In this issue... - Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ

Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ
Partners in the work of the Spirit
Volume 31 No. 4 Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ Winter 2010
Catherine Kasper Home Therapy
Team Shines
Most readers know that the Catherine
Kasper Home is no longer just a
retirement home for the Poor Handmaid
Sisters and a few lay people. That
changed when CKH became licensed
as a Medicare/Medicaid
skilled nursing facility
and opened its doors
to the public in
2002. But did you
know that CKH
provides skilled
rehabilitative
therapy services
to over 100
individuals
annually?
In the first six
months of 2010, 54
residents were admitted
to CKH to receive therapy
under the Medicare Part A Skilled
Nursing Facility Benefit. To receive that
benefit, an individual 65 years or older
must first have had a qualifying stay of
a minimum of three consecutive nights
at an acute care hospital. While some of
the most common admitting conditions
are those who have undergone hip
or knee surgeries, or those who have
suffered a recent stroke, there are a
multitude of diagnoses for which a
person can be admitted to receive therapy.
Of the 54 residents admitted for therapy
between January and June of this year,
37 were able to return home. That is
a success rate of nearly 70%. While it
is certainly the entire team at CKH that
is responsible for such a high success
rate, the majority of credit must go to
CKH’s outstanding therapy team. Led
by physical therapist Maynard Utayde,
the team consists of Sharon
Quaco – occupational
therapist, Alison
Murphy – speech
pathologist, Jamie
Manns – certified
occupational
therapy
assistant, and
Paula Kinney –
physical therapy
assistant.
Physical Therapist
Maynard Utayde
works with a patient at
Catherine Kasper Home.
Maynard Utayde is the unquestioned
leader of this dynamic team. A native
of the Philippines, Maynard studied
and trained in his native country before
coming to the United States in 1995.
From 1996 to 2003 he worked as a
physical therapist for Miller’s Senior
Living Community in Plymouth and
Culver, Indiana. He also worked at St.
Joseph’s Regional Medical Center in
Plymouth for over three years before
coming to CKH in November of 2005.
Maynard became a U.S. Citizen on the
4th of July 2010.
(Catherine Kasper Home Therapy Team
Shines, continued on page 20)
In this
issue...
Inge Kirk Honored
with 2010 Catherine
Kasper Award
…page 2
In Memory of Our
Associate …page 3
Ancilla College
Holds Annual Donor
Recognition Dinner
…page 4
Faith-in-Action
Education and Service
…page 5
Sojourner Truth
House: Ways to
Volunteer …page 5
Nazareth Home Gala
Recognizes Sister
Barbara Kuper, PHJC
…page 6
Sister Esther Dolezal,
PHJC Shares Her
Experiences in Kenya
…page 7
A New Series…
Listening to the
Waters …page 9
Memories will last a
lifetime… …page 10
HealthVisions
Midwest–REACH/
Alcance Program
…page 13
This & That
…pages 14-15
Lindenwood Hosts
Midwest Retreat
Centers …page 16
Vow Ceremony
Reflects Faith in the
Family …page 17
La Casita de
Catalina Blessed as
Construction Begins
…page 18
PHJC Annual Raffle
Winners …page 19

Openness to the Spirit • Community
Our Values
In Action
Dignity and Respect for all • Simplicity •
Values in Action
Inge Kirk Honored with
2010 Catherine Kasper Award
Inge Kirk was recently
named the 2010 recipient
of the prestigious
Blessed Catherine
Kasper Award.
Inge Kirk, a Center for Student Achievement Advisor
at Ancilla College, was honored at the Annual PHJC
Ministry Center Co-worker Awards Luncheon on
September 12.
The award recognizes PHJC Ministry Center
coworkers who “carry on the legacy of Blessed
Catherine and the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ”
and honors them for acting as models of the Poor
Handmaid’s core values: Openness to the Spirit,
Community, Simplicity, and Dignity and Respect
for all. Co-workers are nominated in a process that
includes PHJC Sisters, Maria Center Residents and
all co-workers.
“I’m very delighted Inge Kirk was chosen to be
honored,” said Sister Carleen Wrasman, PHJC and
Coordinator of Campus Ministry. “Day in and day
out, she strives to do what is best for our students. Her
contact with students is both professional and very
personable.
We all try to live in the spirit of Catherine Kasper, and
she has exemplified that over all these years. She is
certainly a deserving honoree for living those values in
the spirit of Catherine Kasper.”
“I feel very honored,” said Inge. “I always thought
the world of my co-workers. I know they care about
me. I was in a state of shock when I found out. It is a
special honor, and I am humbled by it.”
Inge Kirk, whose husband, Don, passed away not too
long ago, was quick to mention how supportive the
Center for Student Achievement was for her during
those times and how much it meant to her.
“They were with me when Don was sick. When I lost
my husband, they were there for me. I’m humbled by
it. I could not believe that when Don passed away I
saw 75 percent of Ancilla College come to pay their
respects. How do you say thank you? There are no
cards, no words, are there?”
Inge Kirk has also become a favorite among many
students over the years. Her willingness to spend time
with and to be a strong role model for them has made
her a confidant to numerous members of Ancilla’s
student body.
“That’s how my grandmother raised me, to have
strong morals, values and appreciate all of mankind,”
said Inge. “All my life, my grandmother was my idol,
my hero. I strive to be half the person she was. I never
know when I’ll reach that halfway mark.”
-
James Drzewiecki, Men’s Sports Information Director,
Ancilla College
Inge Kirk first came to Ancilla College in 1998 as a
50-year-old non-traditional student following a layoff
from her job at a local manufacturing company.
During her time as a student, she served as a work
study in both the Office of Admissions and the
Registrar Office. Upon graduation in 2000, she was
hired as the Assistant Registrar.
Inge was eventually promoted to Associate Registrar
before transferring to the Center for Student
Achievement in 2007.
Inge Kirk (left)
and Sister Carleen
Wrasman pose in
front of a mural of
Blessed Catherine
Kasper with the
Blessed Catherine
Kasper Award.
2 | Word Gathering

