AssociAting - Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ

A s s o c i a t i n g
News
PHJC ASSOCIATE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER Spring 2009
News from East 3
East Three Core Team Leader Jeanne Boomershine
In the East 3 Region (Donaldson), for many
years we have supported the Single Parent
Program at Christmas time by providing gifts
for moms and their
children. We are given
names and suggested
sizes and interests to help
us purchase items helpful
as well as enjoyable for
their day-to-day living.
Because of the economic
crunch this year, we
found a large increase of
names provided. Usually
between the Associates
and Sisters we are able to
donate individual gifts
for all. Instead, this year
we decided it might work
best to distribute the 43 children’s names and
ask for non-perishable foods to fill “baskets”
for the moms. Encouraged by the idea of
“Catherine’s basket,” giving to the needy, we
East Three Associates and Sisters praying over the
Catherine’s Baskets. Pictured from left to right:
Jeanne Boomershine, Barbara Lowry, Sister Kathleen
Kelley and Sister Joan Fisher
went to work. Only by the grace of God, a
whole lot of prayers, and Spirit filled people,
we were able to follow in Catherine’s footsteps.
Twenty two laundry
baskets, full to the brim
of food, paper products
and gift certificates were
completed.
The gifts were brought
to our annual “Soup
& Bread” meeting,
December 14, where
from there, they were
delivered to the Single
Family office. The
director then distributed
to the respective
recipients. At this
December meeting, we
also decided to give the proceeds of our Apple
Dumplings sales to the PHJC Gift Fund to help
needy people locally.
South Region News
South Core Team Leader Evelyn Pakosta
Hello from South Region.
Our Associates continue to have their monthly gathering for Holy Hour at the local hospital chapel.
Afterward, we have a quiet meeting to discuss needed prayers, to cover the health of one another,
and especially for those unable to attend.
We ask you to join us in praying for Frances Stokes as she is planning to move from her home to a
smaller apartment. Also, LaGarda Holtgrave is recovering from her back surgery and is doing as
well as possible, so she can also use our prayers.
We have two Associate candidates, Mary Haas and Rita Nordhaus, who are participating in their
Initial Formation process. Please keep them in your prayers as we welcome them into our midst.

Bo o k Re v i e w
Change of Heart and The Shack
Reviewed by South Associate Libby Riggs
Sometimes our faith can be stirred in ways we least
expect, sometimes by simply opening a good book
and curling up for a nice winter’s read. Over the
winter, I was lucky enough to read two great books
that did just that. Fiction or non-fiction is irrelevant
given the spiritual impact they have had on me.
Although we may each strive to find God in everyone
we come into contact with, sometimes we lose sight
of this. Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult left me looking
deeper into the eyes of everyone around me in search
of that God in all of us, no matter whom or what the
person might appear to be. It takes place in a more
“real world,” every day, believable scenario, so as
I began reading The Shack by William P. Young, I
initially was not open to a more “dream like” view
of what God might appear like, but I was drawn to
persevere. Although The Shack contains the story of a
family tragedy, it also touches on all the emotions we
News from East One
East One Core Team Leader Linda Greaf
Our November meeting was so special as we
remembered all those who have gone to God from
our small community – especially Sister Laura Banet
and Katie Shollenberger (from this last year). It seems
we miss so many – but, still feel their presence as very
much a part of all of us.
In December, we had a wonderful potluck dinner.
We also brought mittens, scarves, and gloves to
give to the children of Vincent Village. We shared a
delightful evening together! We also were amazed
when we passed around our Catherine’s Basket! We
started that in November and when we added up all
the change that we each individually collected, we
had something close to 280 dollars! We had decided
to collect our change through these months and then
send the collection to the Food Pantry of St. Therese.
