Noblesville’s own Ann Stansfield makes commitment as Providence Associate of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana

Submitted

Noblesville resident Ann Stansfield recently deepened her relationship with the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana.

On Saturday, Oct. 10, Stansfield made a commitment as a Providence Associate, joining 18 other 2026 associates choosing to walk more closely with the Sisters of Providence.

“Being a Providence Associate means being part of a whole group that looks to Providence as we put into action love, mercy and justice in our world,” she said. “I look forward to building relationships with other Providence Associates and Sisters of Providence either through retreats and other events.”

Providence Associates are women and men of varying faith traditions who walk with the Sisters of Providence. Together with the sisters, they follow God’s lead in bringing love, mercy, and justice to a world in need.

In order to become a Providence Associate, a candidate is paired with a Sister of Providence or Providence Associate companion and goes through a year of study, prayer, and reflection. Providence Associate Kathy Shickles was Ann’s companion.

“I think the highlight of the journey has been building a relationship with my companion, Kathy,” Stansfield said. “She is so genuine, welcoming, and Christ-like. She supported me through my discernment process and talked me through my doubtful times.”

The 2026 Providence Associate commitments brought the total of Providence Associates to more than 350 in the United States and Taiwan.

The Sisters of Providence are a community of Catholic women religious (sisters) who collaborate with others to create a more just and hope-filled world through prayer, education, service, and advocacy.

If you feel called to explore the Providence Associate relationship, visit ProvidenceAssociates.org or contact Debbie Dillow at (317) 250-3294 or ddillow@spsmw.org.

About Providence Associates
Providence Associates of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana, are women and men of faith who choose to have an intentional relationship with the Sisters of Providence, a Congregation of Catholic women religious committed to effecting positive change in the world. Providence Associates commit to sharing their own unique gifts and talents with others while walking with the Sisters of Providence. Currently more than 360 Providence Associates live out Providence spirituality in their daily lives across the United States and in Taiwan. Learn more at ProvidenceAssociates.org.

About the Sisters of Providence
The Sisters of Providence, a Congregation of nearly 160 women religious, with more than 300 Providence Associates, collaborate with others to create a more just and hope-filled world through prayer, education, service, and advocacy. The Sisters of Providence have their motherhouse at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is located just northwest of downtown Terre Haute, Ind. Saint Mother Theodore Guerin founded the Sisters of Providence at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods in 1840. Today, Sisters of Providence minister through works of love, mercy, and justice in six states, the District of Columbia, and Asia. More information about the Sisters of Providence and their ministries can be found at SistersofProvidence.org.