
- 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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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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Saint Mother Theodore Guerin
An unshakeable trust in God. It set Saint Mother Theodore Guerin apart and makes her a model for us in our daily living. Get to know our brave and inspiring foundress better through these stories.

The Gift of Mother Theodore’s written legacy
We know Mother Theodore because she wrote. The storyteller in Mother Theodore shines clearly today as so many of us make use of what she left for us. We speak of Providence in our lives with the quiet confidence of children who learned at the feet of a loving parent.

Celebrating our many foundations this Foundation Day
The founding sisters arrived at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods late in the evening on Oct. 22, 1840. They were expecting a convent and a school. Instead they found a dense woods with no buildings in sight. There had been a storm that lasted 36 hours the previous days. The sisters arrived in damp clothes, hungry and tired.

Saint Mother Theodore: a humble servant of God
Sister St. Theodore, her given name as a Sister of Providence, accepted with humility her assignments. Even so when they were difficult, providentially acquiring new knowledge along the way that would benefit her in God’s plans for her future.

A legacy of humor, trust, patience and kindness
Another quality Mother Theodore expressed so well is kindness. She shows kindness in trying to accept not only her own difficult situation but also some personality conflicts which tried her patience.

Leaning on Saint Mother Theodore Guerin
When I have had difficulties in my life, Mother Theodore’s words were of enormous help.

Why do I love Saint Mother Theodore?
Oh, how blessed to be a member of this Providence community! The founding spirit that is expressed so poignantly in Saint Mother Theodore’s words continues to challenge and comfort my soul.

Reflection for the Feast of Saint Mother Theodore
How are WE walking in the footsteps of this saint?

Saint Mother Theodore’s Legacy Lives: Giving Day 2022
To celebrate Saint Mother Theodore Guerin and the Sisters of Providence, we’ll be hosting Saint Mother Theodore’s Legacy Lives: Giving Day 2022 on Oct. 18. The giving day is a special opportunity for friends and supporters of the Congregation, and Mother Theodore, to give a gift to honor the strong foundation that she built.

Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, pray for us!
As we approach the feast of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin on Oct. 3, we invite each of you to join us in praying a novena to Saint Mother Theodore Guerin. A novena is nine days of prayer, usually for a special intention.

Saint Mother Theodore’s guidance among the troubles an blessings of change
When we feel overwhelmed by the troubles and blessings of change, who can be our mentor, our friend, our wisdom figure? I suggest our own Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, a woman who faced a myriad of change — always with realism, hope and an unwavering trust in Providence,

Back to school: A teacher’s perspective
Don’t believe anyone who tells you there is no prayer in public school! This teacher is praying all the time!

A 2021 Reflection for our Senior Jubilee
Please jubilarians, keep sowing hope
