General Chapter: Explained

If you have been around the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana, lately, you may have heard them mention their upcoming “General Chapter.”

Preparation for the General Chapter, which will take place from June 28 through July 7, has been going on for more than a year. This gathering of the Sisters of Providence occurs every five years and when it is in session, The Constitutions of the Sisters of Providence note that it “exercises authority in its highest degree …”

The Chapter members, called delegates, representing the entire community, “assemble in a spirit of prayer to direct the life and mission of the Congregation” (Article 71).

During this time the sisters and Providence Associates, after much prayer, reflection and conversation strive to focus and unify the direction of the Congregation in its prayer, witness and service at this time in our history.

The result is usually vision or directional statements, which guide the members, associates and the leadership for the next five years.

This is the time for discernment which includes prayerful listening to the Holy Spirit and one another before Chapter members select by secret ballot the General Superior and the General Councilors.

The newly elected leadership team normally assumes office the following September.

The Annual Meetings held annually Chapters are times for associates and sisters to further develop and deepen the Chapter commitments, through prayer, education, sharing and planning. 

These times also help us support one another as we live out our call to be Providence through works of love, mercy and justice. 

Please keep us in your prayers during this time. We count on it!

Originally published in the summer 2026 issue of HOPE magazine.