Our new postulant arrives!

On Monday, Sept. 17, Joni Luna, a woman from Corpus Christi, Texas, entered the postulancy of the Sisters of Providence.

Joni Luna knocks on the east door of Providence Hall Monday
before being invited in by Sister Denise Wilkinson, general
superior, to become a Sisters of Providence postulant.

For several years Joni has been discerning her call to enter religious life.

She came to know the Sisters of Providence through her Connections with Sister Barbara Bluntzer, SP, who ministers in Corpus Christi, her many visits to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, and through her recent formal commitment as a Providence Associate with the Sisters of Providence.

When asked why she wishes to become a Sister of Providence, Joni responded, “After meeting the Sisters seven years ago, I was captured by the spirit of the community and the heart of the Sisters. Their hospitality and warm embraces spoke and connected to the core of my soul. Immediately I felt a calling in my heart to pursue a deeper relationship with them. My soul longed to walk the footsteps of so many incredible women who are inspired to serve God by blazing and paving so many significant roads in the pursuit of love, mercy and justice.”

Joni Luna, center in blue, walks with Sisters Marsha Speth,
Mary Beth Klingel, Editha Ben, Dawn Tomaszewski, and me
after entering the Sisters of Providence postulancy.

This past Monday evening, as part of the simple postulant entrance ritual, Joni knocked on the east door or Providence Hall. She was invited in and welcomed by Sister Denise, the General Superior, her discernment guide, Sister Bernice Kuper, and members of the General Council and New Membership Team.

This “practice” of welcome and blessing formally begins Joni’s time of postulancy.

Please join with us in celebrating the gift of Joni’s presence with us.

A Step in the Journey of Providence for Sister Arrianne Whittaker

“This is the path traced by Providence. And I follow it.” — attributed to Saint Mother Theodore Guerin

On Saturday, August 18, Arrianne Whittaker, following her time of postulancy, took the next step on her Providence journey as she was received into the novitiate of the Sisters of Providence.
Our Constitutions state that “the primary purpose of this canonical year is to foster the internalization of Gospel values. The novitiate program includes extended time for prayer; spiritual direction; service to the Congregation; and instruction in religious life, Scripture, theology, and the history and traditions of the Congregation.”



Arrianne Whittaker receives her Sisters of Providence cross
pin from Sister Denise Wilkinson, general superior, Saturday
in the Church of the Immaculate Conception at Saint Mary-
of-the-Woods, Indiana.

When asked how she feels about this transition time, Arrianne said, “Entering the novitiate is another step along this Providential journey. I’m finding on this journey that each step I take brings me a little closer to knowing more fully, who God is calling me to be.”

Last Saturday, this beautiful and simple reception into the novitiate ceremony was held in the Church of the Immaculate Conception at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. The image of journey is very significant for Arrianne, and she chose the scripture passage for reflection from the Gospel of St. Luke 24:13-32 — the story of the disciples on their journey to Emmaus.

When Sister Denise, our general superior, posed the question to Arrianne, ”What do you ask?”

Arrianne responded, “I have heard God’s call; and it is with faith and great joy that I respond to the call. I humbly ask to be received into the novitiate of the Sisters of Providence. And I ask you, my sisters, to continue to walk with me on this Providential journey.”

Please join with us in prayer and gratitude as we welcome Sister Arrianne Whittaker! Let us journey the path of Providence together.

Arrianne enters the novitiate

Arrianne Whittaker entered the novitiate of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods on Saturday. Read Sister Denise Wilkinson's reflection from Saturday.

By Sister Arrianne Whittaker

My time in the postulancy certainly stretched and challenged me to grow in many different ways. I find that transitions through change tend to do that; and I certainly had my fair share of transitions this past year!

I thoroughly enjoyed my ministry visits. They gave me many opportunities to see, first hand, the varied types of ministries the Sisters of Providence are involved in; they also allowed me to get to know individual sisters a little bit better.

Sister Arrianne Whittaker entered the novitiate of the
Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind.
on Saturday. The time she spent at White Violet Center
for Eco-Justice, a ministry of the Sisters of Providence,
this year provided a good base for understanding eco-
justice and right relationship with Earth, she said.
Arrianne plants peas last spring in the photo above.

I also highly enjoyed my time at White Violet Center for Eco-Justice, my home ministry. My time at WVC provided a good base of understanding in eco-justice; and illustrated to me how these values of right relationship with our Mother Earth connect deeply to our congregational roots, here at the Woods. This in particular is a topic which I have become quite passionate about!

