Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ Volunteer Program

05/30/2026

⏳ On this day in PHJC History...⏳

In 1957, the Villa Maria – a modern dormitory for PHJC aspirants – was dedicated. It replaced the original Lake Gilbraith hotel building which had been converted into a girls’ high school residence. The Villa Maria was remodeled in 1987 to provide housing for Lindenwood Retreat & Conference Center retreatants. It continues to be used for this purpose today!

05/29/2026

🪻Spring Is Well and Truly in the Air!🌷

Sister Connie and several PHJC Volunteers made the breathtaking Center at Donaldson campus even more beautiful by helping the Grounds staff plant some a variety of fresh flowers.

Thank you for your hard work, volunteers!

04/22/2026

🫴National Volunteer Week: PHJC Volunteers Make a Difference Around the World 🌍

Interculturality in religious life is the intentional, faith-based process of creating new, blended communities where diverse cultural backgrounds are integrated, rather than just coexisting. As congregations become more global and diverse, this approach moves beyond mere multiculturalism to foster mutual transformation, requiring deep, lifelong conversion, intentional communication, and the active dismantling of dominant-culture biases to create a shared, inclusive environment.

Interculturality also helps empower volunteer initiatives to have a more significant impact on the lives of those they support. When the perspectives of different cultures from around the world are brought together, the greatest needs of all people can better be met.

With this year marking the 16th anniversary of the PHJC Volunteer Program and the sixth anniversary of the Volunteer Program’s Food Ministry, we want to celebrate those PHJC volunteers who have answered the call by volunteering overseas. Whether they have given of their time in Mexico, Kenya, or anywhere else in the world, our volunteers spread peace, healing, and love wherever they go!

A Happy National Volunteer Week to all!🙌

04/20/2026

🫴National Volunteer Week: Sister Marilyn Haselhorst 🩵

Twice a week, Sister Marilyn Haselhorst, PHJC helps prepare lunches for residents at the Economy Inn in Plymouth and joins other PHJC Volunteer Program members in delivering the meals. She has been an avid volunteer for over a year now. Sister Marilyn recently returned from Mexico where she served in a variety of roles for over 36 years. Most recently, she served as treasurer and as an administrator on the Mexican Unit’s council.

The Mexican PHJC unit supported several outreach ministries, including soup kitchens for children and senior citizens, an establishment where people could stay while their loved ones were in the hospital and a shelter named “Casa Catalina” (House of Catherine) where unhoused individuals could receive care and support. Her time overseeing the funding for these ministries impressed upon Sister Marilyn the importance of community outreach organizations. When she returned to live in the U.S., Sister Marilyn joined the Food Ministry to directly serve those in need.

“It’s important for me to have that personal contact and be face-to face with the people I serve,” Sister Marilyn said. “Two of our major values are serving the poor and recognizing the dignity of all people. We also value building a sense of community. There is a sense of camaraderie among the volunteers and I enjoy being with them. We also share a sense of community with the people we serve. I am touched by their trust in us and I find it heartwarming whenever they tell us ‘I don’t need that item this week, please let someone else have it.’ I find that I always receive more than I give when I volunteer.”

Thank you to Sister Marilyn and all of our amazing volunteers for being generous with their time, talents, and, most importantly, their love!

04/19/2026