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Values in Action
(Donaldson, Ind.) – 2022 marks a significant milestone for one of Larson-Danielson’s earliest and, for the time, largest construction projects. The Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ are celebrating 100 years of living and serving at Ancilla Domini Convent and Motherhouse. Today, the building and associated ministries are known as The Center at Donaldson.
The roughly 150,000 square foot convent building took approximately three years to complete and includes a Tudor-Gothic style chapel on the second floor that can seat more than 400. The Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ moved into the Motherhouse in August of 1922.
“As the Poor Handmaid congregation grew in the United States, the Sisters needed a place to call home. So, when the opportunity came up to buy a resort with 63 acres of land, the Sisters found a place that would allow them to continue their life and service,” said Sister Shirley Bell, PHJC.
“The plans for the Motherhouse construction called for an E-shaped building with three divisions that included a medical center in between. The building was to be 5 stories high with a tunnel and a tower.” “This was a huge project for Larson-Danielson and remains one of our largest and most iconic projects,” said Brian Larson, President of Larson-Danielson Construction. “We are honored to be joining the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ in celebrating Ancilla Domini Convent and its legacy in Donaldson.”
In 1919, Larson-Danielson was awarded the contract for the first phase of construction for the Ancilla Domini Convent. A year later, Larson-Danielson negotiated the contract for the superstructure, and later, for the interior finish. The Ancilla Domini project was a huge undertaking for the construction firm, which, at the time, was just 10 years old.
The resort was home to Lake Galbraith hotel, a dance hall, bowling alley and small chapel. Some of the Sisters occupied the hotel building during construction and Sister M. Bertha Brommel kept a day-to-day account of the construction progress.
“Sister Brummel’s diary containing her observations and impressions provides us with many colorful details and stories. Without her, we wouldn’t have such a strong historical record of the Motherhouse building,” stated Sister Shirley.
Larson-Danielson obtained laborers not only from the immediate vicinity but because of the size of the project from as far away as Chicago. All the mechanics, supplies, masonry and wood needed to be transported. About 30-40 workers were employed at one time and, since the jobsite had to be reached by way of a train going to Plymouth, one of the existing frame structures was repurposed as a bunk house for the workers. A second frame building was used as a kitchen and mess hall and a local couple were employed to do the cooking.
“One story that we still like to tell at Larson-Danielson is about the cook at the job site,” said Larson. “Most of the workers from Larson-Danielson were Swedish and preferred bland food, but the cook was Italian and liked her seasonings, especially garlic. One day when she went out, the workers including founder Emil Danielson, threw out her garlic. Naturally, she got very angry. A compromise was reached so both the cook and the workers could be satisfied with a bit less seasoning.
The Ancilla Domini Convent was designed by Herman J. Gaul of Chicago. In 1989, the convent was recognized by the Marshall County Historical Society as a historical landmark. Next year, the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ will recognize the 100-year anniversary of the building’s dedication.
About Larson-Danielson Construction Co., Inc.
Founded in 1908, Larson-Danielson Construction has been one of the most trusted contractors in Northwest Indiana for over a century. A design-build commercial general contractor located in La Porte, Indiana, we provide elite building contractor services including state-of-the-art construction management, pre-construction planning, and skilled labor in all commercial construction trades. Our long history and vast experience have allowed us to build strong lasting relationships with many clients across Northwest Indiana who have learned that they can achieve the greatest value and quality by working with Larson-Danielson as their full-service construction partner. For more information, visit www.ldconstruction.com.
About Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ
Called in Baptism to proclaim by our lives and our works the presence of God in the world, we Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ accept the invitation to live a vowed life in community. We are inspired by Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and Saint Katharina Kasper, our foundress, to listen prayerfully, live simply, serve joyfully.
Excerpt from WORN OUT SHOES: Walking in the Wisdom of Saint Katharina Kasper
written by Sister Nkechi Iwuoha | PHJC
The virtue of humility is one of the most outstanding qualities of Saint Katharina Kasper in all her search for the divine will of God. She was committed to God in humility and simplicity of heart. She was truthful and transparent to her Sisters and to God in all her endeavors to promote the reign of God.
