Mary C. Bittner, an Associate since 1994, is a sister to Sr. Anne Winchel, CDP and Sr. Carolyn Winchel, CDP. She is also the proud mother of seven children and has sixteen grandchildren.

A gifted artist, Mary calls her work "Earth Friends." She chooses her subject matter from nature, the earth's friends: animals, flowers, fruits and vegetables, landscapes, seascapes, and of course, people. Mary believes all reflect God's providence, and are creatively memorialized by her with joy, appreciation and gratitude.Working in a soft realistic style, sometimes impressionistic, Mary seeks the essence of her subject hoping viewers will experience the joy she found there.

She holds memberships in Pittsburgh Watercolor Society, Watercolors Gallery, Pittsburgh Society of Artists, Associated Artists of Butler County, North Hills Art Center and Carnegie Institute.

Since 1980, Mary has enjoyed teaching watercolor and acrylic painting at Fox Chapel Adult Education, North Hills Art Center , Boyd Community Center , and Mary's Gallery. She is presently an adjunct faculty member of La Roche College. She has served two terms as director of both the North Hills Art Center and the Pittsburgh Watercolor Society.

Click images below to enlarge examples of Mary's work:

"Wather Lilly A Glow"	"Cardinals"	"Beach Baby"

The Michigan Associates

The Michigan Associate group began in 1984 by Sister Marilyn Bergt. The first members were received into the Community of Divine Providence in the spring of 1985. These first members were Jackie Bartosczyk, Agnes Lauth, and Pat and Jim Montgomery. They were our pioneers. Sister Marilyn has remained as the contact Sister for us and Agnes, Pat and Jim have continued as Associates since that first year.

We each have our unique individual connection with the Sisters of Divine Providence. Some of us have worked with the Sisters, some have been taught by the Sisters, some have relatives as Sisters, some are friends of Associates and some have been Vowed members in the past and are now Associates.

One such member, Agnes Lauth was a Vowed member, and was one of our pioneer Associates. On August 24, we gathered for a going away barbeque to say goodbye to Agnes. She is moving back to Pittsburgh and will continue as an Associate there. We will miss her dearly but what a great addition to the Pittsburgh area.

Our group is a diverse group. We are a blend of different backgrounds, experiences and opinions, yet we come together as one. We share the same values that are rooted in faith in our Provident God. Our gatherings are varied. At times we'll have 12-15 attend and other times we'll have four or five. Over the years, we have developed some traditions. In January we generally meet to celebrate diversity. In August we always have a blackberry-picking picnic in the "thumb." (Everyone in Michigan can describe where you are from in terms of using your left hand). In whatever we do, we always are refreshed, filled with renewed energy and spirit. We are enriched by our fellowship as an Associate member of the Sisters of Divine Providence.

By Jean Stenger, Associate

Nuala

Nuala Filberg

As an Associate of the Sisters of Divine Providence for 19 years, I am happy to tell you a little of what it has meant to me. My understanding of spirituality , religion and church has changed and deepened and enriched my life. It is amazing what one can learn if educated and guided with gentleness in these areas.

I really enjoy being with the Sisters and Associates. I try to listen very carefully to what is being said and I observe with different lenses what is being done, then I try to live out Gospel values as best I can. One of my friends of 25 years remarked to me, "I can tell you are associating with a Community." I was quite pleased!

Social justice issues and concern for all people are more important to me now than formerly. I now see the need for ME to be involved, to DO something, and not be a passive person in the church. Prayer, too, is different for me now. I have learned to pray all ways , and to be creative in worshipping our Provident God.

I invite you to explore the opportunity of being an Associate in the Marie de la Roche Province of the Sisters of Divine Providence.