What is a Providence Associate?

They are not all women, they are not all Catholics, and they are not from any particular country or part of the world.

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One answer to the question of "who are they" comes from the website of the Sisters of Providence International in Montreal, Canada:

"Providence Associates are caring individuals who desire to share the mission and spirituality of Providence but do not seek vowed membership … Providence Associates are women and men who hold gospel values as the compelling force in their lives. They recognize themselves as drawn by the same spirit and charism as the Sisters of Providence."

An increasingly important mission

As the number of Sisters of Providence declines, the work of the Providence Associates becomes increasingly important in ensuring that their shared mission continues.

Today there are about 1,050 Providence Associates worldwide – about equal to the number of Sisters of Providence.

"I often have heard the Sisters say how grateful they are to have us share in their ministry," says Betty Harrington of Spokane, a co-director of the Providence Associates.

"The Sisters learn from the Associates, too, as they watch them carry out these works with the poor. It broadens their perspective."

Betty said the sisters "manifest their welcoming, acceptance and appreciation of the Associates in many ways, like including them in events and spiritual opportunities and the province’s chapter meetings.

"They treasure and value us," she said.

For more information

For more information about the Providence Associates, please contact:

Marie Ilch, PA
ilchmm@msn.com 

Phyllis Silva-Keith, PA
phyllispa38@yahoo.com