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.
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.
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.
“Who knew that I would be calling my cane ‘an unexpected blessing?’ But I have come to realize what a friend it is! This friend rarely leaves my side, offers me support at every step of my journey, reminds me to stand erect, cautions me of my limitations and even comes in handy to reach items too high or too far away. A true friend indeed!”
“A recent unexpected blessing for me has been meeting a gentleman who needed a ride to and from Mass on Sundays during January and February this year. My uncle has taken him to Mass for quite some time and was in Florida during these months. My husband and I offered to fill in and have fallen in love with this 82-year-old man. In addition to weekly Mass, he joined us for chili on Super Bowl Sunday at our home and we have become fast friends. He has warmed quickly to our friendship and offers of support and help. We have warmed quickly to his open spirit and bright blue eyes. My uncle may have to agree to splitting time with our friend on Sundays!”
“As a parish minister, I was visiting a young mother dying of leukemia. Her husband and friends were huddled in the corner of a hospital room. (In a nearby hospital, her family was with her very ill father). I went up to Jo, held her hand and told her she was loved. She shed a tear. Then, I went over to Chris and suggested he hold her as the end was near. Their friends and I left the room. Jo died within five minutes.”
“Unexpected blessings abound; we need only have eyes open to see them. For instance, on the very day I received this email, my husband and I went to our parish’s fish fry. We sat, at random, with a couple who had traveled over an hour to visit friends in the area and decided to eat at our parish, which they had attended many years before. Turns out, the husband grew up in the same area I did in Southern California, and we had a wonderful time reminiscing about the “good old days” with our new friends. Random chance? Providence? I favor the latter.”
“Several years ago, my spiritual director of many years was moving out of the area. I was hesitant about meeting over the phone. Immediately, God provided another one with whom I meet regularly in person. I am so grateful for this unexpected blessing.”