In Memory
In Memory of Our Associate
South Associate Anna Kampwerth died in
October at the age of 108. She resided in
Carlyle Healthcare Center, Carlyle, Illinois.
Anna is survived by three daughters,
Associate Alice (Leo) Kerkemeyer of
Collinsville, Illinois, Sister Annemarie,
PHJC, of East Chicago, Indiana, and
Dolores (Fred) Blum of San Antonio,
Texas. She also is survived by 14
grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and
4 great-great-grandchildren. She also has a
daughter-in-law, a brother, and two sisters
who survive her.
Anna became an Associate in 1983, being one of the charter people in the
Associate Community. In 2010 she was distinguished by the Associate
Community as an Associate in Spirit. This is based on her many years of
devoted service as an Associate with the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ.
Along with being an Associate, Anna was a member of St. Anthony’s and
St. Mary Altar Society, a volunteer at the Carlyle Healthcare Center, a
member of the Carlyle Senior Citizens, and a charter member of Clinton
County Home Extension. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, quilting,
bingo, playing pinochle and keeping up with the daily news.
Visitation was held at Frerker Funeral Home in Carlyle and a Mass of
Christian Burial was at St. Mary Church in Carlyle.
May Anna rest in peace.
Design and Layout:
Katherine Amick
Communications Director and
Editor:
Julie Dowd
Proofreaders:
Sister Linda Volk
Sister Kathleen Morrissey
Copy Editor:
Sister Agatha Niebrugge
Editorial Board:
Sister Virginia Kampwerth,
Sister Kathy Haas, Sister
Marlene Ann Lama, Sister
Mary Josef Shingler, Gayle
Fiwek, Ruth VanVactor, Sister
Sue Rogers, RSCJ; James
Drzewiecki, Jason Greve, Julie
Dowd, Brother Bob Overland,
FS; Sister Agatha Niebrugge,
Katherine Amick, Lynne Baldwin,
Andrew Zehner
Word Gathering is published
quarterly by the American
Province of the Poor Handmaids
of Jesus Christ of Donaldson,
Indiana for Sisters of the
Province, Associate Community,
members of the Fiat Spiritus
Community and friends.
Contents of Word Gathering
are not official, nor do they
necessarily reflect the views of
PHJC Provincial Leadership.
Contact Information:
(Addition to Fall 2010 Word Gathering issue)
The “Word Gathering” editorial board would like to recognize
Sister Mary Savoi and Sister Margaret Nacke (Sisters of St. Joseph
of Concordia, Kansas) in the article “Telling Our Stories as Women
Religious” printed in the autumn issue. Both Sisters interviewed,
photographed, recorded and organized “Interrupted Lives” and did
so with deep respect.
Word Gathering
P. O. Box 1
Donaldson, IN 46513
Email:
julied@poorhandmaids.org
Website:
www.poorhandmaids.org
Share our stories with others by
passing along Word Gathering
to friends and family.
Winter 2010 | 3

Ancilla College
Ancilla College Holds Annual Donor
Recognition Dinner
Ancilla College hosted its annual
Donor Recognition Dinner
on October 7, in Cana Hall in
Donaldson.
Over 150 of the College’s most
generous donors were on hand
as Ancilla College President Dr. Ron May presented
Gordon Taiclet with the Ancilla Award.
The Ancilla Award, initiated in 1975, is Ancilla College’s
highest award and honors someone who has shown
distinguished community service and who has been a
loyal and dedicated supporter of Ancilla College.
Nearly 60 Lampen Award Honorees, many of whom
were in attendance, were recognized for having each
donated in excess of $1000 in the past fiscal year.
Ancilla College President Dr. Ron May (left)
and Ancilla Award honoree Gordon Taiclet.
Betty Chesak, President of the Ancilla Alumni Association,
was also on hand to present Lilly Myers with the
Sister Mary Dolores Outstanding Alumni Award.
“We are thankful for the continued generosity of those
who make financial gifts to the college,” said Dr.
May. “Through their continued support we are able
to provide high quality educational opportunities to
students in north central Indiana. This dinner is just a
small way we can publically thank those who support
the college.”
-
James Drzewiecki, Men’s Sports Information Director,
Ancilla College
Sister Mary Dolores Outstanding Alumni
Award honoree Lilly Myers (left) and husband
Greg Myers.
www.poorhandmaids.org
visit our website for
• current events • online donations
• PHJC ministries • maps & directions
• vocations • newsletters
4 | Word Gathering

Ancilla College/Sojourner Truth House
Faith-in-Action Education and Service
Poor Handmaid
values such as
dignity and
respect for all,
caring for the
poor and
vulnerable, and
working for the
common good
are part of the
Ancilla College students helping with foundation on
yard work at Sojourner Truth House. which Ancilla
College rests.
These values are the driving force behind the college today.
Ancilla provides numerous opportunities for students
to serve. Incoming freshmen are required to provide
at least three hours of community service during
their first semester. Various athlete and student
groups provide different types of volunteer services
throughout the year at the PHJC Ministry Center and
elsewhere in the local community.
Every fall and spring, volunteers from Ancilla College
travel to Sojourner Truth House (STH) in Gary, Indiana
to spend a day helping this PHJC ministry. On
October 19, a record number of Ancilla faculty, staff,
and students packed a bus to go to STH. Twentytwo
Ancilla volunteers delivered donated goods and
helped with cleaning and yard work. Other volunteers
cleaned outside areas of two nearby abandoned buildings
recently acquired by STH.
Ancilla’s Coordinator of Mission Integration and
Campus Ministry, Sister Carleen Wrasman, said
“Our volunteers were from a broad spectrum of
new and continuing students both traditional and
non-traditional, faculty and staff. Everyone was
ready to pitch in and didn’t require much direction
or oversight.” Students were excited and touched by
Sojourner Truth House’s ever expanding services as
a day shelter for Gary women caught in the cycles of
poverty, addiction, and mental illness
Ancilla freshman Joana Baca said her experience
was a very eye-opening one. She said, “I left there
with much more gratitude and appreciation for what I
have.” Student-volunteer Carolyn Connor said, “The
experience was beautiful for the heart and soul.” She
added, “Serving here has been a bonding experience
for us. It’s been amazing to see the magnificent things
done at Sojourner Truth House which help so many
women regain their dignity and self-respect, get back
on their feet, and achieve independence.”
Sojourner Truth House: Ways To Volunteer
Sojourner Truth House is blessed to have generous,
dedicated and creative volunteers.
One style of volunteering is as an Interviewer. In the
course of volunteering, Interviewers greet the walk-in
community and the shelter community, and connect
clients with the Purdue Calumet Nursing students for
services such as blood pressure and cholesterol
screening. Interviewers interact with Ancilla College
students from Donaldson, who are doing community
service, with Sojourner staff, Intern Chaplains from
Urban Clinical Pastoral Education (UCPE) and Social
Work Interns from Indiana University Northwest, to
name a few.
-
Sam Soliman, Ancilla College
Edited by Sister Carleen Wrasman, PHJC
During the initial interview conversation with a client
from the walk-in community, volunteers often serve
as a link to information of resources for clothing,
personal items, food pantries and assist with computer
job-search and application, and with résumé writing.
Questions regarding flu shots, medication, schools for
children and adult computer classes are answered.
The Interviewer contributes time, dedication and openness.
We are grateful to all the Interviewers for being an
important link in making a difference in someone’s life.
-
Sister Loretta Schleper, PHJC
Winter 2010 | 5

