- About
-
-
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.
-
-
- Justice
-
-
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.
-
-
- Be inspired
-
-
What inspires you?
We all need a little spiritual inspiration sometimes. Let the wisdom of our Providence Community support you on your journey.
-
-
- Visit
-
-
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.
-
-
- Get involved
-
-
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.
-
-
- Join
-
-
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.
-
-
- Prayer Requests
- Contact us
- Donate

Photos: Welcome Emily! A new Sister of Providence postulant
Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 7, was an exciting moment for the Sisters of Providence Congregation. A new woman joined the sisters as a postulant, the first year of formation in becoming a Sister of Providence. Emily TeKolste of Indianapolis, Indiana, officially entered the Congregation with a ritual in which she knocked at the door of Providence Hall seeking entrance into the Congregation. From there she was greeted by the General Superior and the Sisters of Providence leadership and formation team plus sisters in the formation community for a meaningful prayer ritual.
Enjoy the photos! Learn more about Emily in this news release on her entrance. And in this blog post in which Emily introduces and tells a little bit about herself.

The whole group poses with Emily after the knocking ritual. Front row from left, Sister Anna Fan, Emily TeKolste, Sister Joni Luna. Second row from left, Sisters Nancy Nolan, Marsha Speth, Nancy Bartasavich, Denise Wilkinson, Mary Beth Klingel, Editha Ben. Back row from left, Sister Carole Kimes, Janice Smith, Jenny Howard, Dawn Tomaszewski, Jeanne Hagelskamp and Lisa Stallings.
My heart is so full looking at these pictures!! Emily, thank you for your daily “yes.” It is an honor and a gift to be on this Providential journey with you. <3
Welcome, Emily. We love and support you.
Mary Carroll Blocher, PA
Peace and every other blessing
I am an American Franciscan working in the Amazon since 1983. I came across Sister Emily’s very good “Is religious life easy?” in today’s edition of NCRonline and decided to do a http://www.search for more information about her. Catholic Worker background – I am a fan of Catholic Worker and look forward to each issue of their newspaper from NYC. Actually they send me two copies, and lately I am forwarding one to an 80-something longtime widow from a parish in Pittsburgh, whose granddaughter taught her to use the internet. NETWORK – I am aware of their work too.
I want to forward the above “entrance photo exhibit” to a friar who is working on vocation promotion material for our Order in this Land of the Holy Cross (Terra da Santa Cruz). Sharing that moment: what a great idea!
May God bless your congregation with many vocations!