Providence Associate Pat Stucke of Schererville, Ind., and her husband, Glen, have just completed their first year in Tanzania as Peace Corps volunteers. As Peace Corps volunteers, Pat and Glen are teachers, but now they wear many more hats than that. The Stuckes’ mission includes writing grants, HIV/AIDS training and awareness programs, gardening and much, much more.

To learn more about Pat and Glen, click here.

To read their latest e-mail communique, click here.

Southern Indiana associates and candidate gather

Providence Associates and Candidate-Associates are from all over the United States and Taiwan. Associates and candidates from regions across the U.S. have formed groups to stay in contact and support one another. This past weekend, some of the associates and one candidate from southern Indiana gathered at the Woods for a mini-retreat. Joining them for their retreat were Sisters Mary Mundy and Joanna Valentino.

To read more about the group’s weekend activities, click here. To learn more about Providence Associates, click here.

Letter from a saint

Portions of a letter to the Sisters of Providence serving in Jasper, Ind.

(This letter was dated March 20, 1843. The mission in Jasper was started in 1842.)

“I fully enter into all your difficulties; that is the same as telling you that I suffer with you. Need I tell you that I pray for you? Every thought of my dear Sisters in Jasper is a prayer. You are lonesome, and so are we; but of this separation we do not complain. We cannot do our work if we all stay in the nest. A[s] soon as the birds fly they must be on the wing, looking after the interests of our Saviour Jesus. We shall make no account of our personal feelings except to sacrifice them. Say often, My God, I thank Thee that I have this to suffer. Offer it to Him. He will be pleased with your child-like simplicity. And rest assured, my dear daughters, if you lean with all your weight upon Providence you will find yourselves well supported. I approve of the practices you have imposed upon yourselves in honor of St. Joseph. Pray, be humble, be charitable, and God’s blessing will be with you.” (“Journals and Letter,” pp. 97-98)

To view some Saint Mother Theodore Guerin medals, visit The Gift Shop.

A tradition of non-violence

Florida Pastor Terry Jones called off his plan to burn the Muslim holy book the Koran (also spelled Quran) at the last minute. But before this, our Sister Donna Butler wrote this letter to the editor. (It was not published.) We are grateful this planned act of hate was called off, but know the sentiments in Sister Donna's letter are still timely as many acts of violence perpetuated by extremism continue around the world.

We hope you will join with Sister Donna and many other Sisters of Providence who daily pray the Litany of Non-Violence.

Dear Editor:
I am appalled by the idea of burning the Koran. To my Muslim sisters and brothers, I am deeply sorry for the hateful and vicious actions that are taking place. Extremists can be found in almost any faith. That is no excuse to stereotype everyone and perpetuate the violence. I encourage others to sign an online petition at www.care2.com against this latest proposed act of hate.

The Sisters of Providence have a Litany of Nonviolence which many of us pray daily.
I invite others to join us in this prayer of conversion.

Provident God, aware of our own brokenness,
we ask the gift of courage to identify how and where
we are in need of conversion in order to live in
solidarity with Earth and all creation.

Deliver us from the violence of superiority and disdain.
Grant us the desire, and the humility, to listen
with special care to those whose experiences
and attitudes are different from our own.

Deliver us from the violence of greed and privilege.
Grant us the desire, and the will, to live simply
so others may have their just share of Earth’s resources.

Deliver us from the silence that gives consent
to abuse, war and evil.
Grant us the desire, and the courage, to risk speaking
and acting for the common good.

Deliver us from the violence of irreverence,
exploitation and control.
Grant us the desire, and the strength, to act
responsibly within the cycle of creation.

God of love, mercy and justice,
acknowledging our complicity in those attitudes,
actions and words which perpetuate violence,
we beg the grace of non-violent hearts. Amen.

