Meet the Poor Handmaids!

Today is the last day of Catholic Sisters Week (March 8-14) – which honors the women who have taken religious vows and acknowledges their tireless service – so we would like to introduce you to the newest members of our parish community, the Poor Handmaids Sisters!

The Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ (PHJC) is an international, female religious congregation founded in 1851 by St. Catherine Kasper in Germany. PHJC is dedicated to serving marginalized communities. Through their compassionate outreach, the Poor Handmaids strive to embody Christ's love, fostering hope and dignity for those they serve.
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On July 23, 2024, PHJC’s American Province established a new diverse community of its members at our parish! The Sisters are living in the St. Gregory the Great Rectory and actively volunteer at St. Thomas of Canterbury School and the Pope Francis Center, supporting migrants in Chicago. They also engage with migrants at Our Lady of Mercy’s Parish, reflecting their commitment to education, healthcare, social welfare, and the emerging needs of the time. If you see the Sisters around the parish, make sure to say hello!