- 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
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Come and See Retreat – Fall 2025

Come and See Retreat – Fall 2025
October 17 at 4:00 pm – October 19 at 2:00 pm EDT
Is God calling you to be a sister?
Come and See how the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods are living out lives of authentic meaning — centered on God and serving others.
Explore if you might be called to life as a Sister of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.

Single, Catholic women ages 18 to 42 are invited to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods for a weekend retreat Friday, October 17 starting at 4 p.m. EST and concluding at 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 19, 2025. During this retreat you will have the opportunity to hear several sisters’ stories about their call and their lives today. You will experience how the Sisters of Providence live the call through prayer, vows, ministries and community life.
You will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in our sacred grounds as you focus on prayer and your own discernment. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods is the perfect place to slow down and listen for the voice of God.
Most importantly, you will carve out time to ask the questions,
Am I called to be a sister?
Is God calling me to Religious Life?
Is this the community for me?
Experience life as a Sister of Providence
Learn more about what the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods have to offer:
- Faithfulness to prayer and total trust in Providence
- A lived legacy of love, mercy and justice from our foundress Saint Mother Theodore Guerin
- A close-knit community that has called Saint Mary-of-the-Woods with its classified forests and organic farmland home since 1840
- A long history of standing up for justice
- Ministries that respond to current needs: today we serve at the US/Mexico border, teach, serve in the medical field, in churches, in social justice arenas and much more.

Explore how you can live the legacy and mission of a saint as a Sister of Providence
Sign up today using the form below. Or call or text Sister Joni Luna at 361.500.9505 to learn more.
The Sisters of Providence are a community of Catholic women who collaborate with others to create a more just and hope-filled world through prayer, education, service and advocacy. Come make a difference in our world with us!
Planning and logistics
Check-in will be Friday, October 17, 2025 inside the East doors of Providence Hall.
Dress for the weekend is casual. You may want to bring one nicer outfit for Mass on Sunday.
What else to bring? Please bring a journal/notepad and a reusable water bottle.
