Young and Latino Leaders on Immigration: Continuing Challenges, New Urgency, Time for Action

On Tuesday, May 4, the Initiative, in partnership with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, hosted a substantive, hopeful Salt and Light and Latino Leader Gathering on Young and Latino Leaders on Immigration: Continuing Challenges, New Urgency, Time for Action If you were not among the 1,000 viewers who joined us live, you can view a video recording of the discussion below.

Author: 
Georgetown University

Communion, Catholics, and Public Life: Where Do We Go From Here?

On Wednesday, July 28, the Initiative held a timely, civil, and substantive online Public Dialogue on Communion, Catholics, and Public Life: Where Do We Go From Here?

This lively discussion included a conversation with the Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Christophe Pierre, and dialogue with Bishop Kevin Rhoades who is leading the development of a statement on the Eucharist, Cardinal Joseph Tobin who opposed the effort, Mollie Wilson O'Reilly from Commonweal, Gretchen Crowe from Our Sunday Visitor, and John Carr and Kim Daniels from the Initiative. If you were not among the 3,300 viewers who joined us live, you can access the video recording below.

Author: 
Georgetown University

Rachel Carson EcoVillage Dedication Ceremony

November 8, 2024

Dedication Ceremony, Kearns Spirituality Center:
https://video.ibm.com/recorded/134075123

Dedication Ceremony, Outside:
https://video.ibm.com/recorded/134086666
https://video.ibm.com/recorded/134086678
https://video.ibm.com/recorded/134090875
https://video.ibm.com/recorded/134090876
https://video.ibm.com/recorded/134090881
https://video.ibm.com/recorded/134090878
https://video.ibm.com/recorded/134090877
https://video.ibm.com/recorded/134090879
https://video.ibm.com/recorded/134090880
https://video.ibm.com/recorded/134090882
https://video.ibm.com/recorded/134090883

Charism

Charism, as it is used today by the Church when it speaks about the charism of a religious community, uses the meaning of a grace freely given to a person or a group for others. It is from our Founders, Bishop Ketteler and Marie de la Roche, that we have inherited our charism of trust in and openness to God's Providence. It is that charism which sings through all of us in different ways for different ages. But always that song of Providence becomes the theme in our work for social justice as it was for Bishop Ketteler. As for Mother Marie, so for us, the charism of Providence calls us to risk everything and to trust in the God of Providence.

With these videos, we share wisdom gleaned from our daily trust in God.

Charism 1
Charism 2
Charism 3
Charism 4
Charism 5

APP Lecture Series 3.6.16 (PT 1)

Co Creating an Unfinished Universe: Challenges and New Directions

Speaker: Ilia Delio OSF, Ph.D. Sr. Ilia is an American theologian actively engaged in the religion and science dialogue, with interests in evolution, physics and neuroscience and the importance of these for theology.

Cardinal Radcliffe's Presentation Rescheduled

Association of Pittsburgh Priests Spring 2025 Speaker Series

All are invited to register to hear newly named Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe, OP from
Blackfriars, Oxford speak on “The Synod: Hope for a Disintegrating World, or Just Another
Document?” on Friday, April 25, 2025 at Noon via Zoom from Europe. He gave the opening
retreats to the Synod Delegates in both sessions (2023 and 2024), setting a positive tone for
the proceedings. Cardinal Radcliffe points to a Synodal Church in which all can journey
together respectful of those who are different, where all are heard in love – a Church that can
bring hope to our disintegrating world. The event is sponsored by the Association of
Pittsburgh Priests as a part of its 2025 Spring Speakers Series.

To register for upcoming presentation by the Association of Pittsburgh Priests, CLICK HERE

Author: 
Association of Pittsburgh Priests

La Posada Providencia

Welcoming the Stranger

La Posada Providencia, founded and sponsored by the Sisters of Divine Providence, is a ministry for people in crisis from around the world, who are seeking legal refuge in this country. The shelter staff provides a safe and welcoming home, mentors to promote self-sufficiency and cultural integration, and imparts values which witness God’s Providence in our world.

The video was created for La Posada's 2016 Hands & Hearts Brunch and Auction fundraiser, held Saturday, Feb. 6, at la Sierra Event Center in Harlingen, Texas.

