A formal commitment — as important as water & air

Sister Rosemary Nudd (left) is the companion of Lori Strawn.

“Sister Rosemary [Nudd] once told me a story that ended, ‘Never get too far from the life of the mind.’ A formal commitment with the Congregation encompasses (for me) the life of the mind plus the life of the spirit plus life in community — and such a community! How could I not be drawn to that? You might as well ask why I’d want to make a formal commitment to food, water and air,” says Providence Candidate-Associate Lori Strawn of Wichita, Kan.

Such is the reason that Lori provides for starting the candidacy process to become a Providence Associate. The Sister Rosemary she is referring to is the one she had as a professor at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. Today, Sister Rosemary still teaches at the college, and she also companions Lori on her journey toward becoming a Providence Associate.

Lori provides one reason for formalizing her relationship with the Congregation. Other candidates and associates have a myriad of other reasons. If you are thinking about becoming a Providence Associate, now is the time. The application process for 2012-2013 is open now until June 30. Contact Debbie Dillow, PA, assistant director of Providence Associates, at ddillow@spsmw.org for an application or for more information.