Ancilla Domini Chapel in Donaldson, Indiana
Beginning July 12, Sundays at 9 a.m.
Catherine Kasper Chapel
Currently closed to the public.
The Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ are excited to welcome the public back to join us for Sunday Mass beginning on July 12th. Mass is at 9:00 am in the Ancilla Domini Chapel. We ask our visitors to please observe social distancing, wear face masks, and use the hand washing station as you enter the Motherhouse. Further instruction will be provided by an usher as you enter the Chapel. If you have any questions, please contact our director of liturgy and music, Andrew Jennings at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 574-935-1723.
Please note, there are a few days each year when the Poor Handmaids use the chapels for community worship or events. To verify if Mass times have changed, please call The Center at Donaldson's switchboard at (574) 936-9936.
The architecture of the Ancilla Domini Chapel expresses a great movement of the human spirit. The neo-Gothic columns of the nave soar up as if reaching toward God in heaven. Neo-Gothic refers to the adaptation of the medieval Gothic to twentieth century architecture. The columns are decorated with the ancient Greek and Roman design, the Corinthian style, used often by the Romans in their adaptations of Greek forms. A German baroque style of stained glass windows enhances the beauty of the chapel, which can seat 500 people. On the unique ceiling are featured images of angels supporting symbols of Mary as Queen.
The Annunciation scene above the main altar is an imported carved work. The scene is very significant to the Poor Handmaids because it symbolizes the Sisters’ charism and name. The statues represent Mary and the angel in dialogue (Luke 1:26-38). The angel is expressing God’s call to Mary to be the Mother of the Messiah, Jesus. Mary responds humbly of her desire to participate in God’s plan of redemption. She is willing to serve as mother of the Savior. Mary answered the angel, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Be it done to me according to your word.” The Latin words “Ancilla Domini,” mean “Handmaid of the Lord.” From this title Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ take their name.
Worship is the purpose of this chapel – to respond to God’s unconditional love through beauty, music, words, actions. The chapel is the center of liturgical celebration and of community prayer for the Sisters who live at Convent Ancilla Domini and all who belong to the American Province of this international congregation of women. Sisters gather here to take part in the Eucharist, to reflect on Holy Scripture and to celebrate the Liturgy of the Hours.
Ecumenical groups also frequently enjoy this worship space. It is a place of prayer for people of many faiths who study at Ancilla College, attend programs in Lindenwood or live at the Maria Center. The Ancilla Domini Chapel is open to all who visit The Center at Donaldson.
Photography in Ancilla Domini Chapel
The Ancilla Domini Chapel is a sacred place of worship for the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, co-workers and guests. Please respect their privacy in chapel.
Taking photographs should not conflict with the Sisters’ prayer times or Mass schedule.
We ask that all photographs be used in a respectful manner and for your personal enjoyment only. Photographs should not be sold or used in a way that is not consistent with the values of the Poor Handmaids.
Please inquire at the reception desk before taking photos in our chapel. You may be asked to sign a form indicating that the photographs will be used is a respectful manner. Guests of the PHJC Sisters and Lindenwood Retreat and Conference Center do not need to sign a form. Thank you.
Please click below for a virtual tour of the Ancilla Domini Chapel.
