The pleasure of your company is requested at Maria Center’s annual High Tea event. This classy affair is the perfect way to celebrate Mother’s Day! Come enjoy hors d’oeuvres, a curated menu, a photo booth, live entertainment, a raffle, and, of course, an assortment of gourmet teas. We’d love to have you to join us for an afternoon of fellowship and class!  

Date: Saturday, the Ninth of May 

Time: One o’clock in the afternoon  

Location: Cana Hall, 9601 Union Road Plymouth, Indiana 

Kindly visit https://mariacenterinc.org/hightea2026/ to purchase tickets and learn more about this delightful event!

Background

For many years the Center at Donaldson hosted an Easter Egg Hunt that welcomed families from our campus and the surrounding community. We are grateful to the coworkers, volunteers, and families who helped make that tradition part of the life of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ.

After reflection on our seasonal events and how they align with the mission and life of the congregation today, we have made the decision not to host the Easter Egg Hunt this year and to conclude the event moving forward.

Why This Change Is Being Made

Over time participation in the event has shifted, and the tradition no longer reflects how our community gathers or engages today.

Rather than continuing the event simply because it has existed in the past, leadership felt it was the right moment to step back and allow the tradition to come to a close with gratitude.

This decision also reflects our commitment to be thoughtful stewards of our time, energy, and resources.

What This Means

• The Center at Donaldson will not host an Easter Egg Hunt this year.
• There will not be a replacement Easter event on campus.
• Our regular activities and community life will continue as usual.

Honoring the Tradition

The Easter Egg Hunt brought joy to many children and families over the years, and we are grateful for the coworkers and volunteers who helped make it possible.

Traditions have seasons. As our congregation continues to evolve, we remain attentive to how our gatherings and activities reflect the life and mission of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ today.

Looking Ahead

The Center at Donaldson will continue to welcome people through retreats, gatherings, and other opportunities that support the spiritual life and mission of the congregation.

We remain grateful for the many ways our community participates in and supports the life of the Poor Handmaids.

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.