The Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ Host Lindenwood Retreat and Conference Center Slow Down Dinner

On Saturday, July 11, Lindenwood Retreat and Conference Center, a ministry of the Poor  Handmaids of Jesus Christ, hosted its Slow Down Dinner in The Center at Donaldson’s Cana Hall. This annual event, which has chosen a new name that represents its purpose,  was filled with communion, laughter, and fellowship. 

Paul Mach, director of Lindenwood, knows how important this retreat center is for many  people. He believes this event is the ideal way to bring together sponsors, community  members, and staff to recognize the need for respite amid the work of serving others, and  for anyone feeling bogged down by daily life. 

“We’ve taken on the mascot of a turtle, and we’ve chosen to go with the name Slow Down  Banquet because we want everyone to experience a good retreat by slowing down and  finding their center,” Mach said. 

The banquet was catered by the Poor Handmaids’ own staff and was enjoyed by about 100  attendees who gathered to recognize the center’s history as a place of spiritual and  physical refreshment. Sam Boys, the evening’s keynote speaker, guided attendees in  meditative movements and nostalgic music as a reminder to care for themselves and each  other while in ministry. 

“We have three awards that we are giving out tonight,” Mach said. “Those are the Enduring  Partner Award, the Saint Katharina Kasper Award, and the You Made a Difference Award.” 

The Diocese of Gary was the recipient of the Enduring Partner Award, which is given in  recognition of long-term sponsorship for the center. The Saint Katharina Kasper Award was  given to the members of the Riverbend Quilters Guild, who have lent their talents in sewing  to make handmade neck warmers sold to support Lindenwood. The You Made a Difference 

Award went to Cherie Bennett, a regular attendee of the retreat center and an inspiration to  many. 

“People sometimes think that retreats like this are only for the wealthy,” Bennett said.  “That’s not true. Many generous people support the scholarship fund for this center so that  people who cannot afford to go on their own can have assistance. People know how  important this place is, and how wonderful it is that anyone can enjoy it.” 

Bennett considers the award an honor, though she received it with a great deal of humility. 

“I didn’t think I’d done anything special, but I like being here,” Bennett said. “I like being in  this sacred space, and I like making it possible for other people to experience.” 

Reminders of the spiritual history of the Lindenwood campus are abundant. The stunning  Ancilla Domini Chapel, which stands near Lindenwood, adorned with the original art and  beautiful architectural detail it’s had since it was built more than 100 years ago, stands as a  reminder of the sacred mission of service in the name of the divine. The grounds feature a  meditative walking labyrinth and serene paths through nature where wildlife thrives. This  environment gives guests a quiet and enriching haven away from the worries of life. 

Sister Joetta Huelsmann, a Poor Handmaid of Jesus Christ and the spiritual director at  Lindenwood, recognizes the importance of the Slow Down Dinner and why it is so important for others to support and attend retreats at Lindenwood. 

“The purpose of this banquet is to raise funds so that we can continue our operations,”  Sister Joetta said. “We can continue to have people come from all over to have some quiet  time, some renewal of life, and renew their spiritual journey. For people who are new this  year, tonight they can experience the instant sense of belonging you feel at Lindenwood.  There’s a sense of community that is a part of who we are and what we do. They can  experience that for themselves. We, as a community, can come together and support this  wonderful place that means so much to so many.”

The set goal of $10,000 was raised and then exceeded before the banquet concluded. This  was possible through a combination of anonymous donors, a number of generous  sponsors, a paddle raise during the dinner, and a wine pull event. The generosity of the  spiritual and community leaders who believe in Lindenwood’s mission helped make the  evening all the more pleasant and enjoyable. 

“At the end of the day, it’s just a chance for people who love Lindenwood to come together,”  Mach said. 

For more information, visit www.lindenwood.org.