
- 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.

You can help bring a happy ending to restore St. Joseph’s Lake
The lake water disappeared. In February 2018, days and days of heavy rain caused several large trees to be torn loose from the earthen berm. When the trees fell, a section of the berm collapsed, allowing the lake water to “escape.”

Reflections for Foundation Day 2020
We love these women who have so shaped our beloved community.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ??????
We learned so much about ourselves as individuals, but had the added benefit of learning about one another.

Chicago Fire star sends birthday wishes to daughter of legendary Chicago firefighter
During these unprecedented, challenging times, Estelle especially appreciated the time Kinney took to wish her well and acknowledge her military service

Tony and the NIH: Our newest alpaca becomes a part of history
This past April, the Sisters of Providence were blessed with a bouncing bundle of alpaca joy, Raphael Anthony (aka Tony). It couldn’t have come at a better time. At this point we were several weeks into our “shelter in place”…

‘What about the switchboard?’
In the end, it was decided I would work from home and all calls would be routed to my cell phone

COVID-19: ‘Lessons’ Learned
This is the routine now

A walk in the Woods during social distancing
Immersed in my favorite place to love my God.
The building may be closed, but I have been to church.
Thankful to these Woods for feeding my spirit.

Sister Barbara Battista: What does it mean to you to be a Catholic Sister today?
Living a common life centered in the Gospel virtues of poverty, chastity, and obedience has opened and stretched me beyond my wildest imaginings.

Sister Cathy Campbell: What does it mean to you to be a Catholic Sister today?
And in the 55 years I have been a Sister of Providence, I have discovered those possibilities have been imaginative and endless.

Sister Dawn Tomaszewski: What it means to be a Catholic sister today
'My sisters and our associates invigorate me for whatever might lay ahead.'

‘It was 20 years ago today …’
'We were attracted to the combination of faith, justice, and environmental sustainability WVC and the Sisters of Providence offered.'
