Newly Elected Congregational Leader of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ

                 

The Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ joyfully announce the election of Sister Michele Dvorak, PHJC as the new Congregational Leader of their international congregation.

Elected during the 26th General Chapter held in Dernbach, Germany—the birthplace of our foundress, Saint Katharina Kasper—Sister Michele begins a six-year leadership term (2025–2031) that will shape the mission and ministries of the congregation across nine countries.

A member of the United States Province, Sister Michele brings a lifetime of commitment, spiritual wisdom, and compassionate leadership. As Congregational Leader, she will serve at the heart of our global community—guiding, listening, and discerning the will of God alongside her fellow Sisters with courage and grace.

The role of Congregational Leader is a sacred calling: to walk humbly as a servant leader, to foster unity among diverse cultures, and to uphold the charism of Saint Katharina Kasper through every act of service and love.

We ask you to join us in prayer for Sister Michele and the newly forming Congregational Leadership Council, as they step into this sacred work of leadership and begin a new chapter in the shared journey of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ.

“Let us go wherever God may call us.”
– Saint Katharina Kasper

Announcing the Congregational Leadership Council  (2025–2031)

The 26th General Chapter has also confirmed the election of the new Congregational Leadership Council who will serve alongside Sister Michele:

  • First Councilor: Sister Sabitha Kalathil, PHJC (also elected Vicar of the Congregation)
  • Second Councilor: Sister Nkechi Iwuoha, PHJC
  • Third Councilor: Sister Rita Thykootam, PHJC

Please keep the new leadership team in your prayers as they begin this meaningful work in the spirit of unity, faith, and service.

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POOR HANDMAIDS OF JESUS CHRIST
Statement on the Election of Pope Leo XIV


With hearts full of prayer and hope, the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ rejoice in the election of His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV. We extend our deep gratitude to the Holy Spirit for guiding the discernment of the College of Cardinals and offer our unwavering prayers for Pope Leo XIV as he begins his apostolic service to the People of God.

We recognize in Pope Leo XIV a shepherd deeply formed by his life among the people—born of the Americas and having served shoulder to shoulder with our brothers and sisters across its communities. His life of ministry embodies the Gospel values we hold dear: humility, courage, and a preferential option for the poor.

Rooted in the charism of our foundress, Saint Katharina Kasper, we are reminded of her humble yet courageous spirit. She often said, “Whatever God wants, will be done,” expressing a deep trust in the will of God.

In this moment of transition and renewal for the universal Church, we echo her faith-filled surrender and commit ourselves anew to serve the poor, the sick, and the marginalized—those Christ himself loved so dearly.

The Gospel of Matthew reminds us: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26). We believe Pope Leo XIV has been called to this servant leadership, to shepherd the Church with compassion, justice, and a heart attuned to the needs of all, especially those on the peripheries. We pray that his witness may call forth a deeper dialogue across differences, the dismantling of systems of oppression, and the restoration of dignity for all—especially the poor, the migrant, the excluded, and the wounded.

As Poor Handmaids, we stand ready to journey alongside our Holy Father in advancing the Gospel message of love, mercy, and inclusion. May Pope Leo XIV lead with the wisdom of the Spirit, the courage of the saints, and the humility of Christ.

In faith and service,
The Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ

With hearts full of sorrow and gratitude, the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ join the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) and our global community in mourning the death of Pope Francis.

We join with the rest of the world in remembering Pope Francis. We are grateful for the Gospel witness Pope Francis has been in our world and our church. He challenged all of us to live in a way that cares for Earth and for the most vulnerable in our world. We pray that we will follow the example of Pope Francis to live deeply from a prayerful place that reaches out in compassion and works for justice. We pray that our church may embody the way of synodality that Pope Francis led. 

Pope Francis leaves us a legacy of hope and prophetic witness. We give thanks for his life, his leadership, and his unwavering vision of a welcoming Church — one that, in his words, is a true “field hospital.”

May his soul rest in the eternal peace of Christ, whom he served so faithfully.

In communion and prayer,

The Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ


LCWR Mourns the Death of Pope Francis

Monday 4-21-2025

With great sadness, the members of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, mourn the passing of Pope Francis. His character, warmth, and deep humility, as well as the numerous contributions he has made throughout his papacy have made an enormous impact on the world, the Catholic Church, and on our lives personally. 

We have been inspired by the manner in which the pope exercised leadership. He embodied the values that he held throughout his priesthood: that people who are hurting and in need must be given our highest priority, that leaders must spend time on the margins listening to those whose perspectives may differ from their own, and that we must be fearless in speaking out in the face of all that goes against gospel teachings. 

We admire Pope Francis’ approach to his mission. An excellent communicator, he was able to share his vision for the church and for the world and engage others in the work to bring the vision to reality. He consistently sought the counsel of advisors from around the world and had the skills to build coalitions to take on the work to reform what needed urgent change. This was seen most dramatically in the way he shaped and led the 2024 Synod on Synodality that emphasized the essential role of the inclusion of all voices, communal discernment, and collaboration.

