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, and Jubilarian, Sister Dawn Tomaszewiski, SP, provided the below thoughts about this Jubilee celebration:
“We have sought to put our hearts and souls into following the mandate of our foundress, that we do eminent good by sowing seeds for this generation and beyond.”
The celebrations helped kick off the Congregation’s annual meeting.
Prior to the celebration, each Sister was asked about their milestones. Here are their responses:
Sister Janice Smith
As I reflect on these last 25 years, I have appreciated all the wonderful opportunities, experiences and life learnings that I have been gifted by my community of sisters.
Sister Janice Smith (center) with General Councilor Sister Anne Therese Falkenstein (left) and General Superior Sister Dawn Tomaszewski.
These last 25 years, the learnings and life experiences still continue. I now serve as a spiritual guide at the federal prison, where I have had for the past few years the opportunity to walk with men whose lives are lived behind locked doors.
To be gifted to walk with them as they relearn how to live their lives and to see the gift that they are from God is very humbling especially as they share the stories and experiences that brought them to a life behind bars and in concrete walls.
Truly, I have been blessed with all these experiences of ministry, but the most important of all these gifts is the gift of my sisters who are always there to guide and support me as we serve our Provident God together. I can not thank them enough for these last 25 years together.
Sister Mary Ann DeFazio
I used the following passage from Psalm 16:11 as the theme for the celebration of my perpetual vows: “You will show me the path to life, abounding joy in your presence, the delights at your right hand forever.” This line was given to me during our 30-day retreat during our tertian summer (preparation for final vows) … and it has been a gift to me every day since then. Or course, not every day has contained what is usually considered joy or delight, but every day HAS contained the touch of Providence.
Sister Mary Ann DeFazio (center) with General Councilor Sister Laura Parker (left) and General Superior Sister Dawn Tomaszewski.
I have experienced God’s love in an amazing variety of lovely – and even funny – ways! When I was volunteering at Guerin High School, I was asked to do some work with students and I wanted to avoid that like the plague. To be honest, teenagers sort of scared me (plus, I had some bad memories of my own high school experience). But one day my mind was filled with the words of Mother Theodore: “Love the children first, then teach them.” It was with me day in and day out until I agreed to working with students. What a surprise … I loved it, and still really enjoy working with teens.
God certainly knows how to get my attention. The gifts showered on me through these 50 years are far too many to mention. I thank God for my Sisters and the wonderful people I have been with for showing me the path to life.
Sister Jeanne Hagelskamp
When I began discerning religious life (well over 50 years ago), I felt a very strong call to respond in love to the urgent needs of the world, and I had to ask myself how I could best do that. After years of discernment and what I would describe as a significant sign from God one morning in prayer, I knew that I was being called to a consecrated religious life as a Sister of Providence.
Vicar/General Treasurer Sister Jeanne Hagelskamp (center) with General Councilor Sister Anne Therese Falkenstein (left) and General Superior Sister Dawn Tomaszewski.
Since that day, I have tried to “live into the Suscipe Prayer” of St. Ignatius of Loyola: “Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will, all that I have and possess. You have given all to me. To you, O Lord, I return it. All is yours, dispose of it wholly according to your will. Give me only your love and your grace, for this is sufficient for me.”
In these past 50 years, I have been blessed to have learned how to most fully live the life to which I have been called through the example of my sisters who have been faithful to prayer, even in the most difficult circumstances of life; who have been willing to risk much, even imprisonment, to speak for justice for the disenfranchised; and who have been faithful to live community, “not only in moments of light and peace, but also in the pain and darkness of human existence.”
These past 50 years have been blessing upon blessing for me! What more could I ask for?
Sister Lisa Stallings
Mother Theodore has been a terrific gift in my life. Her wisdom, her common sense, her good humor, have all sustained me in more ways than I can count. I may have come upon her writings without having been a Sister of Providence … but I feel blessed to have been able to tag along behind her for these 50 years.
Sister Lisa Stallings (center) with General Councilor Sister Anne Therese Falkenstein (left) and General Superior Sister Dawn Tomaszewski.
The Sisters who have taught me with their words and their actions, who have prayed with me and for me, who have befriended me and stuck with me over the years – again, a terrific blessing. So many have inspired me over the years and have made me want to be better. I haven’t always (often? ever?) lived up to their example, but I’ve always wanted to.
And the ministries. I have loved them all and have been given so much through them. I’ve been able to witness Providence at work in so many people’s lives – in coworkers, mentors and friends.
What a great life!
