
- 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 call of Providence
At the orientation, each Providence Associate candidate shared what brought them to the Providence Community. Here is some of what they shared.

Celebrations, decisions, being community and the future: SP General Chapter 2021
The 40th General Chapter of the Sisters of Providence may have been delayed by Covid-19, but it wasn't stopped. Members of the Providence Community gathered from near and far at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods Oct. 21-25. It was so good to be together again! We prayed and played, planned and listened and selected leadership for the next five years. We have so much to be thankful for!

Will you listen to your heart: A foundation day reflection
As we celebrate the hope-filled beginnings and sacrifices offered to create this Providence community, I ask: What about you? Will you listen to your heart? Will you answer the call?

New Providence Associate Commitment 2021
Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021 was a day of joy and celebration as we welcomed 18 new Providence Associates. Most were able to gather in person this year to profess their commitments to the mission of love, mercy and justice. We are so thankful that God is calling such wonderful women and men to walk this journey with the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods as part of our Community of Providence. Learn more about the Providence Associate relationship here.

A reflection on the 2021 Providence Associate Commitment and Renewal
We certainly support all your efforts on behalf of God’s mission of Providence wherever you may be
Seeing Saint Mother Theodore’s writings in new lights: A feast day reflection
The pandemic gave new meaning to her words, “ … for you will see many things in new lights if you give the Holy Spirit free access to your minds and hearts.”

Love, mercy, justice: working together to welcome the stranger
ne TeKolste’s reflection on her family’s journey to welcome an asylum family with the same love with which Mother Theodore and her companions were welcomed by the Thralls family more than 180 years ago.

Mother Theodore, Providence Associate Kate Childs Graham: writers encouraging goodness
It’s doubtful Mother Theodore wrote so her words would be preserved. She may have written to encourage others to persevere. Providence Associate Kate Childs Graham, speech writer for Vice President Kamala Harris, seems to have that same hope — that her writing will encourage others to persevere in living lives of faith, commitment, candor and compassion.

Get to know Providence Associate Beverly Adams
With the next year’s invite, I decided why not give the Providence Associates a try? My first visit to the Woods was astonishing. Once on the inside, there was a sense of peace. All of God’s disciples were welcoming, nice and full of love. That has become one of the best life-altering choices I’ve made.

Get to know Providence Associate Julia Lopez-Kaley
Being a Providence Associate continues to remind me that I am part of something bigger than myself. I have a community that I am deeply connected to, even though I live at a significant distance. It is so life-giving to be reminded of meaning and purpose in life.

Get to know Providence Associate Candace Minster
I was blown away by the Sisters of Providence when I came as a volunteer fresh out of college. I thought I understood what it meant to be Catholic, but I really had no idea. I had no idea so many women had dedicated their lives to the service of others. The sisters that I met, their stories, their passion and their commitment to justice inspired me.

Get to know Providence Associate Brad Crites
The Providence Community, for me, is three things: a breath of fresh air, a bringing of my faith journey full-circle and a calling toward future mission. It is wonderful to find an open-minded group that shares the command of Jesus to love God and neighbor in a vibrant and joyful way.
