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Who are Providence Associates?
Providence Associates are individuals who desire to
share the mission and spirituality of Providence, but do
not seek vowed membership in the congregation. They are
lay women and men who hold Gospel values as the
compelling force in their lives.
These women and men want to make a difference in their
world. They support one another in their concern for the
unfortunate of our times - those who lack resources of
all kinds.
From early on, the Sisters of Providence have had
persons associated with them to help serve the needs of
others. Our particular Providence mission began in the
caring presence of our foundress, Blessed Emilie
Gamelin. She was inspired by her love for all people,
and by her devotion to Our Mother of Sorrows in
responding to the needs of children, the sick, the
elderly, people with handicaps, prisoners, the mentally
ill and especially the poor. As a young woman, Emilie
belonged to the Ladies of Charity, before establishing
the religious community of the Sisters of Providence.
She continued to make the Ladies an important element in
the mission of Providence after the congregation was
formed.
What is the special gift of the mission
and charism of Providence?
A charism is a gift of the Holy Spirit given to a person
or group for others. Associates share the gift of
manifesting God's Providence and our Mother of Sorrows,
as expressed in their compassionate love and service to
the poor. A mission means that a person is sent to do
God's work - making God known and loved in a particular
way. Providence Associates proclaim these mysteries and
make God known and loved through their lives and
ministries.
Becoming an Associate
The process begins with an initial inquiry by an
individual. Most often, the individual is invited by a
Sister or an Associate to learn more about the Sisters
of Providence.
An orientation for the prospective Associate is
arranged. This period of orientation lasts for six
months to one year. In the beginning, the focus is on
the history, spirituality and mission of the Sisters of
Providence. It is a time for the pre-Associates and the
Sisters to get to know each other and begin their
journey together.
The second stage focuses on the individual and their
commitment to personal prayer, reading and studying the
history of the congregation and the Church. It involves
attending regular meetings and other gatherings, both
formal and social.
Following the orientation, and after a letter of
acceptance from the Congregation has been received by
the perspective Associate, a simple commitment ceremony
is held. This commitment is renewed every year.
Associate's Commitment
The mission of Providence is enriched and extended by
women and men Associates who are drawn to live the
spirit and charism of the Sisters of Providence, in
compassionate care for the poor and most in need.
Providence Associates serve on a variety of committees
and work in their daily lives to make Providence known.
Providence Associates of Holy Angels Province serve in
western Canada and are divided by region - Coastal,
Central, Southern and Northern.
For further information contact:
Sister
Josephine Mainka, SP
Program Director, Providence Associates
3005 119 Street
Edmonton, Alberta
T6J 5R5
Telephone: 780-436-7250
Fax: 780-436-7255
Email:
associates@providence.ab.ca
To learn more about the Sisters of Providence, please
contact us! |