None of us could believe how that multiplied! As you
know, we bring food to give to the food pantry every
other month. We decided since all food pantries are
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can experience towards people
and even our God, from pure
love to anger. It contains the
most beautiful expression and
explanation of the Trinity I have
ever heard. It took me a long time
to complete the book as I was so
moved within my own faith. At
times, I would be brought to such
joy, that I had to stop to savor and
Libby Riggs
absorb the love and the favor of
the Trinity or to evaluate my own personal spiritual
weaknesses. When I read, I actually felt like I was
praying and spiritually connecting to the Father, Son,
and Holy Spirit. It was like a spiritually refreshing
retreat! More can be read about this moving book on
www.theshackbook.com.
So cozy up and be prepared to be spiritually touched
by either of these books.
having such a struggle, that we would give them
some monetary help as we are able. We’re continuing
that collection each month and will see how it goes.
In January the weather affected our meeting but a
small group managed to get there. Martha Smith,
Carol Puls and Linda Greaf met with our candidate
Mary Moran at the end of January, to begin her first
step in initial formation.
Vita Quinn
At our February meeting we
used the beautiful prayer
service in honor of Blessed
Catherine Kasper. We also
celebrated Vita Quinn’s 90th
birthday! What a delightful
addition she is to our group!
She comes to every meeting
she possibly can.

Do You Surf the Net?
If you are used to the computer, then you probably
know about many of the websites that are available to
us at the touch of a few key strokes.
Have you checked the PHJC website lately? If not, I
encourage you to do so. There are many interesting
pages you can go to, including information about
Associates.
The web address is: www.poorhandmaids.org
When you arrive at the home page, you will notice a
list of options on the left-hand side of your screen. If
you move your cursor over any of the titles on that
list, you can click on it and it will take you to that
page. Some of the pages lead you to a next page, etc.
There are also some small pictures and beginnings
of articles on the home page. You can see the entire
article if you click on the words “read more.”
To find the Associates, go to Vocations on the left side of
the screen, click on it, and when it opens, there will be
another list underneath the original title of Vocations.
Slide down to Associates, click on it, and you will see
our web pages. There are currently two pages.
Another way to find the Associate pages is to use the
website www.poorhandmaids.org/Associates
However, I have tried that many times, and
sometimes it takes you to our pages, and sometimes it
doesn’t. If you try it and don’t succeed, don’t despair!
Just go to the first website and find Associates
through the Vocations section as I described above.
We are always looking for ways to improve, update,
etc. our web pages, so if you have any suggestions for
things to include in the Associate section, please let
me know.
In this Issue…
Change of Heart and The Shack .................page 2
News from East One....................................page 2
Do You Surf the Net? ..................................page 3
John XXIII Retreat Announcements.........page 4
Please Remember in Prayer........................page 5
In Memory Of Berniece (Bea) Simshauser
.......................................................................page 6
Letters from You............................................page 6
Lindenwood Programs and Retreats.........page 7
Directory Updates.........................................page 8
E-mail gaylef@poorhandmaids.org
Phone 574-936-9936
Website www.poorhandmaids.org/associates
Address Associate Community Office
P.O. Box 1
Donaldson, IN 46513
Other things to find on the PHJC Website are the
video “Who Are We?” This video can be found in the
Vocations section.
There is also a memorial listing of deceased PHJC
Sisters and Associates. It can be found in the
“Keeping Up With Us” section.
Associating News | 3

John XXIII Retreat Center Retreats and Activities
All Retreats take place at John XXIII Retreat Center in Hartford City, Indiana. Register by calling (765) 348-4008,
or e-mail john23rd@sbcglobal.net.
Quiet Day of Prayer: Reading the Sacred in
Everyday Life
Wednesday, April 1, 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Topics: Enthusiasm: Begin to celebrate life with
passion. Faith: Explore the deeper dimension of
life, knowing that God is always there for you.
Facilitator: Sister Joetta Huelsmann, PHJC. Fee: $20.
Register by March 30.
The Power of Spiritual Stories
Friday, April 3, 6:30 p.m. - Saturday, April 4, 4 p.m.
