Break boundaries and create hope with us!

Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods

A community of vowed Catholic women religious, we joyfully live out the radical Gospel message of love, mercy and justice in today’s world. Inspired by our foundress Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, we are passionate about our lives of prayer, education, service and advocacy. We dedicate ourselves to helping those who might otherwise be forgotten.

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“Everything seems possible when we have each other to lean on and when we remind each other to lean with all our weight on Providence. I believe that is how our foundresses not only survived but ultimately also thrived in the midst of the forest.”

Sister Dawn Tomaszewski

General superior

Discover what it means to be a Sister of Providence at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, dedicated to creating a just and hope-filled world through prayer, education, service and advocacy.

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Love, mercy, justice

The Sisters of Providence have a long history of commitment to social and environmental justice.

You can’t know the Sisters of Providence well without knowing our amazing, faithful, strong foundress.

  • Saint Mother Theodore Guerin

  • Her story

  • Quotes of wisdom

    Saint Mother Theodore was a prolific writer with many words of wisdom

  • Shrine

    of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin

About

Get to know the Sisters of Providence, how we serve, our values and history

Be inspired

Prayers, quotes, reflections, prayer requests

Visit

Find peace and beauty on a visit to our Woods

Get involved

Volunteer, find a job, become an intern

Join us

Become a Sister of Providence or walk with us as a Providence Associate

Upcoming events

Cultivating Hope Weekend or Day Retreat

October 18 at 6:00 pm - October 20 at 10:30 am EDT

An opportunity to cultivate hope

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Oct
5

Marywood, IL Alumnae Association Luncheon

Registration/Social 11:45 a.m. ; Luncheon 1:00 p.m. Whether you attended Marywood for one, two, three or all four years, please plan to join us as we once again come together to support the sisters and…

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Oct
7

7/7 Women’s Monthly Prayer Group

We can learn to lean in faith on God’s providence and can find help and comfort in one another

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Oct
8

Taizé Ecumenical Prayer Service at the Woods

Each Taizé service includes prayer, simple music, a time for silence and inspirational readings. Join us in person or via livestream on the second Tuesday of the month.

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Liv Charlton shows off the fruits of her labor with this tub of USDA organic peppers.

“The sisters have broken my expectations I had for them. I was so happy to discover that nuns are, in fact, real people. They are so welcoming and easy to talk to. I’ve loved getting to know a few of them and hearing their amazing stories.”

Liv Charlton

2017-2018 intern at White Violet Center for Eco-Justice

Looking for a sister?

Find her here! Photos, articles, obituaries of sisters you have known and loved.

HOPE Magazine

HOPE Fall 2024

In this issue, we explore various forms of support and connection. You’ll discover how to find unity through listening and engaging in trusting dialogue and how to uncover common ground even amid conflict. We invite you to experience the peace offered by the sacred spaces at the Woods — spaces nurtured by our sisters, both present and past. As always, we provide practical guidance on deepening your spiritual life through prayer and spiritual direction.

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Stay connected

Our enewsletters and publications will keep you up to date with the  best content from the Sisters of Providence.

Photo albums

In need of prayer?

You are not alone. We would like to pray for you.