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.

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.”

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.

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

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.

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.

On Saturday, November 15, the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ (PHJC) welcomed over 400 guests to the stunning Ancilla Domini Chapel for a performance of George Frideric Handel’s 1741 oratorio Messiah. The event featured conductor Andrew Jennings, Director of Liturgy and Music for PHJC, leading the Ancilla Domini Community Choir and Orchestra in a breathtaking interpretation of this timeless masterpiece.

The Messiah Concert, a free-to-attend bi-annual tradition, continues to be a cherished event for residents across Northern Indiana.

“It’s become a tradition for people to bring their families and friends,” Jennings shared. “It offers people the chance to step away from the busyness of life and experience something that might change how they view classical music. Even if they don’t speak to the person next to them, everyone is there for the same purpose. That shared experience helps form community, and I find that beautiful.”

The evening began with a VIP dinner featuring roast pork, roast chicken, pasta, vegetables, and cheesecake for dessert. The VIP guests were then ushered to their preferred seats in the chapel to await the concert. After Jennings’ opening remarks, the choir and orchestra performed 27 of Messiah’s 53 movements.

The performance showcased the talents of soprano Jessica McCormack, countertenor Joshua Boggs, tenor JR Fralick, and baritone Stephen Lancaster.

Jennings expressed gratitude to the event’s patron sponsors, including Nancy and Scot McKinnis, Taylor and Boody Organ Builders, Marian University, Rink Printing Company, Beacon Credit Union, and Split Road Media.

“I would like to thank, not only the Poor Handmaids, but also the sponsors who helped make this event possible,” Jennings said. “It’s very important to us to offer these concerts for free. We would never want a financial barrier to prevent someone from experiencing something like the Messiah Concert.”

The evening concluded with a warm reception in the Cenacle Dining Room, leaving attendees with a sense of joy, community, and appreciation for the beauty of sacred music.

Congratulations to the newly installed U.S. Province Leadership team!  

Installed today, this new team will guide the spiritual and ministry life of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ community. 

We joyfully celebrate the new team: 

• Sister Shirley Bell, PHJC, Province Leader
• Sister Deborah Davis, PHJC, Vicaress   
• Sister Marybeth Martin, PHJC, Councilor 
• Sister Connie Bach PHJC, Councilor 
• Sister Margaret Ann Henss, PHJC, Councilor 
   

Please join us in celebrating them and holding them in your prayers as they begin this sacred journey of leadership.