


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!

“Our clients always speak words of gratitude,” Sister Joseph said of her ministry at Providence Food Pantry in West Terre Haute, Indiana. “That’s really a very uplifting feeling. This is unconditional love. That’s mercy. We see Christ in these people. We try to help in any way we can.”

Many people find something special at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. One staff member shares how working for the Sisters of Providence has been a blessing for him and for his family.

“I don’t know what it is — there’s just something about the Woods.”
These are familiar sentiments for people who have lived or worked at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. Most of us have heard these things. And most of us have said them ourselves. Sister Lisa Stallings reflects on the transforming power of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.

It’s how much the staff and everyone cares about their patients,” said Lorre, who spent much of last summer in the rehabilitation unit at Providence Health Care at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. “No matter who you are, how sick you are or what your religious beliefs are, they care for you and love you. I felt nothing but love and care the whole time I was here.”

Ruth isn’t exactly sure what made her choose Saint Mary-of-the-Woods for her week-long retreat. She only knows “God wanted me there.”

The Jubilee Year of Mercy began Dec. 8, 2015, the 50th anniversary of the closing of the Second Vatican Council. What will you do this year to grow in your faith? To strengthen both charitable works and social justice at home and as part of your faith community? Maybe a visit to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods can help you on your way.

Thanks to a national program and a pair of keen eyes, students at St. Patrick’s School in Terre Haute, Indiana, have an opportunity to eat fresh, organic vegetables from White Violet Center for Eco-Justice during lunch.

"I was challenged to learn new things and accept new realities. I was surrounded by people who were patient and kind and who challenged me to be a better person," said Providence Associate Kaitlyn Willy of her internship experience at White Violet Center for Eco-Justice.

“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.

Fun at the Saint Mother Theodore Guerin FEST Approximately 200 people attended the 2015 Saint Mother Theodore Guerin FEST, which also coincided with the Sisters of Providence 175-year anniversary last October. Several activities took place during the two-day festival, including…

So, I ask myself, why would I want to retire when there are still so many possibilities of God’s Providence yet to enjoy just beyond the next horizon? It’s a no-brainer – I will just keep on listening to God’s invitations and saying “yes!”

Sister Joseph Ellen Keitzer serves in pastoral ministry for St. Angela Parish in Chicago — a Catholic Church that was closed 10 years ago.
No, Sister Joseph Ellen hasn’t taken leave of her senses! Her role, as she describes it, is “gathering the lost sheep.”