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.
From fear to tranquility: Sister Dorothy Rasche and prison ministry
“Who wants to go in a prison?” Sister Dorothy lamented. “We were scared. We were afraid.”
After a brief pause, Sister Dorothy said, “It was ignorance and fear that made us scared.” Sister Dorothy tells of more than 40 years of prison ministry.
A lifetime of meeting needs around the world and in our own backyard: Sister Patty Fillenwarth
She heard their stories of abuse, of problems with their children, of anxiety about their immigration status. Many of them needed professional counseling, but this was almost impossible for poor families who had no insurance and were struggling with English. Sister Patty came to see that her greatest missionary opportunity now was not in Africa, Peru or Taiwan, but in her own backyard.
Against All Odds: Focus on Sister Winifred Patrice O’Donovan, SP
For Sister Winifred Patrice, the hardships, the dire conditions, the personal inconveniences and suffering were endured as a missionary for the spread of the Gospel to all corners of the world and for the salvation of souls.
Sister Mary Jo Piccione honored by Diocese
“I am so grateful to all those I have had the privilege to meet in this ministry of hope and healing."
Providence Food Pantry 25th anniversary
Providence Food Pantry celebrated its 25th anniversary of service to West Terre Haute residents on Sept. 22, 2019. Last year, the pantry, with the support of Helping Hands, area churches and civic groups in West Terre Haute, worked to serve…
Sister Delan Ma at ease with God and others
"Just trust God. God will provide. Even tomorrow what will happen we don’t know. Believe there is God. God doesn’t always give happy feelings. But in the end we are looking to eternal life. Cooperate and trust and believe," advises Sister Delan Ma of Taiwan.
Faces of our future: a new generation of Sisters of Providence
The Sisters of Providence are blessed to have eight women in initial formation and temporary profession here in the United States. Let me share what they are up to currently.
Preparing the next generation of Sisters of Providence
The postulant sees what it means to be sister to one another, to pray, celebrate, have fun together and to experience the sacred in the ordinary. She is invited into our common efforts to be Providence through sustainable living, accountability to one another and respect for differences.
Ministry at the border: belleza (beauty) of binationality
As I move into this new ministry of accompanying and learning from people on the move — people fleeing violence, seeking opportunity, working to keep their families together — I find some solace in the ways Creation shows us that division is a farce.
Stepping forward to become a Sister of Providence
Postulant life was an experience that welcomed me to jump into a new lifestyle with both feet. The past ten months hsave been an opportunity to get to know myself a little more deeply. I have been able to work on areas of my life that I deeply desired to mold but never made a priority, such as my prayer life.
A Reflection for a Golden Jubilee
This Jubilee is as much about looking forward as it is about looking back.
