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.
Honoring all teachers during National Teacher Appreciation Week
A special 'Thank You' to all teachers on National Teacher Appreciation Day!
Face-to-face with a pandemic: Sister Arrianne Whittaker
“I am so grateful that I am in the ministry I am in because I have been able to work and feel like I’m contributing to our resolution to fight this disease.”
100+ year old sisters survive COVID-19
“She has a strong determination to live and has never let anyone do for her what she can do for herself.”
Take a deep breath: spiritual direction during pandemic
“Having Sister Marsha sit, listen, pray and offer her gentle guidance brings the matter up into the light. And once the struggle has been shown the light, the resolution begins.”
Providence in a year of pandemic
Here is a glimpse of what the Providence community has been up to in the past year.
Sisters of Providence struggles and wisdom amidst pandemic
For many sisters, extended time in prayer has been both a coping mechanism and a time of real growth for them during the pandemic. Sister Joni Luna put it this way: “I find that if I fill my cup a few times a day by entering into this God space, it helps get me through the chaos and unpredictable events of my day.”
Sending out a ‘Thank You’ in anticipation of School Principals’ Day!
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you for the many, many hours you have given and decisions you have made
Parish and senior ministry during a pandemic
The meals have proven to be a Eucharistic action. One recipient hadn’t had home cooked meals in years. Wheelchair bound and unable to use a stove or oven safely limited his cooking, so his meals had largely consisted of microwavable frozen meals. Now he gets a home-cooked meal twice a month and gets to visit with the parishioner who delivers it.
Living the Gospel of Hope through better health care access
“People will not wait until they are on their deathbed to go to the doctor if the clinic is within walking distance. Many residents don’t have a car or it’s broken down or out of gas," said Sister Dorothy.
Healing for suicide loss survivors
Sister Connie advises those who are suicide loss survivors to focus on three things: Resilience, finding meaning and purpose for oneself and forming enduring bonds.
Allowing for God’s presence: Sisters of Providence hospital chaplains
“Being open to the Spirit in this ministry is a must, along with a deep prayer life, so that we may stay aligned and be able to exhibit an open presence to the other.”
Bearing witness to an execution
At his request she continued, out loud, to pray the prayers as she stepped back away from the execution table to take her place in the corner of the room.