Lindenwood Retreat & Conference Center, a ministry of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, recently celebrated its 40th Anniversary with a special Mass and festive banquet. The celebration brought together Sisters, past retreatants, and friends to honor four decades of welcoming all who seek rest, renewal, and connection.

The liturgy was celebrated by Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades, who offered a powerful reflection on the question, “Who is my neighbor?” During the banquet, Paul Mach, Director of Lindenwood, presented awards to Delores Evans, Cheryl Kaper, and the Catholic Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend in recognition of their enduring support. Guests were also inspired by a keynote address from Bob McCarty, a nationally recognized retreat leader and spiritual speaker.

For 40 years, the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ have generously supported Lindenwood, nurturing its growth and mission. As the Sisters continue their own journey, this milestone offers a meaningful opportunity to honor their legacy through a renewed commitment to sustainability—ensuring that Lindenwood remains a vibrant expression of their mission for generations to come.

To learn more about the Lindenwood as it celebrates its 40th year please read the article below written by Sister Joetta Huelsmann, PHJC.

Lindenwood Retreat Center Celebrates Forty Years

By Sister Joetta Huelsmann, PHJC

Forty years ago, a seed was planted. As one thing dies, another begins to sprout. Villa Maria was home for high school girls since 1922 as they attended classes at the Mother House of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ. As the numbers began to dwindle the decision to close the high school became apparent. What to do with the building was the next question to be answered.

As the Sisters looked into the future they brainstormed many possibilities. Among them arose a need to share their spirituality that was so prevalent in their foundress Saint Katharina who listened to the Spirit within before she acted. From all this dreaming and planning Lindenwood Retreat and Conference Center was born in 1985.

It started slowly with offering retreats for widowed and divorced men and women, as well as offering an Engaged Encounter. Soon the Anglicans came with their Cursillo weekend and a retreat for School and Parish Secretaries was given.

What were classrooms at the Mother House became staff offices, a Gift Shop and meeting rooms for the retreatants. The Villa became overnight space with a few meeting spaces as well. Meals were offered at the Mother House cafeteria and dining rooms there were also utilized.

During Sr. Loretta Peters’s term as Director, she and the staff dreamed of having everything all in one space, and to have more meeting space for larger groups. In December of 2009 it finally became a reality as they moved all the offices, meeting rooms and Gift Shop to the new addition. It continued to be a space where all were welcome to rent space for their retreat or to participate in one offered by Lindenwood, or to come for a private retreat.  Sr. Loretta stated “People see Lindenwood as a sacred place. It gives them time away from the ordinariness of their lives.”

Peter Pearson has been coming to Lindenwood for thirty years now. He started as a presenter helping people write icons, which he still does today. He also comes as a retreatant with his Community of Francis and Clare. When asked what significant gifts Lindenwood offers today, he replied: “The gift of community-the Lindenwood staff, the housekeepers, the kitchen staff, Maria Center residence, the Sisters all make us feel so welcome. It is like coming home. It’s beautiful here. The improvements in the building has given us spectacular views. When I come here, I feel like I am with family and the core of it is faith. The food is healthy with home grown vegetables from the green house, fresh eggs and beef raised on campus. It is a very easy place to be a presenter. It is so accommodating. The human condition is key; I have developed friendships. The Poor Handmaid Sisters charism is also visible here. That connection has blessed me so much. Even those who have died, their spirit lives on here.”  He mentioned also that when he attended our first Fund Raiser, he met others that had experienced the same thing.

Pearson’s hope for the future for Lindenwood is, “That the ministry of Lindenwood would thrive. That the staff would create a space that would be similar but not exactly the same.”

The Linden tree, which Lindenwood is named after, was special for Saint Katharina who founded the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ. It surrounds the Heilbron, a small outdoor chapel that she would visit on a regular basis. The linden tree is a powerful symbol associated with love, healing, and renewal. Its heart-shaped leaves represent strong bonds between people, friendship, and support. The tree’s cool shade is great for gathering with friends and family to share stories and enjoy each other’s company.

Hopefully, you have experienced what the linden tree symbolizes at Lindenwood. We invite you to join us during our fortieth year and beyond to help us continue to create the strong bonds of friendship and support that Lindenwood offers to you on your spiritual journey.