
- 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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- Visit
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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
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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.

SPs through the years
Since the Congregation’s founding in 1840, the Sisters of Providence have lived vibrant lives of community, ministry and faith.

Sisters of Providence Serving Our Country
Some view Memorial Day as the beginning of summer, though officially it doesn’t begin until later in June. This holiday was designated as such by Gen. John A. Logan on May 5, 1868. It was known for a short while…

Archives: keeper of the stories
Have you ever thought of Archives as being a ministry? Perhaps not, but according to Sister Marianne Mader, Archives researcher, it is. “[Archives] is a way of connecting with other people,” she notes in the summer 2012 issue of HOPE,…

Archives: Keeper of the Stories
This article is reprinted from the summer 2012 issue of HOPE. “Not to know what happened before you were born is to be a child forever.” — Cicero, by way of Sister Marie Esther Sivertsen The Sisters of Providence have…
Prisoners & Probationers of Conscience
Throughout the history of SOA Watch’s yearly vigils at the SOA/WHINSEC at Ft. Benning, Ga., various participants have chosen to take direct action by breaking federal law and trespassing onto the military base. After prayerful consideration and discernment, several Sisters…

A bit of anti-racism history
The Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods have a long history against racism and issues of discrimination. The Congregation’s foundress, Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, was concerned about the welfare and freedom of a group of slaves she saw in Louisiana…
Reflection from Burundi, Africa
Note from the Sisters of Providence leadership team: Sister Deborah Campbell is currently in Burundi, Africa conducting an audit for Catholic Relief Services (CRS). As we approach Lent this seems a fitting reflection for all of us; we invited her…
At Providence St. Mel, we believe …
I recently had the opportunity to visit Providence St. Mel School (PSM) on Chicago’s West Side. If you’re not familiar with the school and the good work that goes on there, spend some time browsing the website to learn about the school.…

Sister Dorothy Gartland receives Guerin Outreach Ministries Leadership and Advocacy Award
Congratulations to Sister Dorothy Gartland for receiving the third annual Guerin Outreach Ministries Leadership and Advocacy Award. “If you live long enough and continue to work, somebody will eventually give you an award,” laughed the ever-humble Sister Dorothy upon receiving…

It’s all about the journey
This article is reprinted from the fall 2011 issue of HOPE. Some of the most meaningful and hope-filled advice Sister Mary Jo Piccione has received during her health care ministry came early on from Sister Clement Cecile Jackson (RIP) in…

A beacon of hope
This article is reprinted from the fall 2011 issue of HOPE. Shannon Turner walked into the Hux Cancer Center in Terre Haute, Ind., as a breast cancer patient to undergo radiation treatments. Six weeks later, on July 18, 2011, Shannon…
Blessing, dedication of Georgetown campus Oct. 1
A blessing/dedication celebration will take place Saturday, Oct. 1, at the Providence Self Sufficiency Ministries (PSSM) campus at Georgetown, Ind. Eucharistic Liturgy will begin 4 p.m. inside a tent on the grounds. Prelude music will begin at 3:50 p.m. The…
