What is the difference between a vowed member, an associate and a Providence Volunteer Minister (PVM)?
The Sisters of Providence invite people to consider three distinct ways of being in relationship with the Congregation: 1.) A vowed member is a Catholic woman who experiences God’s invitation to make a life commitment as a religious sister. After a period of 5 to 9 years of preparation, she discerns this call and professes perpetual vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. 2.) Associates are women and men who are called to be in a formal relationship with the Congregation for period of time. They continue in their own way of life, deepening their spirituality through the lens of Providence. They do not profess vows with the Congregation. 3.) Providence Volunteer Ministry (PVM) is a lay ministry program for women and men, age 21 and older, who experience a call from God to participate in the life and mission of the Congregation and who can give a full-time commitment of one year or three months during the summer months.
