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
🌿PHJC Official Statement: Mourning the Passing of Pope Francis🌿
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.
Women Organizing Women, Inc. Honors Angela Paul with 2024 Torchbearer Award
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.”
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
We are pleased to announce that Sr. Carole Langhauser, PHJC began serving as Interim Executive Director of Mission Integration in November 2023.
Sr. Carole previously ministered as Mission Integration Director at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Mishawaka, IN. She brings a graduate certificate and fifteen years’ experience working in Mission Leadership. Sr. Carole will be responsible for new coworker orientation in Donaldson and Board formation initiatives with assistance from Sr. Linda Volk, PHJC and Justine Johnson (DEI Executive Director). Her education background in Mission and years of involvement with the St. Joseph Community Health Foundation Mission and Spirituality Committee give her a wealth of experience in this role.
Sr. Carole will be working part-time. Beyond new coworker orientation, her role will be specifically directed as a resource to St. Joseph Community Health Foundation, Sojourner Truth House and HealthVisions Midwest as they transition to self-sustainability and independence. This role is integral to each ministry as they uniquely determine how to integrate the charism of Saint Katharina and the Vision, Mission and Values of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ into the Boards’ and Ministries’ future governance and operations.
Sr. Carole is already known to most of our ministry leaders and will be connecting with each in the weeks ahead.
Partners in the work of the Spirit!
Provincial Leadership
Announcing the New Executive Director of HealthVisions Midwest
We are very pleased to announce that Sharon Tubbs has accepted the Executive Director position for HealthVisions Midwest, Inc.
Sharon has been serving as the Director of HealthVisions – Fort Wayne since March of 2020. Prior to accepting her position as the Director, Sharon worked as Community Liaison for the HEAL Program with St. Joseph Community Health Foundation.
Sharon comes with a Master’s degree in Human Services and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. Not only did Sharon spend seven years as the Editor for the largest newspaper in Florida, she is also an author and a keynote speaker/presenter in various venues.
Sharon is a native of Allen County but spent 20 years in Florida before returning in 2016. Sharon has excellent networking skills and has expanded programs in Fort Wayne through grants and partnerships.
We’re very pleased to have Sharon step into this Executive role bringing her experience within the PHJC organization to this next level of leadership. Sharon will begin her new role by January 1, 2024.
We ask God’s blessings on Sharon, HealthVisions’ Board of Directors, staff and all they serve!
Last November, a young man wearing a sweatshirt and sandals walked up to the clothing bins outside the Sojourner Truth House in Gary.
The man grabbed a coat that came halfway up his arms. Although he was very grateful to have the ill-fitting coat, volunteer Dennis Kenning knew they could find him something better in the pile of donated winter jackets.
Dennis and his wife, Sharon Kenning, asked what else they could help with. The man, who wore a size 13, needed an appropriate pair of shoes for the freezing temperatures. By coincidence, Dennis looked down and noticed a gently used pair of Nikes in a size 13, something STH rarely receives.
“It gave us chills,” Sharon said. “It got down to 19 degrees that night. If this young man was sleeping on the streets that winter coat and those shoes could have made a huge difference for him.”
STH, a nonprofit organization, primarily serves as a food pantry to Gary residents. It also provides women and children living in local shelters with a day center program to attend throughout the week.
STH opened its doors in 1997 at 410 W. 13th Ave., after Sister Joan Fisher saw a need for an organization like this in Gary.
At the food pantry, clients are eligible to receive a food basket containing grains, protein, dairy, and fruits or vegetables once every 30 days. Food baskets are designed to last clients for a few days. They are also eligible to receive personal hygiene items once every 90 days.
The food pantry is open Tuesday through Thursday from 9-11 a.m. and 1-2 p.m. STH receives food from the government, the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana and donations.
“We recognize the strong need for help here in Gary. We see the disparity,” said Sharon, a Valparaiso resident. “We’ve had people turn down milk because they don’t have a refrigerator to put it in.”
STH’s food pantry can serve 270 clients per week, though nutritious foods aren’t always available. Recently, STH started the “Five loaves and two fish initiative,” which asks for churches, organizations or businesses to commit to participate in one food drive a year to help support the food pantry.
Sharon said this initiative can add to STH’s budget, and help put more nutritious foods in baskets. To donate, contact Sharon Kenning at 219-789-2222 or email, accounts@sojournertruthhouse.org with the subject “5 Loaves & 2 Fish.”
STH is also looking for volunteers to assist with its garden, the food pantry, and clothing closest that’s available to women and children.
“As the need in the community grows, we need more assistance to make it easier,” Volunteer Coordinator Airiel Crenshaw said. “The more the merrier.”
Women who attend the day center program have the opportunity to attend classes designed to identify the root causes of financial and emotional instability, and how to overcome those barriers. On-site case management services assist women with finding employment and housing, Executive Director Angela Paul said.
The center serves nearly 20 women and their children each day. Women who’ve walked through STH’s doors have lived in hotels, on the streets and inside rented storage units, said Pam Key, director of client services.
“We’re desperately in need of affordable housing in Gary,” she said. “Some of the reasons women are becoming homeless is because they can’t afford the housing. There’s a need for awareness to our problem of homelessness in Lake County and the state.”
The day center is available to residents across Northwest Indiana and beyond. Women who attend the program receive breakfast and lunch, and have the option to pick out gently used or new clothes from the clothing closet if necessary.
STH accepts donations of gently used clothing items, accessories and small appliances. Crenshaw said STH also tries to provide women with a variety of home furnishings and cleaning supplies once they move out on their own.
“It’s a very worthwhile mission to help these women get back their independence, and back on their feet,” Sharon said. “We have a passion for it because we see the need.”
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.
