The Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ and the holiday season go hand in hand: they both bring people together. On Saturday, December 2, the Sisters of the Poor Handmaids invited the community out to their home, The Center at Donaldson, for their annual Christmas celebration. Families from all over the Region came to take part in the exciting festivities and see for themselves what the Poor Handmaids are all about.
The Poor Handmaids' Christmas at the Center is always an uplifting event, and this year was certainly no exception. As soon as families walked in the door, they had a plethora of holiday activities to choose from like taking pictures with Santa, writing Christmas lists, decorating cookies, getting their faces painted and crafting ornaments.
“It’s a neat way to start off the season. There are so many activities, and not only does it help get everyone in the spirit of the season, but it helps everyone get excited for the togetherness of the holiday,” said Jessye Gilley, donor relations officer for the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ.
The Sisters thoroughly enjoyed their time engaging with families, participating in various activities together. Throughout the room, Sisters assisted children in attaching beads to their ornaments, admired their adorable face paintings. Several Sisters held a story time session and read families the story of the Nativity while the children placed stickers of the people and animals into the paper stable as the story unfolded.
“I love this. Part of our ministry as Sisters is to open ourselves up to the community, be a part of the community, and help lift the community. Spending time with people like this and letting them be a part of our lives is just precious,” said Sister Nora Hahn.
The staff of the Poor Handmaids was moved as they observed the Sisters embracing the company of everyone present. The event provided a wonderful opportunity for the community to foster deeper connections with the Sisters.
“It’s the sweetest thing ever. I love seeing the Sisters interact with the community, especially the kids. A lot of the Sisters started in ministries that were child-based. The Poor Handmaids have started orphanages and nursed children in hospitals. Scores of Poor Handmaids taught in elementary schools since 1868. It’s amazing to see their faces light up talking to the kids. You can see their nostalgia and excitement. They truly enjoy it,” said Gilley.
In addition to providing community members with an opportunity to enjoy quality time with the Sisters and have fun, the event served as an excellent platform for people to gain insights into the essential work of the Poor Handmaids and understand why their contributions are so significant.
“Of course, as Sisters our prayer life is very important, but the relationships we develop are so important too. I love working part-time at our reception desk and writing thank you notes to everyone who donates and bonding with all the people who work here. The community is our family and the more we can give to people the better,” said Hahn.
“The Sisters are incredibly integral in the community — they have ministries in Indiana and Illinois and internationally. Despite their incredible humility and reluctance to seek credit, as the Sisters gracefully age, it becomes crucial for people to recognize the profound impact they've had through their ministries. “We work to ensure the ongoing funding and continuation of their legacy, honoring their remarkable impact even beyond their physical presence,” said Gilley.
Ultimately, the Poor Handmaids’ annual Christmas at the Center left everyone feeling connected and excited just in time for the upcoming holiday. The hope, though, is that these connections remain long after the event has passed. The Sisters and the Poor Handmaids team encourages everyone to come out and visit anytime they would like.
“This is a year-round invitation. You don’t have to be Catholic. You don’t have to be religious at all. Even if all you need is a bit of nature and solitude and quiet we want you to come visit us at The Center. The Poor Handmaids open their doors and hearts to you,” said Gilley.