Sisters of Providence set dates for "Come and See" retreat

For those trying to choose a career today, the path forward often requires more than quiet contemplation; it demands a physical space to disconnect from the digital noise. The Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana, have set the dates for their upcoming “Come and See” retreat, an immersive weekend designed for single Catholic women between the ages of 18 and 42 who are questioning their path in life.

The retreat is scheduled to begin at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, April 30, 2027, and will run through 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 2, 2027. According to the Sisters of Providence, the gathering serves as an introduction to their community’s mission, which is deeply rooted in the legacy of their foundress, Saint Mother Theodore Guerin. Established in 1840, the community has maintained a continuous presence on the land, managing both classified forests and organic farmland that serve as the backdrop for this discernment process.

The Mechanics of Discernment

The stakes for participants involve more than just a weekend away; the retreat is explicitly marketed as an opportunity to "slow down and listen for the voice of God" in a world that rarely offers the silence required for such reflection. Attendees will stay on the sacred grounds of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, where they will hear firsthand accounts from sisters about their own transitions into religious life. The program is structured to provide a balance between structured storytelling and personal time for prayer.

While the retreat is offered free of charge, the logistical requirements are specific. Participants are encouraged to bring a journal and a reusable water bottle, keeping with the community’s stewardship-focused ethos. While the dress code is generally casual, the organizers note that attendees should pack at least one nicer outfit suitable for Sunday Mass.

“We practice faithfulness to prayer and total trust in Providence. We live a legacy of love, mercy and justice established by our foundress, Saint Mother Theodore Guerin.” — Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.

A Legacy in Modern Context

The Sisters of Providence are not merely a cloistered order; their ministries are integrated into various sectors of contemporary life, including education, the medical field, and social justice advocacy.

Interested individuals can register for the event by contacting Sister Joni Luna at 361-500-9505 or via email at [email protected]. Check-in for the retreat will take place inside the East doors of Providence Hall on the afternoon of April 30. As the date approaches, the organizers continue to emphasize that the event is intended for those seeking to understand the practical and spiritual implications of a life centered on service and total trust in Providence.