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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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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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We all need a little spiritual inspiration sometimes. Let the wisdom of our Providence Community support you on your journey.
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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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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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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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Biography
Sister Carolyn was a native of Evansville, Indiana. Her final ministry was in prayer at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.
Sister Carolyn, formerly Sister Ann Carolyn, entered the Congregation on July 22, 1954. She professed final vows on January 23, 1962.
She graduated from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College with a bachelor’s degree in French. She also has a master’s degree in linguistics from Georgetown University and a doctorate in linguistics from Georgetown.
She has ministered in Indiana, Italy, Washington, D.C., California, Texas and Taiwan, including serving as a teacher at Evansville Reitz Memorial High School from 1964 to 1967.
Sister Carolyn Kessler (formerly Sister Ann Carolyn)
Complete Ministry
In Illinois: Teacher, Marywood, Evanston (1957-64).
In Indiana: Teacher, Reitz Memorial High School, Evansville (1964-67); Assistant Professor of Linguistics, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (1971-72); Consultant, Floyd Knobs area (2004-06).
In Italy: Fulbright Lecturer, University of Rome (1967-68).
In Washington, D.C.: University Fellow, Georgetown University (1968-71); Linguistics, Director of ESL Program, Immaculata College (1973-75); Adjunct Lecturer, Trinity College (1973-75).
In California: Research Associate in Linguistics, Stanford University School of Medicine (1972-73); NCEA Project, San Francisco Hearing and Speech Center (1972-73); Lecturer in Linguistics Program, Stanford University (1975).
In Texas: Professor of ESL, Linguistics, Bicultural Bilingual Studies, University of Texas, San Antonio (1975-83); Professor of ESL, Linguistics, Bicultural Bilingual Studies, University of Texas, San Antonio (1983-95); Professor, University of Texas (1996-2000); Professor Emerita, University of Texas (2000-04); ESL Consultant (2003-04); Professor Emerita, University of Texas, San Antonio (2007-2022); Outreach Ministry/Lead Sacristan, Villa de San Antonio, San Antonio (2012-21); Co-Director of Resident Council, Villa de San Antonio, San Antonio (2021-22).
In Florida: ESL Consultant (2003-04).
In Taiwan: Lecturer, English as a Foreign Language, Providence College, Taichung (1983).
Obituary
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Sister Carolyn is featured in the following content on the Sisters of Providence website:
Photographs
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