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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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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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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 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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Community Living
Community: a place for sharing, love, acceptance, support. A place to be challenged, to be strengthened. For Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, living in community and being part of a larger spiritual community are integral to life. Are you seeking community? Become a Sister of Providence. Or join the larger community as a Providence Associate.

On healing touch and the wall at the border
During the walk we also encountered the memorial site of a teenager, José Antonio Elena Rodriguez, who had been shot 13 times at the wall by a U.S. Border Patrol Agent. His death occurred 10 years ago. The memorial for his anniversary of death took place a few days before I arrived.

Education, advocacy and service with immigrants part of sister’s border experience
My first week of a month-long immersion experience for Catholic Sisters in Nogales Sonora, Mexico — my eyes and heart have been drawn to the people and the artistry around the center. I see depictions of joy, community, compassion, hospitality, generosity, service, justice, education and team work.

Oral history: the adventures and challenges of Sister Dorothy Ellen Wolsiffer, SP
“When I look back over the years of the variety of ministries, I see them as challenging but adventuresome. My last ministry of being a pastoral associate was involved with serving older adults: food pantry, ministry of care and visiting the sick, communion services, etc. These were all things I enjoyed tremendously. God’s love throughout the years has sparked my life and made it more interesting. Life flows like a river: smooth, bumps, twirls, spinning on rocks and falling.”

Why do I love Saint Mother Theodore?
Oh, how blessed to be a member of this Providence community! The founding spirit that is expressed so poignantly in Saint Mother Theodore’s words continues to challenge and comfort my soul.

Reflection for the Feast of Saint Mother Theodore
How are WE walking in the footsteps of this saint?

Archives: telling our story of living the Gospel
From the beginning, recording and preserving our story has been an essential element of our ministry.

Saint Mother Theodore’s guidance among the troubles an blessings of change
When we feel overwhelmed by the troubles and blessings of change, who can be our mentor, our friend, our wisdom figure? I suggest our own Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, a woman who faced a myriad of change — always with realism, hope and an unwavering trust in Providence,

Sisters continue care for neighbors in need
And after all these years ministering to the community, both Sisters Dorothy and Joseph feel like it is time to move on. But these sisters’ retirement does not mean the Sisters of Providence will no longer be serving their neighbors in need.

Sister Paula Modaff: moving closer and closer to God
Where is Sister Paula in her own relationship with God these days? “For the longest time now, I experience God as reality. Whatever is happening, that is the holy,” she says.

The Sisters of Providence mission: living the Gospel today
Over the past 180+ years, the Sisters of Providence have continually asked themselves: “To whom and to what are we being called at this time in history? Who are ‘the miserable’ in the world today? Who are the vulnerable most in need of our service?”
September: a month of Marian devotions
I invite you to take a few moments to pause and reflect on the devotions to Mary in the days ahead

Sister Evelyn Ovalles 25th Jubilee Celebration
On Sunday, August 21, we honored Sister Evelyn Ovalles as she celebrated her 25th Jubilee with the Sisters of Providence! Here are some photos from the celebration, which took place in the Church of the Immaculate Conception.
