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.”
Author: phjcadmin
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.
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God Is Constantly Calling: A Look at Women’s Vocations in 2025
The Pillar: “Women Religious Talk Vocations”
“God is constantly calling”—these words resonate deeply with the heart of the Poor Handmaids. In this recent article from The Pillar, we are reminded that despite the cultural headwinds, women continue to say “yes” to God’s call. The piece highlights that in 2024 alone, over 120 women entered religious communities across the U.S., drawn by prayerful community life, mission, and the charism of each congregation.
We are heartened to see a new generation discerning paths of service, contemplation, and spiritual leadership. May their courage inspire us all.
Listening to the Young: Discerning Religious Life Today
Takeaways from AP’s Reporting on Young Nuns
At PHJC, we are privileged to walk with women discerning a call to religious life. A recent Associated Press article offers important insight into this journey, showing that while fewer young women are entering religious communities, the call remains vibrant and real. The piece shares reflections from those navigating the lengthy discernment process—often complicated by student loan debt and cultural expectations—but also enriched by deep relationships and spiritual discovery.
We invite you to read this thoughtful summary on the current landscape of religious vocations in the United States:
