On December 5th, the Marian Servants of Divine Providence® gathered for a Commitment Day Mass with Bishop Gregory Parkes to welcome new members and invite current members to recommit to their spiritual journey. The Marian Servants, inspired by the virtues of Mary, Mother of God, are dedicated to helping people find healing, freedom and purpose in Jesus Christ through spiritual direction, prayer, and Catholic teaching. 

“The Marian Servants express a desire to imitate our Blessed Mother in holiness, in virtue, in faithfulness, and in humility. There was no one who more perfectly did the will of God than our Blessed Mother,” said Bishop Gregory Parkes during his homily.

The bishop presented four new members a Marian Servants medal that was uniquely designed for the community that was founded in 1982 by Clearwater resident Diane Brown, who passed away at the age of 90 in August of this year. Also recognized at the Mass, were five new out-of-town members, three new associates, three new local inquirers, and two new out-of-town inquirers. 

Their campus in Clearwater is known as Our Lady of Divine Providence House of Prayer®. In 2025, the House of Prayer was home to 225 Masses, 180 hours of confessions, 750 hours of Adoration, 25 retreats for various groups including priests, bishops and lay faithful, and four sessions of the Cenacle of Our Lady of Divine Providence School of Spiritual Direction®, as well as special events for Hispanics and young adults. 

“People encounter the love of the Lord here, and they get healed, and they leave here refreshed and renewed,” said Alicia Goodwin, Director of the Marian Servants of Divine Providence®. 

Liz Abrams attended the Commitment Day Mass to renew her devotion to the promises she made when she first became a Marian Servant six years ago.

“Being part of this community is very important to me. It helps me to be accountable to the Rule of Life we have focused on obedience, service and holiness,” said Abrams.

In addition to the local participants, 40 people gathered via Zoom to join in the Mass virtually.  Currently, there are 16 communities throughout the United States that are affiliates of the Marian Servants of Divine Providence®. 

The Mass, recognized as the source and summit of faith for Catholics, united participants through Jesus Christ truly present in the Eucharist, the source of our strength and hope. 

Goodwin encouraged participants to stay involved through service so that they will live up to the words of their foundress, “Let’s go to heaven tired.”

Goodwin also added her own take:

“Let's go to heaven full of joy that the Lord has called us to serve Him. We are truly blessed.”