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.
The Helping Hands thrift store: making a difference a quarter at a time
An active group of volunteers act as God's helping hands providing for the local community in West Terre Haute, Indiana by way of a used clothing store. "I see miracles happen every day here," says Providence Associate Carole Stokes, a volunteer at The Helping Hands thrift store.
Sister Kathleen Bernadette Smith: Joyful collaboration in a prophetic mission
Sister Kathleen Bernadette Smith has ministered almost 20 years as a pastoral associate at St. Felicitas Parish in Chicago. She collaborates with parish staff, parishioners, local community leaders, archdiocesan and SP-led teams and committees to proclaim the Gospel in a joyful, prophetic way richly textured by her African-American spirituality.
Sister Kathleen Desautels: Collaborating for justice
For nearly three decades, Sister Kathleen Desautels (formerly Sister Mary Colleen) has been at the forefront of justice.
The rape and murder of four church women in El Salvador in 1980 was also part of her transformation. She spent time in Bolivia and in Nicaragua – witnessing social injustices – before finding her way to 8th Day Center for Justice in Chicago.
Sister Mary Tomlinson: life changing experience from a Sisters of Providence Come and See weekend
In this video clip, Sister of Providence Mary Tomlinson shares her experience at a Sister of Providence Come and See weekend, which proved life changing in her decision to enter the Congregation. Watch the clip, share the clip, and consider attending or recommending to someone you love the upcoming free Come and See weekend April 11-13 at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.
Sister Janice Smith on life as a Sister of Providence
"What I like about being at the Sisters of Providence and what excites me about it is I'm never standing still. ... We're continually calling and challenging ourselves to how we relate to our God and how we relate to the world," Sister Janice shares in six short video clips now available on our website.
Providence Associates retreat with Saint Mother Theodore Guerin
See photos of Providence Associates and Sisters of Providence gathered March 7-9 for a retreat on Saint Mother Theodore Guerin. Together they explored her life and virtues and spent time in prayer and reflection, including an all-night vigil at Saint Mother Theodore's shrine.
Sister Patty Wallace walks in the footsteps of her elder sisters
Sister Patty stands on the shoulders and walks in the footsteps of Sisters of Providence who taught, encouraged, listened to, and challenged her to continue to give the best of herself in ministry, prayer, and living the vows in our community. Read more...
God provides experiences for a reason
Joy is an example of why I continue to choose this ministry. I meet people like him on every trip. The details of their stories are a little different, but the struggles are real. Their faith is real, and their love of God is also very real.
A historical snapshot of the SP human rights efforts
The Sisters of Providence join with others in celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The Congregation has a long legacy of supporting human rights and other social justice issues.
Community prayer via Skype™
Sisters Brigid Ann and Eileen Bonner are in Louisville and Sister Mary Morley (formerly Sister David Mary) is in Cincinnati. The time to pray is marked on the computer monitor. They gather “face to face” by way of Skype. You’ll find them there weekdays at 4 p.m. and weekends at 10 a.m.
A walk through the convent
The Sisters of Providence buildings are a technological hodgepodge. New computers sit next to typewriters, old table-based sewing machines next to electronic ones, and giant dictionaries next to compact discs. This photo series shows the study in contrasts, where decades of technology sit comfortably side by side.
A change of habit for Sister Marilyn Baker
In this video clip Sister Marilyn Baker shares her story of transitioning from the religious habit to common clothes. "I loved my habit," she shares. But she transitioned with the community as they were asked to be more a part of the modern world. Even without an outward garment, there is just something different about women religious, Sister Marilyn says. "She is identified by the work she does, by the ministry she does, by the fact that people can recognize God through her. And that, to me, that is the habit," she says. See the full clip below.