Interviews, editing and production by Carlos Restrepo

An Invitation to Hands Off! Events on Sat., April 5

This Sat., April 5 people will be gathering in Washington, DC and in many places around the country. Millions of people are needed to raise our voices to protect so much that is important to our country and our democracy. Please plan to be at one of the gatherings wherever you live! Here are some opportunities in Pittsburgh. Google Hands Off Events to find the ones in your community.

Author: 
Association of Pittsburgh Priests

World Day for Consecrated Life - February 2, 2022

SPANISH TO ENGLISH TRANSLATION
Hello, I'm Betsa, a Sister of Divine Providence. When I think of my vocation I think of a clock.  The minutes, the hours, the time. When I was discerning my vocation, I had many projects in mind before entering Religious Life.  After entering Religious Life those projects did not leave my mind. Walking hand in hand with God, I learned that if you strive to achieve your goals they will come, not in the exact way as you had projected them or when you thought to fulfill them.  It could be before or after that.  I learned that God's time is not my time. Thank you.

SPANISH TO ENGLISH TRANSLATION
Hello, my name is Ana, a Sister of Divine Providence. I desire to share with you a symbol of my journey as a consecrated woman in religious life. Open hands. Available hands. Like Mary’s hands, a "Yes" in faith and trust, which is the charism of our congregation. Nothing more. To walk in faith and trust with God. God will take care of the rest. It has not been easy, but God has never failed me. Blessings to you all.

Room at the Inn

Sponsored by the Sisters of Divine Providence since 1993, Room at the Inn is one of only three emergency shelter providers in the St. Louis County Continuum of Care. The shelter helps more than 200 people each year, including single mothers with their children, single women and two-parent or single-father families. The ministry collaborates with more than 50 interfaith groups to make needed services available, including case management to help clients identify and correct the causes for their homelessness; physical and mental health evaluations; substance abuse evaluations and counseling; domestic abuse counseling; life-skills classes, including financial management, parenting and job skills; and housing placement assistance.

Bridges of Providence

Bridges of Providence is sponsored by the Ketteler Justice and Legacy Committee of the Sisters of Divine Providence; it seeks the participation of all the sisters and associates of our congregation. This project was generated to look for new, current ways of ministering to those in need. We work in partnership with other congregations and lay people called to service in different countries, especially those considered third-world countries.

Countries presently included in this ministry, in collaboration with the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, who operate entrepreneurship projects for women:

  • El Salvador - Sister Joselin Alvarado 
  • Guatemala -  Sister Sara Galindo 
  • Honduras  - Sister Marta Iris Lopez 
  • Mexico – Sister Graciela Medina Hernandez
  • Nicaragua – Sister Candida Rosa Garcia
  • Peru – Sister Olga Soldevilla Ureta
  • Costa Rica – Sister Nelly Ortega Espinal
  • Angola – Sister Marcelina Manuel Domingos de Nacimento

In collaboration with:

  • Institute Id of Christ the Redemer Idente Missionaries 
    Peru – Sister Maria Burgos Machuca
  • Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration
    Peru – Sister Magna Castillo
  • Oblate Sisters of the Holy Redeemer 
    The Dominican Republic – Sister Angelica Segoviano

When these women are ready to start a small business that generates an income to improve their quality of life, they receive financial support with which they acquire the supplies and equipment necessary for their undertaking. The support provided is $200 to $400, depending on what they need to start their small business. This does not exclude being able to help men who really need and show a desire to go forward.

Bridges of Providence is expanding its collaboration in these countries by supporting young people who do not have the resources to study. They are helped by paying tuition and study materials for one year.

Another support that is being provided is psychological support for women and young people. Bridges of Providence pays for 10 sessions with a psychologist recommended by the sisters in these different countries.

By providing these services, Bridges of Providence is trying to address the whole dimension of a human being; education, the emotional, psychological, and entrepreneurship skills of the person, thus helping to improve their quality of life. 

The Sisters and Associates of our congregation are periodically informed about the support that is provided through this ministry in the different countries. Videos are prepared and published below.

You are invited to become a "partner" in this new ministry! HOW?

