- 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
- Contact us
- Donate

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.

Sister Marilyn Kofler: Breaking boundaries through education and gentle influence
“I wanted to be a priest, but I knew I would be a sister,” she said. Priesthood for women was not an option. “You didn’t even talk about it,” she said.

Kindness matters
Sister Jane reminded me that being kind in the present matters deeply. Whatever our thoughts, whatever our memories, whatever our plans, it is only in the now that we can demonstrate our love for each other.

Oral history: Sister Joann Quinkert the justice advocate
Sister Joann entered the community at the age of 17. Her parents planted the seed that grew. A justice warrior. Fearless. Called by God. Her lifetime accomplishments bless and enrich us every day.

Sisters of Providence invite women to virtual mini-retreat
There is no cost to attend the mini-retreat

Monthly prayer with the Sisters of Providence on Jan. 7
Each month's service will be led by a different Sister of Providence

Reflections for one of our Asian Sisters perpetual vows
May you witness this kind of self-giving, a sacrificial openness to all that might be required of YOU through your vow of poverty

Explore religious life with the Sisters of Providence
All single, Catholic women ages 18-42 are invited to the retreat

Meet our postulant Stephanie Rivas
The call to religious life became clearer by having different experiences of working and living with others in the community. Also, during the pandemic I was able to really tune into my prayer life, by going to adoration by myself and doing daily mass online.

For Sister Lucy Lechner, it’s the little things
Nature is Sister Lucy Lechner's peaceful place where she communes with God. She marvels at the little things and enjoys the aliveness, music and dancing of life outdoors at the Woods.

Welcome to our new postulant Stephanie Rivas
The Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods welcomed a new postulant, Stephanie Rivas of Chicago, to the Congregation on Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023 at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana. We are excited to welcome Stephanie into our community and our hearts.
Learn more about becoming a Sister of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods at Become.SistersofProvidence.org

Oral history: Sister Cathy Campbell the storyteller
Even though Cathy loved the Teen Star job, she felt a restlessness gnawing at her. Should she be a professional journalist or did Providence have other plans for her?

Sister Anna (Tsai Ping) Fan professes final vows
Congratulations to Sister Anna (Tsai Ping) Fan, SP! She said forever yes to life as a Sister of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods by professing her final vows in a ceremony on May 1, 2023 at St. Joseph the Worker Church in Hsinchu County, Taiwan. We are so blessed to have Sister Anna as part of our community!