Our Jewish spiritual mothers and fathers were
famous as storytellers. You ask a question, they tell
a story. Jesus was a great example of this with his
parables. So also were the Hasidic Jews. Spiritual
stories are powerful. To let them into our hearts
and minds is to open us to the spirit. This we shall
do with the Spirit’s help. Facilitator: Pastor Mack
Goeglein is a recently retired Lutheran Pastor whose
emphases, aside from parish work, lay in the areas of
small group ministry, spiritual retreats, and spiritual
direction. Fee: $75, commuter: $55. Please register by
March 31.
Holy Week Directed Retreat
Monday, April 6, 7:30 p.m. - Sunday, April 12, 10 a.m.
Celebrate this solemn week to prepare for Easter.
Meet one to one with an individual director, pray
individually with Scripture, celebrate Liturgy each
day, plus participate in a natural egg-decorating
on Wednesday and a Passover Meal on Thursday.
Choose any where from 3 days to 6. Directors:
Father A. Naseman, C.PP.S. ordained priest with the
Missionaries of the Precious Blood since 1967 who is a
good story teller and artist. Sister Joetta Huelsmann,
PHJC has various Spiritual Direction training from
Ignation to the Shalem Inst. in Maryland. Fee: $72
per day; includes Personal Spiritual Direction, meals,
overnight, and participation in all activities. Register
by April 1.
Egg Decorating
Wednesday, April 8, 7-9 p.m.
Experience a natural way to decorate eggs for Easter
using onionskins and tiny spring flowers. Bring
several raw eggs brown or white and any onion skins
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you have. Facilitated by Vicki Peterson who resides
in Muncie and who learned this art from her mother
who believed the technique came from her German
grandmother. Fee: free will offering.
Releasers of Life “A Woman’s Retreat”
Friday, April 17, 6:30 p.m. - Saturday, April 18, 4 p.m.
Women have a unique role to play in life; God in His
love and wisdom has made us to nurture beauty,
cultivate relationships, and release His life into the
world. This retreat will be a time to allow God to love
you more deeply, to capture your heart more fully,
that God’s love may flow through you to release life
to others. Facilitated by Erin Davis, MTS. Fee: $75,
commuters: $55. Register by April 14.
Contemplative Journey
Saturday, April 18, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Topics for this day includes: “Shaping Our Life’s
Story Line: Choosing Our Destinies,” “Our Life’s
Cast of Characters” and “Your Life’s Table of
Contents: The Outline of Your Vocation.” Facilitated
by Sister Joetta Huelsmann, PHJC. Fee: $22, booklet:
$6. Register by April 14.
Life in Jesus Christ as We Wait in Joyful Hope
Friday, April 24 - Sunday, April 26
A retreat geared towards high school and young
single adults. Through talks, personal testimonies,
small group discussions, skits, prayer and music the
members of Youth to Youth Evangelization Team will
proclaim the message of Jesus and allow time for
response from the participants. Facilitators: A team
of Youth from Mt. Zion Catholic Pastoral Center in
Montrose, Michigan. They are endorsed by the Most
Rev. Earl Boyea, Bishop of the Diocese of Lansing.
Check out their website at:
www.youthtoyouthcatholic.com. Fee: $95 for
Individual registration, High School Youth Group
registration 6 youth and 1 adult: $600. Register by
March 23, 2009.
Are Not Our Hearts Burning
Friday, May 8, 6:30 p.m. - Saturday, May 9, 4:30 p.m.
This is a book retreat on Henri Nouwen’s book, With
Burning Hearts: A Meditation on the Eucharistic Life. It

is a perfect way to continue the celebration of the
Easter season by reflecting on the passage from Luke
24:13-35, known as the walk to Emmaus. Some of
the themes that will be explored are: Mourning Our
Losses, Discerning the Presence, Inviting the Stranger,
Entering into Communion, and Going on a Mission.
