
- About
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Love, mercy, justice
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.
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- Justice
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Break boundaries, create hope
Spirituality and justice go hand-in-hand. We are committed to walking with those on the margins. Join us on our journey to make Earth better for all.
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- Be inspired
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What inspires you?
We all need a little spiritual inspiration sometimes. Let the wisdom of our Providence Community support you on your journey.
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- Visit
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Experience the Woods
From the moment you step onto the grounds at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, you know you're somewhere special. There's something for everyone at the Woods.
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- Get involved
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Where do you fit in?
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.
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- Join
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Join the Providence Family
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.
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- Prayer Requests
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Counsel and guidance to middle schoolers
“I had a student just yesterday that came to me sobbing with a note that read, ‘I wish you were dead. Nobody likes you. Here are some ways you could kill yourself: drink bleach, starve to death or slash your wrists. Go kill yourself,'” said Providence Associate Lorrie Scheidler, a middle school guidance counselor in Terre Haute, Indiana, helps students work through times of uncertainty.

On spirituality and aging
Our spirituality is about living our experience of God. We do not “change” spirituality and put on a different one for aging, a different one for work. We don’t change spirituality like we change clothing. Living our experience of God is influenced by each of our temperaments. By our social, financial, educational, denominational and cultural context. And that experience of God, that spirituality, affects our daily living.

God of Surprises
Did you know that God has a playful side? If not why would God have created vast galaxies — miniscule cells, prickly bushes — lamb’s ear plants …

“Sister” gathers the bills at the theatre
Most of us would be hard pressed to come up with an idea that would net the Sisters of Providence $130,138.67 for their retirement fund! Yet that’s the result from an idea some 15 years ago and the efforts of Mary Zentmyer.

Sister Helen Jean Vinton: a woman for all time
Sister Helen Jean instilled in me the sense that God’s creation given to us must be protected. Her quiet way, her love for God’s creation and her passion for teaching influenced so many young minds.

A Reflection on Sister Helen Jean Vinton
I cannot recall if Sister Helen ever used the words “social justice” she just lived it as an example to her students. So perhaps that is the greatest gift I received from the time spent with Sister Helen. To create a life of purpose and a way of thinking that is bigger than you in a world that needs our care.

Ecological pioneer teacher leaves lasting impression
“[Sister Helen Jean] taught all of us … a way of thinking and living in a much bigger world than most of us had experienced before. Caring for each other, the earth and people we would never know was as normal as breathing to Sister Helen.” — Julia Boarini Conaghan, ’73

The original Earth Mother
Sister Helen was the original Earth Mother.

Of liverwort and shaved eyebrows: Anne Healey remembers Sister Helen Vinton the scientist
I took Biology from Sister Helen [Vinton] as a sophomore at Ladywood-St. Agnes High School [in Indianapolis] and the most memorable lesson I learned from her was a curiosity and appreciation for the minute miracles that occur in nature. For…
French foundress now has “southwestern” look
Something tells me that Taos New Mexico artist JK (Jan) Lamkin and Saint Mother Theodore Guerin would really hit it off.

