
- 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 Spirituality
“The God of Providence carries the entire mystery of the divine, ever trustworthy, never failing. The God of Providence offers all the possibilities for ourselves and the world, including both what God wants to happen and what God is willing to let happen because God honors the gift of human freedom. The choices are ours — truly free, but ever grounded in the grace of God, the Holy Mystery of Providence, about which there is ever more to be discovered.” – Sister Ruth Eileen Dwyer

Young sisters giving voice to mercy
Last weekend was my first time attending the Giving Voice 20’s/30’s retreat in Phoenix, Arizona... As we began to unfold what the theme “Contemplating the Mystery of Mercy” meant to each of us, the sisters around the circle shared stories about learning mercy from those they ministered with, struggles to have mercy for themselves, and the simple but challenging calls to mercy in the ins and outs of community life.

Transformed by these Woods
“I don’t know what it is — there’s just something about the Woods.”
These are familiar sentiments for people who have lived or worked at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. Most of us have heard these things. And most of us have said them ourselves. Sister Lisa Stallings reflects on the transforming power of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.

Renewing spiritually at the Woods
Ruth isn’t exactly sure what made her choose Saint Mary-of-the-Woods for her week-long retreat. She only knows “God wanted me there.”

What can these Woods offer you?
The Jubilee Year of Mercy began Dec. 8, 2015, the 50th anniversary of the closing of the Second Vatican Council. What will you do this year to grow in your faith? To strengthen both charitable works and social justice at home and as part of your faith community? Maybe a visit to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods can help you on your way.

Prayers for people with cancer
May all be loved.
May all be healed.
May all be sheltered.
May all be free from fear.
Providence Associate Diann Neu offers prayers for people with cancer.

Christmas Prayer
Cure our blindness so that we may see your beauty and your radiant light within all our sisters and brothers.

Where is the stable?
Embrace this sacred season with hopefulness, with love. Find a way to work around conflict within your family and the world. Never forget that you are carrying the Christ within yourself. Your heart is the stable of life.

What’s your gift?
So what is your gift? What can you lay down beside the manger? What would you give if you could give anything in the world?

Co-creating the future with God
Let us be more intentional in allowing Providence to actively engage in our lives. More present to how we are called to co-create in this time of distrust, cultural animosity, economic crisis and increasing violence.

Christmas Reflection 2015
Then I came upon a news story titled “Good Samaritan Rescues Mom at Airport.” This news story led me to the movie It’s A Wonderful Life featuring the angel Clarence Odbody. Those of us old enough to remember this film gained valuable life lessons by watching George Bailey struggling with doubt because of his lack of success in life.

Gaining insight on Our Lady of Providence
'But it is through many years of praying the rosary daily, reflecting anew each morning on the Mysteries appropriate for that day, that I’ve gained some insight into how Mary served, and still serves, as Our Lady of Providence. Although most of the Mysteries have served that purpose, a few have been special sources of inspiration for me.'

2015 Senior Jubilee Reflection
Twenty-One Sisters Celebrated Senior Jubilees Tuesday, Dec. 8