Sister Dawn Tomaszewski
I would like to believe that we are a community that tries to practice what activist Valerie Kaur calls “Revolutionary Love” – the choice to leave no one outside our circle of care. It is a community whose members believe that an act of love can change everything.
General Superior Sister Dawn Tomaszewski (right) with General Councilor Sister Carole Kimes.
We have sought to put our hearts and souls into following the mandate of our foundress, that we do eminent good by sowing seeds for this generation and beyond.
I don’t know how many years we have left to tag along behind Mother Theodore, but let’s promise each other we will continue to put our hearts in our hands and offer them to God and to the lambs and sheep who will show up in our lives.
The world needs us for this. This is the call of our times – to leave no one outside your circle of care – to respond to Jesus’ question, “Do you love me?” with a resounding YES!
The Sisters of Providence celebrated the 25- and 50-year Jubilarians on Saturday, June 27. Those celebrating included (front) Sister Mary Ann DeFazio (second from left), Vicar/General Treasurer Sister Jeanne Hagelskamp (front, middle), Sister Janice Smith (fourth from left), (back) General Superior Sister Dawn Tomaszewski (second from left) and Sister Lisa Stallings (third from left). They were photographed with the remaining members of the General Council, including Sister Laura Parker (front, far left), Sister Carole Kimes (front, far right) and Sister Anne Therese Falkenstein (back, far left).
Here are the complete ministries of all five of these Sisters of Providence:
Sister Janice Smith was born in Baltimore, Maryland. Currently, she ministers as a spiritual guide at the United States Penitentiary in Terre Haute.
Sister Janice entered the Congregation on September 14, 2000, from Solano, Rancho Santa Margarita Parish, San Francisco, California. She professed first vows on July 13, 2003, and final vows on June 29, 2008.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in Greek and Latin from the University of Maryland and a master’s degree in Greek and Latin from Ohio State University. Sister Janice also has a master’s of theological studies from the Franciscan School of Theology, Berkeley, California.
Her ministries include:
In California: Director of Adult Education and Faith Formation, San Francisco Solano Parish, Rancho Santa Margarita (2002-04).
In Illinois: Campus Minister/Teacher, Guerin College Preparatory High School, River Grove (2007-10).
In Taiwan: English Instructor, Providence University, Taichung City (2010-15); Online Instructor, Providence University (2013-15).
In Indiana: Director of Novices in the United States, Sisters of Providence, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods (2012-21); Adjunct Instructor, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (2013-15); Spiritual Guide, United States Penitentiary, Terre Haute (2021-present).
Sister Mary Ann DeFazio was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Currently, she ministers as a pastoral associate for faith formation at St. Christopher Parish in Indianapolis.
Sister Mary Ann entered the Congregation on August 23, 1975, from St. Mary Parish, Griffith, Indiana. She professed first vows on August 15, 1978, and final vows on October 14, 1984.
She has a bachelor’s degree in humanities theology from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.
Her ministries include:
In New Hampshire: Teacher, Lady Isle (1977-79).
In Illinois: Teacher, St. Alexander School, Palos Heights (1979-80); Coordinator of Religious Education, St. Alexander Parish, Palos Heights (1980-86); Pastoral Associate/Director of Religious Education, St. Clement Parish, Chicago (1989-91); Director of Religious Education, St. Ferdinand Parish, Chicago (1991-2000); Volunteer, Chicago (2004-05); Volunteer, Guerin College Preparatory High School, River Grove (2005-06); Teacher, Guerin College Preparatory High School, River Grove (2006-08); Teacher, Notre Dame High School for Boys, Niles (2008-09).
In Indiana: Pastoral Associate for Faith Formation, St. Christopher Parish, Indianapolis (2009-present).
Sister Jeanette Hagelskamp was born in Indianapolis. Currently, she ministers as the Vicar and General Treasurer for the Sisters of Providence.
Sister Jeanette entered the Congregation on August 23, 1975, from St. Matthew Parish in Indianapolis. She professed first vows on August 15, 1978, and final vows on August 19, 1984.
She has a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in addition to a master’s degree in mathematics and physics from Purdue University. Sister Jeanette also has a certificate of advanced study in educational leadership and administrative supervision from the National College of Education and a doctorate in education from the University of San Francisco.
