Upcoming Events
Sunday, Sept. 9th
Sunday 1-6 RE classes begin
9:30 a.m. (meet in the Nave first)
Sunday, Sept. 9th
Knights of Columbus meeting (
Room 203)
7 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 11th
Catholic Daughters meeting (Room 203)
7 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 12th
1-6 RE Classes begin
5:30 p.m. (meet in the Nave first)
Wednesday, Sept. 12th
7-9 RE Classes begin
6:45 p.m. (meet in the Nave first)
Wednesday, Sept. 12th
The Messengers practices begin (7th-12th grade) Room 204
5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 12th
Children's Choir practices begin (2nd-6th grade) Room 204
6:30-7:15 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 13th
Baptismal Planning Class (Room 203)
6:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 15th
Men's Group meeting
Gathering Space
7:30-9 a.m.
Monday, Sept. 17th
Parish Council meeting
(Room 203)
6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 18th
St. Vincent de Paul
Conference meeting
Gathering Space
7:15-8:15 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 21st
5-7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 23rd
Youth Pancake Breakfast
Multipurpose Room
8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 23rd
Confirmation class
Multipurpose Room
6-8 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 25th
Anointing Mass
(Nave)
6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 26th
Youth Large Group meeting
Multipurpose Room
6:45 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 2nd
St. Vincent de Paul
Conference meeting
Gathering Space
7:15-8:15 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 5th
(Chapel)
6 a.m.-7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 5th -
Sunday, Oct. 7th
Broom Tree Retreat Center
Saturday, Oct. 6th
(St. Joseph Cathedral Parish Hall)
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 7th
Youth Pancake Breakfast
Multipurpose Room
8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 7th
Confirmation class
Multipurpose Room
6-8 p.m.
Monday, October 8th
5:30-8:15 a.m.
Monday, Oct. 8th-
Thursday, Oct. 11th
Clergy Days in Chamberlain, SD
(No daily Masses or confessions)
Thursday, Oct. 11th
Baptismal Planning Class
Parish Office Conference Room 6:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 12th
SFPS: Elementary & Middle School--no school
High School--early start/early dismissal
Sunday, Oct. 14th
No RE classes
Sunday, Oct. 14th
Knights of Columbus
(Room 203)
7 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 15th
Parish Council meeting
(Room 203)
6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 16th
St. Vincent de Paul
Conference meeting
Gathering Space
7:15-8:15 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 19th
5-7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 20th
Men's Group
Gathering Space
7:30-9 a.m.
Saturday, Oct. 20th
Trunk or Treat
Multipurpose Room
6 p.m.
Wed., Oct. 24th-Friday, Oct. 26th
SFCS: no school
Wednesday, Oct. 24th
Youth Large Group meeting
Multipurpose Room
6:45 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 28th
KC French Toast Feast
Multipurpose Room
8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 30th
Anointing Mass (Nave)
6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 30th St. Vincent de Paul
Conference meeting
Gathering Space
7:15-8:15 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 31st
All Saints' Day Vigil Mass
5:30 p.m. (Nave)
Thursday, Nov. 1st
All Saints' Day Masses
8 a.m. & 6 p.m. (Nave)
Friday, Nov. 2nd
(Chapel) 6 a.m.-7 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 3rd
O'Gorman High School
9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 4th
Daylight Savings Time ends (set clocks back 1 hour)
Thursday, Nov. 8th
5:30-8:15 a.m.
Thursday, Nov. 8th
Baptismal Planning Class
Parish Office Conference Room 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 11th
No RE classes
Sunday, Nov. 11th
Turkey Bingo
Multipurpose Room
4-7 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 12th
SFPS: no school
Tuesday, Nov. 13th
St. Vincent de Paul
Conference meeting
Gathering Space
7:15-8:15 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 16th
5-7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 17th
Men's Group
Gathering Space
7:30-9 a.m.
Sunday, Nov. 18th
Youth Pancake Breakfast
Multipurpose Room
8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 18th
Confirmation class
Multipurpose Room
6-8 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 19th
Parish Council
(Room 203)
6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 20th
4:30-7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 21st
No RE classes
Wed.-Fri.,
Nov. 21st-23rd
SFPS: no school
Thurs.-Fri.,
Nov. 22nd-23rd
SFCS: no school
Parish Office closed
Sunday, Nov. 25th
No RE classes
Tuesday, Nov. 27th
Anointing Mass (Nave)
6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 27th
St. Vincent de Paul
Conference meeting
Gathering Space
7:15-8:15 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 28th
Youth Large Group meeting
Multipurpose Room
6:45 p.m.
