
- 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

Volunteering
When you volunteer for the Sisters of Providence you help continue the mission that Saint Mother Theodore began back in 1840. We help our volunteers find the right opportunity that fits their interests and passions. Some of our volunteers keep a regular schedule while others help out as their time permits. Volunteering is a great way to meet people, gain experience, and boost your confidence. Volunteer opportunities with the Sisters of Providence include visiting patients in health care, leading tour groups, answering phones, maintaining the grounds, working in the organic gardens, helping with alpacas and assisting at special events and more. To learn more about volunteering contact our Volunteer Coordinator Sarah Knoblock at 812-535-2878.

Volunteer spotlight – Peggy Balensuela
If you've been considering volunteering with the Sisters of Providence, hesitate no longer! When the Sisters say "All Are Welcome," they mean it. I am one of the many non-Catholics who passionately support their mission and the charism of St. Mother Theodore.

Volunteer Spotlight – Karen Hoffman
It (volunteering) is such a rewarding experience – your payment is the smile on the lonely person’s face. The smallest effort can help ease someone’s burden when they are being crushed by the pains of life.

Letter to Cardinal Elect Joseph Tobin
We have found in you an advocate for Catholic higher education, as well as religious life

From uncomfortable to comfortable
Five students from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, spent their fall break at White Violet Center for Eco-Justice giving service and learning more about sustainable living this week.
"You have to get out of your comfort zone. It really allows you to experience things that help you grow as an individual," Ameer Chughtai said.

Benny brings smiles to residents of Providence Health Care
Benny (aka Benny the dog) with the assistance of his very human companion, Providence Associate Judy Collins, makes regular visits to Providence Health Care. His mission is simple. Make them smile.

A community of friends: the Providence Associate relationship
The spirituality of Providence tells us that all of life is interconnected, that all is holy, all is one. There was “oneness” in that room that day. I could see it AND feel it. I know the source is Providence.
Providence Associates are women and men of faith who choose to have an intentional relationship with the Sisters of Providence. They commit to sharing their own unique gifts and talents with others while walking with the Sisters of Providence. But they also walk with each other and that is making all the difference.
Owens Hall organ donated to area church
Providence Associate purchased organ at auction, then donated it

Volunteers find friendship, inspiration, joy
When you give, it can be amazing what you receive in return. This is what three Providence Associates of the Sisters of Providence have found. The three spend a week at a time at least twice a year volunteering at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.
Providence Associate Ann Kevin Thesing says volunteering at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods feeds her. “It inspires me. It fills me up. It centers me,” she says. “It’s a chance to soak up the sisters. It inspires me to watch how they live with faith and trust no matter what. You see astounding things in health care,” Ann Kevin said. “It has just been an enormous gift to me.”

Retired sisters share Saint Mother Theodore and her home
“When I think of the challenges facing our Congregation today … it may seem like all appearances are against a vibrant future. I am called to remember what the six founding sisters faced, and that deepens my faith and trust in Providence.”

Did you know we need volunteer knitters?
Do you knit or crochet? Would you like to work with alpaca yarn as a volunteer? We would love to talk with you.

Fuqua Park evolves
Sister Jean Fuqua's decades-long task of revisioning the area around St. Joseph's Lake at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods and calling others forward to help has resulted in restoration of the habitat and a beautiful space for the sisters to enjoy.

Sister Ruth Johnson: kinship with creation
"We have forced the planet to supply all our needs and given nothing in return — thus alienating our very life source and now the earth cries out in pain. How can we abandon that cry?"
