As Women of Providence we participate as co-creators with God in showing the
face of Providence to our world and by building a future based on Christian hope...

- Congregational Statement on Charism-

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Sister Rosalia Caulfield, who corresponds with a death row inmate, leads prayers over the public address system at Providence Heights for those about to be executed, their families and the families of their victims.

Sisters of Divine Providence are women of varied and diverse backgrounds and talents. We are united in our deep trust in a Provident God who loves and cares for all creation. Reflecting God's compassionate involvement in our world, we are called to hold all life sacred; create communities of joy and love; promote justice; seek to advance the cause of all people, especially those in need; practice responsible stewardship.

As Sisters of Divine Providence, we have a particular call to discover God's Providence and to help others discover it in all the events of daily life. Our love finds expression in many forms of service -- genuine concern for others is at the heart of our ministry.

Contemporary Theology of Providence

Historically, the prevailing theology was that religious were to be separate from the world. They were defined by words like humility, submissiveness, and asceticism. There was a general shift in spirituality after Vatican II. The Community documents were changed to reflect a new understanding of Providence theology, a move away from passivity, from reliance on God's care for us, to collaboration with God -- to responsibility for making God's Providence visible to others in the world.

"Providence is one of the many names we have for God. We believe that God's Providence is made visible in the world through compassion and hospitality. We try to be present with people in their need." - Sister Michele Bisbey, CDP

"No one is called to do everything, but each of us can do something. And we can strive not to stand against each other when the protection and the promotion of life are at stake".
- Joseph Cardinal Bernardin- 

Sisters Reaffirm Commitment to Promote A Consistent Ethic of Life

Sister Michele Bisbey has been a foster mother to more than 28 children over the past 14 years.

In August 2006, more than 200 Sisters of Divine Providence participated in the Chapter of Affairs for the Marie de la Roche Province, which was held at Providence Heights . The Chapter takes place every five years and welcomes Sisters from across the continental United States , Puerto Rico and Santo Domingo . It is a time for reflection, renewal and refocusing on the mission of the Community and how the mission is lived through ministry.

At this year's Chapter, the Sisters confirmed anew their commitment to promote a consistent ethic of life. The Sisters, reflecting God's compassionate care for the world, are called to hold all life sacred, to promote justice, to seek to advance the cause of all people, especially those in need, and to practice responsible stewardship.

The Community promotes a consistent ethic of life through its corporate sponsored ministries: Providence Connections, Inc., which operates the Providence Family Support Center, Providence Day Care South and Amelia House (a SAFE house in Clarion County); Room at the Inn in St. Louis serves the homeless, providing programming and safe day/night sites for clients and their children; La Posada Providencia in Texas works with asylum seekers, guiding them through the U. S. immigration process. Their educational ministries -- Providence Heights Alpha School , the Sacred Heart School System, La Roche College and Camp Mishannock -- instill Gospel values in young people who will be the leaders of

(From left) Sisters Mary Salvatore Leo and Mary Alvin Hunter join Wendolyn Lopez Santos and Sister Sonia Saenz at a recent Witness for Peace on Babcock Boulevard in front of Providence Heights.

tomorrow. The Divine Providence Retreat Ministry ( Kearns Spirituality Center , Providence Villa, Transfiguration House of Prayer) offers opportunity for spiritual renewal.

In addition, Sisters and Associates work for justice daily by serving on committees such as Pennsylvanians Against the Trafficking of Humans (PATH), participating in Operation Safety Net, a local group that serves the homeless of Pittsburgh , and holding a weekly Witness for Peace event at Providence Heights . They minister in area non-profits, serving the most vulnerable among us. They volunteer as tutors, mentors, foster parents and caregivers.

In prayer and deed, the Sisters of Divine Providence commit themselves to the protection of life through the eradication of war, poverty, racism, abortion, capital punishment and euthanasia. The Sisters invite you to join them in their commitment to make God's Providence more visible in the world.

Click here to visit "Consistent Life ~ Voices for Life and Peace" website.

Sister Mary Providence Kriley brings the Eucharist to an elderly man in Santo Domingo.