The PHJC Associate Community is a growing circle of baptized adults who feel called to live out the spirit of Saint Katharina Kasper in their daily lives. Now in its 42nd year, the community includes individuals from six states who bring the Poor Handmaids’ core values of simplicity, openness to the Spirit, community, and respect for all those they encounter.

Associates are not vowed members of religious life; they make a formal commitment to walk in spiritual alignment with the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ. Together they desire to deepen their spiritual growth as a faith-community and support outreach efforts to the vulnerable and marginalized. Through collaboration with others, they strive to promote justice, peace and care for our planet – all seeds of love, compassion and acceptance in our world today.

Members of the Associate Community come from diverse economic, racial, and cultural backgrounds. They all bring their unique life vocations and a shared desire to listen and respond to the movement of the Spirit. Together they plant the seeds sewn by Saint Katharina through attentiveness and service to the needs of our time.

This ministry is not centered in one place. It flows through the everyday lives of those who carry the charism forward. Associates believe that small actions, rooted in love, have lasting impact. Through their presence and service, they extend the legacy of Saint Katharina into communities near and far.