The spirit of humility enabled her openness to being the handmaid of the Lord. She listened attentively to the Bishop, the various authorities that the Sisters worked with, to her Sisters and to the spirit of God within her heart. In her work, she had the mind of Christ who humbled himself to do what his Father wanted of him till death. This was exemplified when Saint Katharina took care of children in their homes so that their mothers could have a break or work outside the home to support their family. In all her deliberations with the governmental authority she maintained a humble spirit that respectedand listened to them yet stated clearly and firmly what she needed to continue her mission. She always listened attentively to Bishop Blum and had a humble way of expressing herself without automatically submitting to his words. She obtained the best she could for her Sisters in every negotiation with the authorities. This was also evident in her discussion with Bishop Blum regarding the name to be given to the new congregation. Though he had chosen another title she stated the name she preferred for her congregation with simplicity and respect in the dialogue on this matter with the Bishop. The humble approach she always employed in dialogue teaches us the power of humility, choice of verbal and body language and the respect due when dialoguing with one another. For me it is also a learning that the best opinion may be rejected depending on the spirit with which it is presented.
Please enjoy this small excerpt from Worn Out Shoes written by Sister Nkechi Iwuoha, PHJC. Copies of her book can be purchased at the Lindenwood Retreat and Conference Center’s Christian Book and Gift Shop located at 9601 Union Rd, Plymouth 46563. Hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For additional questions please call 574-935-1780.
"I know no foreign countries and no foreign sisters, there are only Handmaids of Christ, filled with the spirit of their vocation and truly working in blessed ways..."
-Saint Katharina Kasper
The Language Company, located on the IUSB campus in Mishawaka, provides advancement in areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing and looks to be a good fit for her needs at this time. Because of her extended stay till mid-summer, Sister Cailla has the opportunity to complete a number of classes. When Cailla is not in class, she is sharing community life at Sarah House in South Bend with Sisters Connie and Marie. Our days together have been and continue to be filled with laughter, funny stories, tasting chili for the first time, introduction to Brazilian cooking, praying and singing in both English and Portuguese, and conversations that include our favorite APP – Google Translate!
This is such an amazing opportunity for all three of us and for our province – certainly a graced time “to see the other face of God.”
(Antonio M. Pernia, SVD)
“Interculturality must touch every aspect of our Institute’s life. Our understanding of the vows, community, ministry, and our spirituality should be transformed as we engage this process honestly and intentionally… nothing short of a transformation of the heart is required.”
(Sister Teresa Maya, CCVI)
I believe Saint Katharina was on to something when she shared her belief of knowing “no foreign countries and no foreign sisters…” She may not have known the term intercultural living, but she definitely had a vision of how her sisters were to live – with lifegiving hospitality, with mutuality in community living and with openness and appreciation for diversity. We are experiencing all this with our PHJC sister from Brazil.
Bem vinda a casa, Sister Cailla!
WELCOME HOME!
By Vanessa del Carmen Vergara Aguilera | Social Worker at Casa Catalina
Casa Catalina, a ministry located in Coatzacoalcos, Mexico is supported by the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ. This ministry, begun in 2012, provides temporary shelter to those most in need of healthcare services. Created and identified as a safe, caring place, it possesses all the means necessary to accommodate patients from a day up to several years. Most patients who come to Casa Catalina are suffering from chronic illness or physical trauma. However, emerging social problems such as migration, homelessness and domestic violence have brought people from all over to the doors of Casa Catalina.
Casa Catalina serves persons who have been abandoned by family and society and do not have the economic resources to cover their basic needs. Our mission is to conserve their physical, mental, and psychological stability. Our donors are critically important to this ministry by ensuring that we are able to care for all who need our services.
