Associates of the Congregation of Divine Providence celebrate 50 years of joy and community spirit

Staff Report

The year was 1976. The Apple Computer Company was founded; the book Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry was published; Catholics around the world celebrated the centenary of Pope Pius XXII’s birth; the Cincinnati Reds won the World Series. Alongside these historic events, the Associates of the Congregation of Divine Providence (ACDP) of Kentucky began. Now, in 2026, they celebrate their 50 year anniversary. Their beginning was small, with one young woman from Rhode Island being the first to formally commit to living the four fundamental virtues of the sisters’ founder, Blessed John Martin Moye. These virtues are simplicity, apostolic charity, spirit of poverty and abandonment to Divine Providence.

These virtues began to attract other women. Initially, the majority of them were vowed religious who had returned to the lay apostolate. With time, though, women and men from the community at large became part of the ACDPs, and the membership grew.

Candidates go through a formation program that takes them more deeply into the meanings of the four fundamental virtues, gives them a history of the founding of the Sisters of Divine Providence, and emphasizes a very important fact: ACDP members do not change their way of life — their call to the apostolate — whatever that call may be. Rather, the ACDP life takes associates more deeply into their personal spirituality, the way they live their apostolate, whether it be the president of a thriving company or a volunteer at a homeless shelter.

As the ACDPs celebrate their 50-year anniversary, they find themselves moving toward 100 members. Presently, both men (including priests) and women fill the ranks, all being connected by their dedication to Gospel values lived through the practice of the four fundamental virtues. Their inclusivity closes no doors. Each member ministers in their own unique way, including homemaking, teaching, nursing, counseling, parenting, grandparenting, pastoring, designing, caregiving, helping refugees, cooking for the homeless, ministering in parishes, etc.

“Being an associate has deepened my relationship with God in unbelievable ways,” said Anne Etzel, who has been an associate since 2007. Through friendships with Sisters and fellow Associates, she has come to experience God’s love more intimately and consistently. Living the charism has shaped her sense of self and vocation, blessing her volunteer service and returning to her “over and over again” the assurance of God’s faithful care. As she looks ahead, Ms. Etzel describes the associate call as a source of peace — an anchor as she moves closer to “seeing the face of our Providential God.”

Present members come from nine different states, Ireland and Ghana. When members were asked why they chose to become associates, responses included joy and community spirit among members; attraction to the emphasis on Gospel values; the sisters’ deep spirituality; building a deeper relationship with Divine Providence; having a sense of purpose that transcends career achievements; wanting to foster personal spirituality in communion with others.

In Ireland, associate Pauline Maher’s path into the Associate community was shaped by both relationship and need. Her initial draw, she recalls simply, was Sister Leslie Keener and God Space — a place of shared prayer, reflection and presence. That ministry became especially vital to her during the COVID-19 pandemic and at the time of her mother’s passing. “I felt held by the community,” Ms. Maher shared, describing how regular participation sustained her through grief and uncertainty.

The anniversary year opened on January 17 with a beautiful prayer service presented by the CDP sisters, followed by lunch and socializing. Several special events are planned throughout 2026 to help celebrate this milestone, among them being a Mass to be celebrated by Bishop John Iffert and pilgrimages within the tri-state area.

While the majority of the current ACDPs are considered senior citizens, the organization is attracting a younger population. The future looks optimistic for growth, not just among this group but for associate communities in general. With fifty years completed, the next fifty are anticipated with hope, joy, and trust in our provident God.

For more information about becoming an associate, contact Marilyn Schleyer, formation coordinator, at (859) 380-6155 or schleyermarilyn@gmail.com.