
- 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.

Why the Providence Community?
“I feel drawn to Mother Theodore’s zeal, courage, caring and loving, especially her complete trust in the Providence of God. I want to grow deeper in my love for God and in the zeal to serve others as a Sister of Providence following the legacy of Mother Theodore.”

Is God calling me to religious life? Listen to the wisdom that dwells within you
I admired the fact that they were highly educated, modern women regardless of their age, who are boldly serving in a modern world. I marveled at the many ways these Sisters chose and were encouraged to evolve to meet the needs of the times. I knew I wanted to grow up to be like the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary of-the-Woods.

Sister Patty Wallace: Fulfilling God’s wish
'I feel like I can make a difference in the lives of families and their children ...'

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?”

Sisters of Providence profess perpetual vows
'Providence chose me, and I simply followed that call.'

Forever yes! Final vows ceremony for Sisters Arrianne Whittaker and Tracey Horan
Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022, was a joyous day as Sisters Arrianne Whittaker and Tracey Horan professed perpetual vows as Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana! Our world is so blessed by the willingness of these wonderful women to give their lives to serving people in need through lives dedicated to love, mercy and justice.

Reflections for Profession of Perpetual Vows
There is cause for rejoicing here!!

Sister Leslie Dao enters the novitiate
Sister Leslie Dao is officially a novice with the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods! Sister Leslie entered the novitiate on Aug. 14, 2022 in the Church of the Immaculate Conception at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. During the next year, Sister Leslie will study Scripture, Congregation and Church history, and develop a deeper connection to God, her community and the world.

Ten years of transformation
So “how have I been transformed?” I believe my most important transformation is understanding that I am beloved of God. Through that Love I have the opportunity to be the change I wish to see in this world. By God’s transforming Love we can realize our own “transfiguration” to the people whom God calls us to be.

A reflection for Reception into the Novitiate
Come, Leslie. Come follow this path marked out by Providence

Can I Stay Here Forever? The Answer is YES.
A voice rises up from within the trees:
Are you ready to give your whole life to me?
My eyes shine up at the trees
From under my visor.
They know my answer is yes.
