
- 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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Peace & Justice
As a community dedicated to advocating for the marginalized, we Sisters of Providence join our voices with others in speaking out about many peace and justice issues of great importance in our world. Learn more about justice concerns dear to our hearts here.

Immigration resources: learn more
Learn more about the immigration issue in the United States from these resources.

Providence Family Services: support and welcome for the neighbor
“Sister Patty gives me strength to go on. Life is hard and we all need each other,” said a counseling client at Providence Family Services in Chicago.

Sisters companion, advocate for immigrants
“I expect that demand for services will increase as President Obama’s Executive Order on Immigration (Nov. 20, 2014) is implemented. I am concerned that exploiters of the situation will take advantage of vulnerable people. I am glad I can still help,” she said.

Sister Patty talks love, mercy and justice
“I tell people, if you get to know some of them personally, you might change your mind. If you hear their story …” says Sister Patty Fillenwarth.

Digging deeper: misconceptions and immigration
Let’s take a look at a few common myths related to immigration in the United States.
Myth #1: Ancestors of European Americans endured the same process immigrants to the U.S. face today

Neighbors and nonviolence: a call to reflection
What things might make you feel better than someone else? Perhaps you went to school longer. You earn more money. You have better behaved kids. You hold yourself to a higher moral order. These things might bring a sense of pride. Recall people and circumstances in your life that have made good things possible for you. Consider whether those you disdain, look down on, have been surrounded by such blessings?

Statement of Catholic Theologians on Racial Justice
In recent months, we have seen – in our nation – an eruption of long simmering racial tensions. We have seen, one after another, unarmed African American people being shot and killed by police, violent and non-violent protests against racial…

Sister Marikay Duffy receives recognition for helping others in need
Sister Marikay Duffy said years ago that she saw a need to “assist people by providing/offering educational opportunities and to assist in their understanding the immigration processes.” And because of her ministry efforts, which have spanned 40 years in the…

Celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe
Last fall, I participated in a demonstration to support 11 pilgrims on a 50-mile journey through central Indiana. We welcomed the group who had walked from Anderson to Indianapolis to call for a dignified pathway to citizenship for immigrants, millions of whom have lived in the shadows of our country for years.

Reading with My Heart
Book on slavery leaves profound impact

Sister Barbara Sheehan receives Distinguished Service Award
Recognizing her outstanding service, The Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE) the North Central Region, recently honored Sister of Providence Sister Barbara Sheehan with its Distinguished Service Award. Sister Barbara received the award on Oct. 20. The Rev. Gary Sartain,…

“Creating Currents of Change” in Memphis
Recently I had the opportunity to migrate south for the weekend to gather with hundreds of justice-minded Catholics in Memphis, Tennessee. My destination was the annual Call to Action National Conference. Moving prayer experiences, dynamic speakers and conversation with other conference attendees in a city with deep roots in civil rights and musical expression challenged me to think deeply about the theme, “The Well of Many Rivers: Creating Currents of Change.”
