Spring is in the air…but not quite so much for the WPC Governing Board who met in Kingston, Ontario, on April 4th and 5th.  We were treated to the warmest hospitality and surrounded inside by beautiful yellow tulips, painted Easter eggs, flowered candles and pastel cloths in our meeting room environment.  Outside, however, the wind howled, trees bent over, and snow flurried across the windows.  Although at times, we were treated to some sunshine!

The sunshine and the spring newness however was in abundance within the discussions in our meeting. We certainly took a long look at all the wonderful plans being made for our Providence Event, June 15-17 in Allison Park, PA, at Kearns Spirituality and Conference Center.  Sisters and Associates are getting excited to come and re-connect with other women and men of providence whom they have met at other events! People are eager to see how Megan McKenna, keynote speaker, will connect our Scripture stories with the echo of peace theme.  Others are pleased to know that Bishop Thomas Gumbleton will be present with us and receive a “Providence Award” for his untiring years of work in the peace and justice arena.

The new publication, Providence and Peace: Connecting and Co-Creating for Justice, will make its debut at the Event as well.  Many of the latest publications from WPC and other “oldies but goodies” will also be on hand for purchase.  And look for some “freebie specials at the “book sale room” too!

The board spent significant time discussing the future of the organization and how and what will enable us to advance the message of providence theology and spirituality to a wider circle.  Lots of good brainstorming took place and new ideas surfaced and began to grow.

We also elected a new Treasurer: Alice Marie Lyon, CDP, who joins the other members of the Executive Committee: Sandra Shannon, SP (Chair), Dawn Tomaszewski, SP (Vice-Chair), Judy Desmarais, SP (Secretary).  Just as one of our prayers for the meeting day said, “we move forward into a future filled with possibility…we walk with hope, because we have chosen to be light for each other on the way.”

Pictured from left to right:  back row:  Anne Hem-stock, SP; Pearl Ceasar, CDP; Claire Houde, SP; Karin Dufault, SP; Alice Marie Lyon, CDP; Kathleen Popko, SP; Alice Gerdeman, CDP; Maria Fest, CDP.  Front row:  Esther Guerrero, MCDP; Sandra Shannon, SP; Barbara McMullen, CDP; Judy Desmarais, SP; and Dawn Tomaszewski, SP.

The other articles in the 8/30/2018 newsletter certainly depict those signs of new life, growth and possibility. The women and men of providence are instruments of God’s providential care and love and continue to reflect that we are on the journey together. 

May spring be in your step and within your heart as you experience resurrection moments!

Providence blessings!