Donna Butler, SP

Reclaiming her Providence roots

“Providence gives me roots and wings: roots of love, mercy and justice through liturgy, spirituality, ecology and social justice and wings of freedom and risk-taking to go where Divine Providence calls me. Providence challenges me to do works of love, mercy and justice so that women, children and those who are not yet at the banquet table can be welcomed home,” says Diann Neu, a Providence Candidate-Associate from Silver Spring, Md.

Diann, who has been companioned by Sisters Agnes Arvin (pictured at right) and Kathleen Desautels, will make her first commitment as a Providence Associate on Nov. 13. Diann is also the co-editor of the book, “New Feminist Christianity: Many Voices, Many Views,” published by Skylight Paths Publishing.

To learn more about Diann, click here.

Bringing love and justice to her corner of the world

“I want to connect with the energy of the Congregation so that I, too, can bring love, peace and justice to my little corner of the world. Becoming a Providence Associate has helped me learn to become aware of God’s love for all of creation. We, as stewards, are to respect all life and further the mission of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin,” says Ronda Hoggatt, a Providence Candidate-Associate from Clinton, Ind.

Ronda is preparing to make her first commitment as a Providence Associate this November. She has been companioned by Sister Catherine Livers (at right).

To learn more about Ronda’s journey, click here.

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 Feb. 23, 1843. Mother Theodore is referring to the aftermath of the Oct. 2, 1842, fire that destroyed the barns and granary at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.)

“My Lord, truly we have much to suffer in our deep forest, surrounded by enemies, having no other support, no other consoler than God alone. I in particular have trials which are personal, were it only that of having charge, almost alone, of a Congregation already numerous, to whom I have not always bread to give; and often I do not know where to procure what is absolutely necessary for the morrow, not counting the many contradictions which happen daily, and the fear of being burned down by our enemies. How often in looking at my dear Sisters leaving the chapel after night prayers have I not said to myself: It is perhaps the last time that we shall meet together at the feet of Our Lord. How often this winter have I not started out of my sleep, thinking that I heard the noise of the flames and saw their terrible light!” (“Journals and Letter,” p. 90)

To view some of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin’s artifacts, click here.

Picture of the Week: September 3

Sister Jody's Art Opening, originally uploaded by Sisters of Providence.

Sister Jody O'Neil with one of her pieces during an opening at the Country Club of Terre Haute on Thursday. See more photos from the opening here.

Meet Donna Kehoe

“Because I know that God loves me unconditionally, I hope that I can pass on that conviction to my children and grandchildren. If I can influence them for the positive by passing on my great love of Providence, I can be happy,” says Donna Kehoe, a Providence Candidate-Associate hailing from Chicago.

Donna has spent the last year preparing to make her commitment as a Providence Associate. Helping her along her journey is Sister Dawn Tomaszewski (at right) who is her companion.

To learn more about Donna, click here. To learn more about Providence Associates, click here.

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.

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 Feb. 23, 1843. Mother Theodore is referring to the aftermath of the Oct. 2, 1842, fire that destroyed the barns and granary at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.)

“My Lord, truly we have much to suffer in our deep forest, surrounded by enemies, having no other support, no other consoler than God alone. I in particular have trials which are personal, were it only that of having charge, almost alone, of a Congregation already numerous, to whom I have not always bread to give; and often I do not know where to procure what is absolutely necessary for the morrow, not counting the many contradictions which happen daily, and the fear of being burned down by our enemies. How often in looking at my dear Sisters leaving the chapel after night prayers have I not said to myself: It is perhaps the last time that we shall meet together at the feet of Our Lord. How often this winter have I not started out of my sleep, thinking that I heard the noise of the flames and saw their terrible light!” (“Journals and Letter,” p. 90)

For more information about Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, click here.

Letter from a saint

Portions of a letter to the Rev. Julian Delaune, May 31, 1841

(The Rev. Julian Delaune was a priest in several parishes in the Diocese of Vincennes from 1836 to 1842. From 1842 to 1846 he was the pastor of St. Michael Church in Madison, Ind.)

