Sisters of Providence ready for Super Bowl parties

Split decision on favorite for those with Indiana, Illinois roots 

The Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind., have a significant dilemma coming up: the Colts or the Bears?

The Indianapolis Colts and the Chicago Bears will meet in Super Bowl XLI in Miami Feb. 4. Many Sisters of Providence will be watching and cheering for their favorite team, but which one is it?

There were 134 sisters born in Illinois, and 120 of those are from the greater Chicago area. There were 166 sisters born in Indiana, 52 of those in the greater Indianapolis area.

When it comes to ministry, most of the sisters have served in Indiana and Illinois. Dozens of them still live and minister in the Chicago and Indianapolis areas.

Sister Jean Kenny, a native of Chicago who still ministers there, has a particularly keen interest in the Super Bowl. She has picked the winner in 17 of the past 21 Super Bowls. She picked both the Bears and Colts to win their championship games. She’s been interviewed by USA Today, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times and most television network affiliates in Chicago, and Chicago radio stations. She’s also had television appearances with Jay Leno (2001) and Conan O’Brien (1995).

What about this year’s pick? She’ll be announcing that a few days before the game.

Many sisters who live at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods will gather for a “tailgate” party in Owens Hall as game time approaches. The Colts have a slight edge, 21-15, in fan support, said Sister Rosemary Borntrager, one of the organizers. White chili, regular chili, cookies, popcorn, cheese balls, chips, snacks, crackers and ice cream are among the items planned for the food table.

Sisters in Providence Hall also are planning their own party. They will eat in the Community Room instead of the Dining Room so that they can watch the pre-game show, then settle in for their own snacks as the game begins.

A “Chili Soup-er-Bowl” party is an annual event hosted by Sisters Ann Casper and Jenny Howard in Terre Haute, but this year it takes on added significance.

“There are three classes of party attendees: the don’t-have-a-clue fans who come to enjoy the companionship and food and leave before halftime; the somewhat-interested fans who come to enjoy the food and companionship and actually watch parts of the game; the diehard fans who come to enjoy the game, don’t like a lot of talking, actually understand the plays and stay until the bitter end, regardless of the teams or score,” Sister Ann said.

She is anticipating a change this year, though, with so many divided loyalties. “As for me, GO COLTS,” Sister Ann said.

Sister Christine Patrick, who ministers as a volunteer in Sarasota, Fla., has a grandniece’s husband who works for the Colts, so she knows where her loyalty is channeled.

“I want to cheer for both teams,” said Sister Kate Smith. “I am African-American in this community of sisters. Both of the coaches are African-American. I have all kinds of things to be happy about. I try to watch both teams when they play. I will be at a party with my family. Whichever team wins, it will be a cause of celebration for sports fans who are African-American.”  

Sister Kate ministers in Chicago.

"I have family in Bears country and family in Colts country who are delighted to be joined in the Super Bowl this year," said Sister Connie Kramer, parish life coordinator for St. Ann Parish in Terre Haute. "I am a big Colts fan and want them to be able to win the Super Bowl in a convincing manner. I will also pray and ask others to join me in praying that persons familiar with the Souper Bowl collection throughout the country on Super Bowl Sunday will be very generous in their response to this national initiative conducted by high school student groups that seek to raise $8 million to help feed the hungry in our midst."

“I am a great fan of both the Bears and the Colts, but there is not a question that I will be rooting for the Colts! I want to see Tony Dungy go all the way. He got a bad deal in Tampa, but I believe everyone down here will be rooting for him to win the Super Bowl,” said Sister Annette Cecile Holmes who ministers in Bradenton, Fla. “Last Saturday, I received in the mail a statue of our Saint Mother Theodore Guerin and I immediately placed it on the top my entertainment center. After all, Mother Theodore HAD to root for the Colts. This is her state!”

Sister Ann Matilda Holloran, who lives in Clinton, Ind., says she’s just a fan, but a loyal Colts fan. However, her family has tickets for Colts games and her dog, Guerin, “does the blue” too.

And Sister Terri Boland, who ministers as principal at Sacred Heart of Jesus School in Terre Haute, has a bet with her brother she can’t lose. Her brother is an avid Bears fan. The bet? Sister Terri will provide child care for her niece and nephew. It’s just a matter of doing it at her home, or her brother’s.

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The Sisters of Providence, a Congregation of nearly 450 women religious, have their motherhouse at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, located northwest of Terre Haute, Ind. Blessed Mother Theodore Guerin founded the Sisters of Providence at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods in 1840. Today, Sisters of Providence minister in 20 states, the District of Columbia, Taiwan and China.

For more information about any of the ministries of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, visit the Congregation’s web site at www.sistersofprovidence.org.