Nazareth Home
Nazareth Home Gala Recognizes
Sister Barbara Kuper, PHJC
The atrium of the
Hammond Federal
Courthouse once again
became the festive
location for the Nazareth
Home’s annual Gala on
Thursday, October 21.
• Carl Lindskog, Amore Restaurant, Crown Point
• Jack Mix, Comfort’s Catering, St. John
• Cheryl Molenda, The Inn at Aberdeen, Valparaiso;
• Terry Zych, Ivy Tech Community College,
Michigan City.
Honored in a bittersweet
tribute that evening, was
Sister Barbara Kuper,
PHJC, who will be
leaving her position as
Sister Barbara Kuper, PHJC
Nazareth Home Director
and foster mother in 2011.
It was a touching display as those who have partnered
in the spirit of Nazareth Home were able to pay
tribute to Sister Barbara, who has spent the past 17
years playing the part of “angel to more than 150
medically compromised infants and children.” One
volunteer remarked that Sister Barbara is “a wonderful
ambassador of Christ.” The outpouring of love and
support was palpable when Toni Mola, Administrator
of Ancilla Systems Incorporated, presented Sister
Barbara with a plaque of recognition for her dedication.
The gala was not only a celebration of Sister Barbara’s
transition. As always, the focus was on the miracles of
Nazareth Home that give countless new beginnings
to children who may be otherwise forgotten. With
proceeds dedicated to operational costs of the home,
guests visited multiple chef stations and dined on
gourmet hors d’oeuvres and desserts while bidding on
elaborate auction items.
Celebrity chefs and eateries who donated their time
and culinary specialties were:
Serving on the Gala Advisory Committee were
Chairperson Tom Collins, Jane Bomberger, Jeff Camp,
Stan Dabrowski, Reggie Dotson, Beth Kaminski,
Laura Kittle, Karren Lee, Joanne Markiewicz, Janice
Moss-Woods, Hilda Pabey, Terry Quinn, Sandy Smith,
Damian Rico and Milt Triana.
Serving on the Gala Planning Committee were Co-
Chairs Peggy Guernsey and Joyce Koch, Gretchen
Bray, Barb Dabrowski, Karen Ditola, Leroy Fassett,
Sue Acala, Eileen McKern, Deb Trelo, Maria Orozco,
and Mary Paquin.
The evening was a beautiful display of a community
united to make a difference in the lives of the
medically compromised children who come to
Nazareth Home.
-
Stacy Price, Ancilla Systems Incorporated
Best Wishes
Sister Barbara!
• Ashley Archer, Ameristar Casino, East Chicago
• Benito Gamba, Gamba Ristorante, Merrillville
• Jim Latsoudis, Atlas Catering and the Jury Box,
Hammond
6 | Word Gathering

Sister Esther Dolezal, PHJC Shares Her
Experiences in Kenya
Jambo! Ten years of
faithful service have
filled Sister Esther
Dolezal, PHJC with
many experiences and
memories of Kenya.
Residents and coworkers
gathered in
the Catherine Kasper
auditorium on August
20 to listen to her
stories and understand
Sister Esther Dolezal, PHJC
the impact of the PHJC
ministries in Africa.
Through their efforts Kenyan children are provided
food, clothes, medicine and an education.
Sister Esther shared that her life is changing soon,
moving from Materi Girls Centre to the Children’s
Home, St. Joseph’s Caring Place by Mitunguu where
she will join Sister Germaine. The schools are a long,
bumpy, 4 ½ hour drive northeast of Nairobi. The road
conditions are poor, but Sister Esther has made many
friends on the long journey using Kenya’s unique
public transportation system - Land Rovers that work
their way through the rough terrain. Kenya is located
in the Rift Valley, a geothermal area near the equator.
There are two months in the year when it rains nonstop,
turning the area into mud. One Sister asked, “Do
you have a good pair of boots?”
The living conditions are simple, making use of
available resources. The forests are gone from
centuries of firewood scavenging, leaving literally
bush country - tall grasses and short bushes. People
live in small mud brick dwellings with steel roofs or
the native circular huts with thatched roofs. There
is no indoor plumbing. A central well serves the
community. Sister Esther has been carrying and
boiling her water for the past 10 years, two buckets
a day, three on laundry day. Some electric power is
(Sister Esther Dolezal, PHJC Shares Her Experiences
in Kenya, continued on page 8)
International
Young students
living at St. Joseph’s
Caring Place.
Winter 2010 | 7

