
- 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
- Contact us
- Donate

A Breath of Life
My hearts breaks as I witness the pain of the world.

For Sister Lucy Lechner, it’s the little things
Nature is Sister Lucy Lechner's peaceful place where she communes with God. She marvels at the little things and enjoys the aliveness, music and dancing of life outdoors at the Woods.

September 24, 2023: Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Connect with your heart as your mind counts your blessings, feel gratitude for the gifts in your life

September 17, 2023: Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Forgiveness is a practice and a way of life

September 10, 2023: Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Pray for guidance and courage

September 3, 2023: Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Gather all your tools and supports to begin to face, accept and learn from this cross

Moving toward the Reign of God with mutual sharing
As disciples of Jesus, the Sisters of Providence endeavor to build a community that reflects these Gospel values. We follow Jesus’ example by communally organizing ourselves so that everyone receives what they need and contributes what they can.

Finding joy alongside life’s difficulties: Tending to Life retreat
Over the last few years, through Divine guidance, I have learned new approaches to life. I have picked up new practices that help me tend to my physical, emotional, mental and spiritual life. The Tending to Life retreat was born from this journey. I hope to offer what I have learned with others, so that they too may find Life even in the midst of suffering.

Saying yes to poverty, chastity and obedience
I feel deeply that this vowed life is important. It is a witness to a different way of seeing and moving in the world. I am captured by the life and vision of Jesus.

What brings you joy?
Pay attention to those things that excite you, bring you joy, and that you never want to stop doing. Frederick Buechner said, "The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet." Some people call this your "vocation." It is the person God is calling you to be in the world.

