
- 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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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.

A change of habit for Sister Marilyn Baker
In this video clip Sister Marilyn Baker shares her story of transitioning from the religious habit to common clothes. "I loved my habit," she shares. But she transitioned with the community as they were asked to be more a part of the modern world. Even without an outward garment, there is just something different about women religious, Sister Marilyn says. "She is identified by the work she does, by the ministry she does, by the fact that people can recognize God through her. And that, to me, that is the habit," she says. See the full clip below.

Wherever one Sister of Providence is … we all are!
On Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 25, a large number of Sisters of Providence gathered in St. Joseph’s Chapel in Owens Hall to share in a simple prayer of “missioning” and blessing for Sisetr Arrianne Whittaker as she transitioned into her mission novice year.
Sister Arrianne shared these reflections:
“When I reflect on my experience of the missioning prayer ritual, it can be summed up in two words — sacred connection — a sacred time, in a sacred place, with a community of women who share a sacred spirit.
As we began the prayer service with our Prayer of Reunion I felt that sacred spirit surround me. I felt connected in a way I had not noticed before. Maybe it has slowly, unassumingly seeped into my bones over the past two and a half years, but this day it was very clear to me … I am a Sister of Providence!

“Don’t be afraid” Sister Marilyn Baker advises women considering religious life
In these video segments Sister of Providence Marilyn Baker speaks about being called to religious life, changing out of the habit and more.

Vowed for love, mercy and justice
Four recently perpetually vowed Sisters of Providence reflect what it is to live the mission and service of a Sister of Providence in the world today.

SP mission: alive with the times
From 1840 to 2013 our mission has remained unchanged. The expression of that mission, the way we live it out has evolved so that we can continue to serve people facing the pressing needs of the times.

Sister Laura Parker: a spiritual presence in the world
Sister Laura Parker meets the challenges of ministering as a hospice chaplain by maintaining a relationship with God and by gaining strength from her Sisters of Providence community.

Sisters Corbin & Arrianne on the Nun’s Life podcast
Recently two of our youngest sisters, Sister Corbin Hannah and Sister Arrianne Whittaker, participated in A Nun’s Life podcast recorded at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. Listen as they talk about what attracted them to religious life, challenges they’ve faced, and more. Listen…

Four women profess perpetual vows as Sisters of Providence
Sisters Patty Wallace, Beth Wright, Laura Parker and Deborah Cambell made lifelong commitments as Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods on June 30, 2013.

Sister Deborah Campbell to take Perpetual Vows Sunday
Sister Deborah Campbell, who will take Perpetual Vows on Sunday, June 30, talks about her ministry with Catholic Relief Services.

Sister Evelyn Ovalles reflects on Saint Mary-of-the-Woods and home
Sister Evelyn Ovalles, a native of the Philippines, currently ministers as director of the Tribunal and judge for the diocese of Gary, Ind. What does home mean to you? “Home is the place that goes where you go, yet it…

Taiwanese sister journeys home with the Sisters of Providence
(This article reprinted from the Summer 2013 edition of HOPE) Su-Hsin Huang (pronounced Soo-Sheen Wang) came to the United States from Taiwan for the first time in 2003 to explore entering the Sisters of Providence. She recalled her father asking…

Young sisters today: Vatican II through education
For many Sisters of Providence, “before Vatican II” can refer to nearly everything in their lives. Rules regarding their clothes, acceptable forms of prayer, relationships with family, ministry opportunities, celebration of liturgy and much more changed after the Second Vatican…
