- About
-
-
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.
-
-
- Justice
-
-
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.
-
-
- Be inspired
-
-
What inspires you?
We all need a little spiritual inspiration sometimes. Let the wisdom of our Providence Community support you on your journey.
-
-
- Visit
-
-
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.
-
-
- Get involved
-
-
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.
-
-
- Join
-
-
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.
-
-
- Prayer Requests
- Contact us
- Donate

Providence Family Services

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.

Sister Patty pens a poem for Providence Family Services
Providence Family Services (PFS) in Chicago held its annual rummage sale Oct. 6 and 7. Sister Patty Fillenwarth, director of Providence Family Services and rummage sale coordinator, penned the poem below to thank the countless friends and supporters who…

First-generation American gives back at Providence Family Services in Chicago
Carla Hernandez is a first-generation American and a first generation college student. Growing up in a family that emigrated from Mexico and as a child of a single parent, Carla is keenly aware of the needs of immigrant families and…

Sister Dorothy Gartland receives Guerin Outreach Ministries Leadership and Advocacy Award
Congratulations to Sister Dorothy Gartland for receiving the third annual Guerin Outreach Ministries Leadership and Advocacy Award. “If you live long enough and continue to work, somebody will eventually give you an award,” laughed the ever-humble Sister Dorothy upon receiving…

Organizations find something to believe in at Providence Family Services
To know Providence Family Services (PFS) is to believe in the work it does; or so seem to attest two recent grants awarded the not-for-profit charity. From its beginnings in 1993 with two bi-lingual counselors, Providence Family Services, located at…

PFS volunteer brings love for justice, education to her work
Students and volunteer tutors who come to Providence Family Services in Chicago may recognize Sister Dorothy Gartland as the no-nonsense supervisor of the afterschool homework program. They are directly impacted by her dedication to increasing education levels of local youth.…

Banco Popular supports local mental health with Providence Family Services grant
Banco Popular recently brought to life their motto ‘Together we can make it happen’ by donating $3000 to Providence Family Services’ counseling program. Providence Family Services (PFS) of Chicago is a not-for-profit sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Providence of…