DONALDSON – The Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ (PHJC) are pleased to announce that Sister Michele Dvorak, PHJC, of the United States Province, has been elected as the next Congregational Leader of the international Congregation during the 26th International Chapter held in Dernbach, Germany.
Sister Michele will serve a six-year term beginning in August 2025, following a formal installation ceremony. Her election marks a significant moment of spiritual leadership and international unity for the Poor Handmaids, a congregation with ministries in nine countries dedicated to justice, compassion, and the Gospel-centered charism of their foundress, St. Katharina Kasper.
“My first response was surprise, even shock! ‘Really, me?’” said Sister Michele. “I believe God has a sense of humor. After a few days, and after the team was elected as well, I thought more deeply about God’s call to all four of us. We are richly diverse in culture and perspectives, but each is rooted in our faith and the life call (charism) of our foundress, Saint Katharina Kasper.”
A native of Belle Plaine, Minn, Sister Michele brings decades of experience in higher education, provincial leadership, and organizational development to her new role. She is deeply respected within the United States Province and across the international community for her prayerful discernment, collaborative spirit, and unwavering commitment to mission.
“This is a sacred and hope-filled time for our congregation,” said Sister Shirley Bell, United States Province Leader. “We give thanks for Sister Michele’s ‘yes’ and offer our prayers and support as she prepares to lead our international congregation these next six years.”
Alongside Sister Michele, the newly elected council members for 2025–2031 were also announced. These Sisters will serve in leadership to guide the international congregation through prayerful governance and mission-centered service:
-Sister Sabitha Kalathil, PHJC, First Councilor and Vicar, India South Province
-Sister Nkechi Iwuoha, PHJC, Second Councilor, Nigeria and United States Province
-Sister Rita Thykootam, PHJC, Third Councilor, India North Province
Sister Nkechi Iwuoha currently serves as a member of the United States province leadership team. She brings leadership skills through her experience in higher education and involvement with the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR).
This diverse leadership team reflects the international reach and unity of the Congregation, whose ministries span the United States, Germany, India, Nigeria, Kenya, Mexico, the Netherlands, England and Brazil.
“This new role includes visiting with each Sister in the congregation, all nine countries. What a wonderful gift to spend time getting to know the Sisters and their ministries,” said Sister Michele. “Planning for the spiritual growth of the congregation will also be a responsibility of our new team. We will also welcome new Sisters to the congregation and celebrate the lives of our Sisters who return to God. I am personally humbled with this new role.”
The Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ have ministered in the United States since 1868, with enduring commitments in healthcare, education, spiritual development, and social justice outreach. The Generalate, located in Dernbach, Germany, serves as the administrative and spiritual center of the international congregation.
For more information about the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ and their ministries, visit poorhandmaids.org.