Entering the novitiate is another step along this providential journey. Just as the postulancy helped me learn about the external ministry and identity of our congregation; the novitiate, as I understand it, will challenge me to explore the internal spirit of both the congregation and of myself.

A multitude of emotions run through me as I think about this next step. I’m excited for the new adventure and eager to fully engage this year. Still, as there always are, there are parts of me which are anxious.

Many questions run through my mind. What will this year hold for me? What experiences will stretch me? Will I continue to follow God’s path marked out by Providence? I’m finding on this journey that each step I take brings me a little closer to knowing, more fully, who God is calling me to be. And yet as I gain more answers I also gain an exponential number of questions.

I cannot say that I know what this next year will be like for me. And even if I tried to say, experience has taught me that my efforts to predict such things never turn out the way I envision them. What I can tell you is that I know I will spend a lot of time in reflection and prayer. I will have the opportunity to learn more about the community’s history. I know the year will provide time and opportunity to further deepen relationships I have with individual sisters. I know that the year will be full of joys, laughter, and probably some tears, too.

I know, too, that I don’t walk this path alone. Standing by my side I have my sisters, my family, and my friends; they walk with me providing the support and encouragement I need to take each step. And I know, above all else, God walks by my side.

God has called me to follow this path and by entering the novitiate I willingly respond to that call. As for the rest of the details — I’m going to leave that up to Providence!

"Come and See" us in California!

By Sister Editha Ben, vocation director

If you’re thinking about religious life and are near Orange, California, why not “Come and See” what the Sisters of Providence are all about? Catholic women ages 18-42 will gather Saturday, Aug. 11, at Marywood Retreat Center to attend our “Come and See” Day from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. There are still a few spaces available for this bi-lingual event so call me today at 812-230-4771.

You’ll enjoy an introductory video about our foundress, Saint Mother Theodore Guerin and a lively panel discussion of sisters. We’ll help answer questions such as what drew us to the Sisters of Providence, how we are currently serving the Church, how we are living out lives of prayer and community life, how religious life brings meaning to our lives and the lives of others and why religious life is important today.

You will enjoy time for reflection, group sharing and Eucharistic Adoration, as well as time to ask questions and share thoughts and concerns. Past participants agree that it’s been very helpful to meet with other women who are also considering religious life because they realize they aren’t alone in their journeys.

The free day includes continental breakfast, lunch, snacks and all materials. Marywood Retreat Center is located at 2811 East Villa Real Dr. and the Center’s phone number is 714-282-3098. You can also get more information at SPVocations.

All things possible with Sister Terri Boland

Sister of Providence Terri Boland.

Sister Terri Boland is a teacher in the Aquin Catholic School Corporation in Freeport, Illinois who recently celebrated her 25th anniversary as a Sister of Proivdence.

When asked why she chose to become a Sister of Providence the following was her reply:

Initially, It was not my intent to become a Sister of Providence. I came to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods for a vocation weekend just to explore the possibility. It didn’t take long to fall in love with the beauty of these Woods but that alone is not the thing that drew me back.

It was the story and life energy of the women I met here. It was the whole idea that as we come together the energy that each one of us brings becomes a force greater than anything we could accomplish alone. It was that spirit that moved me. I was looking for a greater commitment in my life and I felt I found it here at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.

More about Sister Terri

Learn more about Sister Terri and read her answers to questions like, "Why would women today find being a Sister of Providence an attractive life choice?" and "What role does prayer have in your life?" in a recent issue of the Sisters of Providence vocations publication All things possible.

Sister of Providence Terri Boland, right, spruces up the front gate of the Sisters of Providence and Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College entrance with an SMWC student in 2010. Sister Terri loves to garden.

Here are some of Sister Terri's favorites:
Flower/plant: Four o’clocks
Book: Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv
Recreation: Bowling
Hobby: Gardening (Master Gardener; photography, worm farmer)
Musician: John Denver
Animal: Cats
Scripture passage: Seed grows of itself. Mark 4; 26-29
Dessert: Fresh blackberries and raspberries
Time of day: Morning
Season: All four, but spring with the arrival of spring flowers.

“Come and See” the Sisters of Providence

God has given each of us specific gifts and talents. It’s no accident that as we grow in those areas, we enjoy doing what we’re good at, what we excel at in life. It’s one of the ways that God confirms within each of us how we are to live our “one wild and precious life.”*

As Christians, it’s also important that we give those gifts in service to others, as a way to glorify God. We take those gifts and talents into account as we discern our vocation, whether it be to live as a single, married or vowed religious person. Religious life is a way to live, not a career choice. The options are limited only by one’s imagination!

