
- About
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Love, mercy, justice
The Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods are a community of vowed Catholic women religious. Inspired by our foundress Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, we are passionate about our lives of prayer, education, service and advocacy.
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- Justice
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Break boundaries, create hope
Spirituality and justice go hand-in-hand. We are committed to walking with those on the margins. Join us on our journey to make Earth better for all.
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- Be inspired
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What inspires you?
We all need a little spiritual inspiration sometimes. Let the wisdom of our Providence Community support you on your journey.
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- Visit
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Experience the Woods
From the moment you step onto the grounds at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, you know you're somewhere special. There's something for everyone at the Woods.
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- Get involved
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Where do you fit in?
Reconnect or find new opportunities with the Providence Community. Volunteer in one of our many ministries, be an intern on the farm, explore job opportunities or reminisce about your alma mater.
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- Join
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Join the Providence Family
Live joyfully! Single, Catholic women ages 18-42 are invited to explore a fulfilling life as a Sister of Providence. All women and men of faith are invited to join the family of Providence as Providence Associates.
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- Prayer Requests
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All things possible with Sister Terri Boland
Sister Terri Boland is a teacher in the Aquin Catholic School Corporation in Freeport, Illinois who recently celebrated her 25th anniversary as a Sister of Proivdence.
When asked why she chose to become a Sister of Providence the following was her reply:
Initially, It was not my intent to become a Sister of Providence. I came to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods for a vocation weekend just to explore the possibility. It didn’t take long to fall in love with the beauty of these Woods but that alone is not the thing that drew me back.
It was the story and life energy of the women I met here. It was the whole idea that as we come together the energy that each one of us brings becomes a force greater than anything we could accomplish alone. It was that spirit that moved me. I was looking for a greater commitment in my life and I felt I found it here at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.
More about Sister Terri
Learn more about Sister Terri and read her answers to questions like, “Why would women today find being a Sister of Providence an attractive life choice?” and “What role does prayer have in your life?” in a recent issue of the Sisters of Providence vocations publication All Things Possible.

Here are some of Sister Terri’s favorites:
Flower/plant: Four o’clocks
Book: Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv
Recreation: Bowling
Hobby: Gardening (Master Gardener; photography, worm farmer)
Musician: John Denver
Animal: Cats
Scripture passage: Seed grows of itself. Mark 4; 26-29
Dessert: Fresh blackberries and raspberries
Time of day: Morning
Season: All four, but spring with the arrival of spring flowers.




