
- 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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Health & Wellness

Nurturing in the Woods: extending the hand of compassion
Sister Su-Hsin enjoys visiting with residents, listening to their stories, praying with them, reading to them and sometimes even doing a little correspondence for them. “I do whatever I can for them. I listen to them, cry with them and laugh with them."

Finding joy alongside life’s difficulties: Tending to Life retreat
Over the last few years, through Divine guidance, I have learned new approaches to life. I have picked up new practices that help me tend to my physical, emotional, mental and spiritual life. The Tending to Life retreat was born from this journey. I hope to offer what I have learned with others, so that they too may find Life even in the midst of suffering.

How to stay active during a pandemic
One mechanism you can use to improve your mental and spiritual health is exercise. Exercise can be beneficial in as little as 10 minutes a day.

Mother Theodore offers support for living with mental illness
Some mornings Mother Theodore keeps me from my impulses by saying, “The way is not yet clear, grope along slowly. Be patient. Be trustful.”
Sometimes when I am overwhelmed, I read, “We are not called upon to do all the good possible, but only that which we can do.”
Some mornings, when I am struggling and could use a hug, I open to this, “No one will ever love you as your old Mother Theodore does.”

Newsnotes
Catch up on news from the Sisters of Providence, from COVID-19 to Earth Day to a new alumni association.

Face-to-face with a pandemic: Sister Arrianne Whittaker
“I am so grateful that I am in the ministry I am in because I have been able to work and feel like I’m contributing to our resolution to fight this disease.”

Living the Gospel of Hope through better health care access
“People will not wait until they are on their deathbed to go to the doctor if the clinic is within walking distance. Many residents don’t have a car or it’s broken down or out of gas," said Sister Dorothy.

Allowing for God’s presence: Sisters of Providence hospital chaplains
“Being open to the Spirit in this ministry is a must, along with a deep prayer life, so that we may stay aligned and be able to exhibit an open presence to the other.”

Sister Barbara Doherty: A Sister of Providence icon living with dementia
So many people hold so many great memories of Sister Barbara. Yet for Sister Barbara memory is the challenge. In 2010 Sister Barbara was diagnosed with dementia of the Alzheimer’s and vascular types.

A view from the other side of health care
On July 7, 2017, I experienced an event that changed my life. During heart surgery for mitral valve repair, I had a stroke. It was completely unexpected, leaving me in a situation I never imagined and for which I was completely unprepared.

Nurses Day prayers from the Sisters of Providence
Three of our Sisters of Providence with nursing backgrounds offer prayers for nurses during this time of coronavirus epidemic.

Sister Editha Ben: the blessings of sheltering in place in the Philippines
Now, because of covid-19, flights have been canceled, airports are locked down and quarantine is imposed. And so, I have remained in the Philippines with my mother longer than planned.
