
- About
-
-
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.
-
-
- Justice
-
-
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.
-
-
- Be inspired
-
-
What inspires you?
We all need a little spiritual inspiration sometimes. Let the wisdom of our Providence Community support you on your journey.
-
-
- Visit
-
-
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.
-
-
- Get involved
-
-
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.
-
-
- Join
-
-
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.
-
-
- Prayer Requests
- Contact us
- Donate

Student shines in the Desert
Congratulations to Providence in the Desert student-turned-teacher Martha Langarica on being named Student of the Year and earning a certificate as a top achiever in her English language classes at the Adult School in Coachella, Calif. Seven years ago when…

First-generation American gives back at Providence Family Services in Chicago
Carla Hernandez is a first-generation American and a first generation college student. Growing up in a family that emigrated from Mexico and as a child of a single parent, Carla is keenly aware of the needs of immigrant families and…

Guerin Outreach Ministries: Catholic religious sisters offer English classes, friendship to residents of St. Anthy Trailer Park in rural Mecca, Calif.
Martha Arrendondo is 46 years old and has been in the United States for 26 years. She works in the grape fields in and around the Coachella Valley in California. Right now she is looking for a better job, and…

Sisters with California’s Providence in the Desert offer English classes, friendship
Martha Arrendondo is 46 years old and has been in the United States for 26 years. She works in the grape fields in and around the Coachella Valley in California. Right now she is looking for a better job, and…

Sister Betty Smigla joins Guerin Outreach Ministries board
Sister Betty Smigla, SP, was recently appointed to the Guerin Outreach Ministries board of directors. Early in S. Betty’s life as a Sister of Providence, she spent seven years ministering in the South American country of Peru. Since returning to…

Sister Dorothy Gartland receives Guerin Outreach Ministries Leadership and Advocacy Award
Congratulations to Sister Dorothy Gartland for receiving the third annual Guerin Outreach Ministries Leadership and Advocacy Award. “If you live long enough and continue to work, somebody will eventually give you an award,” laughed the ever-humble Sister Dorothy upon receiving…

Providence Family Services Volunteer Sister Dorothy Gartland receives Guerin Outreach Ministries Leadership and Advocacy Award
What does a woman who spent her life bringing about education and justice do in her retirement? Well if it’s Sister Dorothy Gartland of Providence Family Services in Chicago, she does more of the same. Sister Dorothy, 81, a member…

Dynamic Providence in the Desert founder celebrates 60 years as a religious Sister
The trailer park residents at the east end of the Coachella Valley in Southern California are some of the poorest people in the United States. Mostly immigrant farm workers from Mexico, they are often marginalized and discriminated against for their…
Organizations find something to believe in at Providence Family Services
To know Providence Family Services (PFS) is to believe in the work it does; or so seem to attest two recent grants awarded the not-for-profit charity. From its beginnings in 1993 with two bi-lingual counselors, Providence Family Services, located at…

PFS volunteer brings love for justice, education to her work
Students and volunteer tutors who come to Providence Family Services in Chicago may recognize Sister Dorothy Gartland as the no-nonsense supervisor of the afterschool homework program. They are directly impacted by her dedication to increasing education levels of local youth.…