International
(Sister Esther Dolezal, PHJC Shares Her Experiences
in Kenya, continued from page 7)
available but only when water levels in the river are
sufficient to power the dams. Geothermal is also used
for electricity, but it is not highly developed. Sister
Esther uses candles. Don’t expect her to answer emails!
… . . . more snapshots
from Kenya
Women in Kenya know the meaning of teamwork.
The women collect wood daily to fuel their large cook
stoves. They cook meals together and as a group plant
corn sowing each kernel using a hand knife. When
asked what the men do, Sister Esther smiled and said,
“They talk.” She went on to explain the patriarchal
society of Kenya and the division of labor between the
men and women.
The audience expressed concern regarding political
unrest in the region. Sister Esther reported that
Kenya recently passed a new constitution containing
legislation on land reform, reduced presidential
powers and granted abortion rights. Kenya is an
important peaceful hub and place of refuge in East
Africa. She hopes that no violence will erupt during
the upcoming presidential election in 2012.
The area is rural. People gather together on Sunday in
prayer houses, a single room structure. A priest visits
the different groups once a month. Parishes are being
constructed, but the prayer house remains an important
part of spiritual life.
The future of Kenya is bright for the country and for the
Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ. This year brings the
first final professed African Sister from Kenya, Sister
Jacqueline. There are now many Kenyan Sisters and
even more in formation. The PHJC mission continues
in the schools, children’s homes and hospitals.
-
Lynne Baldwin, Communications Assistant
8 | Word Gathering

A New Series…Listening to the Waters
Vortex 1…Water Seeks the Lowest Level
Citizen scientists monitor their own water quality!
MoonTree Community
The Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ Ecological
Relationships Committee hosted a training workshop
for those interested in learning how to test and
maintain water quality in our nearby lakes and
streams. Students from Ancilla College and members
of the Flat Lake Watershed Group and MoonTree
Community met at Earthworks in October to learn
from Nancy Brown, volunteer educator and Program
Nancy Brown (left) and Sister Mary
Coordinator for Elkhart County’s Soil and Water
Baird, PHJC demonstrate how to test
Conservation District.
water and maintain water quality.
Nancy offered her time and talent to teach the
introductory course from Hoosier Riverwatch, a statesponsored
water quality monitoring initiative that
began in 1994. The group gained hands-on experience
in the use of chemical monitoring kits and aquatic
insect collection and identification. With the course
now complete, they become “Certified Volunteer Monitors”
and can submit data to the statewide stream database.
The mission of Hoosier Riverwatch is to involve
the citizens of Indiana in becoming active stewards
of Indiana’s water resources through watershed Two workshop participants test for water quality.
education, water monitoring, and clean-up activities.
“As signers of The Earth Charter,
we Poor Handmaids, who bear the
symbol of water on our logo, eagerly
embrace this program and thank Nancy
for sharing her experience with us.”
–Sister Mary Baird, PHJC
This simple act of water study initiates a contribution
to the worldwide effort to preserve the planet’s healthy
water. The pool of awareness, protecting waters for the
future, continues to grow.
Participants discuss water monitoring
with educator Nancy Brown.
- Sister Mary Baird, PHJC, MoonTree Community
Winter 2010 | 9

Special Feature
Memories will last a lifetime…
Sisters pictured visiting
Dusseldorf, Germany.
and the blessing of these six weeks.
From August 13 to
September 29, 2010
eight American
Sisters joined eight
Indian Sisters, five
German Sisters and
three leaders for the
International Spiritual
and Cultural Exchange
Program (ISCEP)
which is sponsored by
the Poor Handmaids
of Jesus Christ
Congregation. This
factual statement does
not even come close to
describing the richness
On August 13, Sisters Rosemary Jung, Michelle
Dermody, Katie Bobber, Loretta Schleper, Christine
Styka, Barbara Kuper, and Pauline Bridegroom, along
with Sister Jolise May who was returning to Germany,
gathered at O’Hare Airport to embark on this exciting
journey. From Chicago they flew to Frankfurt, Germany.
Sister Mary Joan Trippel left from Mexico City on
August 12 and arrived in Frankfurt the day before.
Sisters enjoying each other’s
company during their travels.
In the Frankfurt
airport they met
the eight Indian
Sisters who
would be their
companions
for the next six
weeks. When
they arrived by
bus in Dernbach,
the group was
joined by the five
German Sisters. The ISCEP group was completed by
its three leaders, Sisters Christiane, Gonzalo, and Flora
from the General Leadership Team.
The program began with an orientation meeting
the day after their arrival. By that time they had
participated in Solemn Vespers, Lauds,
and two Masses, all in German. Over
the course of their four weeks in Germany, they heard
much, and learned a little, of the German language.
With the help of body language, translators,
dictionaries, and determination, they managed to
communicate with one another. Since the Indian
Sisters speak English, that communication was easier;
however, all had to learn to speak more slowly to
become accustomed to each other’s “accents.”
There were study days focusing on internationality,
scripture, congregational history, and Catherine
Kasper’s spirituality. Members went on numerous
excursions which included traveling to Wirges (some
Sisters walked) to visit Catherine Kasper’s parish
church and her shrine. When they took the train to
Limburg they were accompanied, on the first part of
their trip, by many young people who were on their
way to a school in Montabaur. In Limburg they saw
the bishop’s house where Catherine Kasper visited
repeatedly as she tried to obtain the bishop’s approval
for beginning the congregation.
Their travels
included Cologne,
Aulhausen and
Dusseldorf. A
highlight for many
was the visit to
Josefsmonument
in Dusseldorf.
Catherine Kasper is
prominent on this
sculpture which
depicts some of the
history of the city.
Josefsmonument in
Dusseldorf, Germany.
The artist was on hand to explain the history and the
meaning of the sculpture. This sculpture pointed out
for the Sisters the significance of Poor Handmaids in
Dusseldorf, and in other cities as well.
In Galeen in the Netherlands the Sisters visited
the memorial to Sister Aloysia Lowenfels, a Poor
Handmaid who was killed in a Nazi concentration
camp. The memorial stands on the approximate spot
10 | Word Gathering

