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.
The dinner, which has taken place since 2000, is hosted to honor benefactors for their gifts of time, talent and resources, while also presenting the Queen Amelia, Sarah and Joseph Thralls, Saint Mother Theodore Guerin Companion, Rooted in Providence and Dujarié awards.
The theme for this year’s event was “Jubilee 2025: Pilgrims of Hope.”
The Saint Mother Theodore Guerin Companion awards honor individuals, families, foundations or organizations who exhibit the outstanding qualities of the five foundresses who accompanied Mother Theodore from France to the United States in 1840.
Judy Houghton (center) receiving her award from General Councilor Sister Laura Parker (left) and General Superior Sister Dawn Tomaszewski.
Recipients embody the dedication, perseverance and support shown by these sisters, including steadfast passion for the mission, youthful determination, willingness to undertake any task, faith-driven courage and quiet dedication.
The award recognizes those who faithfully advance the mission of the Sisters of Providence.
This year, the Sisters of Providence honored Judy Houghton, Rebecca Caldwell, Betsy Simon, Jean Brashier and Mamas Mending, a business located in Marshall, Illinois.
General Councilor Sister Laura Parker said Judy was “a woman whose life has been defined by quiet dedication, heartfelt service and enduring love for the Sisters of Providence.”
A former Sister of Providence, Judy spends many hours weekly volunteering at Providence Health Care, visiting with sisters.
Rebecca Caldwell (center) receiving her award from General Councilor Sister Carole Kimes (left) and General Superior Sister Dawn Tomaszewski.
“Judy has developed close relationships with several of the sisters in the long-term care unit,” Sister Laura said. “Judy visits the sisters weekly and they look forward to her presence. She brings with her a fierce sense of responsibility, devotion and a clear desire to assist in whatever way she can.”
General Councilor Sister Carole Kimes said of Caldwell, “Rebecca exhibits all these qualities of Mother Theodore’s companions as an LPN in Lourdes Hall, the assisted living unit of Providence Health Care.
“To say Rebecca is a faithful employee is an understatement,” Sister Carole continued. “She treats the whole person with respect and dignity. Her dedication to the residents touches the sisters’ lives at a time of great need.”
Betsy Simon (center) receiving her award from Vicar/General Treasurer Sister Jeanne Hagelskamp (left) and General Superior Sister Dawn Tomaszewski.
Vicar/General Treasurer Sister Jeanne Hagelskamp presented the award to Simon, saying “We have depended on Betsy to ensure that one of our sisters made it safely to and from the Church of the Immaculate Conception for Mass each day.
“Betsy is a perfect example of one who proclaims the values of love, mercy and justice not only through words, but also through her day to day actions,” Sister Jeanne continued. “She has truly manifested the qualities of Mother Theodore’s companions.”
Sister Laura presented the award to Mamas Mending. Since 2023, the women from Mamas Mending have volunteered once a month to mend for the Sisters.
“Your work is more than just sewing,” Sister Laura said. “It is a profoundly human service, a quiet act of restoration that returns dignity, comfort and care to the everyday lives of others. In every stitch, your compassion is felt.
Representatives from Mamas Mending receiving their award from General Superior Sister Dawn Tomaszewski and General Councilor Sister Laura Parker.
“We recognize the time, talent and love you’ve invested in this work. Your commitment is a beautiful example of what it means to serve with heart and purpose.”
General Councilor Sister Anne Therese Falkenstein (left) with Jean Brashier and General Superior Sister Dawn Tomaszewski.
“She enjoys greeting all clients who visit the pantry and treats them with the respect they deserve,” Sister Anne Therese said. “She also strives to create a positive working atmosphere for her fellow volunteers.
“The Sisters of Providence proudly honor Jean, a compassionate women who has lived in West Terre Haute for 92 years and has generously shared her time, talent and treasure. Jean’s service has been a beacon of hope and inspiration for us all.”
For those of us who had to miss the dinner and program, It is so great to know about these marvelous donors who serve us quietly and faithfully. Again, with deep gratitude, I assure all of them of my prayer for their needs.
“What sweet PROVIDENCE” it is to have friends willing to help us.
In gratitude for all the our donors, ministry partners and friends.
We couldn’t do this work without you.
You are the medicine the world needs.
Peace!
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For those of us who had to miss the dinner and program, It is so great to know about these marvelous donors who serve us quietly and faithfully. Again, with deep gratitude, I assure all of them of my prayer for their needs.
“What sweet PROVIDENCE” it is to have friends willing to help us.
In gratitude for all the our donors, ministry partners and friends.
We couldn’t do this work without you.
You are the medicine the world needs.
Peace!