
- 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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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.

When God plants a seed
It wasn’t until late 2018 when something shifted for me. The thought of being a religious sister changed from unthinkable to an invitation worth considering.

Journals and Letters week 23: Clash of the bishop and the saint
Things come to a head with the bishop and Mother Theodore. See how Providence prevails in this most dramatic passage.

Journals and Letters week 22: “I am so tired …”
Mother Theodore had to stay in charge and oversee everyone else. A true “mother.” And on top of all that the bishop keeps causing problem after problem. All of this is compounded by Mother Theodore’s chronic poor health that leaves her ill or weak much of the time.

An unexpected blessing
My heart is filled and overflowing for your sharing your stories as well as for your donations when that is possible.

Journals and Letters week 21: The cross awaits
The cross did await Mother Theodore and her sisters “at every turn.” The conflict with the bishop took many more twists and turns before the rule was approved and the land deeded over. Yet she persisted.

Journals and Letters week 20: Drama with the bishop continues
Just when we thought things were going well for Mother Theodore “Back Home in Indiana,” things turn sour again with the bishop. I cannot imagine living with that tense and volatile relationship day after day. It must have been disheartening to say the least!

Ashes from the pandemic fire: a reflection for Ash Wednesday 2021
So here we are today with no ashes for our foreheads. Yet it does feel like we are holding a handful of ashes from this past year. We are holding what is left of our lives from this transformation by a pandemic fire. So, I’d like to have us take a moment of quiet to hold in our imaginations these ashes … the experiences of loss, of change, of challenge, of purification, whatever this year has been for you.

Sigh … it’s Lent again
I usually don’t mind the Lenten season; it’s just that I feel as if we’ve been “doing Lent” for the past year! Sigh!

Farmers must power through whatever Mother Nature dishes out
With the cold and snowy weather now upon us, raise your cup for all the farmers and workers who brave the elements this winter.

Noticing human trafficking
I learned some possible signs of persons who might be in danger: living with the employer, poor living conditions, multiple people in cramped spaces, inability to speak to the individual alone, answers appear to be scripted and rehearsed, the employer is holding identity documents, signs of physical abuse, being unpaid or paid very little.

Journals and Letters week 19: Back home in Indiana
Mother Theodore finally arrives at her beloved Saint Mary-of-the-Woods after being separated for nearly a year.

Permissive attitude toward racism inspires book club
“Once you learn this information you cannot un-know it.” Both sisters have a better understanding of systemic racism. Both are motivated to pay better attention to the injustice in our legal and prison system. This experience compels them to acknowledge their own racism and what their part is in contributing to racism.
