
- 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
Sister Mary Lou Ruck, SP, is "retired" and lives at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. She is a former teacher of sixth graders through adults, specializing in English and theology. She then moved to pastoral work as Pastoral Administrator or Pastoral Associate. She has served in Oklahoma, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. She loves the midwest, the Woods, and serving others. Now you will find her giving energy treatments (Reiki, Healing Touch, etc.) or companioning folks with dementia when she isn't practicing centering prayer, reading, or playing cards.

Gifts for a volunteer: hope and hospitality
Volunteering can be a source of hope and peace

Comfort from beauty
Also wanting to help others, I searched my soul. Stretching his idea of comfort from music, I thought of other arts: poetry, other writing, painting, and so on. Then it struck me: weaving!

