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.
Approximately 250 benefactors and others attended the event, which takes place annually at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.
The dinner, which has taken place since 2000, honors benefactors for their gifts of time, talent and resources, while also presenting the Queen Amelia, Sarah and Joseph Thralls, Saint Mother Theodore Guerin Companion and Dujarié awards.
This year, the Sisters of Providence honored Sarah and John Lechleiter with the Queen Amelia award.
Providence Cristo Rey High School President Tayler Mayer (center) accepting the award on behalf of Sarah and John Lechleiter. The award was presented by Vicar/General Treasurer Sister Jeanne Hagelskamp (left) and General Superior Sister Dawn Tomaszweski.
Sister Jeanne said at the time, she was in the process of setting up the school, which is for underserved children who work in professional jobs one day a week to help “offset tuition costs.”
“There I was, no money, no contacts, no building, nothing but a lot of hope in the people of Indianapolis,” Sister Jeanne continued. “Someone told me I needed to visit John Lechleiter.”
Soon after, John became the Chief Operating Officer of Eli Lilly in Indianapolis. He agreed to meet with Sister Jeanne over coffee at his home.
“John listened, Sarah poured coffee and we talked about others whom I should contact,” Sister Jeanne said. “Truly, I do not know if Providence Cristo Rey would exist today, were it not for the help of John and Sarah.”
Sister Jeanne said following that meeting, the Lechleiters became “avid supporters” of the school and Congregation in many ways.
“They have taken a personal interest in the students (at the school) and have had a profound impact on the success of both the students and the school,” Sister Jeanne said. “But John and Sarah didn’t stop there. They have also been at the side of the Congregation, helping us in time of need.”
Caring for the sisters
Sister Jeanne explained that the pair helped set up an emergency fund during COVID, which helped the Congregation purchase masks and hand sanitizer as well as a machine to decontaminate the Church of the Immaculate Conception after Mass and more.
The Lechleiters also helped with the renovations of the two elevators in Providence Hall.
“Through it all, they have been two of the most caring, supportive people I know, walking by our side,” Sister Jeanne said. “They truly have been pilgrims of hope, not only for us, but for those whom we serve.”
“We cannot thank you enough for all that you have done for both the Sisters of Providence and Providence Cristo Rey,” Sister Jeanne continued. “Your incredible generosity and deep care and support have made a profound difference in the lives of countless young men and women of Indianapolis and have enabled the Sisters of Providence to see their way through some very difficult and challenging times, when we most needed rays of hope!”
Sarah and John were unable to attend the gala, so Providence Cristo Rey High School President Tyler Mayer accepted the award on their behalf.
The Queen Amelia Award honors those who have significantly contributed financially to the Congregation and who have been influential in informing others of its life and mission. The award is named for Queen Amelia of France, wife of King Louise Philippe, who was a major benefactor for the Congregation in the mid-1800s. She also encouraged her husband and family to contribute to the Congregation, which at the time, was struggling financially.
The theme for this year’s event was “Jubilee 2025: Pilgrims of Hope.”
This site uses cookies to track visits anonymously so we can make your experience better and know how to provide you relevant content. If you click "Ok," you consent to this.