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R.C.I.A. to Begin
One of the great outcomes from the Second Vatican Council was the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. Previous to this time, adults who wished to join the Catholic Church were often instructed individually from a question and answer catechism and quite often over a rather short period of time.
The R.C.I.A. recognized that coming to faith is a dynamic process that involves more than simple teachings and practices. Faith is a life-long process that begins when someone witnesses the faith of another, continues with exploration concerning the teachings of the faith and is punctuated by particular experiences of the faith. In our Catholic tradition, faith is often deepened through sacraments and other rituals.
In our best Catholic tradition, faith is more a way of life than simply knowledge of what the Church teaches. The R.C.I.A. is intended to be a process by which candidates can explore the teachings of the Church in company with other participants and come to an authentic discernment of how they can live out their faith as Catholics.
Over my years of priesthood, I have received hundreds of men and women into the Church. In nearly every instance, these people were attracted to the Catholic way of life by a spouse, a friend, or someone else who extended the invitation.
When adults join the Church, it is a sign of health and vitality in the Body of Christ. It is one of the ways the Church continues to grow. My rule of thumb is that active Catholic parishes usually attract about one candidate for each 100 families in the parish.
In recent years I've noticed that my rule of thumb has been a bit optimistic. I suppose there is generally less interest in matters of the Spirit lately. I think we've become a little reluctant to invite people to join us for fear of being seen as "pushy." In our parish we haven't had as many mixed religion weddings lately, which are sometimes a source for candidates.
In a few weeks, our parish will begin a new R.C.I.A. formation group, and I hope we will have a number of people expressing interest in the Catholic way of life. We will meet Thursday evenings from 7-8:15 p.m. from October through Lent. If you know of someone who would be interested in joining this process, please let me know. I could also use a few Catholics who would join the group as faith witnesses and companions.
Father Gregory Tschakert
St. Katharine Drexel Parish
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Sharing our Gifts: Time, Talent, and Treasure
 Each fall we enter a period of renewal in our parish. We are asked to reflect on and pray about our stewardship. What are the gifts we've been given? How are we using those gifts? Are we generous and faithful stewards of all that we've been given?
Later this month, our faith community will have the opportunity to learn more about our parish ministries and how we can volunteer our time and talent. Our parish is busy with all kinds of activities. God made some of us to work quietly behind the scenes. God made some of us to be busy on the front lines, working with others. "Though we are many, we are one body." No matter your temperament, your time, or your talents, there is a ministry for you. Some parishioners have asked if there are certain ministries in need of more volunteers. Yes, there are! We have a strong need for more Ushers, more Weekend Mass Receptionists, more Lectors, and more teachers for Children's Liturgy of the Word. At St. Katharine Drexel Parish, finding ways to offer your time and talent in the service of God is easy!
In October, we'll be asked to continue praying about our gifts and especially about the stewardship of the treasure each of us has been given. Listen for the announcements in Mass and watch the bulletin for more information about "Sharing Our Gifts."
Our parish is blessed with generous offerings of time, talent, and treasure. With much prayer and hard work, we built up a home on an alfalfa field. We joined together and grew into a vibrant, caring community committed to serving God. We have been called to be the hands and feet of our Lord, and as a faith community, we have responded, and generously.
In your daily prayer, please begin asking God how you can continue serving Him with your gifts. As our parish grows, our needs grow--from our day-to-day needs, such as the upkeep of our beautiful facility, to our expanding ministries that serve our faith community and beyond. As you consider all your gifts in this fall of renewal, ask our Lord how you can give back to Him in time, in talent, and in treasure.
God has given us two hands -- one with which to receive and the other with which to give. We are channels made for giving.
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Steubenville North--in the words of Catherine Spader
Steubenville North was an amazing experience for me and I am sure for many other
people. I could feel that amazing things were going to happen the moment I stepped foot in St. Paul. Everyone single person there was extremely supportive and kind, and I felt
right at home. From the very first Mass to the very last moment, I continued to learn
more about myself and my Creator. There are not enough words to describe what
happened that weekend, but I will try my absolute hardest.
Most of my experience happened during the two times of adoration we were
blessed with, but all the talks I heard were also very inspirational and gave insight on
how to become a better Catholic and be able to give my life to Jesus. The main points I
took away were: God is not a concept, idea, or figure. God is love, the trinity, and truth.
We, as human beings, are most free when following God.
During the first time of adoration, I received the gift of tears. I felt this new openness to
what God wanted from me. Towards the end of adoration, I also received the gift of
laughter, which took me by surprise because I had just stopped crying. I felt so many
emotions that night, and I had many people that helped me sort through them.
