2004 Chapter Statement
Defined by our reliance on God’s Providence, we Sisters of Divine Providence commit ourselves to proclaim that only the power of God’s love can transform our universe.
In response to the pervasive violence in our society and our universe, we commit ourselves to work for peace and non-violence in all that we do.
In response to the spiritual hunger of our world, we commit ourselves to delve into God’s love as contemplatives in action.
In this way our live and our actions will witness hope in God’s Providential love for all creation.
Leadership
The Congregation has been blessed by a succession of strong leaders, who, in the spirit of the founder, Father John Martin Moye, have seen the creative hand of Providence in the evolving needs of the time and have courageously initiated programs to meet these new challenges.
Elected in 2005, the General Council will lead the Congregation of Divine Providence until 2011, focusing on the 2004 CDP Chapter Statement regarding peace and non-violence, and deepening CDP service as contemplatives in action.
Sister Jane Ann Slater, Superior General
Sister Jane Ann’s ministry as the Congregation’s leader is to ensure the fulfillment of the Congregation’s mission by symbolizing the goals and values of the Congregation. She is the president of the General Council, the chairperson of the Board of Directors for the Corporation of the Congregation and she officially represents the Congregation in church and civil affairs.
Sister Jane Ann is a native of Texarkana, Arkansas and has been a vowed woman religious for 50 years. Most of her mission has been in education. She has a B.A. in Chemistry and a Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry.
When it comes to living the CDP’s Chapter Statement, she believes other religious, clergy and lay people can be supportive by becoming aware of violence in any form or degree. Some examples are denial of the rights of women, unethical treatment of the elderly, unjust treatment of the poor and powerless, and prejudice against immigrants. She feels if people recognize these unjust situations and reflect on them, they can find ways to address these issues and work with others to overcome violence and injustice. More information about Sister Jane Ann Slater.
Sister Dianne Heinrich, First Assistant
Sister Dianne’s ministry as the Congregation’s First Assistant is to assist the Superior General in leading and administering the Congregation. Sister Dianne is a native of High Hill, Texas and has been a member of the CDP for 41 years. She has ministered as an educator, as director of initial formation in the Congregation, and served the Diocese of Baton Rouge in pastoral and diocesan work for 20 years prior to being elected to the General Council. She has a Master of Divinity and an Advanced Master in Sacred Theology from the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, California.
Sister Dianne believes friends, families, Associates and people of good will can join the Sisters in living out their Chapter Statement by asking God to make them instruments of God’s Providential love in their day-to-day lives. Through their faith and love, they can give hope to people who need to know that Providence is intimately involved in our world and that God’s grace and power permeate our whole universe. More information about Sister Dianne Heinrich.
Sister Imelda González, General Councilor
Sister Imelda, who has been a Sister of Divine Providence for 48 years, serves as a General Councilor. Having lived less than a mile from the motherhouse, Sister Imelda was instructed by Sisters of Divine Providence in grade school and secondary school. Sister Imelda has a B.S., a Master of Arts in mathematics, a Master of Education and M.S.A. in financial administration. She also has a Certificate of Theological Studies from Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, California.
Sister Imelda believes others can support the Sisters’ Chapter Statement by continuing their goodwill, in prayer and action, and by sharing news of their work with others. Doing so will encourage others in that effort and it will strengthen the support system people need to carry on. More information about Sister Imelda González.
Sister Rosalie Karstedt, General Councilor
Sister Rosalie, a native of El Campo, Texas, serves as a General Councilor and has been a CDP for 46 years. She has ministered mainly in education and religious vocation work. Her last mission was an associate director of vocation for priesthood and religious life, and as associate director of seminarians for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston for 22 years. She has a B.A. in History, Philosophy and English and a Master of Arts in Theology.
She asks friends of the Congregation to support the Sisters’ Chapter Statement of peace and non-violence by finding peace within one’s self so one can share it with others and spread peace to others. She asks others to pray daily to the God of Peace to guide people toward love, patience and understanding in their everyday relationships with friends, family, co-workers and community. More information about Sister Rosalie Karstedt.
Sister Marlene Quesenberry, General Councilor
Sister Marlene serves as a General Councilor. She has been a member of the Congregation for 41 years and has spent most of that time ministering as a registered nurse. As a child, she was educated by the Sisters of Divine Providence in Pasadena and Castroville, Texas. As a young adult, she earned a diploma of nursing, a B.S. in Sociology and Psychology and a Master in Administration.
She asks others to help the Congregation carry out its Chapter Statement by being mindful of peace and non-violence. Having the right frame of mind and knowing God’s love will flavor actions in our daily life. More information about Sister Marlene Quesenberry.
Mexico Region
The México region was constituted on April 21, 2001.
The Mexico región is part of the Congregation but is autonomous with its own rights and obligations. It is governed by its own Regional Superior and her Council that holds a 6 year term without re-election.
At the present moment this leadership consists of Sr. María Estela Solís as Regional Superior, and Councilors, Sr. Ma. Luisa Sierra and Sr. Elizabeth Carrasco. They will hold office until a new team is elected in assembly in 2012.
Sr. María Estela Solís is from the state of Michoacán and has been a CDP for 34 years. The majority of these years have been dedicated to pastoral work in parishes and rite of initiation. She holds a diploma in Human Development and completed her studies in primary education.
She is fully convinced and trusts that only the love of God can transform all things and situations.
Sr. Ma. Luisa Sierra is from San Luis Potosí, SLP, México and has been a CDP for 47 years. She has dedicated the majority of her life to education. Her secondary calling has been in pastoral parish work. She holds a Masters degree in Education, Bachelor of Arts degree in Primary Education as well as in English and received a diploma for Marist pedagogy. She has taught with the Marist Brothers for many years.
She is fully convinced that love is necessary in order to educate.
Sr. Elizabeth Carrasco is from Querétaro, Qro. México and has been a CDP for 15 years. She has chosen pastoral work in parishes as her ministry. She is qualified as a Spiritual Director. She has said, “In today’s world the only way to actually live out and be a Sister of Divine Providence is to place total trust and know that EVERYTHING COMES FROM GOD.”
