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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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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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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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Biography
Sister Shawn Marie was born in Medford, Mass. Her final ministry was as a hospice volunteer/minister to homebound in Malden, Mass.
Sister Shawn Marie entered the Congregation in 1960, professing first vows in 1962 and final vows in 1967.
She graduated from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College with a bachelor’s degree in education. She earned her master’s degree in education from Indiana State University and also has a degree in religious education from Boston University.
Of her ministries, Sister Shawn Marie taught first grade at St. Patrick School in Stoneham, Mass., from 1968-76, and was also the Director of Religious Education at St. Thomas More Parish in Durham, N.H., from 1976-82. She also taught at St. Agnes School in Arlington, Mass., from 1998-2010.
Sister Shawn Marie McDermott
Complete Ministry
In Indiana: Teacher, St. John the Baptist, Whiting (1964-66).
In North Carolina: Teacher, St. Patrick School, Fayetteville (1966-68).
In Massachusetts: Teacher, St. Patrick School, Stoneham (1966-76); Substitute Teacher, Malden (1982-85); Pastoral Associate, St. John the Baptist Parish, Peabody (1985-89); Teacher, St. Raphael School, West Medford (1990-98); Teacher, St. Agnes School, Arlington (1998-2010); Hospice Volunteer, Merrimack Valley Hospice, Lawrence (2012-2021).
In New Hampshire: Director of Religious Education, St. Thomas More Parish, Durham (1976-82).
Obituary
Read more
Sister Shawn Marie is featured in the following content on the Sisters of Providence website:
Photographs
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