
- 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
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Alumni
In 1841, our Foundress, Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, accepted the first student at the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods Academy. For the decades since and still today, our Congregation continues its ministry of education in all its forms. We have deep love for and cherish the relationships we have with our former students. Learn about some of the schools we have ministered at here. Are you an alum looking for a favorite teacher? Find her here!

Video blog: What is a Providence Associate?
"It's a rewarding walk; a deeper inner journey."

Book review: The Other Couch
"The authors are in this book. They share their inner and affective responses with the reader and demonstrate clearly how the one in a position of “authority” (therapist, supervisor) authors the potential for healing. They offer it through their being with and not emotionally disconnected from." A book review by Sister Barbara Sheehan of "The Other Couch: Discovering Women’s Wisdom in Therapy" by Patricia Peters Martin, Ph.D. and Helene DeMontreux Houston, M.S., APRN.

A community of friends: the Providence Associate relationship
The spirituality of Providence tells us that all of life is interconnected, that all is holy, all is one. There was “oneness” in that room that day. I could see it AND feel it. I know the source is Providence.
Providence Associates are women and men of faith who choose to have an intentional relationship with the Sisters of Providence. They commit to sharing their own unique gifts and talents with others while walking with the Sisters of Providence. But they also walk with each other and that is making all the difference.

Educating toward healing with music
“I wanted to find a career where I can get up in the morning and be excited about going to work,” Nate said. Now he is making history as one of the first on-campus male students at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College while he pursues his love for music and healing in the music therapy program.

What brings you here? What are you searching for?
One candidate said her 27-year-old daughter had come to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. She said she saw her daughter “became complete” here. So now she is coming as a Providence Associate candidate seeking to feel complete herself.

Saint Mother Theodore Guerin Feast Day reflection
175 years ago, our beginning was humble. We let go of what we knew and we embraced what was to come. 175 years later we are being asked to do the same. Trust me — as we continue to walk into this new era, as Sisters of Providence, Providence Associates, supporters and friends, we will grow into this era. Be patient. Be prayerful.

Did you know we need volunteer knitters?
Do you knit or crochet? Would you like to work with alpaca yarn as a volunteer? We would love to talk with you.

Former teacher influences a career in environmental law
When I took biology from sister she was still in the full habit, and I've recounted many times the vivid image I have of her rolling up her sleeves, hiking up her skirt and tucking it in to her waist (she looked like she had big pantaloons) so she could lead us up and down the creek bed to explore and take samples.

Remembering Sister Helen Vinton: nature walks and care for the environment
When I had Sister Helen Jean for biology I enjoyed class, but the nature walks were the best!

Sister Helen Jean Vinton: a woman for all time
Sister Helen Jean instilled in me the sense that God’s creation given to us must be protected. Her quiet way, her love for God’s creation and her passion for teaching influenced so many young minds.

A Reflection on Sister Helen Jean Vinton
I cannot recall if Sister Helen ever used the words “social justice” she just lived it as an example to her students. So perhaps that is the greatest gift I received from the time spent with Sister Helen. To create a life of purpose and a way of thinking that is bigger than you in a world that needs our care.

Ecological pioneer teacher leaves lasting impression
“[Sister Helen Jean] taught all of us … a way of thinking and living in a much bigger world than most of us had experienced before. Caring for each other, the earth and people we would never know was as normal as breathing to Sister Helen.” — Julia Boarini Conaghan, ’73
