Handmaids of the Heart of Jesus

Contents

The Handmaids of the Heart of Jesus, a community of Catholic religious sisters, was founded in 2007. In 2010, the Handmaids became an Association of the Christian faithful, based in New Ulm, Minnesota, with the goal of becoming a diocesan religious institute.[1]

The community was founded by Sr. Mary Clare Roufs, a graduate of University of St. Thomas.[2][3] The community only accepts applicants who are younger than 35.[2] Sisters live in community and wear a religious habit. They often teach in Catholic schools, as well as participating in community life as aspiring religious.[2][4] Their daily schedule of prayer includes two hours of Eucharistic Adoration, Mass, and the Liturgy of the Hours.[5][6]

In addition to the mother house in New Ulm, the association has communities in Duluth, Saint Paul, Dickinson, North Dakota, and a Milwaukee, Wisconsin location opening in Fall 2027.[7][8] As of 2026, there were more than 40 sisters.[9]

References

  1. 1.Keller, Maura (November 9, 2021). "Lord leads sisters 'every step of the way,' says co-founder of community". National Catholic Reporter. Global Sisters Report. Retrieved December 18, 2023.
  2. 2.[2.2][2.3]Eldred, Sheila (June 14, 2017) [October 22, 2015]. "Who Becomes a Nun in 2015?". Pacific Standard. Archived from the original on October 6, 2022. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
  3. 3.Eldred, Sheila (January 20, 2016). "Meet Mother Mary Clare Roufs—One of the Youngest Nuns in America". Minnesota Monthly. Archived from the original on August 12, 2022. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
  4. 4.Lundy, John (October 23, 2019). "A year in, Duluth Handmaids have become a part of life in Lincoln Park". Duluth News Tribune. Archived from the original on September 21, 2023. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
  5. 5."What We Do". Handmaids of the Heart of Jesus. Retrieved April 15, 2025.
  6. 6."Hundreds attend Handmaids of Jesus open house". nujournal.com. Retrieved April 15, 2025.
  7. 7.Koffler, Ashley (April 5, 2023). "Handmaids of the Heart of Jesus usher motherly love to Dickinson's Catholic community". Dickinson Press. Archived from the original on September 28, 2023. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
  8. 8."Where We Live". Handmaids of the Heart of Jesus. Archived from the original on March 19, 2022. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
  9. 9.Mahoney, Karen (February 3, 2026). "Handmaids Coming to Archdiocese". Catholic Herald. Retrieved April 6, 2026.