Special Feature
the chapel occupied in the convent where she was
arrested by the Nazis in 1942.
A special time in Dernbach was the opportunity to
visit the Heilborn. Some Sisters made it a daily
pilgrimage.
The Sisters ended their stay in Germany with a five
day retreat. Then it was off to India. The Indian
Sisters met them at the Bangalore airport and took
them by bus to Seva Nilaya, the Indian Motherhouse.
Indian Poor Handmaids share the rich culture,
spirituality and current conditions of their country
with American and German Sisters.
Their days in India were filled with studies
in which they learned about Indian
culture and spirituality, the conditions
in India today, and the ministry of
the Poor Handmaids in the Indian
Province.
While there they saw the poverty
and the prosperity of India. Poverty
was on their visit to Mother Theresa’s
home for abandoned children, the
clinic where the Poor Handmaids
minister to people suffering with leprosy,
the Poor Handmaid mission where there is a school, a
home for the elderly, and a social work center. Father
Anthony, O. Praem., introduced them to the work he is
doing in the juvenile justice system and with the street
children. They also observed poverty as they rode
through the streets of Bangalore.
They experienced the results of the prosperity of
India in the streets as well. The city has had such
an influx of technical jobs that it is becoming the
Silicone Valley of India. Many job opportunities have
brought countless people to Bangalore and the city
has grown exponentially. So many people now live
in Bangalore that the support system (streets, etc,) is
stretched and overflowing. Looking out bus windows
the Sisters could see a river of motorcycles, cars, taxis,
auto-rickshaws (these provide an interesting ride!),
people pushing carts, pedestrians, and a few cows and
dogs. It is remarkable
to watch a place where
two crowded streets
come together and merge
into one street. Vehicles
flow together semismoothly
with the help
of constantly honking
horns along with a great
deal of patience, skill and
assertiveness.
Most impressive in India
were the people. The
Sister Loretta Schleper,
Sisters are phenomenal
PHJC (right) in Indian
in their ministries and as
ritual.
women religious. Their
lives express a quiet
strength, a deep spirituality, and a warm
love that can be seen in their eyes. In
a short two weeks all came to love
them dearly. The spirit of Catherine
Kasper is alive and well in India and
all are proud to be their Sisters.
The other people the Sisters were
introduced to in their study and our
travels are, likewise, people they hold
in high regard. They are people who are
doing extraordinary self-giving ministry to
improve the lives of others.
When it came time to leave India some of the Sisters
wanted to stay, to relocate, but common sense (and
commitments at home) prevailed so they said their
(Memories will last a lifetime…,
continued on page 12)
Winter 2010 | 11

Special Feature
(Memories will last a lifetime…,
continued from page 11)
good-byes and returned to Dernbach. After a short
night in Dernbach they headed back to the Frankfurt
airport for the trip back to reality. Sister Mary Joan
flew to Mexico City, Sister Michelle to London to visit
Poor Handmaids there, and the rest of the Americans
headed back to Chicago.
“Memories of the blessings, the growth, the
friendships, the adventure, will last a lifetime. When
asked prior to the trip what I looked forward to the
most, I would reply, “Meeting Sisters from other
countries.” Indeed, getting to know Sisters from other
countries was the best part of the ISCEP!”
-
Sister Pauline Bridegroom, PHJC
Poor Handmaids learning about German culture.
The Sisters of the ISCEP were deeply touched by
the death and funeral of Sister Sheeja Thannipara,
PHJC, who died suddenly on September 22, at the
age of 28.
Sister Rosemary Jung writes, “What I will
remember the longest and with the deepest feeling
was the funeral of Sister Sheeja. It was evident
that the example of her life touched the hearts of
the Indian Sisters and also the many people in
Bangalore who knew her. The response of the
Sisters was an outpouring of prayers and heartfelt
tears that showed their genuine sisterly charity and
concern.” Sister Sheeja’s funeral was held at Seva
Nilaya on September 23.
Sister’s body was brought to the convent at
about 8:00 a.m. The grief of the Sisters was
great. Taking her body into the chapel which was
adorned with white flowers, they lovingly filled
the coffin with more white flowers. The singing
and praying began immediately and continued
until it was time for Mass to begin at 10:30 a.m.
During this time there was a constant stream of
people coming to bid Sister Sheeja farewell. There
were Sisters from many different communities,
as well as many priests, brothers and laypeople.
Prayers and songs were in both English and
Malayalam, the language of Sister’s home State.
Many visitors brought flowers to place in the
coffin until it was completely filled. Mass followed,
celebrated by the Archbishop Emeritus. The
chapel was completely filled, with people overflowing
into the entry area and the adjoining veranda.
After Mass, buses took the mourners to the
cemetery in Kallpally, Bangalore, where Sister
Sheeja was laid to rest. Many tears were shed by
the Sisters, the family, and the visitors that day.
Group photo of all ISCEP participants.
Standing with our Indian Sisters as they mourned
the death of their dearly loved Sister was an honor
and a blessing.
12 | Word Gathering

A REACH/Alcance Program
participant and her young child.
and hypertension during pregnancy.
HealthVisions Midwest
HealthVisions Midwest–REACH/Alcance Program
In Indiana, and
across the United
States, Latino
women are less likely
to enter prenatal
care in the first
trimester. They are
also more likely to
encounter no access
or limited access
to providers and
diagnostic testing.
Latino women
in Indiana have
shown to be at high
risk of developing
gestational diabetes
The Alcance program has also developed a bilingual
helpline, which helps create program visibility
in increasing the number of women receiving
assistance. Just recently, because the mothers were
able to speak with a Community Health Worker about
prenatal concerns, they have been able to intervene
in two events that could adversely have affected the
wellbeing of two unborn babies.
Since the inception of the program they have become
aware that pregnant women residing in Lake County,
Indiana seek prenatal care in the neighboring state of
Illinois. This is due to the fact that Illinois has adopted
the Medicaid option which covers the unborn child
of any undocumented immigrant woman residing in
Illinois. This makes it difficult when working to assist
prenatal undocumented women in Lake County, and
track accurate figures for pregnancy outcomes.
With support from a grant from the Center of Disease
Control (CDC), HealthVisions Midwest REACH/
Alcance Program and Coalition in Lake County,
Indiana is working to raise awareness about infant
mortality in the Hispanic Latino community in Lake
County. The goal is to increase the number of Latino
women entering prenatal care by using community
health workers/Promotoras to eliminate barriers and
increase access to services. All of the Community
Health Workers are bilingual and provide assistance
at key community locations that Hispanic/Latino
women often frequent. They serve as bridges between
community members and healthcare services. They
assist a local university and their school of nursing
in providing prenatal education by bridging the
language gap as interpreters. In their role as navigators
they bolster client confidence by assisting them in
acquiring services.
In instances of domestic violence or abuse, Community
Health Workers assist clients in completing documentation
needed for protective orders. They serve as advocates
in order to strengthen access to care in existing community
programs and serve as members in the coalition in
order to provide awareness about community issues
and give input to potential solutions.
As a result of the concerted efforts of local community
leaders, stakeholders, and the coalition, the Indiana
office of Medicaid Policy and Planning will consider
a request for policy change. The policy will ensure
care to immigrant mothers via the unborn option. This
would help to address current issues in Lake County
REACH/Alcance Program community health
workers meet with Lake County, Indiana Sheriff
Roy Dominguez.
in providing services to undocumented immigrant
women and would allow coverage of the unborn or
fetus option. Also, if adopted, medical interpreters
will be considered providers and will be able to
receive Medicaid reimbursement for services rendered.
(HealthVisions Midwest–REACH/Alcance Program,
continued on page 14)
Winter 2010 | 13

