Handmaids of the Lord (HOLD)

Handmaids of the Lord (HOLD) is a Catholic lay ministry for young women, formed under the spiritual guidance of Couples for Christ (CFC). Its mission is to help girls and young women grow in their personal relationship with Jesus Christ, live out their faith actively, and serve the parish and wider community. HOLD encourages participants to develop leadership, moral integrity, and Christian values while fostering a spirit of fellowship and service.

History and Background

Handmaids of the Lord originated as part of the Couples for Christ family ministries, which were established in the Philippines in the early 1980s. The ministry specifically focuses on young women, providing a structured environment for spiritual formation, leadership development, and community service. Participants are guided by mentors and older members of the CFC family to understand their vocation as young women in the Church, and to become active witnesses of Christ in their homes, schools, and communities.

The program includes regular formation sessions, prayer meetings, retreats, and apostolic works. Girls are encouraged to live a life rooted in prayer, study of the Scriptures, and active participation in parish life. HOLD emphasizes service, teaching young women to reach out to those in need through outreach programs, parish events, and charitable initiatives.

HOLD at St. Paschal Baylon Parish

At St. Paschal Baylon Parish, HOLD provides a welcoming environment for young women to deepen their faith and grow spiritually alongside their peers. Members actively participate in parish liturgies, prayer gatherings, retreats, and outreach programs, reflecting the parish’s mission to nurture spiritual, social, and cultural growth within a welcoming community. Through their commitment, the young women of HOLD serve as examples of faith in action, living out the Gospel in both ordinary and extraordinary ways.

Joining HOLD

Handmaids of the Lord welcomes girls and young women who wish to deepen their relationship with Christ, develop leadership and service skills, and actively participate in parish life. Formation sessions, prayer meetings, and service activities provide members with a structured path to grow spiritually while contributing to the life of the Church. Interested participants can contact the parish office or the HOLD coordinators for meeting times and registration details.