Facilitator: Sister Joetta Huelsmann, PHJC. Fee: $75,
commuter: $55. Register by May 5.
Rosary Making
Tuesday, May 12, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Rosary Making with Terry McVicker. Learn how to
make chord rosaries. The supplies will be furnished.
Free. Register by May 8.
Discovering God’s Message Through Our Dreams
Friday, May 15, 6:30 p.m. - Sunday, May 17, 1 p.m.
Dreams are a personal story of our inner lives.
Dreams speak to us in the language of symbols.
They are metaphors for our lives. Dreams will be
looked at according to the archetypal underpinnings
from a Jungian perspective. Facilitator: Sister Olga
Wittekind, Ph, D. She is a Sister of St. Francis from
Oldenburg, IN and a Jungian Analyst trained in
Zurich Switzerland and Chicago, IL. Fee: $135,
commuters: $95. Register by May 12.
Contemplative Journey with Thomas Merton
May 16, 9 - 4 p.m.
Topics: Contemplative Living and the Primacy of
Persons, Contemplative Living and the Deepening of
Faith, God’s Absence-Faith’s Dark Night. Facilitator:
Sister Joetta Huelsmann, PHJC.
Garden of the Soul
Friday, May 29, 6:30 p.m. - Sunday, May 31. 1 p.m.
“Turn my soul into a garden” prayed Teresa of Avila.
Garden of the soul is not only for your ears but also
for your eyes, nose, and taste buds; but also of course
for your heart. The Bible is a bloom with instructive
comparisons between plants, and our spiritual growthpalm,
balm, rue, spikenard, myrrh, aloes, olive, hyssop,
barley, wheat, grapes, and wild flowers etc. Facilitator:
Fr. Al Naseman, C.PP.S. Fee: $135, commuter: $95.
Register by May 26.
Please Remember in Prayer…
All Associates, PHJCs, Fiat Spiritus Community members, friends and families of the Spiritual Family of Catherine Kasper; all
those spoken and unspoken prayer requests of friends, families and members of the Spiritual Family of Catherine.
East Two
Barbara Walter................................................................ illness
East Three
Ann Kershner.................................................. death of mother
Sister Cathy Schwemer....................................illness of sister
Clarence Simshauser................................... death of wife, Bea
North
Anna Worth.................................................................... illness
Marie Jacobs...................................son’s healing from surgery
Florence Rafac.............great-grandson’s recovery from injury
South
Frances Stokes.............................................................. moving
Anna Kampwerth......................celebration of 107th birthday
Lagarda Holtgrave................................recovery from surgery
Quincy
Sister Florence Kuhn...........death of brother and sister in law
and illness of great nephew
Dick Mitchell.........................................recovery from surgery
Carolyn Stupasky.............................................. death of sister
West
Sister Celine Tomasic..................................................... illness
Other
Sister Silveria Rodigues Felix................death of Grandfather
Prayers for Vocations:
Associate Candidates:
East Three:
Ann Kershner
Julianne Maher
Mary Janda
Margaret Bonen
Elke Lewis
South:
Mary Haas
Rita Nordhaus
East One:
Mary Moran
West:
Marilyn Kessler
First Commitments of Georgia Klingler, Libby Riggs,
Marge Kessler, and Dorothy Uebinger in Wendelin, IL on
March 14.
PHJC Affiliate: Denise Smith
Profession of Vows: Sister Maria dos Navegantes Lima
de Araujo and Sister Maria do Calmo dos Santos Ribeiro
in Brazil on February 1.
Associating News | 5

In Memory Of Berniece (Bea) Simshauser
East Three Associate Berniece
(Bea) Simshauser passed away
in December, 2008 following
an extended illness. Berniece
is survived by her husband,
Associate Clarence Simshauser.
They were married on
Valentine’s Day in 1939 and
resided in Winamac, Indiana. Bea was 90 years old.
