sacred ENCOUNTERS
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n continued celebration of Providence High School's 65th anniversary, we've asked alumni and faculty and staff members to share their sacred encounters with our community. Following are a few submissions that we've received. To submit your sacred encounters, please visit our website.
1959
Our Catholic faith is being lived out in the lives of our 20 grandchildren. My grandchildren are accomplishing amazing things for God and our church because I was blessed with my experience and education at Providence High School. I believe I am the person I am today because God placed me at Providence High School. Providence is where I learned about Him, His church, and, most of all, I truly felt His presence in the chapel and especially in those three special women at Providence."
FRANCES ACKART DUDLEY ‘59—"In 1955, I entered Providence a baptized Catholic; however, my family was not practicing the faith at the time. Sisters Theresa Marie, Esther and Alexis were filled with the love of God and shared Him with such joy. I experienced Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament for the first time, as well as retreats, special events, and Masses. I found a love for my Catholic Tradition. I promised God I would be a good practicing Catholic all because of the example of these Sisters and the school's curriculum. Sister Esther invited me to assist her in teaching the Holy Communion class at St. Finbar's parish. Over two years, I spent Saturday mornings with Sister Esther in religious education classes. I have taught religious education in some form ever since, starting after graduation at the local parish near my college. Today, 60 years later, I am a facilitator for GriefShare at my parish. God chose a good Catholic man for me. Together, with God's help, of course, we were able to raise up a wonderful Catholic family. My husband entered eternal life after 54 years of marriage. All four daughters have been married 27 through 37 years.
22 | Vista
CAROL LEX TANNER ‘59—"A cement strike delayed the completion of Providence High's original two buildings by two months in 1959. Three tents (donated by Disney? We thought they came from Barnum & Bailey - just kidding) served as homerooms with Sisters Maria Theresa, Esther, and Dorothea in charge. During the hot days of September, we rolled up the sides of the tent to allow for some air. 68 of those 81 original teens graduated four years later. Our sacred encounter is that seven of us have met for
