
- 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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- 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 Jessica Vitente: Leading and being led to God
Sister Jessica hopes the Newman Center provides the college students served with companions on the journey in service with one another, to the campus community and the community at large. Most importantly, the Center must let students know they are loved, accepted and belong to the community.

Music, nature, environmental justice all part of young Providence Associate’s call
I desired to be part of a community that serves in environmental and social justice. Inner stillness, creativity, combined with social action, is a walk I feel called to.

Tapping into fresh energies: Sister Joni’s vocation and teen ministries
“Women are searching, seeking, desiring to be in right relationship. They have a desire to be part of a puzzle bigger than themselves. They want to live the Gospel with other persons who are like-minded. They want to make a difference in the world."

What does it mean to love my neighbor as myself? A visit to the border
May I too be a companion to all on the journey home to our Provident God who has blessed me with this gift of abundance.

Father Terry and the subject of being ‘Called’
'That’s how I stay committed and faithful to my call to the priesthood.'

Sister Kathleen Bernadette Smith: love of God strengthens love of others
Kate found the “fit” she was looking for with the Sisters of Providence. She found a group of religious women whose spirituality fit with hers and who shared her love of music. For Sister Kate, both of those characteristics define much of who she is.

Oral history: Sister Joyce Brophy, inspiring confidence in others
“I think it is my Irish heritage. When I get worked up about something I go to Chapel. I say, 'Okay, Lord. You got me into this. It’s your job to help me work it out, Providence of God.'” If something bad was there, something good would always come along. Being an administrator, a supervisor, a leader in any capacity brings the challenge with the reward.

Discernment series virtual mini-retreats
What is discernment, anyway? How can this method of prayerful reflective exploring and listening help you ascertain where God is leading you? Find out in this virtual mini-retreat series.

Video: Sisters of Providence share values of religious life
We invite you to take a few minutes to listen to wisdom, advice and vocation stories from eight of our Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. Enjoy!

Sisters of Providence welcome new postulant
'I now feel at peace. I’m happy because I’m in God’s home.'

New postulant Leslie Dao enters the Sisters of Providence
On Tuesday, Sept. 21, we welcomed our new postulant, Leslie Dao of Saint Louis, Missouri, to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods! We are greatly blessed.
The simple postulant entrance ceremony began with prayer with Leslie's family (her oldest brother and his wife accompanied Leslie to the Woods). Then those in new membership who had been accompanying Leslie walked with her to the doors of Providence Hall where Leslie knocked and was welcomed by the General Superior. A small blessing and welcoming ceremony followed.
Please keep Leslie in your prayers as she enters her time of formation as a Sister of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.

Sister Joni Luna makes perpetual profession of vows
'I had to undergo a makeover, which included shedding old, unuseful ideas that did not serve me spiritually.'
