Ecce ancilla Domini Behold the handmaid of the Lord · Luke 1:38

Handmaids: Keepers of the Lamp

A sisterhood for the high school young women of a parish. They serve in the sacristy, care for the sacred linens, keep the sanctuary lamp burning, proclaim the readings at Mass, adorn the church, serve the poor, and pray together. Women of the parish mentor them as consœurs.

Read a sample of the Rule Ask about starting a chapter

Why parishes need this

Home page, “why parishes need it”. Many parishes want to start Templars but hesitate because they have nothing parallel for their young women. Awaiting the copy set.

How it works, in brief

The Way of the Handmaid

Fiat. Vigil. Care. Magnificat.

Four words drawn from Mary's own life, which the sisterhood lives by.

The five works

Serve the altar and the Word · Adorn the house of God · Serve the poor · Keep vigil · Build the sisterhood.

The Rite of the Lamp

After a season as an aspirant, each young woman is received at a parish Mass. Her mentor lights her lamp, and she answers as Mary did.

How it works, in full

The lamp

The sanctuary lamp before the tabernacle, the wise virgins' lamps, and the lamp each Handmaid receives. Awaiting the copy set.

The Founding Chapter

St. Elizabeth Parish, Granite City, Illinois. Awaiting the copy set.

With the Templars

Sister to the Templars - Knights of the Holy Temple, a separate organization for young men. Awaiting the copy set. See With the Templars.

Lamplight

The monthly update from the Handmaids.

First name

Last name

Email address

ZIP code

Outside the US

Diocese Not listed, or outside the US? Leave this and tell us below.

Or type your diocese

Once a month. We will email to ask you to confirm first, and you can leave at any time.