  • First with your prayers and moral support
  • Second by asking family and friends for monetary gifts, no matter the amount
  • Buying or helping to prepare the cookies (alfajores), cheesecakes, and roasted peanuts that are sold periodically
  • Donating online at cdpsisters.org/donate
    Select the donation amount
    Select  "Yes" for Restricted Gift
    Type "Bridges of Providence" in the designation field
    Enter name and billing information
    Click "Submit"

The Spirit and the Charism of the Sisters of Divine Providence have shepherded these experiences. In cooperation with the Sisters of the Congregations mentioned above and lay people, we trust and are open to God’s Providence making God's face visible to the world.

Author: 
The Ketteler Legacy for Justice Committee

To Light Through Love

Since 1851, the Sisters of Divine Providence have drawn strength from the example of the congregation’s co-founder, Mother Marie de la Roche. Through many difficulties, Mother Marie was unwavering in her trust and confidence in the ways of our Provident God. Among her most inspirational writings are the words, “The darkest paths lead to light through love and grace.” As we celebrate the Advent and Christmas seasons, may these words be your inspiration and encouragement.

By making a financial gift to support our ministries, you join us in bringing the light of God’s Providence to dark places. For contributions, please visit cdpsisters.org/support-us.

We invite you to pray with us during Advent (December 2-24, 2018) by visiting our interactive blog: cdpsisters.wordpress.com.

Author: 
Mission Advancement

To Light Through Love

For many years, the Sisters of Divine Providence have marked the Advent season with white lights in our windows recalling the Gospel words: "The light shines in the darkness." The candles signify our promise of hospitality to all who come to our doors. This year, when the bleak pandemic seems to have changed everything, our candlelight has changed, too—from the quietness of white to the uplifting vibrancy of primary colors. After many months of change and challenge, Advent 2020 is a season to look to with wonder on all that we have experienced, with gratitude on all that we have survived and, most importantly, with hope on all that the future promises. While we regret the doors of our chapels and homes must remain closed for a while longer, we hope our joyful multicolored lights will reassure you that our hearts and our prayers still fervently embrace all the broken and dark spaces in our lives and in our world. 

By making a financial gift to the Sisters of Divine Providence in support of our ministries, you join us in bringing the light of God’s providence to dark places. To make your contribution, please visit cdpsisters.org/donate.

We invite you to join in prayer with our Sisters, Associates and all of our partners in Mission at our interactive blog: cdpsisters.wordpress.com.

Author: 
Mission Advancement

Organ Concert

Ken Danchik, a longtime friend of the Sisters of Divine Providence, gave an organ concert in the Mother of Divine Providence Chapel at Providence Heights in Allison Park, PA, on September 11, 2022. As the associate organist at Saint Paul Cathedral, Ken assists the Cathedral Music Director in the development of the music program, accompanies the adult choir, directs the Cathedral Ringers handbell choir, and serves as organist for Sunday and weekday Masses. Ken also is the Dean of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the American Guild of Organists and teaches organ for University of Pittsburgh music department.

Ketteler Award 2023

The Sisters of Divine Providence presented the Ketteler Award for Social Justice to Bryan Massingale, S.T.D. in recognition of his advocacy for justice. The award is named for Wilhelm Emmanuel von Ketteler, Bishop of Mainz, Germany, co-founder of the Congregation of the Sisters of Divine Providence and tireless fighter for the rights of the working class and the marginalized. He was bishop from 1850 until 1877.

To Light Through Love

We all know of instances when darkness has been diminished, when hurts have been healed, when pain has been alleviated and when the human spirit has shone with compassion and inclusivity. Through his gospel, St. John wants us to understand that light does not obliterate the darkness… it’s simply there to provide a steady, albeit flickering, constant and faithful presence. This is the same message of the incarnation, the birth of Jesus. Emmanuel—“God with Us”—enters into the darkness to sit alongside us as a Providential advocate, a Providential presence. In that humble, holy and luminous action, we find hope. By making a financial gift to the Sisters of Divine Providence in support of our ministries, you join us in bringing the light of God’s providence to dark places. To make your contribution, please visit cdpsisters.org/support-us.

We invite you to join in prayer with our Sisters, Associates and all of our partners in Mission at our interactive blog: cdpsisters.wordpress.com.

Author: 
Mission Advancement

Message from LRU President Clark

President Clark's first day as the eighth president of La Roche University was July 1, 2024. View her messages below and then lend her your support as a new chapter of La Roche's 61-year history begins.