At Casa Catalina we make an impact on the lives of our patients, but we are also touched by those in our care. A patient, an older gentleman by the name of Manuel Rodriguez Gonzalez, was referred to Casa Catalina by a local hospital. Through our ministry he found the help and compassionate care he needed from our nurses and volunteer doctor, Sister Frances Gallinatti, PHJC, all of whom were attentive to his progress, especially since he had no family to tend him.
Manuel was a patient at Casa Catalina for more than two years. In July of last year when we celebrated his birthday it also happened to be Grandparents Day. Manuel loved sharing his birthday and being a grandfather to all those who had the privilege of knowing him. After some ups and downs in his health, Manuel passed away January 4, 2022. A man of character and faith, our Grandfather Manuel, trusted in God’s providence right up to his last moments. He will always be remembered with love by every single one of us.
“Casa Catalina is a place where we offer human warmth, care, attention, respect, tolerance, and love without distinction, and we definitely receive it in return. A prime example of this was our patient and friend Manuel Rodriguez Gonzalez whose memories, blessings, love, affection, and moments of joy were transmitted to us and remain in our hearts,” said Nurse Maria Elena Sanchez Cruz.
Nurse Lesvia Leon added, “Manuel died leaving great sadness in our hearts, but also left us with the message that life is to be embraced and enjoyed despite adverse circumstances and illnesses that can appear in any of our lives. We say to this wise, cheerful man of strong character, may he rest in peace and may God receive him into glory.”
To make a gift to Poor Handmaid ministries in Mexico visit PoorHandmaids.org/Donate.
Sister Joetta Huelsmann, PHJC
I train people to be spiritual companions who are also known as spiritual directors and spiritual guides. One of the units we spend time on is Self-Care which is important during this pandemic. When I see my own spiritual director, he usually begins with this question. “How is it with your soul?” This is a good question for all of us. Can we slow down enough to know how our relationship with the Divine is effecting our life. In spiritual care we look at the whole person so even our mental and physical being is important since we relate with our whole self. It is primary to care for our self.
In the course the person we look to as an example is Jesus and how he cares for himself. A prayer life was important to him. He went to the garden to pray. (Lk. 22:39-42) He also went to the mountains and hills and the synagogue to pray to pray.( Mt. 14:23 & Lk. 4:14-19) This prayer life nurtured him. We need to ask ourselves: What can I do to establish a regular prayer life for myself?
Jesus also cherished solitude. He was led into the desert to pray. (Lk. 4:1) When he heard of his cousin John’s death, he went to a lonely place by himself. (Mt. 14:13). For myself during COVID walking through the woods gave me that solitude. It enabled me to let go of whatever was on my mind and be in the present. I could take in the smell of the forest, listen to the birds sing and delight in the beauty of the wildflowers. Nature has a way of calming us. I would encourage you to find some places of solitude for yourself.
Jesus also took time for rest. He allowed himself to fall asleep in the boat. (Mt. 8:24) How can you take more time out for rest? It has been proven that even a short nap can refresh us and make us more productive.
Healthy intimacy with others was also something Jesus modeled. He ate with a Pharisee. (Lk. 7:36). He spent time with Martha, Mary, and Lazarus his friends. (Lk. 10:38) Yes, it was difficult to meet face to face during COVID, but many people were engaged with others through phone calls and zoom. Healthy intimacy can be a support.
The ability to deal with emotions is important as well. Jesus wept at Lazarus death. (John 11:35-36) He expressed healthy anger with the merchants in the temple. (John 2:15). Sometimes just talking through some of our deep feelings with another can be helpful in getting our emotions out there.
Celebrations and leisure were also important to Jesus. He went to a wedding feast. (John 2:2) He allowed the children to come to him. (Lk. 18:16) Leisure is just as important as work, it refreshes us again. We need to build time in our calendars for those things we enjoy.
If nothing else works there is nothing shameful about going to a counselor for our mental and emotional health. It is important to remember that we are all in this together, so don’t be afraid to ask for help.
