On June 16, Poor Handmaids, Maria Center residents, co-workers, and friends gathered at The Center at Donaldson for a special solidarity walk in support of the annual Walk for Sojourner Truth House (STH). While many walked in Gary on June 14, our community here stepped out with prayerful intention, standing in unity with the women and families served by STH every day.

Before beginning, the group gathered in prayer, lifting up the clients of Sojourner Truth House and all those facing the burdens of homelessness and hunger. As we moved together, the walk became more than a gesture, it became a quiet pilgrimage of presence, echoing the charism of Saint Katharina Kasper, who taught us to walk with the poor in both spirit and action.

Each step reflected a deep desire to accompany others with mercy, hope, and love. Though we were not physically in Gary, our spirits were with those walking there, and with every woman and family on a journey toward healing.

In moments like these, we are reminded that solidarity is not about distance, it is about connected. Rooted in prayer and mission, we walked as one.

During the week of April 26 – May 2, 2025, the Associate Community of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ celebrated their first Associate Week.

The week provided an opportunity to collaborate, interact and co-celebrate with fellow Associate Communities all over the Midwest who are members of Midwest Kindred Spirits.   Together we honored what we hold in common, the desire to reflect the charism of our founders/foundresses through the gospel values of love, peace and a sense of belonging to the world.

The week kicked off with the annual Companions on the Journey Retreat with the focus on Curiosity which celebrated the completion of a year of formation for three candidates who entered final discernment of their formal commitment as an Associate.

Also included in this week of celebration were daily shared prayer petitions, The Way of Creation prayer service, and an invitation to all Associate Communities to join an interactive zoom presentation, “Together We Rise: Community in Times of Change. In addition, the local Sisters designated a day of prayer during the week as a gift to the Associate Community. It was a wonderful way to celebrate together the Associate Way of Life!