How it works
The Way, the five works, who takes part, the rhythm of a chapter, and the Rite of the Lamp.
What it is
A sisterhood for high school young women that offers a rhythm of sacristy service, proclaiming the Word at Mass, care for the sacred linens and the house of God, service to the poor, prayer, and friendship, to form faithful Catholic women within the parish.
The young women run their own chapter, with officers they elect. Women of the parish mentor them by working beside them. Their name comes from the lamp that burns before every tabernacle: Handmaids help keep it lit, keep the sanctuary ready, and keep the Lord attended in prayer.
The Way of the Handmaid
- Fiat. I say yes to God's plan.
- Vigil. I keep my lamp burning with prayer and the sacraments.
- Care. Nothing done for the Lord is small.
- Magnificat. My life points to Him, and I go out to the poor.
The five works
- Serve the altar and the Word - sacristy teams, care for the sacred linens, and proclaiming the readings at Mass
- Adorn the house of God - the church's environment for every season and feast
- Serve the poor - a work of mercy each quarter
- Keep vigil - a monthly Holy Hour, an annual retreat, and a daily rule of prayer
- Build the sisterhood - friendship that lasts
Who takes part
| Who | Role |
|---|---|
| High school young women | Six or more to begin; twelve to fifteen is ideal. Eighth graders may begin as aspirants in the spring |
| A chaplain | A priest or deacon of the parish, named by the pastor |
| Consœurs (three or more) | Women of the parish who mentor the Handmaids: often the sacristan, the art and environment lead, the linen ministry, and lectors. Each completes the diocese's safe environment training |
| A Lead Consœur | One or more consœurs who lead the chapter's adults and approve new members |
| A Lamplighter | A guide from GoHandmaids.org who walks with the chapter through its launch and checks in each quarter |
How a chapter works
| How often | What the chapter does |
|---|---|
| Weekly | Sacristy teams, linen ministry, and lectors as scheduled |
| Monthly | Chapter meeting, run by the young women's own officers, and a Holy Hour |
| Quarterly | A work of mercy and a sisterhood gathering |
| Each season | Preparing the church for Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, and Ordinary Time |
| Annually | A retreat, officer elections, the Rite of the Lamp, and the Sending of seniors |
The Rite of the Lamp
After a season as aspirants, new members are received at a parish Mass in the Rite of the Lamp. One by one, the woman who mentored each young woman lights her lamp, and she answers the Lord as Mary did: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord." The parish sees who prepares its altar, and the young women know they belong. The Rite is celebrated after the homily with the pastor's approval, and it changes nothing in the Order of Mass.
Safeguarding
- Every adult who works with the Handmaids completes the diocese's safe environment training and follows its policies.
- At least one consœur is present at every gathering.
- Chapter communication happens only by email through the Handmaids platform, and every message to a young woman is also sent to her parents and to a consœur. There is no one-to-one messaging between adults and young women, and no texting.
- Parents register their daughters and give consent before they take part.
If this sounds like your parish, we would be glad to talk.
Ask about starting a chapter