
- About
-
-
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.
-
-
- Justice
-
-
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.
-
-
- Be inspired
-
-
What inspires you?
We all need a little spiritual inspiration sometimes. Let the wisdom of our Providence Community support you on your journey.
-
-
- Visit
-
-
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.
-
-
- Get involved
-
-
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.
-
-
- Join
-
-
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.
-
-
- Prayer Requests
- Contact us
- Donate

As seen in HOPE
Here you will find wonderful content from the Sisters of Providence. The articles here all appeared in HOPE magazine. The Sisters of Providence publish HOPE three times a year to share the mission, spirituality and ministries of the Sisters of Providence. Enjoy!

A journey to wider acceptance and love: Sister Tracey Horan and immigration
Like most stereotypes, my beliefs about immigrants most likely came from a combination of sources: messages I heard from the news, friends, and media that convinced me that immigrants were an inherent threat to my well-being.

Immigration injustice: what can I do?
Even a brief scan of daily headlines describing how immigrants are being treated at the Southern borders of the U.S. can cause a person of faith to cringe and cry out: “What can I do?”

A lifetime of meeting needs around the world and in our own backyard: Sister Patty Fillenwarth
She heard their stories of abuse, of problems with their children, of anxiety about their immigration status. Many of them needed professional counseling, but this was almost impossible for poor families who had no insurance and were struggling with English. Sister Patty came to see that her greatest missionary opportunity now was not in Africa, Peru or Taiwan, but in her own backyard.

From fear to tranquility: Sister Dorothy Rasche and prison ministry
“Who wants to go in a prison?” Sister Dorothy lamented. “We were scared. We were afraid.”
After a brief pause, Sister Dorothy said, “It was ignorance and fear that made us scared.” Sister Dorothy tells of more than 40 years of prison ministry.

From farming to teaching to counseling to care of Earth: Sister Ann Sullivan’s story
The issues of land, air and water degradation weighed heavily on her, especially the effects that were becoming more problematic on our own Sisters of Providence land.

Sisters of Providence respond to compelling need for health care
The willingness of the Providence Health Care staff to forgo the efficiency of a set schedule in favor of a more spontaneous model of care speaks volumes for their commitment to recognizing and respecting the dignity and individuality of persons in their care.

Providence Associates: addressing the needs in our backyards
We asked Providence Associates from around the country to tell us about an issue in “their own backyard” that they are passionate about. Here several Providence Associates share about a need and how they are responding.

Ending the death penalty: what can we do?
One suggestion is to take action by adding your voice to the many calling for an end to the death penalty. You can sign pledges or send letters to elected officials. You can join groups in your state or join the National Action Team.

Do something to care for Earth
Saving our planet. It sounds like a daunting task that only a superhero from a movie would undertake. Where would you even start and what can one person really do to help? The answer is simple. Do something. Do anything. Yes, it may seem overwhelming but the small changes you make really can add up.

Father Ray: inspired by Sisters of Providence work for justice and care for those in need
Father Ray says he supports the Sisters of Providence financially because he has been inspired by the sisters and their diverse ministries caring for all people and our environment. He is inspired by the Congregation’s focus on justice and providing care for those in need.

Saint Mother Theodore Guerin moment: a mother’s letter to new postulants
"Long ago we offered prayers for you, for your generous mother. When you write to her tell her that I shall try to be a mother to you, that I love you already as my beloved child, and that all the Sisters are anxiously waiting to have you among them," writes Saint Mother Theodore to soon-to-arrive postulants.

Interculturality: journey of radical welcome
Interculturality – What is it? Why has it become a notion central to many conversations in the Providence community? Why is it key as we continue to evolve as religious in the 21st Century?
