By: Maxwell Barath and Garrett Spoor,
GreatNews.Life New Media Journalists

The Maria Center, an independent living community sponsored by the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, put together a special event for residents to eat, mingle, and bring their families together on Saturday, May 9. Since this event took place the day before Mother’s Day, it served as a perfect opportunity for guests to celebrate their mothers and beloved mother figures. 

Residents, families, friends and community members gathered together for the Maria Center’s High Tea celebration, an event that is centered around fellowship, tradition, and community. The Maria Center’s High Tea is similar to ones frequently seen in 19th century Britain. Maria Center residents and other guests donned formal outfits and regal hats, while dining on traditional high tea refreshments such as scones and gourmet teas.

While this is still a fairly new event, it has seen explosive growth in such a short time. Sister Shirley Bell is thrilled with how the event has continued to garner more attention over the years.

“When we began, it was much smaller. It was just a little activity with our residents. Today we’ve sold out; we’re at capacity here,” Sister Shirley said.

Additionally, this event comes the day before Mother’s Day. Sister Shirley believes this offers a great opportunity for families to come celebrate together on such a special weekend.

The Maria Center prioritizes bringing together community-oriented events that can welcome people of all ages to see what the space has to offer.

“We’re all about fostering a community here,” Sister Shirley said. “With the Sisters, our residents, and the co-workers, we really try to create that kind of atmosphere. This event is just one way to spark another possibility. Some of our co-workers volunteered to be servers. Our staff, our communications and development department – everyone has hands on deck to help in any way they can.”

Another special element to the Maria Center’s High Tea celebration this year was a presentation that focused on the history and roots of tea.

This event, which also acts as a fundraiser, was supported by plenty of sponsors and local community members. Tiffany Hardy, Executive Director of the Maria Center, noted that all donations and contributions from the event, including money spent on the High Tea’s raffle tickets, went towards the Maria Center’s residents.

“This supports their greatest needs, which includes medical transportation to and from appointments, and also weekly transportation for events. It really helps to offset their bills,” Tiffany said. “We have what are called ‘Turtle Tapper Trips,’ so they get to go on monthly trips out to different places. We’ve gone as far as Merrillville, and we’re getting ready to go to Michigan soon.”

Residents of the Maria Center play an important role in this event beyond being participants; several of them have volunteered to assist the High Tea’s production in unique ways.

“We did have some residents who assisted us with making the scones. One resident volunteered to transport people back and forth from the event on a golf cart. I’ve had multiple residents contribute donations to help support it. They may not be attending the event, but they still gave financial support as well,” Tiffany said.

The Maria Center’s High Tea is put together with its residents in mind. It helps bring their families together, gives them an opportunity to socialize, and supports them through fundraising methods such as donations and raffle tickets.

Tiffany and her team work diligently to grow the High Tea every year, with the ultimate goal to build a special experience that further connects people to the campus culture.

“A lot of people don’t know where we are located. They might hear about the Center at Donaldson, or the Maria Center, but they might not have a great idea about what’s actually here,” Tiffany said. “I hope that people will attend the event and see the other ministries that we have on campus and support us in the future. Maybe they will tell their family and friends about the experience they have here, and by next year, hopefully we will have even more people interested in coming to this event.”

May 8, 2027, has already been selected as the date of the next Maria Center High Tea celebration. This falls on the Saturday before Mother’s Day once again.

To learn more about the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ and the Maria Center, you can visit poorhandmaids.org.

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

Get Directions

For more information or assistance, please contact us.

Protecting the environment is a key component of a healthy lifestyle in the community. On Wednesday, April 15, The Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ collaborated with members of their coworker and Maria Independent Living Center communities to raise awareness about sustainable practices as a part of its Earth Day event.

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.