- 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
Meet a Sister
In these video clips and stories, get to know some individual Sisters of Providence. Hear about each one’s journey toward becoming a Sisters of Providence and how she lives her calling today.
Oral history: Sister Barbara Ann Bluntzer
'It is the rich life I have had in so many ways here and branching out and able to see and enjoy and believe, and hopefully bring people to a new place in their own lives.”
Oral history: Sister Kathleen Desautels, change maker
“I have had a lot of wonderful experiences. Our nuns, they may not have always agreed but we held each other in peace. I’ve had wonderful experiences of community.”
Oral history: Sister Joann Quinkert the justice advocate
Sister Joann entered the community at the age of 17. Her parents planted the seed that grew. A justice warrior. Fearless. Called by God. Her lifetime accomplishments bless and enrich us every day.
Oral history: Sister Marian Brady the scholar
Sister Marian Brady looks back on and shares about her 96 years of life.
“Religious life is all about understanding your relationship with Jesus. Talking to Him. If you have a big problem, talk to Jesus about it. Nobody else is going to solve it. And Jesus will solve it in a way you might never have expected. Give it to Jesus …"
Meet our postulant Stephanie Rivas
The call to religious life became clearer by having different experiences of working and living with others in the community. Also, during the pandemic I was able to really tune into my prayer life, by going to adoration by myself and doing daily mass online.
Oral history: Sister Cathy Campbell the storyteller
Even though Cathy loved the Teen Star job, she felt a restlessness gnawing at her. Should she be a professional journalist or did Providence have other plans for her?
Oral history: The little things with Sister Lois Ann Stoiber
"What delights this Sister of Providence after being a member of this order for 76 years? “The little things. I can find great joy in little things," says Sister Lois Ann Stoiber.
Oral history: the adventures and challenges of Sister Dorothy Ellen Wolsiffer, SP
“When I look back over the years of the variety of ministries, I see them as challenging but adventuresome. My last ministry of being a pastoral associate was involved with serving older adults: food pantry, ministry of care and visiting the sick, communion services, etc. These were all things I enjoyed tremendously. God’s love throughout the years has sparked my life and made it more interesting. Life flows like a river: smooth, bumps, twirls, spinning on rocks and falling.”
Oral history: Sister Patricia Geis, a life of adventures and little ones
Sister Patty’s dedication, vows and sense of adventure in service has taken her in many directions since that day 70 years ago when she entered Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.
Oral history: Sister Joyce Brophy, inspiring confidence in others
“I think it is my Irish heritage. When I get worked up about something I go to Chapel. I say, 'Okay, Lord. You got me into this. It’s your job to help me work it out, Providence of God.'” If something bad was there, something good would always come along. Being an administrator, a supervisor, a leader in any capacity brings the challenge with the reward.
Oral History: Sister Gloria Memering looks back on more than 60 years as a Sister of Providence
Sister Gloria has found music to be a tremendous way to relate to people, from kindergartners through all ages of people in a parish. It has afforded her the experience of ministering to wonderful parishes and communities.
Get to know Sister Joni Luna, SP
Sister of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods Sister Joni Luna, SP, shares of her search for something that was missing in her life which led her to find first God and then a vocation as a Catholic woman religious (sister).