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.
Sister Maité Rodriguez-Mora (right) celebrating with Sister Judy Birgen.
“I feel at peace as I will enter the next phase of becoming a Sister of Providence,” Sister Ann said. “In addition, I pray to Mary to protect my vocation and help me remain faithful to my call.”
“The Canonical Novitiate is a once-in-a-lifetime gift when in our formation, we will have time to learn the community and Church history, participate through the formation process in an Intercommunity Novitiate Program at CTU Catholic Theological Union (located in Chicago) and more dedicate time to study scriptures, instruction, conferences, spiritual accompaniment and personal prayer,” Sister Maité added.
The ‘We’ Moment
During the special service, General Superior Sister Dawn Tomaszewski offered a reflection prior to both Sister Ann and Sister Maité requesting entrance into the novitiate.
Sister Ann Duong (left) sharing a moment with Sister Paula Modaff.
“This is the ‘we’ moment,” Sister Dawn said. “You are now part of who we are. Welcome, Ann and Maité to that adventure.”
According to the Sisters of Providence Constitutions, the purpose of the Canonical Novitiate Program is to “foster the internalization of Gospel values.”
During the year-long program, both Sister Ann and Sister Maité will have extended time for prayer, and have spiritual direction monthly, give service to the Congregation and receive instructions in religious life, scripture, theology and the history and traditions of the Congregation on regular basis.
They will be under the guidance of Novice Director Sister Norene Wu.
Sister Marilu Covani (left) smiling with Sister Maité Rodriguez-Mora.
Novitiate Formation
“They will take classes relating to the community history of the Sisters of Providence, Old Testament, New Testament, music, art and spirituality and other important components of Novitiate Formation. Additionally, they will join the novices of other communities for weekly classes on different and very important topics for holistic formation through the Intercommunity Novitiate (ICN) program in Chicago,” Sister Norene said. “We will join 27 novices and 15 novice directors from eight other communities for the class.”
Sister Norene said they will travel to Chicago weekly for the classes.
“The weekly gatherings for the novices are a good way to build relationships and hopefully form a strong network serving God’s people,” Sister Norene added. “And as Director of Novices, my role is the novices’ guide, coach, instructor and supervisor. I also try to be a ‘midwife’ for their holistic formation on the journey of becoming forever members of the Sisters of Providence.”
Sister Ann Duong (far right) with (from left) Sister Cynda Lynge, Sister Judy Birgen and Sister Nancy Bartasavich.
Growing in ‘Identity’
During this year, both Sister Ann and Sister Maité will also begin studying vows for the Congregation..
“The goal of the year is to grow in our identity as a Sister of Providence and intimacy with our Creator God,” Sister Maité said.
“This novitiate is a stage for me to go deep into the charism, history and legacy of the Sisters of Providence,” Sister Ann added. “Furthermore, it is a year to pray and study to know more about God.”
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.
