
- 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 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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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 Connie Kramer named Woman of Influence in Terre Haute
When one thinks of Sister Connie Kramer, her most evident characteristic might be that of a life-giver. As parish life coordinator at the former inner-city St. Ann Parish in Terre Haute, Sister Connie helped to nourish the parish’s life for…

Sister Jeanne Hagelskamp says there’s more to do after receiving Lifetime Achievement Award
In the true spirit of a Sister of Providence, Sister Jeanne Hagelskamp leaned toward the woman sitting next to her and said, “Lifetime achievement? Don’t they know I have another 20 years of work ahead of me?” On March 6,…

Sister Jeanne Hagelskamp receives Indiana Commission for Women’s Torchbearer Award
Sister Jeanne Hagelskamp, a 38-year member of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, received the Indiana Commission for Women’s Torchbearer Award for lifetime achievement during ceremonies Wednesday (March 6) in Indianapolis. Sister Jeanne is the third Sister of Providence…

One Billion Rising dance practice – Sisters of Providence
Sisters of Providence practice a dance for the One Billion Rising event raising awareness of violence against women and girls. This particular dance was specifically choreographed for mature dancers and goes with the song “Break the Chain.” (Lyrics by Tena…

Winter Storm Nemo: Anticipation, beauty, community and reflection from Sister Jane Iannacone
Records were set along the Northeast Coast of the United States last weekend: records for snowfall, records for winds, records for piles of snow, records for conversations about snow. For the record, there are about a dozen Sisters of Providence…

Sister Cathy Buster called “heart and soul” of new migrant farm family community in Arcadia, Fla.
As a realist, I don’t often get blown away, but in November 2012, when Sister of Providence Cathy Buster gave me a tour of Casa Juan Bosco in Arcadia, Fla., I experienced that feeling of being with someone who could…

Simon and Daisy
A “cute pet” video has been making the rounds lately. It is aptly titled “Daisy the Puppy Can’t Quite Figure Out Stairs — Simon Shows Her How,” and once you’ve read the title, you pretty much know the whole plot.…

Young sisters today: Vatican II through education
For many Sisters of Providence, “before Vatican II” can refer to nearly everything in their lives. Rules regarding their clothes, acceptable forms of prayer, relationships with family, ministry opportunities, celebration of liturgy and much more changed after the Second Vatican…

A scholar’s view of Vatican II
“I think hope dominates the feeling of depression. I think hope was very high at first. But perhaps it was an unrealistic hope: a failure to recognize that the work of any council takes years and perhaps generations to accomplish,” she said.

What do sisters do all day?
As part of her daily responsibilities, Sister Nancy Nolan, vocation office coordinator, answers questions and inquiries from women who are interested in religious life. Sometimes Sister Nancy is asked for information from young women, especially, who have been tasked with…

Honoring Sister James Michael Kesterson
Sister James Michael Kesterton received one of the three Career Achievement Awards from the Archdiocese of Indianapolis last night. From The Criterion: The measure of Sister James Michael’s life can also be taken in her remarkable career of 60 years…

Meaningful work
As a child, I dreaded Labor Day. It marked the end of summer — the end of daily swims, of neighborhood baseball games and tennis tournaments, the end of playing outdoors until dusk. School opened on the day after Labor…
