Sisters continue updates amid coronavirus crisis

Following the announcement by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regarding new guidelines limiting the amount of people at gatherings due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis, the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana, have continued to update their list of closures, including events, at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.

Earlier this week, the CDC issued new guidelines recommending limiting gatherings to no more than 10 people for up to eight weeks. In addition, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb issued an order on Thursday, March 19, for schools to remain closed until May 1.

Out of an abundance of caution because of the nature of the threat of COVID-19, the Congregation announced the closure of all buildings on the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods campus until May 18, adhering to the CDC recommended guidelines.

The Congregation’s General Council also recently met with department directors and determined which employees need to be on campus, as well as those who can stay home or be on call, and those who can work from home. As a result, food service and the cleaning of communal and public areas received top priority. Security will also be in place.

Tours of the grounds have also been canceled as well as other scheduled events. Visitors are still welcome to come to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods to walk the grounds, but will not be allowed in any buildings until at least May 18.

Sunday Brunch in the O’Shaughnessy Dining Room has also been canceled until further notice.

The closings and cancellations also now affect Linden Leaf Gifts, inside Providence Spirituality & Conference Center. Linden Leaf Gifts, which closed on Friday, March 20, will offer online only shopping. Currently, the store’s 25 percent sale off the entire store will remain in place as well as the threshold of $50 for free shipping.

The Farm Store at White Violet Center for Eco-Justice will close to customers at 6 p.m., on Friday, March 20. Beginning on Monday, March 23, the store will have a way for customers to order online by noon and pick up between 4-6 p.m., in front of the store, setting up a same-day service available only Monday through Friday. Eggs, cheese, some greens and other items, including soaps and more will be available. More details will come.

Providence Health Care, also located at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods and sponsored by the Congregation, has closed its facility to the public at this time.

These actions are being taken in order to protect the sisters who are elderly within the Congregation and the broader community.

For more information, call Jason Moon, media relations manager for the Sisters of Providence, at 812-535-2810, or email jmoon@spsmw.org, or Diane Weidenbenner, director of marketing and communications, at 812-535-2802, 812-249-9381, or email dweidenb@spsmw.org.