Memories, hidden away in a sealed box

The former convent at the former Paul C. Schulte High School in Terre Haute, Indiana, has been razed. It once was home for many Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods who taught there. Amid the piles of rubble, a well-sealed box was found, containing memories of the groundbreaking ceremony and the era around 1958 when construction began.

One Sister of Providence who lived there and was teaching at the school when construction began is still alive. Sister Estelle Scully has good memories of her years there and she remembers how thankful she and the other sisters were for the then-new facility. You can read the account of the contents of the "time capsule" and Sister Estelle's comments in today's Tribune-Star. Here is the web site: www.TribStar.com.

A look back at 2010

During 2010, Providence Associates and Candidate-Associates enjoyed retreats, commitment and renewal ceremonies and other engagements throughout the United States and Taiwan. Providence Associates made history this past summer when they joined Sisters of Providence for the opening ceremony of the sisters' Annual Meeting. The year culminated in the Rite of Commitment and Renewal in the Church of the Immaculate Conception on Nov. 13.

A new video illustrates the myriad celebrations enjoyed by associates, candidates and sisters in 2010. To view this video, click here.

What a way to recycle Christmas Trees!

A man recently called Facilities Management at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods to inquire about the Sisters of Providence annual Christmas tree recycling program. Instead of dropping off a tree to be recycled into heating fuel or mulch, he wanted to know if he could have a few of the trees.

Thinking the request was a little unusual, Sister Rose Ann Eaton, associate director, said probably, but she was curious about the intended use.

The caller said his daughter plans to be married soon and wanted real trees to use as a decorative back drop for her ceremony. Sister Rose Ann agreed. The caller even wanted to know if he could return the trees so they could be recycled ... again ... for their regularly intended re-use. So, some discarded Christmas trees might be recycled two different ways!

If you have Christmas trees that you want to be rid of, bring them to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods and drop them off near the horse barns. Trees will be accepted through Jan. 5.

Seven Sisters of Providence shared birthdays with Jesus

Light up the birthday candles! Let the Advent candles glow! It's time to celebrate the birth of Jesus!

As we anticipate the glorious birth of Christ and the Christmas liturgical season that embraces us warmly, we might also want to honor those who have celebrated a common birthday.

Seven Sisters of Providence shared Dec. 25 as the date of their birth. All have now gone home to God. Those seven were Sisters Mary Eleanor Buckley, Michael Therese Elliott, Ludwina Geschke, Mary Harmandine McDonald, Mary Aileen Minta, Irma Joseph Thiele and Helen Patrice Tobin.

Sister Jean Anne Maher, a current Sister of Providence, almost made it. She was born on Dec. 24.

Other sisters born on Christmas Eve were Sisters Mary Remigia O'Brien and Ursala O'Brien, who were twins, along with Sister Noel Waters. They all are deceased.

December 25 also is a memorable day for sisters who died. Sisters Saint Gertrude McCarthy, S. Francis Maurice Ketzner, Mary Catherine Hogan, Agnes Philomene McGovern, Margaret Josephine Dooley and Margaret Celine O'Boyle were called by God on the Holy Day.

Of course, Christmas birthdays really aren't all that uncommon. Here are some notable people who share that birthday: Anwar Sadat (1918), Humphrey Bogart (1899), Conrad Hilton (1887), Sir Isaac Newton (1642), Amy Grant (1960), Jimmy Buffett (1946) and Pope Pius VI (1717).

Some you might recognize who died on Dec. 25 would be Dean Martin (1995), James Brown (2006), W.C. Fields (1946) and Pope Adrian I (795).

Merry Christmas (and happy birthday if it is appropriate for you)!

Christmas wishes from Tanzania

Warm Christmas wishes have been sent to the Providence family by Providence Associate Pat Stucke from far-away Lusanga, Tanzania, Africa. Pat and her husband, Glen, have been serving as teachers through the Peace Corps since the fall of 2009.

In her Christmas letter, Pat shares the many accomplishments that she, Glen, other Peace Corps volunteers and the people of Lusanga have made in the past year. Pat highlights such activities as graduations, national student exams, HIV/AIDS awareness education and bustani or community gardens. Pat and Glen have rolled up their sleeves and have worked side-by-side the citizens of Lusanga and surrounding communities.

Pat and Glen are excited that they now have a little time to themselves until Jan. 17. During the holidays, one of their daughters will be visiting them.

What a difference this Providence Associate has made in the lives of others. To read Pat’s Christmas letter, click here.

SMWC saddles up to carol

The temperature may have been bitterly cold, but hearts were warmed Tuesday (Dec. 7) when students in the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College’s Equine Studies program conducted the Second Annual Senior Holiday Ride.

