
- 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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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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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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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 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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Providence Family Services

Newsnotes: winter 2019 updates from the Sisters of Providence
Read some of the latest news and updates from the Sisters of Providence.

Remembering Sister Kathryn McNulty
'She was definitely a people person … She was welcoming, no matter how lousy she felt'

A new perspective on assisted living
"That the question of being in assisted living took me to a more profound level. Suddenly I realized that every one of us is in assisted living," writes Sister Donna Butler

New energy, focus for justice
Before discerning a focus, sisters and associates gave input on their priorities. Six key justice issues emerged: environment, human trafficking, immigration and refugees, anti-racism, women’s issues and nonviolence. Still … there was a clear desire for focus.

Providence Family Services’ Annual Rummage Sale Breaks Records
Last year, Sister Patty Fillenwarth was quite pleased that the Providence Family Services annual rummage sale cracked $6,000 in proceeds. However, she couldn’t be happier with the results of this year’s sale, which took place at Maternity of the Blessed…

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.

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.

Sister Dorothy Gartland: neighborhood ministry making a difference
Fifteen of the best years of my life as a Sister of Providence were spent working as program director/supervisor of the after school homework program at Providence Family Services (PFS). I’ve had a wonderful life and maybe I’m a bit nostalgic, but truly Providence Family Services was and is an important part of our West Humboldt Park neighborhood here in Chicago.

Sisters Lucy and Mary Fran cook up a good time
“We prepare about 30 pounds of meat. The pulled pork sandwiches are complemented by a great horseradish coleslaw which Sister Lucy takes pride in making.”
Sisters Lucy Nolan and Mary Fran Keusal lovingly feed the volunteers and shoppers at the annual Providence Family Services rummage sale, held this year Oct. 4-5 in Chicago. They share their experience and even their recipe here.

Frances Ginther: a partner in Providence
This year's Guerin Outreach Ministries Leadership and Advocacy Award winner Frances Ginther has a long association with the Sisters of Providence, one that helped to shape her life-long dedication to people in need.

Counseling brings Providence Family Services client from darkness to light
Help through counseling brings one woman's life from darkness to light. Sister Patty Fillenwarth and her ministry at Providence Family Services in Chicago help real people who have nowhere else to turn to transform themselves.

Sister Patty Fillenwarth
“To me it was sort of like coming home or something. It was not a scary thing, it just felt right,” Sister Patty Fillenwarth said of her call to religious life.