Her ministries include:
In Illinois: Teacher, Maternity BVM, Chicago (1975-76); Volunteer, 8th Day Center, Chicago (1975-76); Teacher, Providence, New Lenox (1977-79); Teacher, Providence-St. Mel, Chicago (1982-86); Curriculum Director/Teacher, Guidance, Providence-St. Mel, Chicago (1986-91); Principal, Mother Theodore Guerin High School, River Grove (1991-97); Principal, Mother Theodore Guerin High School, River Grove (2001-02)
In California: Assistant Director of Institute for Catholic Educational Leadership, University of San Francisco (1997-2000); Faculty, University of San Francisco (2000); Assistant Professor/Assistant Director of the Institute of Catholic Educational Leadership, University of San Francisco (2000-01); Assistant Director/Assistant Professor, Institute for Catholic Educational Leadership, University of San Francisco (2002-03); Director of Teacher Education and Assistant Professor, University of San Francisco (2003-05);
In Indiana: Physics Instructor/Assistant Director to Financial Aid, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (1979-80); Director of Admissions Research/Math and Physics Instructor, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (1980-82); Project Coordinator for Providence Cristo Rey High School, Indianapolis (2005-06); President, Providence Cristo Rey High School, Indianapolis (2006-09); Principal, Providence Cristo Rey High School, Indianapolis (2009-13); Director of the Academy of Teaching and Learning Leadership, Associate Professor, Marian University, Indianapolis (2013-16); General Councilor, Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods (2016-21); Associate Professor of Leadership, Marian University, Indianapolis (2013-21); Vicar/General Treasurer, Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods (2022-present).
Sister Lisa Stallings was born in Evansville. Currently, she ministers as the Coordinator of Liturgy for the Sisters of Providence.
Sister Lisa entered the Congregation on August 23, 1975, from Christ the King Parish in Evansville. She professed first vows on August 15, 1978, and final vows on August 25, 1984.
She has a bachelor’s degree in English from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in addition to a master’s degree in English from Indiana University. She also has a master’s degree in Church Music from Saint Joseph’s College and a master’s in theology from Saint Meinrad School of Theology.
Her ministries include:
In Indiana: Teacher, Our Lady of Providence High School, Clarksville (1977-80); Assistant Coordinator of Liturgy, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods (1998); Coordinator of Liturgical Music, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods (2009-11); Vicar/General Treasurer/General Councilor, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods (2011-2022); Coordinator of Liturgy/Volunteer at The Connect Link, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods and West Terre Haute (2022-23); Coordinator of Liturgy, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods (2023-present).
In Illinois: Teacher, Providence-St. Mel, Chicago (1981-88); Director of Music, St; Bernadette Parish, Evergreen Park (1989-90); Director of Music, St. William Parish, Chicago (1990-94).
In Kentucky: Director of Liturgy, St. James Parish, Elizabethtown (1994-98); Director of Worship, Cathedral of the Assumption, Louisville (1998-2009).
Sister Dawn Tomaszewski was born in Chicago. Currently, she ministers as the General Superior of the Sisters of Providence.
Sister Dawn entered the Congregation on August 23, 1975, from St. John Brebeuf Parish, Niles, Illinois. She professed first vows on August 15, 1978, and final vows on August 19, 1984.
She has a bachelor’s degree in communications from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College as well as a master’s degree in journalism from the University of North Carolina. Sister Dawn also has a master’s degree in theology from Catholic Theological Union.
Her ministries include:
In California: Teacher, Marywood, Orange (1977-80).
In Illinois: Teacher, Mother Theodore High School, River Grove (1980-82); Communications and Media Coordinator, Office of Catholic Education/Archdiocese of Chicago (1990-91); Communications and Public Relations, Guerin College Preparatory High School, River Grove (2004-05); Director of Advancement, Guerin College Preparatory High School, River Grove (2005-09); Vice President of Advancement, Guerin College Preparatory High School, River Grove (2009-11)
In North Carolina: Communications, University of North Carolina (1982-84).
In Indiana: Director of Communications, Sisters of Providence (1984-87); Instructor, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (1984-87); Congregation Director of Communications, Sisters of Providence (1987-90); Congregation Direction of Communications and Development, Sisters of Providence (1990-91); Director of Office of Congregational Advancement, Sisters of Providence (1991-96); General Councilor, Sisters of Providence (2011-16); General Superior, Sisters of Providence (2016-present).
Congratulations to Sr. Dawn and all those celebrating 25 or 50 years as a Sister of Providence. Thank you for all you have done and continue to do. God bless you and all the Sisters of Providence.
Congratulations to Sr. Dawn and all those celebrating 25 or 50 years as a Sister of Providence. Thank you for all you have done and continue to do. God bless you and all the Sisters of Providence.