Become a Sister
Here you will find stories about some of our newest Sisters of Providence. You’ll read about some of our seasoned Sisters of Providence living out their ministries. And you’ll find stories and opportunities for discerning whether life as a Sister of Providence might be for you.
Preparing to bring God’s love, mercy and justice to the world
“My mind and my heart have been stretched and made more pliable through the formation process. And I know that I am loved. And the fact that I am loved calls me to love as well,” Sister Dina Bato said.
Sister Emily TeKolste entrance to the novitiate Aug. 5, 2017
She is officially Sister Emily! On Saturday, Aug. 5, Emily TeKolste moved into her next step in formation as she becomes a Sister of Providence. She entered the novitiate, receiving the title “sister” and her white novices cross. Sisters of…
Fresh eyes on Sisters of Providence Annual Meeting
Though specific forms have varied throughout the history of the Sisters of Providence, the annual coming together of all sisters has been an important tradition for the community. Last week, I got to participate in my first annual meeting.
Listening, loving, letting go: reflection for profession of vows
"Obedience, chastity, poverty — listening, loving, letting go. These are set before you today in a deeper way. And to return to the scripture for today — God is with you every step of the way."
Sister Dawn reflects at the vows ceremony for three Sisters of Providence.
Vows ceremony for Sisters Dina Bato, Anna Fan and Tracey Horan
On Sunday, June 25, 2017, Sister Dina Bato professed perpetual vows of poverty, chastity and obedience as a Sister of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. Sisters Anna Fan and Tracey Horan professed their first vows as Sisters of Providence for one…
One step at a time: Sister Dina on upcoming vows
"From searching for my life’s purpose to finding passion and love. I know I could not have planned my life any better. I am reminded regularly to be open and teachable no matter who my teachers are. That every journey starts and continues, one step at a time. And that everything is gift."
Sister Dina reflects on professing perpetual vows as a Sister of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana.
Go out and make a difference
Being a sister doesn’t ensure my going to heaven or living a hurt-free or pain-free life. It does not give me prestige or pay a six-figure salary. On the contrary, I have no earthly idea where the pursuit will take me, but I am learning to trust in Providence. The Providence, which, our foundress Saint Mother Theodore reminds us, “has never failed us.” When I look at the person in the mirror, I like who I am becoming.
Holy and profane
It’s not often that I spend time with my extended family in public. Sometimes, these interactions remind me how differently much of the world views Catholic sisters compared to my experience.
This weekend, I went to my cousin’s high school graduation party. Partway through the party, one of my uncles started asking me to bless him. Another made a comment about spending time with me to become holy by association.
Dear Discerner: live the questions now
In my discernment process, Sister Tracey Horan would refer me to the quote of poet Rainer Maria Rilke: “Have patience with everything unresolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves as if they were locked rooms or books written in a very foreign language. Don’t search for the answers, which could not be given to you now, because you would not be able to live them. And the point is to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps, then, someday far in the future, you will gradually, without even noticing it, live your way into the answer.”
Meet a sister. Be inspired. National Catholic Sisters Week invite
So, in honor of National Catholic Sisters week, join us for a meal. Get to know us better. Tell others about the Sisters of Providence and the work we do to make the world a more just and loving place. Together with you, our friends and supporters, we can make this world a more hope-filled place.
Walking through Lent with Saint Mother Theodore Guerin
We invite you to spend a few minutes each day reflecting on the scripture verses and the words of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin with these daily Lenten reflections. May your Lent be a time of deepening your spirituality and growing closer to God. And may your walk be a little more meaningful by sharing it with Saint Mother Theodore Guerin.
Sister Marceline looks back on the richness of 84 years as a woman religious
I am mostly pre-Vatican II but I was excited to enter the modern world. I didn’t sit back. I was open to the evolving religious life and because of openness I was able to do many new things.
