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.
General Superior Sister Dawn Tomaszewski (from left) with 15-yeat volunteer Sheila Donis and Coordinator of Volunteer Services Sarah Knoblock.
During a short presentation, Sarah broke down how vital the volunteers for the Congregation really are.
She explained how volunteers help with many events. Among them Christmas Fun at the Woods, the Congregation’s Phonathon, the Winter and Summer Used Book sales, the Earth Day Festival and more.
White Violet Center for Eco-Justice is one of the most popular places for volunteers, Sarah said. Six to 12 people volunteer with the ministry monthly, equaling nearly 160 hours per month!
Special honorees
Sarah also gave special thanks to five-year volunteers Kathy Sternal, Jan Showalter, Skitz Evrard and Judy Houghton. 10-year volunteers Donna Stevenson, Rosaline Secrest, Jane Fischer, Marilyn Webb, Alice Quinlan, Stacy Pierce, Penny Frederick and Carl Bender. And 15-year volunteer Sheila Donis.
Sister Marilyn Kofler (from left) with postulant Ann Duong, and volunteers Jane Reyes (seated) and Patrice LeMaire.
“To say the Sisters of Providence appreciate their volunteers would not encompass the gratitude and esteem felt towards those who share their time and energy with the community,” Sarah said. “Time is our most precious resource and asset. We only have so much time and most people do not know how long they truly have.
“Volunteers use their talent and share their time to further the Providence Community’s goals of showing and spreading God’s love, mercy and justice to the world … So, thank you, volunteers. You truly make a difference.”
Teen volunteers recognized at the Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon included (front row, from left) Alexander Barroso Gutierrez, Daizey Beck, Teen Volunteer Co-Director Pia Carino, Eva Carino, Sherlyn Reyes Diaz, Chasteyn Reyes Diaz, Evangeline Hutson. (Back) Sheila Donis, Volunteer Coordinator Sarah Knoblock, Jocelynn Young, Delaney Thomas, Teen Volunteer Co-Director Madeleine Barroso Gutierrez, General Superior Sister Dawn Tomaszewski, Paola Morales-Diaz, Mea Tagett and Teen Volunteer Coordinator Sister Joni Luna.
“You want to make someone smile. You want to bring hope and healing. You want to offer your own thank you by sharing your gifts and talents,” Sister Dawn said. “These are the untold blessings that I want to celebrate.
“Yes, we celebrate your good work and your service, but we also celebrate your great hearts. Thank you for the gift of your heart!”
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