Red leaves on a frosty tree

Stories about

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.

Sister Kathleen Bernadette Smith: love of God strengthens love of others

Kate found the “fit” she was looking for with the Sisters of Providence. She found a group of religious women whose spirituality fit with hers and who shared her love of music. For Sister Kate, both of those characteristics define much of who she is.

Oral history: Sister Joyce Brophy, inspiring confidence in others

“I think it is my Irish heritage. When I get worked up about something I go to Chapel. I say, 'Okay, Lord. You got me into this. It’s your job to help me work it out, Providence of God.'” If something bad was there, something good would always come along. Being an administrator, a supervisor, a leader in any capacity brings the challenge with the reward.

Sister Marilyn Baker: living the legacy of Saint Mother Theodore as an international teacher

So, with little knowledge of the language or the culture, Sister Marilyn traveled to Taiwan. “I really had to learn how to lean on Providence as I began teaching in both the English and English as a Second Language programs there. During my 20-some years there, however, I had some of my happiest years in ministry.”

Leaning and leading like Saint Mother Theodore

me in the community’s history with a particular responsibility on behalf of our mission has so challenged me to ‘lean on Providence,’ that I know I will never be the same. It has been a grace-filled time for me, during which I have been challenged beyond measure to ‘give the Holy Spirit free access to my mind and heart.’