Pope Francis led from a place of both simplicity and savvy. An astute moral leader, he knew how to use his influence to bring about change and was fearless in speaking out publicly even when he knew there would be resistance to his message. He tirelessly took on the mission of loving the whole world – making difficult journeys to remote areas of many nations; visiting migrant camps, hospitals, prisons, and shelters; and most recently, maintaining daily contact with a parish in Gaza. He generously carried in his heart and prayer every bit of the suffering to which he was exposed. He gave to the world a public face of a church that was welcoming and inclusive – a church that strove to be a true “field hospital.” 

Pope Francis embraced his role as a global leader and used his influence to impact all people, not only Catholics. His work to confront climate change, income inequality, and many other social injustices will live on. His encyclicals, particularly Dilexit nos, Fratelli tutti, and Laudato si’ as well as his apostolic exhortations such as Laudate Deum, Gaudate et exsultate, and Evangelii Gaudium, will remain important texts that will guide our thinking and prayer for many years to come. 

With the world, we offer our prayer of gratitude for Pope Francis, a man who fully embodied the life and message of Jesus Christ and gave of his all to bringing about the Reign of God on this earth. 

Contact: Sister Annmarie Sanders, IHM
LCWR Director of Communications
asanders@lcwr.org
original article


Prayer on the Death of Pope Francis


Gracious God,You know our needs even before we ask
and heed our faltering prayers, spoken and unspoken.

Hear our voice above the murmurs
of sorrow for it is the voice of confusion
seeking your still small voice of calm.

Hear our voice as we give thanks for your faithful servant
for it is the voice of praise
joining with sadness and joy.

Hear our voice as we pray for the future
for it is a voice of hope
longing to see your Church made whole.

Hear our voice as we watch with those who deliberate
for it is the voice of humility
asking for their wisdom and discernment.

Hear our voice as we pray in solidarity with the poor
for it is the voice of peace
searching for justice.

O God, hear the voice of the voiceless
for it is the voice of silence
crying out from the cross
through whom your Spirit may be heard
and your will be recognised.

For Jesus Christ’s sake, Amen.

Words by Annabel Shilson-Thomas

The entire Church mourns the death of our Holy Father, Pope Francis.
In cathedrals, basilicas, parish churches, shrines, and chapels, the Holy Eucharist will be offered for the repose of his soul. Communities and individuals will ask God to bestow His infinite mercy on the man who served the Church as Bishop of Rome.

This novena has been prepared to help pray for the Pope during this time. The daily novena—lasting for the novendiales period as directed by the College of Cardinals—consists of a short reading from Scripture or other ecclesiastical texts, along with brief prayers drawn from the Roman Missal and the Order of Christian Funerals.

PDF downloads of the novena are available in both English and Spanish.

In light of the current national and statewide initiatives to dismantle Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), we are reaffirming our commitment to the charism of our foundress, our values and our vision. We believe that now, more than ever, it is crucial to remain true to our call. Our work of justice, love, and dignity and respect for all, shines through our diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

We will continue to live our vision of just transformation in communities where we serve through support of the poor and marginalized as a way to uplift individual voices and create systemic change. This includes inviting diverse perspectives and lived experiences. We are called to celebrate a multicultural world.

“I do not know foreign countries or foreign Sisters. I only know Handmaids
of Christ, filled with the spirit of their vocation and truly working in blessed ways.”
Saint Katharina Kasper, Nov. 25, 1883

Diversity is a natural extension of our values and of our faith. While DEI may appear as a current issue, we have long been doing the work of bridging cultures and valuing people for who they are. This includes recognizing similarities and honoring differences. Diversity broadens our thinking, grows our community and encourages empathy.

Equity and inclusion are just as important in our work to build community, ensuring everyone feels seen and heard. When more people are at the table, bringing different experiences, the possibilities are endless. We value an environment where everyone’s thoughts, experiences, and ideas matter.

Equity and inclusion, along with diversity, helps us thrive. DEI ensures that merit is seen in its fullest context, an acknowledgement of each person’s skills, knowledge, identities, and experiences they have. It is an integral component of a community striving for excellence and innovation.

This work, justice, love and dignity and respect for all, has and always will be needed. The difficulties of the present moment only highlight the importance of our continued efforts. Saint Katherina Kasper calls for us to listen with an attentive ear and courageous heart. This is an invitation to not only look outward, but to reflect internally on feelings that the acronym “DEI” may evoke in us. When we engage in that challenging and sacred work, especially in dialogue in community, we forge a path toward profound growth and transformation.

Let us continue to embody this commitment, not just in word, but in action—by creating a community that is truly welcoming and supportive for all.

