
- 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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- Prayer Requests
- Contact us
- Donate

Visiting Saint Mary-of-the-Woods
Founded in 1840 by Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana is a place to relax, reflect or pray. You can immerse yourself in our fascinating history and amazing architecture. Many of our buildings are now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Take a guided group tour or a self-guided tour where you can explore at your own pace. There is plenty to do indoors such as visiting the Shrine of Saint Mother Theodore Gueirn, the Church of the Immaculate Conception and the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. Animal and nature lovers will discover an abundance of trees and plants as well as a variety of creatures such as alpacas and chickens. You can do a little shopping and stop for a bite to eat. All are welcome.

Volunteer Spotlight: The Sister Volunteers
'It's like answering questions about our family home.'

Meaningful new names for the roads of Saint Mary’s
The names of its winding roads can tell us much about the culture and history of the Sisters of Providence and Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.

A closer look at ‘How to Be an Antiracist’
'What is fascinating about Dr. Kendi? He does not lose hope and instills a sense of taking a chance to do more than survive, but to thrive and live forever free of racism.'

The Roads of Saint Mary’s
This renaming of roads was necessary in order for the Woods to be enrolled in the County Emergency System. In the past, when there was an emergency, a member of the security staff had to wait at the gate to direct the emergency vehicles.

And now, a brief word from O’Shaughnessy Dining Hall
I am still a place of tranquil symmetry and classic beauty, and sometimes I think I can hear faint echoes of the chatter, laughter, music and ritual that for 100 years have filled this special space. I wait in eager expectation to learn what my next role will be.

What’s next for O’Shaughnessy Dining Hall?
We invite you to put on your creative thinking cap and help us brainstorm! Do you have suggestions for uses of O’Shaughnessy Dining Hall that will help provide income needed to sustain the building and ministries of the Woods?

Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Sheila Donis!
'It feels good to be kind and helpful.'

My life with the Violin
'Happiness is something to be practiced like a violin.'

Walking a labyrinth: one Providence Associate’s experience
I think walking a labyrinth can be a prayer experience in the same way that anything we do with quiet reverence and intention is prayer. I find sitting in prayer very challenging. The helpful part of labyrinth as a prayer practice is that it is an embodied experience. The path allows me to bring my whole self.

Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Sister Hang Tran!
'I think it’s really necessary for me.'

Adopting Iggy
Our plan is to try and make this an annual trip to come see Iggy so he doesn’t forget that his Florida parents Love him very much!

‘Little Known Facts’ about Saint Mother Theodore Guerin
'I love, love, love discovering some little known interesting facts about Saint Mother Theodore Guerin that makes her even more real to us today.'