HealthVisions Midwest/This & That
(HealthVisions Midwest–REACH/Alcance Program,
continued from page 13)
This would assist to decrease confusion in
the delivery of care, rendering clear concise
patient-provider communication for safe
practice.
This November the REACH/Alcance
program has partnered with a local medical
interpreting association in an effort to advance
the standards of medical interpreting in
Indiana. Via a conference venue, they will
engage stakeholders to move forward the
role of the medical interpreter in Indiana.
New to the program is the “Mommy and Me”
support group. Because many of the clients
are immigrants, many have families outside
of the country. This lack of support and
because of the current atmosphere regarding
immigration issues, many suffer depression
and isolation. The goal of the “Mommy
and Me” group is to provide a venue for
prenatal education and social interaction.
A Community Health Worker monitors the
progress of the group. The women look
forward to attending and have made friends
within the group. They enjoy the support
group so much that it is hard for them to
leave when the sessions are over! Currently
they are planning to begin other support
groups in different areas of Lake County.
-
Raquel Castro, HealthVisions Midwest,
Director of the REACH/Alcance Program
Dale Law Retires
Ancilla Systems Incorporated
(ASI) recently announced
the retirement of Dale
Law, Vice President,
Support Services effective
December 31, 2010.
Dale began his long career
with the Poor Handmaids
of Jesus Christ in Fort Wayne
in 1967 as a student in the
School of Medical Technology at
St. Joseph Medical Center and began his career as
a Medical Technologist in the laboratory in 1969.
Throughout the years, Dale held various positions
at the medical center. In 1997, he accepted the
materials management position at ASI. He was
promoted to Vice President, Material Management
and transferred to ASI in Hobart in 1998 after the
sale of St. Joseph Medical Center. He provided
support during the transition of hospitals and
in 2005 was named Vice President, Support
Services. At that time, he began assisting the
Poor Handmaids with Project Management and
maintained support and facilities services at
ASI. His first major project in Donaldson was
Catherine’s Cottage.
Dale and his wife, Sue, plan to enjoy travelling and
visiting with family and friends in the new year.
Effective January 1, 2011, JR Daves will assume
the responsibilities as the Vice President, Support
Services. JR joined ASI in June 2009 as the
Information Technology Director. He provides
technical expertise and consultative services. JR
has assisted with renovation projects at the PHJC
ministries and convents. He will continue to be
involved in IT services ad facilities management
at ASI.
Please join us in wishing both Dale and JR the best
in their new endeavors.
Congratulations Dale!
14 | Word Gathering

This & That
PHJC Welcomes New Candidate
Denise Smith of Fort Wayne, Indiana, began her
candidacy with the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ
during a prayer service on September 12 at the
Motherhouse in Donaldson. Denise shared this
special event with her family and the Poor Handmaid
community. Candidacy is an initial step in the process
of becoming a Poor Handmaid Sister. In order to
experience living in community while balancing her
ministry as a physician, and learning more about being
a Poor Handmaid of Jesus Christ, Denise will live with
Denise Smith (center) pictured above with Sister
the Sisters at Marian Convent in Fort Wayne.
Carole Langhauser, PHJC (left) and Sister Julienne
Smith, PHJC (right) from Marian Convent.
- Julie Dowd, Communications Director The General Leadership Team from Germany –
Sister Jolise May, General Superior, and the General
Councilors – Sister Gonzalo Vakasseril, Sister Flora
Vedamuthu and Sister Christiane Humpert visited the
American Province from October 7 to December 26.
Every American Poor Handmaid was personally
visited during this time along with the various PHJC
ministries. General Leadership visits all Poor
Handmaids world-wide during their term of office.
The General Leadership Team from Germany pictured
from left to right: Sister Christiane Humpert, PHJC, - Julie Dowd, Communications Director
Sister Jolise May, PHJC, Sister Flora Vedamuthu,
PHJC and Sister Gonzalo Vakasseril, PHJC
PHJC Ministry Center Water Tower Complete!
Construction on the new PHJC Ministry Center water tower has been
completed. The elevated tank is 160 feet in overall height and has the capacity
to store 100,000 gallons of water. The line from the wells to the tower passed
both pressure and sterilization tests. The Ministry Center is now waiting for
the exterior paint to cure before filling and final sterilization. It is the Ministry
Center’s hope to be able to have the tower on-line and operational by the first
of the year.
- Susie Black, Director, Ministry Center Services
General Leadership Visits the American Province
Winter 2010 | 15

