May 21, 2021

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods buildings to open for first time since March 2020

Criterion staff report

The Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, in St. Mary-of-the-Woods, will officially reopen all public buildings, sacred sites and grounds beginning on May 24. In addition, Mass at the Church of the Immaculate Conception will again be open to the public beginning at 11 a.m. on Sunday, May 23.

At this time, all Sisters of Providence at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods have been fully vaccinated, and they are ready to welcome everyone back to the grounds.

General Superior Providence Sister Dawn Tomaszewski said the congregation made the decision to essentially close many of the buildings on campus in March 2020 out of an abundance of caution due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The sisters, like many people, have had limited contact with friends and loved ones for more than a year.

Sacred sites which will be reopened to the public include the Shrine of Saint Mother Theodore Guérin, the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, the National Shrine of Our Lady of Providence and the Church of the Immaculate Conception, among others.

In addition, retail stores are now open daily. Linden Leaf Gifts store hours are from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Monday through Friday, and from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., on Saturdays and Sundays, while store hours for the Farm Store at the White Violet Center are noon-5 p.m. on Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sundays.

And beginning on June 8, the congregation’s monthly Taizé Prayer service will be open to the public. Livestream services will continue for those who are unable to attend in person. The service takes place from 7-8 p.m., on the second Tuesday of each month.

For more information on upcoming workshops, retreats and more, visit Events.SistersofProvidence.org.

The congregation is asking that all visitors remain attentive of safety protocols which remain in place, including wearing a mask, physical distancing and washing hands. Properly-fitted masks will be required to enter buildings on the grounds.

For more information, go to SistersofProvidence.org and click the COVID-19 update button. †

Local site Links: