Women interested in learning more about joining the Sisters of Providence can attend an open house event in River Grove on March 8.
“The purpose of this is for the sisters in the United States to be better known to the public, to let people know who we are,” said Sister Editha Ben. She’s part of the Sisters of Providence’s team that focuses on encouraging women to consider joining the Sisters of Providence.
Currently, there are about 300 members in the Sisters of Providence, and according to the religious organization’s website the organization seeks to “collaborate with others to create a more just and hope-filled world through prayer, education, service and advocacy.”
“We want people to know we’re alive in the world, and we’re still active in society,” said Sister Ben. “Many of us don’t wear a [nun’s] habit all the time. We always wear the cross, but that’s not as conspicuous as the habit.”
The supper coincides with National Catholic Sisters Week, and this is the second time the Sisters of Providence will host this type of open house event. Last year, Sister Ben says they had a good turn out at the mother house’s supper, but no one came to the River Grove one.
“We’ll have our evening prayer at 5 p.m., and then we eat dinner,” said Sister Ben. “We’ll also have a reflection on readings from the Gospel; we can do that with them. But guests will also be able to play cards with the sisters, too. After dinner, there is usually a group of us that relaxes and play cards or watches TV.”
This year’s supper in River Grove is being hosted at 5:15 p.m. March 8 at Guerin Convent, 8001 W. Belmont Ave. Sister Ben said the event is open to single Catholic women between the ages of 18 to 42. In order to attend, she asks guests to register in advance by calling 812-230-4771 or 708-453-1275.
Alex V. Hernandez is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.