Conversations with Associates

Seattleite says her faith is "on fire," thanks to the support of the Providence Associates community

Phyllis Silva-Keith, a Providence Associate in Seattle, believes in the value of "people of different faith communities, who share the same charism, being drawn together ecumenically."

A Catholic convert who left the church and then returned in 1990, she says her "faith is alive and on fire" today, thanks to the supportive community of the Providence Associates.

Active Seattle community serves on many fronts

Among other projects, Seattle-area associates provide clothing donations to Native American ministries and school supplies to the First Place school for homeless children; hold garage sales to raise money for the missionary work of associates in Guatemala; and organize baby showers to provide items for needy mothers.

Phyllis has sponsored three others to become associates, and says it is "important that they have the call to do this ? to share in the community, bringing their own particular gifts.

"It means so very much to me ? the closeness and the bonding I feel with the Providence family," she says. "We have learned so much from each other, and we keep growing and strengthening our faith."

The experience has opened her eyes to see all that can be done, she adds. "I see Providence in my life and in the lives of others. Not a day goes by without that. Mother Emilie Gamelin is such an example, and the sisters continue that. I am in awe of what one woman did and continues to do through the community today."