Join Us for a Memorable Easter Egg Hunt! 

Spring is in the air, and we’re celebrating with a joyful, family-friendly Easter Egg Hunt at The Center at Donaldson! Bring your baskets and hop on over for an exciting morning filled with fun activities, laughter, and plenty of surprises.

Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025
Time: Event starts at 11:00 AM EDT (Egg Hunt begins promptly at 11:15 AM EDT)
Location: The Center at Donaldson – 9601 Union Road, Plymouth, IN 46563
FREE Event – Open to All Ages!

What to Expect:

Easter Egg Hunt – A thrilling search for colorful eggs filled with goodies!
Meet the Easter Bunny – Snap a photo with everyone’s favorite springtime friend!
Face Painting & Activities – Enjoy creative fun for the whole family!
Prizes & More! – Exciting surprises await!

Bring your baskets, bring your friends, and make this Easter one to remember! 

Join the Celebration!

Spread the word and invite your loved ones!


 See you at The Center for an egg-citing adventure! 

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Donaldson, IN –  Angela Paul, Executive Director of Sojourner Truth House, has been selected as the recipient of the prestigious Torchbearer Award by Women Organizing Women, Inc. (WOW) for 2024. The award recognizes Paul’s outstanding leadership and exceptional commitment to community empowerment. The award celebrates her transformative work in supporting homeless and at-risk women through Sojourner Truth House, a ministry of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ.

Under Paul’s leadership since 2021, Sojourner Truth House has become the largest community food pantry in Northwest Indiana, providing critical nutrition to over 3,000 individuals monthly. Her background, which includes more than 20 years of business management, social service experience, and distinguished military service, has been instrumental in her ability to advocate for those in need.

Key achievements highlighted by WOW include Paul’s work with Sojourner Truth House, implementation of the Meals on Mission program, and efforts to secure scholarships through the ELD Foundation. Her approach focuses on fostering interdependence within families and helping them navigate complex service systems.

“Angela Paul exemplifies the spirit of community service and empowerment,” said a representative from Women Organizing Women, Inc. “Her dedication to supporting women and children has made a profound impact in Northwest Indiana.”

For more information on Women Organizing Women, Inc. visit womenorganizingwomeninc.org.

About Sojourner Truth House

Sojourner Truth House is a ministry of hope and help for homeless and at-risk women and their children sponsored by the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ. Through hospitality, advocacy, integrative services and collaboration, participants improve their quality of life and that of the community in a safe, trusting environment. https://sojournertruthhouse.org

Contact:         Arleen Peterson, PHJC Communications     

                        574-935-1768, apeterson@poorhandmaids.org

The Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ are deeply saddened and troubled by the recent distribution of hate-filled flyers by the Ku Klux Klan in our Michiana community. Such actions, rooted in division and bigotry, stand in stark opposition to the core values of community, and dignity and respect for all that we hold dear as a community of faith and service.

Our mission as Poor Handmaids calls us to affirm the dignity of every human person and to create a culture of inclusion and respect. These hateful actions are a painful reminder of the work still needed to counteract prejudice and foster understanding in our society.

We stand in solidarity with all our neighbors who may feel targeted, marginalized, or afraid, including undocumented individuals and immigrant communities who often experience heightened vulnerability in the face of such hateful rhetoric.

We also urge members of our community to take action by contacting their mayors, local leaders, and state legislators to let them know that this type of hatred and division has no place in our towns and neighborhoods. Together, we can make it clear that Michiana stands for unity, dignity, and justice.

Now more than ever, we are called to respond to hatred with the transforming power of love. Inspired by the example of Jesus and guided by the charism of our Foundress, Saint Katharina Kasper, we reaffirm our commitment to building a community that upholds justice, peace, and the inherent worth of every person.

May we be instruments of peace in the face of division and light in the face of darkness.

In the spirit of love and service,

The Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ

Provincial Leadership:

Sr. Shirley Bell, PHJC – Provincial

Sr. Deborah Davis, PHJC – Councilor

Sr. Nkechi Iwuoha, PHJC – Councilor

Sr. Marybeth Martin, PHJC – Councilor

Event Date: November 16, 2024 

Time: 7:00 PM EST 

Location: Ancilla Domini Chapel, 9601 Union Rd, Plymouth, IN

Join us for a profound evening of classical music as we present Mozart’s Mass in C Minor. This event will feature the Ancilla Domini Community Choir, alongside area orchestral musicians and celebrated soloists.

Admission:

  • Event Admission is FREE
  • Experience Mozart’s composition in a live setting
  • Doors open at 6:30 PM

VIP Dinner and seating options:

Enjoy a gourmet meal before the performance.

Sponsorship Opportunities: 

For sponsorship inquiries, please contact:

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More details about the event and VIP dinner ticket sales will be updated as they become available

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