Published: 29 December 2025

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Categories: Memory, Uncategorized

July 9, 1930 – December 27, 2025

Sister Joan Kathleen Fisher PHJC, (formerly Sister Colette), entered the final stage of her Life’s journey on earth and passed away at Catherine’s Cottage, Donaldson, IN on Saturday, December 27, 2025 at the age of 95. Her parents, Ellis Fisher and Catherine (Irle), welcomed two daughters, Joan Kathleen and Rosemary to their family. She is survived by her niece Kymm Ivy, and her nephews Robert Haber and Michael Haber. Sister Joan was born July 9, 1930 in Fort Wayne, IN. She was inspired by her early PHJC educators and knew she wanted to be a Sister, so she entered the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ Community in Donaldson, IN on November 21, 1948 and professed her first vows on June 25, 1951.

Sister Joan’s life theme was to “Celebrate the Journey” and indeed she celebrated her life’s journey in many varied ways. Following her profession, she completed education at Alverno College (B.A.), Milwaukee, WI, St. Francis College (M.S.), Ft. Wayne, IN and obtained various certifications for Montessori Teacher and Parish Ministry. She ministered as an elementary teacher at St. Joseph School, Mishawaka, IN, St. Mary School, Trenton, IL, Angel Guardian Orphanage, Chicago, IL, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, Hammond, IN and as a Montessori teacher at St. Mary Parish, Fort Wayne, IN. It was in that last ministry she witnessed a close look at poverty experienced by inner city children. This opportunity opened a new journey to minister with the poor and marginalized as she learned that was where God was leading her heart and energy.

She was a staunch advocate for those most in need and instrumental in founding the Daystar Program in Cairo, IL in 1978. The Daystar program brought hope to the poor, the elderly and the disadvantaged and still continues today. In 1997, Sister Joan Fisher saw that the Gary, IN area needed a center to reach out to women and children experiencing homelessness. Along with Sister Peg Spindler, CSA, Sister Joan opened Sojourner Truth House (STH) in Gary to provide a safe and welcoming place for clients. Today the Sojourner Truth House ministry is thriving and is a village of hope that empowers women and children.

Sister Joan was also Director of the Poor Handmaid Associate Community from 1986-1992 sparking a wonderful beginning of a spiritual family of Saint Katharina Kasper.

In 2002 Sr. Joan moved to the Poor Handmaid Motherhouse to minister to her mother who then lived at Catherine Kasper Nursing Home. In 2006 Sister Joan was asked to become a member of the Catherine’s Cottage Supportive Community with other Poor Handmaid Sisters. Sister Joan’s “yes” to a new door in her life’s journey was a blessing to all members of the Cottage Community as she shared a beautiful smile, compassion, and her youthful spirit.

During her time at the Cottage Sister Joan continued outreach to the poor as she sewed clothes bags (lots of them!) and delivered them to the Women’s Care Center in Plymouth.

Sister Joan lived a life of joyful service and in her autobiography she wrote: “My life with its ups and downs is in fact a life centered in God whom I am getting to see…and rejoice and sing and love Him with all my heart as He loves me.”

VISITATION & WAKE SERVICE
Monday, January 12, 2026
Catherine Kasper Convent Chapel
Donaldson, IN
4:30 p.m. EST – Visitation
7:00 p.m. EST – Wake Service

MASS OF RESURRECTION
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Catherine Kasper Convent Chapel
Donaldson, IN
10:00 a.m. EST – Visitation
10:30 a.m. EST – Funeral

The Mass of Christian Burial will be livestreamed at poorhandmaids.org/live. Memorial contributions may be made at poorhandmaids.org.

Published: 24 November 2025

Written by phjcadmin

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Categories: Uncategorized

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.

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Published: 9 October 2025

Written by Shelley Boyer

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Categories: HP bottom News, News, Uncategorized

The Poor Handmaids celebrated the 10^th anniversary of the encyclical Laudato Si’, the text with which Pope Francis invited all people to care for our common home and each other. Published in 2015, the encyclical called on all of us to reflect and act on the ecological and social crisis that confronts us all.

The Sisters and coworkers who participated celebrated the global and local achievements of its impact, including:

All Sisters, co-workers, residents, and Associates coming together to learn about integral ecology
Being in dialogue with Ancilla College (now known as Marian University – Ancilla College) students – from presenting to their First Year Seminar classes to handing out timers to students to encourage water conservation.
Participating in the Laudato Si’ action platform: https://laudatosiactionplatform.org/

We celebrated with cupcakes, a game helping people understand the grand impact of Integral Ecology, and sharing actions we have taken to care for creation. Some include:

Composting and gardening
Mend and make before purchase
Being kind to others

This anniversary celebrated many accomplishments, but it also reminded us that this work is continuous and very much alive. The Poor Handmaids stand in solidarity with communities around the world who are committing to ecological and social transformation.