As Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, rooted in the Gospel and the spirit of Saint Katharina Kasper, we wholeheartedly affirm the Leadership Conference for Women Religious (LCWR) statement on the unfolding crisis in Venezuela.
In fidelity to our call to listen prayerfully, live simply, and serve joyfully, we join in denouncing the use of military force to resolve political conflicts and stand in solidarity with the Venezuelan people in their pursuit of peace, justice, and democratic integrity.
We believe all life has an inherent right to thrive. Therefore, we commit to standing with those whose rights are denied, especially the poor and powerless, as taught in our Core Values and Belief Statements.
Echoing the LCWR and the teachings of the Church, we call for diplomacy over violence, and for leaders to act with moral responsibility. As Pope Leo XIV reminds us:
“Let us all pray together for peace: first, among nations bloodied by conflict and suffering, but also within our homes, in families wounded by violence or pain.”
In prayer and contemplation, and through our shared ministry, we recommit ourselves to faithful action and trusting in the Spirit who continually leads us toward a future rooted in justice and peace.
In the healing presence of God,
The Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ
Author: phjcadmin
Sister Joan Kathleen Fisher, PHJC
July 9, 1930 – December 27, 2025
Sister Joan Kathleen Fisher PHJC, (formerly Sister Colette), entered the final stage of her Life’s journey on earth and passed away at Catherine’s Cottage, Donaldson, IN on Saturday, December 27, 2025 at the age of 95. Her parents, Ellis Fisher and Catherine (Irle), welcomed two daughters, Joan Kathleen and Rosemary to their family. She is survived by her niece Kymm Ivy, and her nephews Robert Haber and Michael Haber. Sister Joan was born July 9, 1930 in Fort Wayne, IN. She was inspired by her early PHJC educators and knew she wanted to be a Sister, so she entered the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ Community in Donaldson, IN on November 21, 1948 and professed her first vows on June 25, 1951.
Sister Joan’s life theme was to “Celebrate the Journey” and indeed she celebrated her life’s journey in many varied ways. Following her profession, she completed education at Alverno College (B.A.), Milwaukee, WI, St. Francis College (M.S.), Ft. Wayne, IN and obtained various certifications for Montessori Teacher and Parish Ministry. She ministered as an elementary teacher at St. Joseph School, Mishawaka, IN, St. Mary School, Trenton, IL, Angel Guardian Orphanage, Chicago, IL, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, Hammond, IN and as a Montessori teacher at St. Mary Parish, Fort Wayne, IN. It was in that last ministry she witnessed a close look at poverty experienced by inner city children. This opportunity opened a new journey to minister with the poor and marginalized as she learned that was where God was leading her heart and energy.
She was a staunch advocate for those most in need and instrumental in founding the Daystar Program in Cairo, IL in 1978. The Daystar program brought hope to the poor, the elderly and the disadvantaged and still continues today. In 1997, Sister Joan Fisher saw that the Gary, IN area needed a center to reach out to women and children experiencing homelessness. Along with Sister Peg Spindler, CSA, Sister Joan opened Sojourner Truth House (STH) in Gary to provide a safe and welcoming place for clients. Today the Sojourner Truth House ministry is thriving and is a village of hope that empowers women and children.
Sister Joan was also Director of the Poor Handmaid Associate Community from 1986-1992 sparking a wonderful beginning of a spiritual family of Saint Katharina Kasper.
In 2002 Sr. Joan moved to the Poor Handmaid Motherhouse to minister to her mother who then lived at Catherine Kasper Nursing Home. In 2006 Sister Joan was asked to become a member of the Catherine’s Cottage Supportive Community with other Poor Handmaid Sisters. Sister Joan’s “yes” to a new door in her life’s journey was a blessing to all members of the Cottage Community as she shared a beautiful smile, compassion, and her youthful spirit.
During her time at the Cottage Sister Joan continued outreach to the poor as she sewed clothes bags (lots of them!) and delivered them to the Women’s Care Center in Plymouth.
Sister Joan lived a life of joyful service and in her autobiography she wrote: “My life with its ups and downs is in fact a life centered in God whom I am getting to see…and rejoice and sing and love Him with all my heart as He loves me.”
VISITATION & WAKE SERVICE
Monday, January 12, 2026
Catherine Kasper Convent Chapel
Donaldson, IN
4:30 p.m. EST – Visitation
7:00 p.m. EST – Wake Service
MASS OF RESURRECTION
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Catherine Kasper Convent Chapel
Donaldson, IN
10:00 a.m. EST – Visitation
10:30 a.m. EST – Funeral
The Mass of Christian Burial will be livestreamed at poorhandmaids.org/live. Memorial contributions may be made at poorhandmaids.org.
Christmas at the Center spreads holiday cheer while celebrating the true reason for the season
On Friday, December 12, the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ (PHJC) hosted their annual Christmas at the Center (CATC) event in Cana Hall. This holiday celebration, which welcomes attendees of all ages, has been a beloved tradition within the community for over a decade. PHJC Sisters and members of the associate community volunteered their time to make the celebration special for all those who participated.
“When people think about coming to the Center at Donaldson, they are often thinking about adults coming to church,” Sister Deb Davis, PHJC said. “While that is indeed something we offer, we consider inviting people to continue their spiritual life with us and giving kids an intergenerational connection to be important as well.”
