By Kelly Hilton
“As I reflect on the change in governance and its impact on the Sisters and staff, I am most impressed with how the Sisters of Providence as visionaries continue to adapt and embrace change to keep the Mission alive while at the same time demonstrate care and concern for those impacted by the change.
“Twenty-five years ago, the Sisters and staff experienced the merger of Sacred Heart Province and St. Ignatius Province. The Sisters affectionately called it Crossing the Mountains. And now here we are engaged in a Journey to Oneness. The circumstances are different, but the reason is the same—to continue carrying out the Mission.
“As a longtime employee, I have witnessed the Sisters of Providence evolve as a Congregation. I have learned that holding on too tightly to old methods can stall progress. Instead, I’ve learned to embrace change as a way to renew my focus and strengthen my commitment. Personally, I’ve experienced moments where adapting felt uncomfortable, even risk. But doing so was essential to keep moving forward. Change has taught me that flexibility is not a weakness but a sign of dedication to the larger goal. It’s not about changing the Mission—it’s about becoming who we need to be to carry it out. In that sense, change becomes not just necessary, but a powerful part of the Mission itself.”
Kelly Hilton is the chronicles coordinator for Mother Joseph area. She is based in Spokane, Washington, and has worked for the Sisters for 35 years. She is in the center row, fifth from left.
By Peter Schmid
“When I joined Providence as visual resources archivist in 2001, I remember quickly becoming used to long-time staff referring to past events by the particular provincial leadership teams: “Wasn’t that during Sr. Barbara’s first term as provincial?” someone might say. Much as we do with presidential administrations, it was a way of marking time. The two former Sacred Heart and St. Ignatius provinces had just merged to form Mother Joseph Province in 2000 – another milestone we often reference in placing an event before or after the merger.
“As we began 2025, another major milestone passed with the ending of the provinces, bringing the Religious community into a very different form of governance. In archives this has meant closing one group of records and starting a new one, and reporting to a director-level position rather than liaison to a team.
“I find it helpful during this time of transition to remember that provinces were not established until 1891 (see our Spring 2021 Past Forward newsletter). So for the first 48 years of the Religious community’s existence, the works of Providence, including here in the West, were carried out as Missions and then vicariates, lacking the formal structure and authority that provinces would provide.
“The establishment of provinces was partly in response to growing numbers of Sisters; now, the Religious community has responded to the reality of a much smaller, but thanks to technology, much more easily connected, community.”
Peter Schmid is the archive manager for the Mother Joseph area. He is based in Seattle, Washington, and has worked for the Sisters for almost 25 years. He is in the back row, far right, in the staff photo.