While many people can’t wait to deck the halls during the holiday season, the SMWC Equine Studies seniors instead put some red or silver tinsel on their horses (and themselves), before riding about the grounds to sing carols to youngsters and adults.

Chris Marks, chairperson of Equine Studies at SMWC, said last year was the first time the Senior Holiday Ride took place. It was enjoyed so much by all it was an easy decision to do it again this year.

“We plan to make this an annual tradition,” Marks said Tuesday, just after she, the students and their horses put their best voices (and hooves) forward.

Despite the bone-chilling cold, there was no doubt the students were up to the task. The seniors first performed for a small group at Owens Hall on the Sisters of Providence side of the grounds, before heading to the Woods Day Care/Pre-School, a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Providence.

Marks even added sweetness to the festivities by leaving a huge box of candy for the Owens group. Later, she went inside the Woods Day Care/Pre-School delivering candy to Sister Lucy Lechner at the front reception desk so that each youngster would be sure to receive a holiday treat.

Approximately 14 Equine Studies seniors and faculty braved Tuesday’s cold for the caroling. Meanwhile, Equine Studies freshmen, sophomores and juniors served on the all-important clean-up crew.

In addition to the students, Marks said other SMWC Equine Studies faculty — instructors Sara Schulz and Krista Steinmetz and stable manager Angie McMillin— rode along to help with the caroling.

In addition to Owens Hall and the Woods Day Care/Pre-School, the students rode on horseback to sing at Hulman Hall, LeFer Hall, the Mary and Andrew Rooney Library and Guerin Hall (between both buildings), in addition to the Conservatory of Music.

Marks said the group truly enjoyed spreading good cheer.

“It’s kind of a reward for the seniors to do this,” she said, adding it also provides for great camaraderie and a means to set a cheerful tone for the holidays.

“The horses are festive and the students are in a great mood for this,” Marks said, adding, “Besides … they look so awesome!”

Getting to know our Providence Associates

What Providence Associate:

• was a Franciscan Brother for 17 years?
• had a great-aunt who was a Providence Associate?
• was companioned by Sister Rosemary Ward?

Why would a Protestant want to become a Providence Associate?

Who can hardly wait for the next Summer Gathering of Providence Associates?

If you would like to know the answers to these questions, then you’ll want to read the latest issue of Providence Associates newSPaper that’s now available online!

A big hint for the first three questions: if you know who’s pictured with 15-year-old Foxy then you’ll know the correct Providence Associate!

Hanging of the Green at Providence Center

It's time to prepare. Christmas is only about three weeks away. Shopping to do. Cookies to make. Parties to plan. Gifts to wrap. Stress to survive! Oh, my!

It's also time to prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus. That preparation began Sunday, Nov. 28, at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods with an Advent vesper service and it continued on Monday, Nov. 29, with the annual "Hanging of the Green" in Providence Center's lobby.

Traditionally, the Advent season is a time for expectation, reflection, preparation and great joy. And that great joy certainly was plentiful as the 12-foot Christmas tree was adorned by those who were in a festive mood. They also enjoyed refreshments along with their good spirit and decorative assistance.

Several Sisters of Providence participated as did staff members and friends. Sister Marsha Speth, the Congregation's vicar, led the prayer which was followed by singing.

Please feel welcome to stop by and see the tree and enjoy the other beautiful places on the Sisters of Providence motherhouse grounds. Be sure to stop by The Gift Shop at Providence Center for its annual "Light Up for Christmas Sale" Dec. 4-10.

Andrew Conner's first day on the job

You know the drill. You walk into a new work environment with a million questions racing through your mind. You want to make a good impression. You know few, if any, people with whom you will be working. Do you have e-mail? How does the phone service work?

Andrew Conner probably experienced some of those symptoms Monday, Nov. 29, when he came to work for the first time as Director, Sisters of Providence Programming and Hospitality. He'll be based in Providence Center, the Congregation's official welcoming place.

"It has been a wonderful reception. Everyone has been very warm and welcoming. I can sense an enthusiasm and eagerness among the sisters and staff for the exciting future ahead of us," Andrew said, reflecting on his first day. "Everything was ready and waiting: computer, phone, business card. There was a lovely plant on my desk to welcome me. I feel very fortunate to be here."

He didn't have long to wait before his first experience of a large tour group. On his second day, a group of 106 visitors from the Archdiocese of Indianapolis visited Saint Mary-of-the-Woods as part of a pilgrimage.

"Even in my eagerness to begin work on new ideas and projects, I am working to temper that with a thorough examination of the traditions and strong foundation in place. My heart soars when I think of coming to work here each day, and I thank God for bringing me here," Andrew said.

