Deanne Bear Catches, Kennel, and Tabitha Goodhouse, Bullhead, present a drawing of an ideal parish. It includes a guitar to show the joy of singing during worship. (Photos courtesy of Fr. Tony Grossenburg)
Twenty-four parishioners and pastors attended the first Spirituality Initiative (SI) weekend from parishes led by Fathers John Heying, Tony Grossenburg and Brian Fawcett. It was held November 13-15 at the newly acquired Terra Sancta facility, Rapid City. The SI stemmed from the 2002 Diocesan Synod called by Bishop Blase Cupich. During that synod, a consensus was reached that parishes in western South Dakota were interested in finding ways to broaden faith formation, develop lay leadership, and strengthen both families and worshiping communities.
At the SI retreat parish leaders and pastors brainstormed on ways to revitalize their churches.
It was the objective of the weekend that groups take back at least three new ideas for implementation. In addition to the ideas voiced below, the groups considered formulating data bases of birthdays, anniversaries, etc., and having a card ministry; expanding educational opportunities, sending welcome baskets, and increasing awareness through bulletin and pulpit announcements.
Clara Braun, from St. Agnes Parish, Cox, said she enjoyed the fellowship, meals and ideas she encountered during her turn at the SI. “There were quite a few ideas, if we can get them going in the parish,” she said. According to Braun participants from her area are hoping to get a ministry for greeters and ushers going first. She has heard that the Catholic Church could be warmer. “We have coffee after church and the same people sit together. I think we can become more friendly people; we can give of ourselves as well as give monetarily.” An idea that she thought would promote a comradery with parish priests would be more families having the pastor over for dinner. She also encouraged getting more people involved in parish activities, “The more people you involve, the more involvement you have.” One obstacle she didn’t know how to surmount is the demand sports have on family time. “We are so integrated into sports we can’t get anything done.”
The first cluster of parishes to attend a Spirituality Initiative weekend came from parishes served by Frs. John Heying, Tony Grossenburg and Brian Fawcett. Jim Scherr, the man circled in the center of the back row, facilitated the weekend.
Bernice Kari, from Blessed Sacrament Parish, Bison, said she enjoyed the fellowship and the learning she experienced at the SI retreat. “The rooms are great and it is a nice building,” she said referring to the former monastery facility. “We already have a lot going on at our church. We have youth groups, Generations of Faith and groups of people (who volunteer in three month cycles) to help with parish functions such as serving at funerals.” One project she hopes to see started in her parish is a welcoming committee to help new members feel more at home.
Ed Miller attends St. Isidore Parish, Ralph. He enjoyed the atmosphere that surrounded the SI weekend. He would like to see more people involved in the church, especially the younger people, “though there are not that many young people around here anymore.”
He said, “This is the first time I’ve had that much time to visit with Fr. John.” Miller said if people attend an SI weekend, “They’ll get a better feeling for what transpires in their church. They can work with the bishop and see what’s going on at the old monastery – it is nice down there. Also, I had a nice time visiting with people.”
Tabitha Goodhouse from St. Aloysius Parish, Bullhead, said, “I liked the variety of opinions given by each parish group and all the different insights each parish member had to offer.” In her parish they hope to do more media outreach by utilizing a nearby radio station. “We also hope to get youth groups started in the six parishes up here and to set up a welcoming committee of people who visit new members and encourage all people to come to church.” Goodhouse said, “It was good to get together with other people from the six parishes up here and form a stronger bond between the parishes. The SI weekend is very enlightening. You grow a bond with your pastor and it helps you understand the things that go on in the church. Plus, it is a really beautiful place.”