
- 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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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 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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Blog
Welcome to our blog. Here, we will share with you stories of our lives as Sisters of Providence. We invite Providence Associates to write in this space also. We hope you find these posts enjoyable and inspirational.

Mother Theodore offers support for living with mental illness
Some mornings Mother Theodore keeps me from my impulses by saying, “The way is not yet clear, grope along slowly. Be patient. Be trustful.”
Sometimes when I am overwhelmed, I read, “We are not called upon to do all the good possible, but only that which we can do.”
Some mornings, when I am struggling and could use a hug, I open to this, “No one will ever love you as your old Mother Theodore does.”

Journals and Letters week 41: Oh, Maria and other friends
Although she felt affection, appreciation and friendship for each of the people she writes to this week, Mother Theodore is still able to be firm.

Get to know Providence Associate Candace Minster
I was blown away by the Sisters of Providence when I came as a volunteer fresh out of college. I thought I understood what it meant to be Catholic, but I really had no idea. I had no idea so many women had dedicated their lives to the service of others. The sisters that I met, their stories, their passion and their commitment to justice inspired me.

Musings on National Simplicity Day
All of a sudden, the “celebration” of National Simplicity Day turned into a celebration for the affluent. Why celebrate that?

Journals and Letters week 40: All will be well
She is inviting Sister Maria to deal with the reality of her situation. To stay in the present moment (teaching music lessons) rather than fantasizing about what she might do.

Journals and Letters week 39: The loving guidance of a mother
In struggles we may be facing, we, too, may need someone to lovingly challenge us and guide us in realizing the effects our shortcomings have on us and on those with whom we live, work and worship.

Pray the Rosary with the Sisters of Providence
Join us in this international prayer experience. Sisters native to the United States and Taiwan lead the Rosary in their native languages of English and Mandarin.

Journals and Letters week 38: Communicating with postulants and sisters
Mother Theodore had to wear many hats in her lifetime. Her letters throughout the book really exemplify the many roles she had to play.

Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Elizabeth Gentry!
The Sisters of Providence have many volunteer opportunities where you can make a difference.

Welcoming our 2021 WVC Summer Interns!
I hope you have an opportunity to meet some of them!

Journals and Letters week 37: Good for nothing but to love God
We get only a few glimpses of Sister St. Francis Xavier in what we’ve read. But they hint at her character and her friendship with Mother Theodore.

Journals and Letters week 36: Advice to those in charge
Mother Theodore invites them to consider, “might you be the cause of another’s fault? Are you wanting in foresight or wisdom, gentleness or charity?” And so often, isn’t it true, that we ourselves can be our own worst enemy?
