On March 7, 2026, MoonTree Studios held a special reception for its latest exhibition “The Colors of Quilting.” This showcase displayed the work of Sister Joyce Diltz, PHJC, an extensive collection that features over 35 beautiful handmade quilted pieces, including wall hangings, framed works, table runners, throws, bed quilts, totes, purses, and gift wrap bags.

When Sister Joyce was five years old, her mother gifted her a child-sized napkin and tablecloth sewing kit that included cross-stitching guides and variegated – that is, multi-colored – thread. This gift ignited Sister Joyce’s passion for sewing and, under the guidance of her mother, she began to sew clothes for her dolls and eventually for herself. To this day, she favors working with variegated threads.

Sister Joyce began quilting in 1984, at first making simple wine bottle bags and decorating sweatshirts with quilt blocks. She has since gone on to quilt her own luggage and has even fashioned memory quilts out of the clothing of friends’ deceased loved ones.

“Color is my inspiration when I make quilts,” Sister Joyce said. “I gather colors that go well together and then figure out how to use them. My preference is to hand quilt. There is something so engaging about rhythmically stitching quilts together by hand.”

Sister Joyce frequently pays tribute to her Poor Handmaid identity in her quilting. The first bed quilt she ever made features a pattern of “little houses,” representing the first Little House that PHJC foundress Saint Katharina Kasper established in 1848. Another of Sister Joyce’s quilts is decorated with a pattern of linden leaves and is made with fabric she procured in Germany. Since linden trees grew around the Heilborn Chapel where Saint Katharina would pray, the linden leaf has become a beloved symbol for Poor Handmaids around the world.  

Sister Joyce looks forward to continuing her quilting journey, bringing patterns to life with beautiful and eye-catching color combinations.

Wishing you and your loved ones a Blessed Easter Sunday from the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ. We invite you to view this message from the U.S. Province Leadership Team below.

Ahead of the start of Lent, Pope Leo XIV invites Catholics to listen, build community, and cultivate kindness. He urged us to abstain from words of hate and make space for words of peace.

He writes, “Dear friends, let us ask for the grace of a Lent that leads us to greater attentiveness to God and to the least among us. Let us ask for the strength that comes from the type of fasting that also extends to our use of language, so that hurtful words may diminish and give way to a greater space for the voice of others. Let us strive to make our communities places where the cry of those who suffer finds welcome, and listening opens paths towards liberation, making us ready and eager to contribute to building a civilization of love.”

How may you walk through each day of Lent with an “unappreciated form of abstinence: refraining from words that offend and hurt our neighbor[s]?”

For the full text, click here: https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/full-text-of-pope-leos-message-for-lent-2026

For the third consecutive year, STH volunteers and Community Ambassadors came together to raise funds for the greatest needs of Sojourner Truth House, a ministry of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ. The annual Pancake Breakfast has become a meaningful tradition, bringing supporters together for a morning of food, fellowship, and purpose.

Guests enjoyed a delicious breakfast of pancakes, bacon, coffee, and juice, along with door prizes and the opportunity to connect with fellow supporters who share a passion for empowering women and families in our community. The warm and welcoming atmosphere reflected the heart of Sojourner Truth House, a place where dignity, hope, and opportunity are nurtured every day.

Months of planning went into this successful event. Our dedicated STH Community Ambassadors worked behind the scenes to sell tickets, secure prizes, spread the word, and coordinate logistics. Throughout the year, these Ambassadors raise awareness, advocate for our mission, and fundraise to ensure that the families we serve have access to the resources they need to thrive.

We are especially grateful for the time, energy, and generosity of our volunteers who filled coffee cups, cleared tables, welcomed guests with smiles, and helped create a joyful and seamless experience. Their dedication made the morning not only successful, but truly special.

Funds raised from the Pancake Breakfast directly support the greatest needs of Sojourner Truth House, allowing us to respond flexibly and compassionately to the families who walk through our doors seeking support, stability, and hope for a brighter future.

Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, purchased tickets, and supported this event. Your generosity strengthens our mission and reminds us that when a community comes together, lasting impact is possible.

Over the course of its four decades of operation, Lindenwood Retreat and Conference Center has offered a vast array of benefits to the thousands of retreatants and visitors who have passed through its doors. For many, it is an oasis of tranquility in a noisy and hectic world.

Whether guests are stopping by for the day or visiting overnight, Lindenwood is a place where people can step away to decompress, reflect, and deepen their spirituality. Lindenwood’s Villa Maria features 54 well-appointed guest bedrooms and can accommodate a total of 111 visitors. Every guest room is more than just a place to sleep, however – they are sacred spaces for rest, reflection, and renewal.

Last year, Lindenwood began inviting past retreatants and community members alike to dedicate the center’s guest bedrooms to the memories of loved ones and other special people in their lives. Upon making a gift of $1,000 to Lindenwood, these donors can have a custom plaque installed outside of one of the guest bedrooms.

These beautiful floating glass plaques can be customized with the names of family members and friends who have passed on, a meaningful quote, or a special message. As donors help support Lindenwood’s mission to be a “welcoming sanctuary” for all, are also leaving heartfelt tributes that only serve to enhance the welcoming and peaceful spirit of the center.

Even several of the Sisters’ family members are participating in this touching tribute. Sister Joetta Huelsmann’s niece and nephew generously dedicated a room plaque to the memory of her parents, Ed and Eleanor Huelsmann.

Today, over 20 room plaques have been donated to Lindenwood. Each one is a quiet witness, a reminder that someone cared deeply enough to create space for healing and peace.

If you are interested in making a gift and dedicating a room plaque, please visit https://lindenwood.org/index.php/plaques/ for more information.