“So we shall have a postulant from Madison! I cannot sufficiently express my thankfulness, dear Reverend Father, for the interest you take in our novitiate. Yes, we must have subjects if we are to continue the work begun here at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. In the six months that have passed since our arrival twelve have joined us. That would be very encouraging if all persevered; but, fortunately, one returned to her family, unable to sacrifice her affections; and there are some others who we shall be obliged to dismiss unless a great change takes place in their hearts. I beg your Reverence to pray for these dear children, that they may acquire the spirit of their holy vocation. It is difficult for many to understand the necessity of religious obedience; especially does that seem to be the case in this country where the spirit of independence is carried into everything.” (“Journals and Letter,” p. 76)

For books about Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, visit The Gift Shop.

Finding the Words

What is your end of the dialogue when you take a moment to pray? Do you recite rote sequences that lull the mind into meditative stillness, or is yours a stream-of-consciousness experience that leads your spirit from the superficial to the intimate?

I am here to confess that lately I have struggled a bit to hold up my end of things in my prayer life. I seem to lack the ability to find the words I want to say: rote recitation feels rushed and insincere, while waiting for the stream of consciousness to take over I often find myself in the depths of sleep!

Of course there are people and things about which I wish to pray, and often I can at least manage to bring those things to mind. Yet something feels lacking, and I can't help but believe it is due to my lack of bringing everything I can to the experience. This has come to be such a disheartening feeling that my prayer life has gradually winnowed down to a few "please help so-and-so" and quite a lot of "thank you" prayers flung carelessly heavenbound throughout the day. Round that out with the odd "Hail Mary" and you have...not much.

Does it count that I am grateful for the fresh air and green leaves and birds outside my window, or for the intense gratitude I feel at being entrusted with children? Is the act of my daily routine a prayer if I occasionally remind myself that it is all for God? Or is that just me lacking discipline in terms of communing with God? I'm really not sure.

I would like to break this cycle of prayer despair, and I get the sense that what I need is to shake things up, maybe try something new. I am currently reading "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett, in which one of the main characters has written out her prayers in lieu of saying them since childhood. I must admit I find that approach intriguing. Maybe prayer doesn't have to include words at all; some sing or dance or create art to pray. What about you? What are the prayer habits and patterns which allow you to enjoy a rich dialogue and intimacy with our Provident God? Please comment below--you may inspire the prayer lives of others out there who are struggling with a stale approach to prayer, myself included!

Letter from a saint

Portions of a letter to the Rev. Augustine Martin, May 1, 1841

(Father Martin gave the sisters their first retreat in the United States Nov. 30 to Dec. 7, 1840. In 1841, he was the pastor of the parish in Logansport, Ind.)

“I have followed exactly your recommendations in regard to the Bishop [Celestine de la Hailandière, 1839-1847], and I have found them good — indeed, very good. He is an excellent father. I have never found a more compassionate heart, one more charitable, under so cold an exterior. One thing that deeply grieves my heart is the pain we give to him. So far there is nothing but complaints about us. I confide this to your paternity, lamenting it, and at the same time admiring the ways of Providence; for, most truly we are all disposed to do all we can to acquire the perfection of our state, to walk with courage in the narrow path, and to follow the Divine Spouse who has deigned to call us in preference to so many others who would be worth infinitely more than we are. This good will, of course, is not equally strong in all the Sisters; but you know, dear Father, grace is not given equally to all, nor at the same time.” (“Journals and Letter,” p. 74)

To read more about Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, click here.

A gathering at Paddock Lake, Wis.

Saturday, Aug. 14, was a perfect day to gather at Paddock Lake, Wis., for the annual Day of Reflection on Making and Renewing a Commitment for Providence Associates and Candidate-Associates. Eleven associates and candidates from the Chicago area and one from Terre Haute, Ind., gathered for a time of prayer, reconnection, reflection and discussion.

To view some photos from this day, click here.

To learn more about Providence Associates, click here.