Bea is also survived by her daughter Nancy
(Richard) Conn from Charlotte, Michigan and her
son Ronald (Bonita) Simshauser from Winamac. She
also is survived by five grandchildren, nine great-
grandchildren, and a sister. She was a member of St.
Peter’s Catholic Church and the Christian Mothers
in Winamac.
Bea made her first Commitment as an Associate in
1987. In 2007, at Gathering VIII, she was recognized
for her 20th Anniversary in the Associate Community.
Clarence and Bea participated in many Associate
gatherings at the Motherhouse over the years. They
also participated in the Senior Summer Program at
Donaldson in the past.
A Memorial Service was held for Bea in January, 2009
at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Winamac. May Bea
rest in peace.
Letters
from You
Dear Sisters, Associates and Fiat Spiritus Community
Members,
Many thanks for all the “Happy Birthday” wishes
you sent to me on November 1st when I reached my
ninetieth year of my life. Perhaps I’ll get the joy to reach
97 as my dear Mother did.
I thank you again for the beautiful cards, gifts and
prayers for my ninetieth birthday. May our dear Lord
bless you for your thoughtfulness. I remember all of
you each day in prayer.
Love and prayers,
Sr. Maxine Peppenhorst, PHJC
Dear Sisters, Associates, and Fiat Spiritus Community
Members,
Many thanks to all those who prayed for my recovery,
sent cards and visited while I was at CKLC receiving
Physical Therapy following a total hip replacement.
My quick recovery is the result of all your good wishes
and prayers.
May God bless all of you.
Sr. Helen Watkins
Dear Sisters, Fiat Spiritus Community Members and
Fellow Associates,
We would like to express our sincere “thank you” for
the many cards, good wishes and gifts which were so
graciously bestowed upon us to commemorate our
First Commitment.
We thank all of you for your love and support
throughout our journey and feel truly blessed to have
been invited to join the Associate Community.
Blessings to all,
Jim and Marge Bickett
Dear Sisters, Associates, and Fiat Spiritus Community
members,
As days come and go I reflect on the past four months
of my life. The countless blessings of having friends
and being a Poor Handmaid of Jesus Christ make me
very grateful. Every card I received whether get well,
sympathy or Christmas assured me of God’s love.
I thank all of you for your support and prayers as I
experienced new knee surgery and the loss of my dear
brother, Carl and sister-in-law Marie.
Sr. Florence Kuhn
From Anna Kampwerth’s daughter and son-in-law,
Associates Leo & Alice Kerkemeyer:
Mother received over ll0 cards (still counting). We
had parties, 3 days straight and Mom enjoyed all the
celebrations and cake, too. Thanks to all the Sisters and
Associates for all the cards and notes.
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Lindenwood Programs
Ruth VanVactor, Program Coordinator for Lindenwood
March 16 will be our first Quiet Day of Reflection
for the year. Fr. Jerry Schweitzer will lead us in “The
Contemplative Nature of St. Paul.” The day is from
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
A new program entitled “A Time of Silence, A Time
of Solace, A Time of Hermitage” will be offered
March 19 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This will be an
experience for people who would like to have time to
sort out how God speaks to them in their life. There
will be a history of the hermitage in the Christian
faith, a time to experience silence and solitude, and a
time to process the experience of silence. There will
be a time for private spiritual direction. The day will
be led by Sister Nancy Raboin, PHJC, and a member
of the MoonTree Community.
On March 21, 2009, participants will learn how to
“Build a Bluebird Box.” The day is from 9:00 a.m.
to noon and is led by Dan Shupert, a member of the
MoonTree Community. Given the climate changes,
our bluebirds need all the help they can get! Come,
make a “home” for your backyard bluebird friends.
Bring your own hammer.
Another new program “Spring Cleaning - a Self-
Care Retreat” is being offered March 21-22, 2009.
