Fr. David being honored by Kateri Circle members with a star quilt.
This is the letter that Fr. David gave to each of his parishioners before he left South Dakota.
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I was 57 years old when I came to South Dakota. I will depart the next number of days at the age of 73. I am deeply grateful for the last 16 years that I have spent in your midst. They have been years of growing love and affection for you as I attempted to bring the Good News of the Gospel of Grace to you. It is my sincere hope that you have benefited from my sometimes faltering efforts. I have always tried to have yor best interests in mind in view of the many different ways I have served. I have enjoyed my years here very much, and frequently experienced the Lord’s gentle guidance and inspriation on your behalf.
I have noticed a profound change in my own spiritual life, to which all of you have contributed in many ways. And I am deeply grateful for those graces. These years have been happy years and challenging years. And it is with mixed emotions that we come to this time of departure: know there is a sad feeling in leaving those I love and care for, yet a joy in looking forward to what the Lord may have for me in the near future, and I have no idea of what that may be. That discussion will begin when I get back to Pennsylvania.
I have enjoyed very much living on the Reservation in this multi-culutural enviroment, and serving and pastoring the Ihanktowan People. From the bottom of my heart I want to thank you all especially for the prayers and well wishes. I want to especially thank the Kateri Circle for honoring me with a beautiful Star Quilt. I am also grateful for the gifts and donations you have given me over this Christmas season, and on the occasion of my nearing departure. May the good Lord bless you all in every way possible according to your most hopeful and pressing need.
Affectionately in God’s good graces,
Fr. David Tickerhoof, tor
Elaine and Tara in the receiving room, sorting some of the clothes that recently arrived.
Thank you to all the benefactors that have given articles (food, clothing, monetary gifts) for the Kateri Center. You have helped fill a great need of the people in the area. We serve approximately 300-400 people per month through food & clothing. Your generosity lets us be able to continue with this ministry.
Lily, Isabella, Pesancio, Katherine, Juan Pablo, Sophia, Bain
We celebrated First Communion at St. Paul’s on Sunday, December 30th on the Feast of the Holy Family.
Sr. Miriam riding a camel in Petra, Jordan
- Sr. Miriam awaiting papal visit.
Sr.Miriam and her sister, Anita, joined the diocesan pilgrimage to the Holy Land and Rome, Oct. 28th to Nov. 10th. Bishop Paul Swain was celebrating his 5th anniversary as Bishop of Sioux Falls. It was an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Many sites were visited in the land where Jesus walked. The group was in the front row at an audience with Pope Benedict at the Vatican. One day was also spent in Assisi. More details of the trip will be found in our newsletter, “Okodakiciye”.
Some of our benefactors have sent donations and gifts to be distributed to the youth of the parish at our family Christmas dinner. We also received a donation of toys collected by the students of St. Benedict/Sacred Heart Schools in Yankton, SD. As a result the children each received a gift bag filled with toys, clothes and other items. It was a very well attended and joyfull occasion. The parish furnished the main meal and parishioners brought salads and desserts. We are grateful to our benefactors for their generosity for this event.
I made two trips back to Pennsylvania in November and December as a delegate to our Franciscan Community Chapter. One of the areas the delegates discussed at some length was our mission to the Yankton Sioux people in South Dakota. When we concluded discussing and voting on the twenty proposals, the delegates sent them to the new administration for action. It was my first opportunity to work so extensivly with my Franciscan brothers. I was impressed by their dedication and preperation in regard to the submitted proposals.
Fr. David Tickerhoof, tor
Kateri Circle Members
The Kateri Circle members have just recently decided to take responsibility for the operation of the “Needy Nook” which has been renamed “The Kateri Center”. Members of the Kateri Circle take turns running the Center: sorting clothes, opening boxes, stocking shelves with food and exercising hospitality by being available to those who come and use the Center.
On the weekend of September 24th the Preston’s & Winslow’s brought a load of furniture, 150 boxes of supplies and other assorted items for the Kateri Center. The uhaul was 26 feet long & took over 2 hours to unload. Many tables, chairs, beds, children furniture, dressers, etc. made up the bulk of the shipment. The story can be told in the pictures on the web site.
This summer there is much construction going on in Marty, SD surrounding the Church. The construction crew kindly offered to move a statue of Bishop Martin Marty that was located near the boys dorm over to a site by the church. Bishop Marty was the first Abbot of St. Meinrad’s Arch Abby. He also was the first Bishop of Sioux Falls. He was concecrated Archbishop of Minneapolis at the age of 60 and he passed away a month later. The town of Marty is named after him.