The Provincial Leadership of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ congratulate Archbishop Wilton Gregory on his appointment as a Cardinal in the Catholic Church. As members of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, we support the below statement.
The Leadership Conference of Women Religious rejoices over the news of the appointment of Archbishop Wilton Gregory as a cardinal in the Catholic Church. Over the years we have been grateful to Archbishop Gregory’s leadership within the church where he has not only been a strong pastoral presence, but also a fearless outspoken critic of injustice. His public stances on many critical matters such as the repair of the US immigration system, race relations, climate change, sexual abuse within the church, LGBTQ matters, and much more reveal his deep integrity and courage.
In making this historic appointment of the first African-American cardinal, Pope Francis is clearly giving a message about the importance of assuring racial diversity at all levels of society and within the church. We are pleased that the African-American voice will be represented in this important decision-making body.
As an organization headquartered in the Washington archdiocese, we are especially pleased to have the opportunity to work closely with Archbishop Gregory. We look forward to this continuing relationship and congratulate him on this important recognition of his gifts and abilities as an outstanding leader.
The Provincial Leadership of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ endorse this statement as members of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious.
The presidency and staff of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious congratulate President-elect Joe Biden, and Vice-President-elect Kamala Harris and promise to work with them to build a society worthy of the values to which our imperfect union aspires.
After a difficult election season, it is time for us to take up the twin tasks of reconciliation and healing. In these challenging times it is critically important that we break through that which divides us one from another, repair fractured relationships and reclaim our essential unity.
The people of this pluralistic nation form a diverse community characterized by different beliefs, experiences, and interests. We know that our differences can be our greatest strengths; our disagreements, opportunities to seek the truth. Our challenge is to embrace those differences and together seek the common good lest we rend the bonds that unite us.
Now is the time to make space in our hearts and our communities for the needs and concerns of all God’s people, the undocumented mother, the Midwest farmer, the unemployed steel-worker, the suburban business woman, and the children and elders consigned to live in poverty. It is time to tear down the walls, real or imagined, which divide us by gender, race, class, geography, lifestyle, ideology, political party, and religious belief and to make room in our body politic for all who have been disaffected, disenfranchised, and discarded.
Now is the time to banish the fear that infects our souls and diminishes our hope. There is no room in this nation for fear of the other; no need to fear change; no reason to fear the future. This is a nation built on the dreams of our ancestors and the visions of our children. Our task is to make room at the table for every voice and every vision.
We thank those who turned out in record numbers to exercise their right to vote in a peaceful and respectful way. Their clear commitment to this democratic experiment of ours bodes well for the success of the difficult task that lies ahead.We know that the work will be slow and arduous, and yet with Catholic sisters across this nation we renew our commitment to exercise courage in the face of injustice, fear and division. We will not shrink from the challenge before us to protect the sacredness of all human life, to dismantle white supremacy, welcome the stranger, care for creation, and to stand with those who have been exploited and marginalized by our throwaway culture.
We promise once again to be the healing presence of God. We pledge to hold the needs and concerns of all in the heart of a loving and ever faithful God. We recommit ourselves to the sacred task of building the Beloved Community of which Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke so eloquently and we invite all people of good will to join us.
LCWR is an association of leaders of congregations of Catholic women religious in the United States. The conference has more than 1300 members, who represent approximately 80 percent of the more than 40,000 women religious in the United States. Founded in 1956, LCWR assists its members to collaboratively carry out their service of leadership to further the mission of the Gospel in today’s world.
Contact: Sister Annmarie Sanders, IHM|LCWR Communications Director This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Donaldson, Ind. and Charlottesville, Va.– September, 2020 – The Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ (PHJC) is partnering with Fermata Energy to install a bidirectional electric vehicle (EV) charging system on The Center at Donaldson campus, located 90 miles east of Chicago, and 35 miles southwest of South Bend, Indiana.
Through collaboration, the Poor Handmaids sought to address the emerging needs of the surrounding communities through the lens of integral ecology, and saw an opportunity to build resilience into its sustainable agenda by installing a bidirectional charging system for its fleet of EVs.
