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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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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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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 Patricia, formerly Sister Elaine, was a native of Eaton, Ohio. Her final ministry was in prayer for Providence Spirituality & Conference Center at the Woods.
Sister Patricia entered the Congregation in 1951 from Richmond, Ind. She professed first vows in 1953 and final vows in 1958.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and also has a master’s degree in elementary education from Indiana University.
Sister Patricia’s first ministry was as a first grade teacher at St. John the Baptist in Whiting, Ind. She has also ministered as a teacher in Burlington, N.C., Massachusetts and various other schools in Indiana, including Nativity in Indianapolis from 1973-77.
Sister Patricia also ministered as a Pastoral Assistant at St. Francis Xavier in Falmouth, Ky., and as the secretary/receptionist at Woods Day Care/Pre-School at the Woods from 2001-09.
Here is her complete ministry:
In Indiana: Teacher, St. John the Baptist, Whiting (1953-56); Teacher, St. Paul, Sellersburg (1956-59); Teacher, St. Malachy, Brownsburg (1962-65); Teacher, Cathedral Grade School, Indianapolis (1965-66); Teacher, Holy Family, New Albany (1966-70); Teacher, St. Malachy, Brownsburg (1969-70); Teacher, Nativity, Indianapolis (1973-77); Teacher, Holy Cross, Indianapolis (1980-84); Assistant Director, Shalom Community, Indianapolis (1985-89); Library-Media Assistant, Indianapolis Public School No. 93 (1990-91); Teacher, Sacred Heart School, Terre Haute (1991-96); Local Coordinator, Health Care Services, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods (1996-2001); Secretary/Receptionist, Woods Day Care/Pre-School, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods (2001-2009); Volunteer, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods (2009-2018); Prayer, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods (2018-2020).
In North Carolina: Teacher, Blessed Sacrament, Burlington (1959-60).
In Massachusetts: Teacher, St. Patrick, Stoneham (1960-62).
In Ohio: Clinical Pastoral Education, Bethesda Hospital, Cincinnati (1977-79).
Obituary
Read more
Sister Patricia is featured in the following content on the Sisters of Providence website:
Photographs
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