This year, CATC featured a wide array of activities, including several crafts. Attendees were able to decorate Christmas cookies, color ornaments, and use stickers to add some Christmas cheer to picture frames. They could also write letters to tell Santa what they wanted for Christmas this year. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer dropped by to greet the kids and pose for photos with them. The kids even had the opportunity to chat with Old Saint Nick himself and join him for a picture.
“It’s wonderful that we can bring the children here to learn about others who live with faith, hope, and love,” Sister Margaret Anne Henss said. “The concept of Santa isn’t just about giving gifts; it’s also about giving peace and love to one another, which is the most important part.”
Each young attendee was gifted a goodie bag that contained a coloring book, a PHJC “Holy Cow” stuffed animal, a MoonTree Studios sticker, and even a light-up tambourine. Each child was also given a walking reindeer toy after visiting Santa.
“We try to make this event festive for families that might be unable to have a really celebratory Christmas,” Sister Connie Bach, PHJC said. “The bags that each child receives when they come in contain flyers that share information about the different things that happen here. We’re here to give them a great Christmas celebration, while also trying to let them know what’s available if they want to come back for retreats or spiritual direction.”
Families could also join several PHJC Sisters in the Emmaus Café for an interactive reading of the Nativity story. The children followed along with the narrative, placing stickers of important people and objects in the provided books. For Sister Deb, Christmas at the Center is much more than just a conventional celebration of the holiday season.
“The focus on Jesus and bringing people closer to him is what I think about during Christmas time,” Sister Deb said. “It’s about Santa Claus, but it’s also about presence. Presents are nice too, but presence is the first and foremost.”
A Christmas Blessing From the Sisters
As we celebrate the joy of Christmas, the Sisters of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ are pleased to share a gift of song with you.
Join Us in Prayer
Experience the power of prayer and unity!
The Novena to Saint Katharina Kasper is a beautiful nine-day journey to grow closer to God and invite Saint Katharina’s intercession.
Together, we can make a difference, bringing healing to our world and peace to our hearts.
Start your Novena today and join people around the globe in prayer for justice and hope.
Download the booklet: Novena to Saint Katharina Kasper PDF 2MB
Join Us for Taizé Prayer Service in Plymouth, IN :: A Moment of Peace and Contemplation
Welcome to the spiritual oasis provided by the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ. Experience a calming and transformative Taizé prayer service, open to the public and available online through live streaming.
What Is Taizé Prayer?
Taizé prayer service is a meditative form of worship that transcends traditional boundaries. Focusing on repetitive singing, praying of psalms, and scripture reading, it’s a way to reconnect with your spiritual self. Join us for this peaceful time of contemplation and reflection, regardless of your faith background.
When and Where?
Location: Ancilla Chapel, 9601 Union Road, Plymouth, IN 46563
Time: 7:00 p.m. EST
When: 1st Wednesday of every month
Online Access to Taizé Prayer Service
Can’t make it in person? You can still be a part of our contemplative worship through our live stream, accessible wherever you are. Our virtual Taizé prayer services are designed to bring the serenity of Ancilla Chapel straight to your home.
Why Attend a Taizé Prayer Service?
- Embrace Unity: Taizé prayer is a universal form of prayer that fosters unity and reconciliation.
- Experience Peace: Find tranquility in our chaotic world through the calming melodies and reflective readings.
- Nourish the Soul: Connect with your spiritual core in a community that welcomes all.
Join the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ for an enriching Taizé prayer service experience in Plymouth, IN. All are welcome, and we look forward to praying with you.
Live stream
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For more information or assistance, please contact us.
Faith in Action Giving Guide
A Message from Province Leadership
This Advent and Christmas season, we are filled with joy as we reflect on the gift of Christ’s birth. In the Gospel of Luke, we hear the angel proclaim to the shepherds: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.”
Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ’s Associate Community commit to living out Saint Katharina’s Charism
The Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ continue to live out the charism of attentiveness and courage modeled by their foundress, Saint Katharina Kasper, who was canonized on October 14, 2018. Guided by the Holy Spirit, the Associate Community of the congregation embraces this same charism, seeking to live with faith, service, and compassion in today’s world.
On Sunday, September 24, 2025, Sandy Garrison (Plymouth, IN), Jennifer Arndt (South Bend, IN), and Angela Harris (Donaldson, IN) made their formal commitment as members of the Associate Community during a special ceremony held in Ancilla Domini Chapel in Donaldson, Indiana. Surrounded by family, friends, fellow Associates, and members of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, these women publicly affirmed their desire to live according to the spirit of Saint Katharina.
Saint Katharina was known for her humility and her steadfast kindness, seeing every person as her neighbor and every encounter as an opportunity to share God’s love. Inspired by her example, members of the Spiritual Family of Saint Katharina seek to embody simplicity, community, dignity and respect for all, and openness to the Spirit. Together, the Associate Community and the Poor Handmaids partner to promote justice, peace, and care for creation, continuing the mission that began with Saint Katharina in 19th-century Germany.
We joyfully welcome Sandy, Jennifer, and Angela into this growing community of faith, service, and love.
