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.
The life of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin: a one woman show
In her Saint Mother Theodore Guerin presentation, Sister Susan Paweski brings to life the saint’s story. Dressed in full habit of that time, Sister Susan enacts the character of Saint Mother Theodore, complete with a Breton accent! She weaves the story of this great saint from her childhood days on the Breton shores of France to her missionary work in Indiana. Sister Susan tailors the presentation to the audience, whether it is elementary school children, high school students or adults. The presentation is 30 minutes with a question and answer period afterward which often proves to be a lively participatory experience.
“I sat mesmerized while watching Sister Sue’s delightful portrayal of Mother Theodore Guerin. Her amazing one-woman act takes the audience back to the time of 1840. In a true authentic French accent, Sister Sue highlights the story of Mother Theodore from her calling in France to form a school in the United States, to the challenges she faced once she arrived in the rugged unsettled land. This is without exception a ‘must see’ for everyone!”
– Tina Proctor, St. Martin de Porres Parish, Yorba Linda, California
Pope John Paul II called Saint Mother Theodore Guerin a perfect blend of “holiness and humanness.” This amazing woman leader, educator, healer and writer left her home and ministry in France to venture into the pioneer Indiana wilderness in 1840. Her deep and abiding love and trust in God’s Providence helped her overcome poverty, prejudice, sexism and more as she established an academy for girls (which is today Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College) and a Congregation of Catholic sisters who live on today as the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the- Woods, Indiana. Get to know this holy, strong and very real woman.
“Sister Susan came to our school full of energy to tell us the story of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin. The girls and boys were totally enthralled by the performance. They wanted her to come back the next week! Sister Sue also told us about the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the Woods. It was a fun religion class for all the grades.”
– Brother Lucian Knapp, cfc, Sacred Heart of Jesus, New York, New York
About Sister Sue
Sister Susan lives out the legacy of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin as a member of the Congregation she founded. She professed perpetual vows as a Sister of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods in 2005. Sister Sue has worked as an educator from elementary to college levels. She has also served in college administration and admissions and for her Congregation’s Advancement office. She currently ministers as co-director of the Providence Associate relationship.
“Wonderful experience! Sister Sue makes Saint Mother Theodore Guerin come alive. Hearing the saint’s own words and the story of her journey and struggles, as well of her never faltering trust in Providence, resonates for our lives today.”
– Lorraine Kirker, St. Hubert Catholic Church, Langley, Washington
Plan your presentation!
The presentation is 30-60 minutes, depending on the audience, with a question and answer period afterward which often proves to be a lively participatory experience. A suggested donation of $250 is requested for the performance. Materials can be sent in advance to prepare the audience for the presentation if requested. Prayer cards and brochures will be available for distribution after the presentation. Fill out the form below to ask Sister Sue any questions you may have or to request a presentation.
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