Lindenwood
Lindenwood Hosts Midwest Retreat Centers
From October 5-7, 2010, twelve directors or staff
members of the Midwest Retreat Centers organization
met at the Lindenwood Retreat and Conference Center.
A number of the centers represented were originally
members of the Area 5 Retreat Centers under the
umbrella of Retreats International.
When Retreats International closed, 18 retreat centers
formed a new group and called themselves the
Midwest Retreat Centers.
Recognizing the value of networking and collaborating,
Midwest Retreat Centers meets twice a year at the
various member retreat centers to discuss business
topics, spiritual needs, and to enjoy fellowship.
An invaluable part of the time spent together is sharing
what is taking place at the retreat centers; successes,
areas of challenge and programming ideas that work.
They also discuss the various aspects of the retreat
business. With each retreat center offering different
opportunities for their participants, it is interesting to
get another’s perspective on a unique situation.
One product of these discussions is that several of the
retreat centers are using Retreat Manager, a computer
software program specific to the needs of retreat
centers. Another is the use of a card swipe system for
guests to enter buildings at the center’s facility. While
these meetings are business oriented, time is also set
aside for participants to enjoy the quiet spaces and the
facilities of the host center.
-
Ruth VanVactor, Program and Marketing Coordinator for
Lindenwood Retreat and Conference Center
Visit our web site:
www.lindenwood.org
Some of those attending the October Midwest
Retreat Centers meeting at Lindenwood Retreat and
Conference Center (pictured from left to right): Sister
Carol Falkner of Benedict Inn; Sue Wilhelm of Victory
Noll; Sister Marilyn Schroering of Kordes; Sister
Joetta Huelsmann of John XXIII; Sister Ann McGrew
of Mount Saint Joseph; Brother Maurus Zoeller of
St. Meinrad and Dorothy Stewart of John XXIII.
Attending as hostesses, but not pictured: Loretta Peters
and Ruth Van Vactor of Lindenwood.
May the birth of Jesus
provide hope, love
and peace to you
in the new year.
Merry
Christmas!
16 | Word Gathering

Mexico
Vow Ceremony Reflects Faith in the Family
Sister Elvia Mina Juarez, PHJC (center)
celebrates with her parents.
For years, the
Mina Juarez
family has
been steeped
in a deep faith.
Elvia, born
in Poza Azul,
Catemaco,
Veracruz in
Mexico, is the
only daughter
of Rafael and
Juana. She
was encircled
by the love of her parents and her brothers, Eduardo,
Francisco, Jaime and Oscar.
Because of her father’s job changes, the family moved
several times throughout the state of Veracruz. Since
she was 5 years old and seeing religious Sisters for
the first time in Cordoba, little Elvia felt the call to
respond in the same way. Her Aunt Hilda served as
a catechist. Her mother, Juana, faithfully brought
the children to catechism on Saturdays and to Mass
each Sunday. Thus began the faith formation that
would later find a home with the congregation of Poor
Handmaids, who according to Elvia is her second family.
Nightly the family would pray the rosary as Elvia and
her brothers sat on their bed, ready for sleep. When the
family moved to La Magdalena, Elvia’s father finally
had a secure job that at last permitted him to join the
family at the weekly celebration of the Eucharist. In
more recent years Rafael joined the Basic Christian
Community movement in the area and has readily
encouraged his grown children to truly live their faith.
He shares responsibility for faith formation among his
neighbors in their “barrio.”
With this basis as her first formation, Sister Elvia likes
living in community, praying together, having a common
goal. She considers herself a quiet woman and enjoys
the silence and appreciates time for reflection.
At a day care center called Casa Cuna (Cradle House)
she worked alongside the Sacred Heart Sisters,
caring for infants and toddlers. On the other end of
the spectrum, with the Missionary Carmelites, she
cares for elderly women in a nursing home. Both
experiences confirmed her yearning to serve, and
reminded her of our foundress Catherine Kasper who
taught us that “No service is too small if we do it for
God who is present in our neighbor.” This service
further validated her call and thus motivated her to
request the profession of vows as a Poor Handmaid of
Jesus Christ.
On August 7, 2010, Sister Elvia made public her
desire to live the consecrated life. In the Rite of
First Profession, she committed herself to live poor,
chaste and obedient according to the Constitutions
of the Congregation. Sister Nora Hahn, PHJC
received Sister Elvia’s vows during a celebration of
the Eucharist. Joining the Poor Handmaids and the
two new postulants were Sister Elvia’s parents and
numerous friends.
After her profession of vows, Sister Elvia moved
to the new Vocation Center in Querétaro and shares
community life and the household responsibilities
with Sister Deborah Davis, PHJC and pre-aspirant
Karla Chavez. Sister Elvia, who loves to learn, is
completing an intense course that will allow her to
receive credit for completing the equivalent of high
school. Her new level of formation as a Sister in
temporary profession gives her a chance to live her
desire to follow Christ as a Poor Handmaid. She
claims that the grace of God has brought her to this
point. She is grateful to our Lord for calling her
to live as a PHJC, to her family for always helping
and supporting her and to the Sisters for giving her
examples of women of faith who serve the Lord. She
asks that anyone reading this please pray for her that
the Lord will continue to give the graces needed for
her to follow God faithfully with generosity and love.
-
Sister Deborah Davis, PHJC, Director of Formation for
Temporary Professed in Mexico
Winter 2010 | 17

Mexico
La Casita de Catalina Blessed as
Construction Begins
As Mother Mary confronted rain while enlarging the
Little House so too the Casa Beata Catalina has been
blessed by many raindrops as construction began. If
the drops bring blessings the deluges of Veracruz in
October and November should ensure God’s care for
decades and decades.
On Tuesday, September 14, however, the clouds
cleared as Father José Guadalupe Perez Trujillo, pastor
of the neighborhood where the new ministry is be
located, officially blessed the site, the construction
workers and all present. About 20 persons attended,
including friends who have accompanied the Sisters in
the first phases of their planning. Empanadas (pastries)
and typical Veracruz beverages were then shared.
Poor Handmaids are pictured with La
Casita de Catalina construction workers.
The new ministry will serve homeless women and
persons dying of AIDS without family support. Father
José mentioned the importance of those two ministries
in the Church.
The two story building is in the downtown area and
will be ready about this time next year. Sister Silveria
Rodriguez Felix will direct the future ministry.
The weeks following the blessing have passed with the
slow work of putting down a secure foundation.
Father José Guadalupe, paster of Our Lady of
Carmen blesses the construction site.
All collaborators see both the need and the potential
for growth in both these social ministries. Their
prayer is that the generosity of our benefactors on both
sides of the border continues.
-
Sisters Frances Jean Gallinatti, PHJC and Marilyn
Haselhorst, PHJC
Postulant Antonieta reading petitions.
18 | Word Gathering

