- 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
Biography
Sister Judith, better known as Sister Judy, entered the Congregation on August 24, 1977. Currently, she ministers as an Associate Professor at Chicago State University.
Sister Judy grew up in California with six other siblings in a Catholic family. She met the Sisters of Providence at a summer camp in California and entered the Congregation following graduation from college.
Feeding the hungry has long been integral to Sister Judy’s ministerial efforts. In 1988, she founded the Illinois Hunger Coalition, an organization which combats hunger via education, fundraising and community building.
She has traveled to Uganda as a Fulbright scholar to teach at Uganda Martyrs University.
Read more
Sister Judith is featured in the following content on the Sisters of Providence website:
- Newsnotes from summer 2022 HOPE magazine
- Sister Judy Birgen: parenting SP style
- Anti-Racism: A journey in progress
- Election and inauguration reflections
- Sister Judy Birgen
Photographs
Click images to view larger.