For the second night of adoration, I was expecting some amazing things to
happen. I had heard amazing stories from the older campers and was so excited that I
got to experience that as well. I was blessed by being able to rest in the spirit. I got to
experience rest five different times that night, and each one was very different. There was
one that really stuck with me and freed me the most. While resting in the spirit, I
experienced a vision. I saw my younger sister, who died two years ago from cancer,
and Jesus walk towards me. They continued to repeat the words, "It's all going to be
okay." Just being able to see how healthy and happy my sister looked helped me to let go of
losing her.
That weekend will forever hold a special place in my heart. I can't even tell you
the half of it. It is something everyone needs to experience, and I strongly encourage
everyone to do just that.
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Retreats, Conferences, and Lots More!
We are so fortunate to have so many opportunities, for all ages, to live and grow in our faith this fall and winter! You can find more information at the links provided.
Sunday, September 16th
2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
O'Gorman High School Performing Arts Center
The program includes international songs and dances, entertaining pop medleys, and original songs crafted to inspire people to make their own personal commitments to keeping hope alive in their communities.
Friday, September 21st-Sunday, September 23rd
Benedictine Peace Center, Yankton, SD
Presentations by S. Mary Jo Polak, OSB and your reflective times will lead you to observe how Mary and Jesus prayed the Scriptures.
Wednesday, October 3rd
REBOOT! is a fun, inspiring and practical experience for all (ages 12 and up) of applying the beauty and genius of the Gospel to every aspect of your life, from prayer and spirituality, to work, dating, marriage, parenting, health, and more!
Friday, October 5th-Sunday, October 7th
Broom Tree Retreat Center, Irene, SD
Fully Alive is a weekend away for young adults (ages 21-39) to rest, retreat, and be renewed! The retreat will include short reflections and time for prayer, rest, and fun! The theme for the weekend is "Fully Alive," and our hope is to explore the freedom and joy of living a virtuous life.
Saturday, October 6th
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
St. Joseph Cathedral Parish Hall, Sioux Falls, SD
Life is Good! is a Diocesan Respect Life Conference to celebrate the joy and dignity of human life at all stages. First and foremost, we must recognize this in our own lives and live in such a way that reveals the true goodness and joy of life. This day will take a comprehensive approach to the prolife conversation and invite participants to consider how they might live life more abundantly and how to effectively invite others to do the same. We will also discuss what this means as active citizens and what Humanae Vitae, in celebration of its 50th Anniversary, has to say to the prolife movement.
Friday, October 19th-Sunday, October 21st
Immaculate Conception Parish, Watertown, SD
"Going Deeper" is a retreat for youth who are actively involved in their parish or have participated in other retreats and events and who have a fervor to grow in the faith. The hope is that participants will experience a much deeper understanding of how to pray and how to know what God is desiring in their life.
Saturday, November 3rd
9 a.m.-6 p.m.
O'Gorman High School, Sioux Falls, SD
Encountering Truth: The desire for truth is written on the human heart. Only in God will we find the truth and happiness that we are searching for.
Wednesday, November 7th - Friday, November 9th
Benedictine Peace Center, Yankton, SD
This mid-week retreat combines silence with short conferences exploring the heart spaces we bring to prayer. Reflect on how we pray with a sorrowful heart, a joyful heart, a compassionate heart, a longing heart. Let yourself rest in God's loving Presence with whatever heart condition you bring to the encounter.
Wednesday, January 16th-Sunday, January 20th
Washington, D.C.
The pilgrimage will include participation in the March, the Catholic Life is Very Good youth rally, some free time to visit sites at our nation's capital, and time at the National Basilica.
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Our adult education gatherings are starting up again. Morning sessions are Wednesdays at 6:30 a.m. for a study of the Holy Mass with Bishop Robert Barron, and Wednesdays and Thursdays after 8:30 a.m. Mass for our new book study on the Holy Spirit. Call the Parish Office at 275-6870 for more information or see the
August 19th, August 26th, and September 2nd bulletins.
Deacon Denny will also be leading a small group discussion that delves into the Holy Mass with Bishop Robert Barron. The group will meet for 6 Sundays, from 6-7:30 p.m., beginning on September 16th. Please call Deacon Denny at 261-7232 with questions.
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St. Katharine Drexel Parish on the Web
 Mass Schedule, Calendar, Online Giving, Readings, and much more. Our Parish Web page has been updated and redesigned. Check it out!
 Log on to our Flickr site to see photos of our beautiful Sanctuary and Nave as well as our stained glass windows. Want to help us? Contact Carol Deering (212-5218/
tom.carol@vastbb.net) of the Communications Committee.
 Our Parish YouTube page includes eight videos. Do you have an idea for a video on our channel? Talk with Fr. Tschakert (275-6870/
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