
- 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

Sisters in Ministry
Our Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods are passionate about serving God by caring for all God’s creation, especially those most in need. We serve in many ways, from education to social justice, parish ministry, hospital ministry, serving the economically poor, advocating for immigrants and for a healthy environment. Read how some of our sisters serve God and others through their ministries.

Tapping into fresh energies: Sister Joni’s vocation and teen ministries
“Women are searching, seeking, desiring to be in right relationship. They have a desire to be part of a puzzle bigger than themselves. They want to live the Gospel with other persons who are like-minded. They want to make a difference in the world."

Welcome to the ‘Evolving Woods’
We asked ourselves, ‘What is our next ministry? To what might we be being called at this time in our history?’ If we believe that special care for those with cognitive changes is one such ministry, before we move forward, we want to make sure that we have the various resources needed to provide quality care to those who come to us and the capacity to sustain that ministry into the future.

Sister Joseph Ellen Keitzer: Blessed by the African American Catholic Community
t’s been a wonderful journey. I love the people. I’ve been so blessed by the African American community. Having shared their story, their faith, their dependence on God, my own journey as a Sister of Providence has been really transformed."

Newsnotes from summer 2022 HOPE magazine
What's been going on with the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods? Find out!

Hybrid virtual/in-person retreats and programs reach even more seekers
“The hybrid format is allowing people from around the world to benefit from the many and diverse program offerings. It’s bringing people together in a new way. Some are remaining in contact with one another long after the program ends.”

My mother’s hands: a Mother’s Day reflection
As I grew into adulthood and left home to pursue my own dreams of becoming a teacher, I realized what wonderful life lessons I learned from my mom. Especially lessons about the importance of a strong work ethic and finishing what you have started.

Sisters of Providence sign Catholic Sisters letter on end of Title 42
Many Sisters of Providence recently signed this letter to President Biden

Sisters of Providence ministries honored by community
'We thought it would be a wonderful way to set up community recognition'

What does it mean to love my neighbor as myself? A visit to the border
May I too be a companion to all on the journey home to our Provident God who has blessed me with this gift of abundance.

Reconnecting with Basilian Sisters in Ukraine
Reviving these memories of the beautiful people in a country rooted in a strong Christian heritage makes my heart weep as we pray ...

Sister Judith Birgen receives St. George Emblem from Archdiocese of Chicago
The emblem is the highest honor the Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Committee on Scouting can grant adults

Smile for the camera!
To learn more about Sister Susanne’s ministry or how you may join in her efforts, contact SPRED