Throw it on the Fire

It had been one of those days: my 3 year old was tearing up and down the aisles of our grocery store despite my protests, my newborn was issuing plaintive cries of hunger as I lamely shoved a pacifier her way, and I discovered after an hour of shopping and bargain hunting that I had forgotten my wallet at home. It was all I could do to pray for strength as I gritted my teeth and dragged both cart and toddler to customer service to ask that my cart be held so I could go home to get my wallet.

A chance encounter with a friend later in the day found me relating the tale with slightly lower blood pressure but still with more than a modicum of "why me?" My friend, twenty years my senior, laughed and told me that days like those remind her that sometimes you just have to "throw it in the fire." Her explanation for this somewhat cryptic remark was fascinating: whenever life hands her an irritation that, while troublesome, is out of her control, she envisions a bonfire in her heart and actively chooses to throw in whatever is standing between herself and peace.

I found myself thinking of this several times over the next few days, and I experimented with throwing into my own "inner fire" whatever wasn't helping live my own life mission. It was easy when the irritation was external (ie someone cut me off in traffic), but more difficult when it was my own emotions or thoughts that needed to be let go.

I also challenged myself to "throw in the fire" my own selfish urges and fears and pay closer attention to what I thought God might be leading me to do, see, or feel. Instead of living in an emotionally reactive way, I found myself much more receptive (not to mention my blood pressure much lower!).

To extend my friend's image, I imagine that throwing my own fears and selfish desires into the proverbial fire can "try" my faith into greater purity; a faith more aligned with my goal of serving God by responding with love, mercy, and justice to God's people.

Do you have images or other reminders that you use to let go of thoughts that aren't serving you? How have you found that they help your faith grow?

Christmas memories

Ho, ho, ho! Merry Christmas! Take a look at this photo and step back in time to 1946. These young women receiving gifts from Santa were students at Ladywood High School in Indianapolis. In the Sisters of Providence section of Wabash Valley Visions & Voices (WV3) you’ll find some other Christmas photos from Ladywood as well as a photo from Dunblane School in Washington, D.C. Click here to view these photographs.

The Sisters of Providence are one of the founding members of WV3, a digital memory project. Be sure to check out the WV3 blog.

Renewals, renewals, renewals

Saturday, Nov. 20, was a busy day for Providence Associates in Chicago and Indianapolis. Twelve associates in the Chicago area gathered in the chapel of Mother Theodore Guerin Convent in River Grove, Ill., to renew their commitments. Providence Cristo Rey High School, Indianapolis, hosted 13 Providence Associates and their family, friends and Sisters of Providence.

For images of the Chicago ceremony, click here. For photos from the Indianapolis Rite of Renewal, click here.

Turkey and football!

Do Thanksgiving Day and football go together in your family? In many families, it’s a tradition to stuff your face and then moan and groan on the couch while watching football! And back in the day, many local high schools played football on this holiday. For nearly 40 years, Garfield and Wiley high schools in Terre Haute, Ind., met on the gridiron on Turkey Day.

This tradition is just one of many you’ll find on Wabash Valley Visions & Voices (WV3), a digital memory project of which the Sisters of Providence are founding members. Check out more information on this annual football game by clicking here. While there, you might want to subscribe to this blog.

For more information about WV3, click here.

Feast Day of Our Lady of Providence

The public is invited to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Providence today, Nov. 20 at 11 a.m. in St. Joseph Chapel in Owens Hall at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind. (Note the change of venue. Construction this year requires us to hold services in St. Joseph Chapel.) Providence Center staff and Sisters of Providence are included in a processional at the beginning and end of services. The painting of Our Lady of Providence, which is usually at the Shrine in Providence Center, will be placed in the sanctuary of the chapel.

Novena to Our Lady of Providence - Nov. 19 - day 9

The novena to Our Lady of Providence should be said Nov. 11-19.

Nov. 19 — day 9

Our Lady of Providence, Hope of the Oppressed, pray that all persons may have meaningful work, just wages, financial and retirement security.

Prayer to Our Lady of Providence

Remember, O most faithful Lady of Providence, that you have been given to us by your Son to be our mother. We entrust to you our labors; bless them. We commend to you our needs; supply them. Show for us the same concern you manifested at Cana, for we trust that whatever you ask of your Son will be done. Pray for us on our pilgrimage that we may share the faith and hope that marked your life. Full of confidence in your power before God, we place ourselves, our loved ones, and all our petitions in your providential care. Amen.

Feast Day of Our Lady of Providence

The public is invited to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Providence on Saturday, Nov. 20 at 11 a.m. in St. Joseph Chapel in Owens Hall at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind. (Note the change of venue. Construction this year requires us to hold services in St. Joseph Chapel.) Providence Center staff and Sisters of Providence are included in a processional at the beginning and end of services. The painting of Our Lady of Providence, which is usually at the Shrine in Providence Center, will be placed in the sanctuary of the chapel.