
- 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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Providence Associates
Get a feel for who the Providence Associate community is and find inspiration in these stories. Reflections, poetry, articles and more by and about Providence Associates. Are you being called to walk with the Sisters of Providence as a Providence Associate?

The living and growing Providence Associate relationship in California and beyond
My hands-on experience with Providence Associates came in California, during the time of our ministry at Providence in the Desert teaching English to migrant farm workers in Coachella. Our Providence Associates become a part of our community. They assist us as they are able: with their prayers, their contributions, their traveling the long distances to participate in our gatherings, and with their outreach, both in California and in Indiana.

The Easter Triduum: celebrating our salvation story
As we enter these last three days of Holy Week — called the Easter Three Days, the Triduum — I wish you every grace and blessing!
May we be transformed by the Paschal Triduum and may it strengthen our commitment to Jesus.

Spirit in community: Providence Associate spring retreat 2019
It was a beautiful weekend despite the rain for the 80-plus Providence Associates, Sisters of Providence and guests who attended the Providence Associate spring retreat March 8-10, 2019, at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. Sister Dianne Bergant, C.S.A, led us in a deep and living conversation around the topic of the Community of Earth and how we understand our common home.

Sandwich and service are part of a larger mission
With that sandwich comes evidence that somebody cares. A smile. A question of how is your day. Health updates. Playful banter. For the past several years, Providence Associates Karen Goehl and Rosaline Secrest have headed up the volunteers who distribute nearly 80 sack lunches on Tuesdays and Thursdays to people in need.

What is your word for 2019?
I want to pass on the gift of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods

World AIDS Day: Sisters respond to AIDS epidemic, part 2
In 1993, Sister Carole Kimes was ministering as a hospice nurse in Indianapolis. “One of my patients who touched me most was Bill,” said Sister Carole. “He taught me how those living with AIDS were alienated from others due to fear. He taught me about loving the person and not fearing the person because of diagnosis."

Remembering sisters’ loving response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic
“It struck me as something I would be very interested in. I was attracted to the fact that it was a place for people who are alienated,” Sister Marilyn Therese Lipps remembered thinking after reading about a new center opening up in the 1980s in response to the local AIDS crisis.

Providence Associates celebrate first commitments 2018
The Sisters of Providence and Providence community were blessed to welcome 23 new Providence Associates during a Rite of First Commitment Liturgy on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in the Church of the Immaculate Conception at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. Enjoy these photos from the day!

Providence Associate orientation 2018
Welcome to 20 new Providence Associate candidates who began their year of sharing, growing and discerning with a Providence Associate or Sister of Providence companion on Oct. 20 at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. Enjoy photos from the day. Learn more about Providence…

Foundation day: a community effort
Each of the founding sisters brought unique and much needed skills and gifts to the fledgling community. The same is true today; except that our tent is much bigger.

Blessed Sacrament Chapel: transforming hearts through prayer
“In this day and age and the world we live in — so fast moving — I believe prayer is very important, most important. I get back so much more than I ever give. I get a deeper faith. I’m just a better person for it. And it really gives me a lot of peace and comfort,” said Providence Associate Mickie Lane-Fredericks

Growing Earth into the future, from where you are
“Mindful of the effect of climate injustice on the cosmos, Earth, and its people, particularly the most vulnerable, we commit to work against climate injustice by collectively reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by two million pounds by June 2019, and by advocating for strong environmental policy.”
