The WPC Board meeting in April, hosted by the Sisters of Providence at the Woods, was not without some travel challenges.  Some flights were canceled, others had travel restrictions, and a funeral prevented the full cohort from being in attendance.  However, those present continued the work of the Board.

The Women of Providence Board of Directors met March 31-April 2, 2022 for their annual spring board meeting in Terre Haute, IN.  The Sisters of Providence at St. Mary of the Woods hosted us in one of their newer residence buildings.  This was the first time we have met in person due to Covid since 2019. 

Initially there were to be nine of us in attendance.  However due to a funeral, health issues, travel restrictions, and delayed and/or canceled airflights, we were a small but mighty group of six!  We had Orientation with one newer member (though she is a recycled leader and was on the Board some years ago).  Following dinner the group had a Prayer and sharing session about what is happening in each congregation.  Each Sister was also invited to share one challenge and one joy. 

The next day the Board convened for the meeting and attended to tasks of approving minutes, hearing the Executive Director Reports (which covers a host of topics for discussion as well), and reviewed the Treasurer’s report, discussed future financial concerns, and approved the budget for the next fiscal year.  The Board also did some visioning about the future evolution of WPC.  This meeting, with some of the officers completing their leadership terms and going out of office, an election of new officers was needed.  Sr. Dawn Tomaszewski was elected as Board Chair, Sr. Kathleen Popko as Vice Chair, Sr. Barbara Schamber as Secretary, and Sr. Sandra Shannon as Treasurer.    That evening the Board had a farewell for outgoing Board members, Karin Dufault, and in absentia-Alice Marie Lyon, and Maria Fest.  At this time the Board also had a very nice farewell for Executive Director Barbara McMullen.  There was a special dinner, prayer, and blessings from each one present to Barbara along with a wonderful vase of beautiful flowers and a gift card.  The blessing from the Board included this message, written and delivered by Karin Dufault.

Dear Barbara,

May the hinges of our friendship never grow rusty.  We wish you health, We wish you well, and happiness galore. We wish you luck for you and friends;  what could we wish you more?  May your joys be as deep as the oceans, your troubles as light as its foam.   And may you find, sweet peace of mind, where ever you may roam.

May friendship, like wine, improve as time advances. And may we always have old wine, old friends, and young cares.  There are good ships, and there are wood ships, the ships that sail the sea.  But the best ships are friendships, and may they always be.                         With Love and Gratitude,     WPC Board of Directors

It was a wonderful send off for me and I am deeply grateful to have been the WPC Director all these years and privileged to have worked alongside such creative, intelligent, and beautiful women!   Thank you!

Barbara McMullen, CDP