More than 100 Sisters, Maria Center residents, coworkers, and friends gathered on July 28, 2025, to celebrate a land acknowledgment, blessing, and groundbreaking for the newly expanded Catherine’s Cottage—a future residence for the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ (PHJC).

Following a period of discernment, the Sisters made the thoughtful decision to create a space that honors and supports members of the congregation as they age. The new Catherine’s Cottage will provide a welcoming, purpose-built home that reflects the values of care, dignity, and community.

Sister Shirley Bell, PHJC, United States Province Leader, welcomed guests and emphasized the importance of planning for a long, healthy future rooted in faith and compassion. “The groundbreaking of this addition to Catherine’s Cottage is more than the beginning of a building,” It’s a continuation of a mission that began with Saint Katherina Kasper, our foundress, who followed the promptings of the Holy Spirit with courage, simplicity, and unwavering faith. Catherine’s Cottage addition is being built to provide a home where we Sisters can continue to live the gospel and share our lives in service to others through prayer, presence, and ministry.”

Sister Marybeth Martin, PHJC led a moving land acknowledgment and blessing, inviting all present to remember that the community lives, works, and shares space on the ancestral and unceded lands of the Peoria, Bodwéwadmi (Potawatomi), Kaskaskia, Kiikaapoi (Kickapoo), and Myaamia (Miami) peoples—whose deep connection to the land and waters endures through time.

As part of the ceremony, Rev. Thaddeus Balinda blessed the ground with holy water, transforming the site into sacred space. Attendees were invited to join in the blessing, sprinkling holy water not only on the construction site but also among one another, symbolizing shared hope and unity.

The ceremonial first shoveling brought together PHJC Sisters, Maria Center residents, coworkers, friends, and representatives from DJ Construction, the firm overseeing the project. Each participant took part using gold shovels, marking the beginning of this meaningful endeavor.

A special moment in the ceremony featured Sister Jolise May, PHJC, who used a historic shovel that had previously broken ground in Donaldson—first in 1968 for the groundbreaking of Catherine Kasper Home, then again in 2010 for MoonTree Studios, and now once more for Catherine’s Cottage.

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.

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.

With hearts full of gratitude and joy, the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ celebrate our 2025 Jubilarians—seven extraordinary Sisters who mark 50, 60, and 70 years of vowed religious life. Their lives have been a testament to our charism, lived out in classrooms, clinics, neighborhoods, and parishes across the globe.

Each Sister has offered a reflection in her own voice, sharing the wisdom and wonder of a life rooted in God’s call and sustained by community. Their stories are full of love, resilience, and faith in action.

Stay tuned for the next issue of Word Gathering.

On June 16, Poor Handmaids, Maria Center residents, co-workers, and friends gathered at The Center at Donaldson for a special solidarity walk in support of the annual Walk for Sojourner Truth House (STH). While many walked in Gary on June 14, our community here stepped out with prayerful intention, standing in unity with the women and families served by STH every day.

Before beginning, the group gathered in prayer, lifting up the clients of Sojourner Truth House and all those facing the burdens of homelessness and hunger. As we moved together, the walk became more than a gesture, it became a quiet pilgrimage of presence, echoing the charism of Saint Katharina Kasper, who taught us to walk with the poor in both spirit and action.

Each step reflected a deep desire to accompany others with mercy, hope, and love. Though we were not physically in Gary, our spirits were with those walking there, and with every woman and family on a journey toward healing.

In moments like these, we are reminded that solidarity is not about distance, it is about connected. Rooted in prayer and mission, we walked as one.

During the week of April 26 – May 2, 2025, the Associate Community of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ celebrated their first Associate Week.

The week provided an opportunity to collaborate, interact and co-celebrate with fellow Associate Communities all over the Midwest who are members of Midwest Kindred Spirits.   Together we honored what we hold in common, the desire to reflect the charism of our founders/foundresses through the gospel values of love, peace and a sense of belonging to the world.

The week kicked off with the annual Companions on the Journey Retreat with the focus on Curiosity which celebrated the completion of a year of formation for three candidates who entered final discernment of their formal commitment as an Associate.

Also included in this week of celebration were daily shared prayer petitions, The Way of Creation prayer service, and an invitation to all Associate Communities to join an interactive zoom presentation, “Together We Rise: Community in Times of Change. In addition, the local Sisters designated a day of prayer during the week as a gift to the Associate Community. It was a wonderful way to celebrate together the Associate Way of Life!