“The Poor Handmaids keep pushing the envelope with technologies that accelerate the shift toward renewable energy. The more we can produce, monitor and manage flows of energy at The Center at Donaldson campus, the better,” said Adam Thada, Director of Ecological Relationships at The Center at Donaldson. “Fermata Energy’s bidirectional charging system provides that flexibility and will help us continue electrifying our fleet in an affordable way.”
Fermata Energy’s bidirectional charging system for EVs is the first in the world to receive UL’s new North American safety standard, UL 9741, the Standard for Bidirectional Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging System Equipment third-party safety certification. Fermata Energy’s V2G technology uses bidirectional charging and proprietary V2G integration software to turn EVs into sources of energy, giving their customers a clean and reliable alternative.
“Our patented system works by turning an EV fleet or building into a revenue-generating, clean-grid supporting energy management platform, without the need for major capital expenditures,” said Fermata Energy founder and CEO David Slutzky. “Fermata Energy's V2G solution will enable organizations such as the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ to maximize the use of renewable energy sources and reduce grid-operating costs.”
About Fermata Energy
Fermata Energy’s turnkey V2X system empowers electric vehicle (EV) owners to make money while their cars are parked. Fermata Energy makes it possible for electric vehicles to combat climate change, increase energy resilience, and reduce energy costs. For more information, visit www.fermataenergy.com, and follow us on Twitter (@FermataEnergy), LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@fermata__energy).
About The Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ
Called in Baptism to proclaim by our lives and our works the presence of God in the world, we Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ accept the invitation to live a vowed life in community. We are inspired by Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and Saint Katharina Kasper, our foundress, to listen prayerfully, live simply, serve joyfully.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Fermata Energy:
Daniel Cherrin | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | 313-300-0932
Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ:
Alicia Hammonds | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | 574-935-1768
The Alliance for Catholic Education at Notre Dame sponsors a women’s vocation night every July in collaboration with the Chicago Archdiocesan Vocation Association. Sr. Connie Bach worked with Katie Moran and Taylor Kelly to plan this year’s event held virtually due to COVID-19.
Twelve undergrad and graduate students studying to become educators and volunteering throughout the country spent the evening in prayer and conversation with nine CAVA members.
During our panel presentation, topics such as community living, prayer life, the vows, discernment and “next steps” in the process were discussed. Breakout sessions were offered to ask questions of the sisters about these topics. These were followed by three sessions of “vocation speed dating,” also in break out rooms, where discerners could ask any questions of the sisters. The time was not nearly long enough as the women were very interested in the lives of the sisters!
There was great energy in the virtual rooms! Technology helped us to quickly form a sense of community despite COVID-19!
We closed with the following prayer:
Let your gift be to honor God with your heart, with your life, with every
breath you take and in every moment you are awake. May God’s will for
you be revealed in the right time and space, and may God find you ready
to follow that plan for a beautiful and precious life!
Sr. Connie Bach, PHJC
CAVA Events Coordinator
Get to know more about Sister Mary Ellen Goeller, Executive Director, System Services, in her new role as one of the four new executive directors at The Center at Donaldson.
What drew you to this new role within the ministries of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ?
As Executive Director of Ancilla Systems, Inc. (ASI), there were advantages of me moving into this new role, especially since the employees of ASI and The Center at Donaldson are entwined in their daily ministry.
What have you enjoyed the most so far in your new role?
I knew the other directors because of my work with them in their different roles and responsibilities in the past. While I always knew many of the activities that were happening at The Center at Donaldson, I especially enjoy working together with this group while we now talk about different events, listen, discuss any ideas and concerns, and come to a consensus as a team. We are really trying to make sure that sisters, residents and staff are aware and hear the same information on a timely basis.
What are your beliefs about motivating, influencing, serving and leading others?
As a PHJC, I/we are grateful to see the great leadership and care for the earth, as well as, everyone living, working and coming to The Center at Donaldson to see what a special place it is. I am so grateful and know there are many gifted individuals who share in our charism and we will journey into the future together.
