.”

“As more and more men and women are drawn to the Providence Associate Relationship, my hope is that the SPs and PAs can mutually collaborate on means to further the vision of Saint Mother Theodore in bringing love, mercy and justice to a world sorely in need of them.”

Learn more about these dedicated people.

What makes you come alive?

"Don't ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." — Howard Thurman

In this video, Sister Jenny Howard talks about what women in discernment are looking for today.



What are your thoughts about what young women are asking today?

Movies that stay with you

After not going to the “real” movies in more than six months, I’ve been twice in the past six days – once to see “Iron Lady” and once to see “The Descendants.”

In spite of the many less than positive reviews I read, I found the portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in “The Iron Lady” to be very sympathetic, empathic. Of course, Meryl Streep was utterly convincing as the former British Prime Minister in both her prime and current state of declining health.

Sister Denise Wilkinson ponders the
consequences of over-using a positive
characteristic to the exclusion of others
after seeing "Iron Lady."

Since seeing this film, I’ve been pondering the consequences of over-using a positive characteristic to the exclusion of others. Margaret Thatcher valued the ability to hold fast to her defining value – both politically and personally – and certainly realized great success doing so – both politically and personally.

But, when the time came to modify, to work with others, to conciliate, she defined all those stances as weakness, cowardliness. She held fast to her opinion and decisions to the detriment of her nation and herself.

The storyline of “The Descendants” is one of relationships; we Sisters of Providence would say of “right relationships.” Set against incredibly beautiful Hawaiian landscapes, a father and his young daughters cope with the dying of his wife, their mother. All sorts of other characters come into play – the teenage daughter’s boyfriend, the parents of the dying woman, the man with whom the dying woman had had an affair, that man’s wife and children – on and on it goes.

Added to the complexity is the relationship that the protagonist’s family has with a prime piece of Hawaiian land that has never been developed. Should the family who has held it in a trust for many years now sell it to be developed into luxury homes and businesses?

Feelings of love, betrayal, anger, confusion, grief, and forgiveness move so convincingly in the scenes of the film that it’s almost overwhelming. Again, plenty to think about …who hasn’t been or isn’t in a web of relationships that evoke a myriad of feelings, require a continual commitment to do the loving action, to forgive, to make the right choice if not the popular choice?

Maybe you’ve seen these films or others that have stayed with you and evoked questions or wonderings. Feel free to comment – it helps us all!

May we call on you?

This postcard went out to everyone we will be calling during
Phonathon. The sisters pictured on the front are,
from left to right: Sisters Rita Clare Gerardot,
Joanna Brown, Florence Norton and Suzanne Buthod.

Each year, the Sisters of Providence conduct an all-volunteer calling effort to reach out to all donors we haven't heard from during our current fiscal year or the recent past. We call it the Phonathon.

We have many sisters who faithfully volunteer to help with Phonathon. More than 75 sisters will be on the phones reaching out to donors or working behind the scenes to support the process. We are also grateful to have the help of at least 20 Providence Associates, a handful of staff members (who volunteer their time for Phonathon), alumnae/i of SP schools and other friends, bringing the total of our Phonathon volunteers to more than 100.

From Feb. 19 to March 4, these volunteers will call more than 4,500 donors.
So, why would any volunteer in her or his right mind be driven to call an average of 60 potential* strangers and ask for money? (*Potential, only because often we find we know the person on the other end. It's a small world.)

Would you believe me if I said it's because we genuinely want to talk to you?

It's true! Phonathon is the most significant opportunity for sisters, associates and, yes, even staff to talk to a lot of donors! On these phone calls, we get to hear about what you need from the Sisters of Providence: the ministries that pique your interest, which sister inspired you the most and what's going on in your life. We answer questions, take prayer requests and put people in touch with long lost friends.

These conversations inspire us to work harder, to re-evaluate our goals and to remind us that what we are doing every day is valuable. The Phonathon connects us to all of you in a very real way and reminds us that we are all part of God's divine plan.

One volunteer said to me that after experiencing many wonderful conversations at Phonathon, she realized the calling really is a ministry. Phonathon allows us to connect to people who partner in the mission of the Sisters of Providence in ways our daily tasks can't offer.

Yes, when that phone rings and it's someone from the Sisters of Providence on the line, we are going to ask if you are able to make a donation. Remember, though, that it's about so much more than that. Our sisters and volunteers really want to be connected to you in a bigger way.

And that's why we call.

If you are on our list to call, you should have received a postcard in January like the one pictured above. If you'd like, you can make a donation now and we won't call. Or if you'd rather we not call you, just let us know at 812-535-2800 or by email at oca@spsmw.org.

Terre Haute site of solo art exhibit

If you're in the Terre Haute area anytime before July 12 you should check out Sister Jody O'Neil's solo art exhibit at Corporate Square, 2901 Ohio Boulevard.

Sister Jody O'Neil with one of her paintings.

Eleven matted and framed photos and six framed watercolors, all of which are available for purchase, are being shown.

The exhibit, arranged through Arts Illiana, is free and open to the public.

For more information about the pieces being shown and this exhibit see this Sisters of Providence news release. To learn more about Sister Jody and her work, visit her website at www.creationsights.org.

See photos from one of Sister Jody's past art openings on Flickr.