Cheryl Kaper, MS, and the Lindenwood Retreat
Center are co-sponsoring this retreat. Join us in
learning and practicing techniques to clear, move, and
increase your energy. Spring is the natural time for
renewal and revitalization. To register for this retreat,
please contact Cheryl Kaper at 219-462-6109.
“Shaped to Serve, Called to Lead” will be held April
25 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. While you work with
clay, discover how the relationship of the potter and
the clay mimics the dynamic relationship between
God who calls us to serve, and the ministry God calls
us to lead. Your unfired clay piece(s) may be taken
home to remind or reflect on your sense of call. No
previous clay experience is necessary. Leaders of
this day will be Becki Moffett-Moore, BFA, a member
of the MoonTree Community, and Rev. Dr. David
Moffett-Moore, DMin, PhD.
Our annual Triduum Retreat will be held from April
9-12, 2009. Walk with Jesus to Calvary and celebrate
the victorious resurrection during Holy Week in a
private, non-directed Triduum Retreat.
“Grief Support for Adults Retreat” is a new program
being offered from April 17-18, 2009. Grief is a journey
that takes us to many unexpected and often frightening
places. We question our faith, the meaning of life,
even our own sanity, and we are forever changed.
This program is designed for anyone who is dealing
with life’s challenges following the death of a loved
one. Through facilitated group sharing and time
for individual reflection, the retreat will provide a
supportive environment to grieve and the tools to once
again achieve balance in one’s life. Participants should
be at least six months into their grief.
Our April Quiet Day of Reflection will be held
April 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sister Joetta
Huelsmann, PHJC, will lead the day of “Spirituality
- Our Relationship with God: Prayer is living with
God.” The life of prayer is not for an elite few, but for
the vocation of all of the people of God.
Contact Ruth Van Vactor, the Lindenwood Program
and Marketing Coordinator at 574-935-1763 for
information or to register for any of these programs
or retreats. All times are EDT.
www.lindenwood.org
Associating News | 7

Directory Updates
Please note the following changes in your 2009 Sister/Associate/Fiat Spiritus directories:
Add to Birthdays
4Denise Smith – September 12
(Add to p. 57)
Updated E-mail Addresses:
4Denise Smith
change e-mail address:
drniecer2@verizon.net
(Update on p. 44)
4Sr. Coletta Wrasman
change e-mail address:
cwrasman@poorhandmaids.org
(Update on p. 46)
4Sr. Paul Snell has returned to her birth name:
Sr. Rosemary Snell and her e-mail address is:
srrosemarysnell@ntlworld.com
(Update on p. 48)
4Sue Escher
change e-mail address:
eschers@mishawaka.k12.in.us
(Update on p. 64)
4Barbara & Marion Lowry
change e-mail address:
balowry@embarqmail.com
(Update on p. 66)
4Donna Grzych
change e-mail address:
ggdal@sbcglobal.net
(Update on p. 74)
4Mary Paquin
change e-mail address:
almarp@sbcglobal.net
(Update on p. 75)
Updated Addresses:
4Linda Greaf
2905 Sherborne Boulevard
(see: Core Team, East 1)
(Update on p. 61)
4Barbara Walter
314 West 16th Street
(Update on p. 65)
4Sr. Johnel Kunkel and Sr. Lucille Ardelean
moved from the Convent Ancilla Domini to
Catherine Kasper Home
(Update on p. 69)
4Dennis Renk
Eastcourt Village Apartments
2200 E. Court Street, #303
Kankakee, IL 60901
Telephone number: 815-936-1067
(Update on p. 72)
4Sr. Cathy Schwemer has moved to Clare House,
East Three, page 70.
(Update on p. 70)
4Don & Rita Schulte
Illinois Veterans Home
1707 N. 12th Street
Quincy, IL 62301
Telephone number: 217-222-3135
(Update on p. 77)
4Sr. Loretta Peters
Work telephone number: 574-935-1706
(Update on p. 85)
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