Development
PHJC Annual Raffle Winners
The PHJC Raffle was a success, thanks to all who bought tickets and/or donated prizes for the event. Prizes
have been sent to the lucky winners. Through the partnership of many people in this annual event, $15,000 will
be distributed to PHJC ministries to those in need. Thanks to all for their generosity!
Raffle winners:
Quilt
Ted Ardelean
Sarasota, FL
Quilt
Sister Julienne Smith
Fort Wayne, IN
Set of Dishware
Janet Choate
Valparaiso, IN
Stainless Steel Cookware Set
John Prescott
Benica, CA
Grill
Pat Halpin
Portage, IN
Crock Pot & Cook Book
Geraldine Moran
Rolling Medows, IL
Family Travel Set & Gas Card
N. Weigel
Morehead, KY
Christmas Basket
Mary Loy
Afghan
Rosemary Dowden
Fort Wayne, IN
Afghan
Robert and Rita Peichel
Cambridge, MN
Snowman Snacker Package
Deborah Vahlkamp
Columbia, IL
Essential Bakeware & Cash
Mrs. Al Gerstbauer
South Bend, IN
Patio Oven
D. Rockhill
Portage, IN
Bed Cover & Gift Card
Welch
Fort Wayne, IN
Tools & Menards Gift Card
L. VanderHaar
Carlyle, IL
Wrist Watch
Anthony Costello
Highland, IN
Quilt
Chamberlain
Pueblo, CO
Quilt
N. Musil
Mesquite, NV
Media Player & Camera
Melissa Wilson
Sun Prairie, WI
Coffee Maker & Gift Card
Jennifer Kaminskie
St. Joseph, MN
Weekend at Anthony Acres
C & E Gillig
Fort Wayne, IN
Vera Bradley Purse Package
Judy Reeves
Mishawaka, IN
Night at the Movies Basket
Bernard Larson
Washburn, WI
Glassware Set & Cash
D. Walsh
Omaha, NE
Afghan
David Schmitz
Carlyle, IL
Afghan
Tom Hoffman
Granger, IN
Thanksgiving Platter & Cash
Isaac Hissong
Culver, IN
Canisters & Accessories
N. Rosellini
Highland, IL
Holiday Collection Dinnerware
Mr. and Mrs. Savage
Valparaiso, IN
Set of Cast Iron Frying Pans
Delores Karnia
Orland Park, IL
Dinnerware
B. Koehler
Chicago, IL
Bath Beauty Basket
D. Schneider
Carlyle, IL
Quilt
George Mischka
Kouts, IN
GPS System
Wm. Weber
Ingraham, IL
Afghan & Pillow
Alice Kerkemeyer
Collinsville, IL
Television
Richard Pax
Carlyle, IL
Ministry Center Basket
T. Rzepka
Bremen, IN
Framed Photograph
T. Sibal
Plymouth, IN
50/50 Winners:
Jayne Jacobson
Plymouth, IN
B. Jean Cook
Hamlet, IN
Afghan
Grace Cunneen
Maria Center
Cookware Set
Wilma Henss
New Baden, IL
Original Painting
Eleanor Bolanowski
Hammond, IN
Private Retreat at Lindenwood
Irene Bartuce
Chicago, IL
Pitcher/Glassware Set & Cash
Andy Zehner
Plymouth, IN
Serving Tray, Rack & Cash
Jayne Jacobson
Plymouth, IN
Emily Tumas
Palos Park, IL
Kay Neis
Valparaiso, IN
Winter 2010 | 19

Poor Poor Handmaids Handmaids of of Jesus Jesus Christ Christ
Partners in in the the work of the Spirit
Word Gathering
PHJC Communications
P.O. Box 1 Donaldson, IN 46513
Non-profit org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
South Bend, IN
Permit No. 172
(Catherine Kasper Home Therapy Team Shines,
continued from page 1)
The quality of the therapy services provided at CKH,
and more specifically the reputation Maynard has
developed in the community, often leads patients to
request coming to CKH when they are discharged
from a hospital. Joseph Wagner (brother of Sister
Rosemary Wagner), for instance, requested coming to
CKH following surgery to his left hip in January of
2009, even though he lives with his wife in Chicago
and had undergone surgery at one of Chicago’s
hospitals. His surgeon thought he was crazy to go to
little Donaldson, Indiana for rehabilitation, but Joe
insisted. And when he underwent surgery for the other
hip in July of this year, Joe knew immediately where
he was going: “Maynard was very definitely a factor
in my decision to come back again for rehab. He is
dedicated and very sincere. Maynard has a personality
for this type of work, and it shows.”
The inter-disciplinary team at CKH recognizes the
contribution that Maynard provides to the overall
quality of life of CKH residents. Kathi Kornblith,
CKH social worker, explains: “It’s a privilege to work
with someone who has so much knowledge of how the
human body works, and how to motivate people in
the right way. He is unselfish in his ability to share
his knowledge, not only with staff, but with the
residents and their families. Maynard shares in the
joy of the successes his patients routinely experience.
He routinely goes above and beyond, putting in long
hours and frequently working weekends. Maynard’s
spiritual foundation meshes so well with the mission
and core values of the Poor Handmaids. He’s a big
reason why the Catherine Kasper Home continues to
maintain a 5-star rating from the Indiana State Board
of Health.”
All are blessed that Maynard is a part of the CKH
community. And Maynard feels blessed to be part
of it as well. “You can see the care here and the
dedication of the staff,” he said. Under Maynard’s
steady leadership, the Therapy Department will
certainly continue to flourish at CKH for years to
come, providing quality and compassionate care to the
residents who are served.
-
Jason Greve, Social Services Coordinator,
Catherine Kasper Home
20 | Word Gathering