The Come and See Weekend, April 13-15, is a wonderful opportunity for women who are considering religious life to visit Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, the motherhouse of the Sisters of Providence. You’ll have quality time to get to know the sisters. Witness first-hand their “faith-in-action” while learning about their ministries and hearing their stories. Worship with them at Eucharistic Liturgy, pray individually and in groups and experience community life. And, you’ll be with other discerning women with similar questions and feelings.

Hopefully, you’ll leave refreshed, encouraged and ready to take the next step in your own personal journey, wherever that may take you. Click here to register by April 6 for the April 13-15 gathering. Sister Editha Ben is available to answer questions at 1-800-860-1840, ext. 2895 or eben@spsmw.org  

*From "The Summer Day," by poet Mary Oliver.

Is there a future for religious life?

One of the most frequently asked questions our sisters receive is “How many young women are entering the Congregation?” Fortunately, we have several women in different stages of initial formation, and we welcomed a new postulant into the Congregation just yesterday.

The members of the 2011-2016 General Council sat down for an extended interview with Rosie Blankenship, a member of the HOPE editorial board, and answered several questions related to the future of religious life. Not surprisingly, our general officers are very positive about the future.

“I think we are headed once again for transforming ourselves, for remaking ourselves. I would use the word urgency for it. I feel like we understand the urgency of the times — not driven by our age or our lacks or anything else — but that the times call for urgent Gospel responses. I want to go back to a really old-fashioned word: sacrificial. There was a sense of whatever it costs — whatever it takes — we are going to do it and we are going to do it together,” said General Superior Sister Denise Wilkinson in the article, “The future of religious life,” in the winter 2012 issue of HOPE.

Sister Ann Casper, in her article, “Religious life: a future full of hope,” shares an insight from Sister Sandra Schneiders, IHM, “Regarding numbers, Sister Sandra gives an interesting perspective. True, she says, the number of religious is not what it was in the boom-years of the 1950s. Still there are nearly 60,000 women religious in the United States today, about 10,000 more than there were at any point between 1720 and 1900, a time comparable to our own, when fewer religious women, ‘in small, widely dispersed groups did whatever needed to be done, for whomever needed it and with whoever wanted to help them.’”

In the newest issue of HOPE you will learn more about why we are so positive about our future from not only the sisters’ perspective, but also the perspective of some of our partners — a volunteer, a Providence Associate and interns at White Violet Center for Eco-Justice. You’ll also find the usual items of interest — alumnae/i news, photo albums, obituaries, partners in our mission, newsnotes and upcoming events.

The winter 2012 issue of HOPE will soon be arriving in your mailbox. It is also available online right now!

Registry records every woman who has entered the Congregation

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

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

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

Indeed, what a treasure from our Archives!

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?

Look for HOPE in your mailbox!

Can a mother and grandmother be a Sister of Providence? What is the discernment process like for a woman who is considering religious life? What is the key to vocations? How can you encourage religious vocations?

The answer to these questions can be found in the newest issue of HOPE. Yes, the fall 2010 issue should be arriving at your homes very soon!

Also in this issue, meet Rosemary “Dee” Coyne of Naples, Fla., a generous partner in our mission. Learn how Jeannie Smith of Solana Beach, Calif., became a Providence Associate. And you’ll find the usual photo album, calendar of events and obituaries.

To view the fall 2010 issue of HOPE, click here.

Picture of the Week: June 18

Students from Shawe Memorial High School in Madison, Indiana, were at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods this week for a Taste of the Woods overnight experience hosted by SP vocations. Here, they participate in a Eucharistic service in St. Joseph Chapel.

For more about similar experiences available for you or your school, visit the "Become a sister" section of our website.

Picture of the Week: March 26

Sister Jenny Howard, vocation director, shares a quote from Saint Mother Theodore Guerin with attendees at the Los Angeles Religious Ed Congress March 18-21 in Anaheim, Calif. Thirty-eight thousand attendees were predicated and the Sisters of Providence had a well-visited booth at the event.

Click here for other events that you can find the Sisters of Providence.

A look back at vocations in 1964

The leaflet at right was used by the Congregation for vocations efforts in 1964. This treasure from our Archives is just one of many past printed items that are featured in our special “Our past in print” section.

To see the vocations leaflet, click here.