Donna Tracy, CDP

Sister Donna Tracy, formerly Sister Leonard, entered religious life from St. John the Baptist in Canton, OH, which was elevated to a minor basilica—The Basilica of Saint John the Baptist—on June 19, 2012. Her parents provided a basic Catholic faith formation at home, which was reaffirmed and reinforced through education by The Sisters of Humility of Mary who staffed both St. John the Baptist Elementary and Central Catholic High Schools. After working one year at the Ohio Bell Telephone, as a draftswoman in the Engineering Department, she decided to consider entering a religious community. Choosing the Sisters of Divine Providence was more than likely because of the prayers and influence of my three aunts who were Sisters of Divine Providence.

Sister Donna's ministries include: Elementary Teacher, Pittsburgh and Greensburg Dioceses (1959-66), Business Education Teacher, Pittsburgh (1966-77), Parish Social Ministry Coordinator at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Parish, Braddock, PA (1977-85), Director of Good Shepherd Parish Social Ministry, Braddock, PA (1985-87), Diocese of Cleveland Parish Social Ministry Coordinator/Facilitator (1987-95), Diocese of Cleveland Older Adult Ministry Program Coordinator/Marriage & Family Office (1995-98), Providence Connections Volunteer Ministries Director (1998-2006), Providence Connections Volunteer Coordinator (2006-14) and Providence Manor Treasurer/Providence Heights Volunteer (2014-19), Caregiver for her sister, Mary Jo McGonagle (2020-2022); Prayer Ministry and Supportive Services (current).

"'Providence Unfolding' is rooted in providential moments. Providence, Presence, People and Places are the four lifelines that have nurtured and energized me throughout my multi-evolving ministerial experiences and educational opportunities. As a Sister of Divine Providence, I have been and continue to be graced... 'to see in all things the wonderful Providence of God' knowing that by being present to the people, events and situations I encounter on a daily basis is 'making God’s Providence more visible in the world.' Being part of a Community enables me to respond with my Sisters and Associates of Divine Providence to the signs and needs of the times and actively engage in our Mission to help to 'co-create a world of justice, compassion and peace.' As I continue to grow and mature in my spiritual journey I know and experience the Providential Presence of a God who continues to invite ... challenge ... and penetrate my very being ... with many graced-filled moments drawing me deeper into the awesome mystery of providence, grace and love."

Self-described as a woman of integrity, relational, faithful and joyful. Sister Donna enjoys celebrating any occasion with family, community members and friends, as well as reading.

CLICK HERE to make a gift in honor of Sister Donna's 70th Jubilee.