Honoring the Past, Supporting the Future: Our Educational Mission Today

So often, the Sisters of Providence receive notes from alumnae/i, thanking us for the excellent education and values formation that we provided them at the various schools and colleges where we taught and/or administered. Some of those schools were sponsored by the Sisters of Providence. We owned them (and eventually most were separately incorporated) and we had a presence in them for many, many years. Currently, we still sponsor two educational institutions: Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, our first mission which was begun as an academy in 1841, and Providence Cristo Rey High School in Indianapolis, founded in 2005.

Sponsorships in the Present Day

So, you might wonder, what does sponsorship look like in those institutions when the Sisters of Providence no longer have any Sisters of Providence on staff? It goes far beyond the financial support that is given through grants and gifts. The sisters continue to be very involved in the schools, serving as Board members and providing a presence in the classroom and beyond.
Building Relationships

For example, Sister Joni Luna, Vocations Director for the Sisters of Providence, visits Providence Cristo Rey about twice each month. Sometimes she visits classrooms and gives talks. Often she works with the campus minister, helping at retreats and attending special events such as Stations of the Cross. The students have come to know her personally.

Beyond the Classroom

Additionally, the Sisters of Providence are involved in Providence Cristo Rey in other ways, doing “behind the scenes” work with fundraising and hosting their own Walking with Wolves fundraiser at the Woods since most are not able to attend the actual walk in Indianapolis. And, of course, the sisters are present at the Gala event every year.

Living Our Legacy at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

At Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, several Sisters of Providence sit on the Board of Trustees. Additionally, they are integrally involved in the “Woods Core 100” class, a required course for all students which introduces them to the legacy of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin and to the mission and values of the Sisters of Providence. Various Sisters of Providence teach different components of the class, and the students visit the Archives and various important historical places on campus such as the arrival rock, the Saint Anne Shell Chapel, the log cabin, the Shrine and the Church. Additionally, several of the sisters attend concerts, ball games and other activities on campus. Some exercise science and music classes have reached out, asking to host exercise or music classes with our sisters.

Continuity Amid Change

Clearly, our presence is well known and appreciated … More than one student has stopped me when I have been out walking, just to say thank you for the legacy we have left for them. Others have brought cookies to our houses and chatted with us over snacks. Yes, our sponsorship may look different now than it did 50, 25 or 10 years ago. But, the sisters still have a presence that makes a difference in the lives of the young women and men who are currently part of the legacy of the Sisters of Providence.

Originally published in the Winter 2025 issue of HOPE magazine.