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Maria Center Hosts First Annual High Tea Fundraiser
Maria Center, a ministry sponsored by the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, welcomed friends and supporters for its first annual High Tea Fundraiser.
Held on the grounds of The Center at Donaldson, the event brought together guests from the surrounding community along with Maria Center residents and several Poor Handmaid Sisters. Guests enjoyed an elegant tea service complete with a variety of teas, sweet treats, and the opportunity to gather in fellowship while learning more about Maria Center’s mission.
The event featured 18 themed raffle baskets, each generously filled with thoughtful items donated by the community and our partners. Laughter, conversation, and connection filled Cana Hall and reflected the spirit of hospitality that defines Maria Center and the broader mission of the Poor Handmaids.
Maria Center offers intendent senior living in a faith-filled, supportive environment where residents are encouraged to live with dignity and joy. Proceeds from the High Tea will help sustain the programs and services that enrich the lives of residents every day, from transportation support and wellness checks to social activities and spiritual care.
The team at Maria Center looks forward to making the High Tea an annual tradition and continuing to build a community where faith and care flourish.
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Congratulations to Sister Michele Dvorak, PHJC
Newly Elected Congregational Leader of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ
The Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ joyfully announce the election of Sister Michele Dvorak, PHJC as the new Congregational Leader of their international congregation.
Elected during the 26th General Chapter held in Dernbach, Germany—the birthplace of our foundress, Saint Katharina Kasper—Sister Michele begins a six-year leadership term (2025–2031) that will shape the mission and ministries of the congregation across nine countries.
A member of the United States Province, Sister Michele brings a lifetime of commitment, spiritual wisdom, and compassionate leadership. As Congregational Leader, she will serve at the heart of our global community—guiding, listening, and discerning the will of God alongside her fellow Sisters with courage and grace.
The role of Congregational Leader is a sacred calling: to walk humbly as a servant leader, to foster unity among diverse cultures, and to uphold the charism of Saint Katharina Kasper through every act of service and love.
We ask you to join us in prayer for Sister Michele and the newly forming Congregational Leadership Council, as they step into this sacred work of leadership and begin a new chapter in the shared journey of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ.
“Let us go wherever God may call us.”
– Saint Katharina Kasper
Announcing the Congregational Leadership Council (2025–2031)
The 26th General Chapter has also confirmed the election of the new Congregational Leadership Council who will serve alongside Sister Michele:
- First Councilor: Sister Sabitha Kalathil, PHJC (also elected Vicar of the Congregation)
- Second Councilor: Sister Nkechi Iwuoha, PHJC
- Third Councilor: Sister Rita Thykootam, PHJC
Please keep the new leadership team in your prayers as they begin this meaningful work in the spirit of unity, faith, and service.
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Interim Executive Director Mission Integration
February 20, 2024
We are pleased to announce that Sr. Carole Langhauser, PHJC began serving as Interim Executive Director of Mission Integration in November 2023.
Sr. Carole previously ministered as Mission Integration Director at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Mishawaka, IN. She brings a graduate certificate and fifteen years’ experience working in Mission Leadership. Sr. Carole will be responsible for new coworker orientation in Donaldson and Board formation initiatives with assistance from Sr. Linda Volk, PHJC and Justine Johnson (DEI Executive Director). Her education background in Mission and years of involvement with the St. Joseph Community Health Foundation Mission and Spirituality Committee give her a wealth of experience in this role.
Sr. Carole will be working part-time. Beyond new coworker orientation, her role will be specifically directed as a resource to St. Joseph Community Health Foundation, Sojourner Truth House and HealthVisions Midwest as they transition to self-sustainability and independence. This role is integral to each ministry as they uniquely determine how to integrate the charism of Saint Katharina and the Vision, Mission and Values of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ into the Boards’ and Ministries’ future governance and operations.
Sr. Carole is already known to most of our ministry leaders and will be connecting with each in the weeks ahead.
Partners in the work of the Spirit!
Provincial Leadership
Announcing the New Executive Director of HealthVisions Midwest
We are very pleased to announce that Sharon Tubbs has accepted the Executive Director position for HealthVisions Midwest, Inc.
Sharon has been serving as the Director of HealthVisions – Fort Wayne since March of 2020. Prior to accepting her position as the Director, Sharon worked as Community Liaison for the HEAL Program with St. Joseph Community Health Foundation.
Sharon comes with a Master’s degree in Human Services and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. Not only did Sharon spend seven years as the Editor for the largest newspaper in Florida, she is also an author and a keynote speaker/presenter in various venues.
Sharon is a native of Allen County but spent 20 years in Florida before returning in 2016. Sharon has excellent networking skills and has expanded programs in Fort Wayne through grants and partnerships.
We’re very pleased to have Sharon step into this Executive role bringing her experience within the PHJC organization to this next level of leadership. Sharon will begin her new role by January 1, 2024.
We ask God’s blessings on Sharon, HealthVisions’ Board of Directors, staff and all they serve!
Provincial Leadership:
Sr. Shirley Bell, PHJC – Provincial
Sr. Deborah Davis, PHJC – Councilor
Sr. Nkechi Iwuoha, PHJC – Councilor
Sr. Marybeth Martin, PHJC – Councilor