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East Chicago, IN — Nazareth Home, a 24-hour group home for medically compromised babies and children has announced that it will be closing its doors after more than 25 years of service to Indiana children. Currently, there are no children living at Nazareth Home, and the organization will be officially closed on August 1, 2020.
Founded in 1993 by The Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ to confront the growing problem of abused or abandoned children with unique medical needs, Nazareth Home has served 230 children from newborn to age six (6). Located in a quiet neighborhood in East Chicago, Indiana, children were placed at Nazareth Home through referrals from the Department of Child Services and received the spiritual, physical, and emotional care that is so essential to early childhood development in a home-setting.
In early 2018, Nazareth Home received its license to be a group home. That same year, the Federal Government passed a bill that included the Family First Act, which drastically reduced the number of foster children placed into group homes. As a result, Nazareth Home, like other group homes, has been facing low census the past several years to the point that in mid-July there were no children in the home.
“This is a sad time for all of us. We can take comfort, when we remember all the special children, over the past 25+ years, who have better lives because they received spiritual, emotional and physical care at Nazareth Home,” stated Sister Joetta Huelsmann, Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, Provincial.
A special closing ceremony will be held for the dedicated staff and volunteers.
Nazareth Home is a ministry of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ and administered by Ancilla Systems, a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization.
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The Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ are aware of the sexual abuse allegations that have been made against liturgical composer, David Haas, and stand in solidarity with the victims. As new allegations of abusive conduct continue to be reported against Mr. Haas, we hold each victim and their families in prayer.
As a member of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR), the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ support the following views and statements made by this national organization of women religious.
Click here for the latest issue.
Resolutions to Action (RTA) is a quarterly two-page resource on a current justice issue, distributed electronically by LCWR. Published by the LCWR Global Concerns Committee, this resource provides theological reflection, social analysis and suggested actions.
Diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma of the right breast (an aggressive form of breast cancer), the doctors told Sister Judian Breitenbach that without immediate surgery and radiation, she would die. That was over five years ago. Today, sitting on the couch at the Namaste Center in LaPorte, Indiana, she explains why she decided to forgo western medicine, decline surgery, and take an alternative approach to her healing.
The University of Saint Francis (USF) awarded the St. Joseph Community Health Foundation the "EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE ENGAGEMENT" award for their work with the Allen County Health Homes Program.
Congratulations to Sister Peg Spindler, CSA, Executive Director of Sojourner Truth House! She received an award during a Mother's Day program honoring local leaders of domestic abuse shelters.
Raquel Castro and Sr. Margaret Anne Henss, PHJC attended the annual REACH U.S. Technical Assistance Workshop in Atlanta, GA. on March 9-11, 2011 They were one of four presenters at the conference highlighting the REACH/Alcance program in Lake County.
Mission Outreach, a humanitarian effort of the Hospital Sisters of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis in Springfield, recently sent off its 200th container of donated medical supplies and equipment.
The container was sponsored by the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ for the St. Ann Mission Hospital in Meru, Kenya. On hand to celebrate the sending off of the supplies were Poor Handmaids, Sister Jolise May and Sister Mary Jo Shingler.
Sister Jolise, who is general superior of the order and resides in Germany, took a few minutes to talk with the group of volunteers who had come in to help load the shipment. She explained that the Poor Handmaids have been in Kenya for a little over 15 years.
Interventions Research Project tests effectiveness of diagnostic and treatment programs on local Burmese children with minimal English language skills and diverse cultural norms
Since 2004, the Foundation has co-sponsored with the Allen County Dept. of Health, a local lead poisoning prevention-healthy homes program. As a part of this program, various research projects have been launched in the past six years to assure that the most effective diagnostic and treatment programs are offered to local residents. This current research project is one more example.
P.O. Box 1; 9601 Union Road
Donaldson, IN 46513
(574) 936-9936
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