Category: Aberdeen, SD

Following the words of the disciple John, “I can of mine own self do nothing,” Caminando Juntos seeks to partner with area churches, businesses, social service agencies and non-profits to welcome the stranger and help him/her make a home among us. One of the recent ways Caminando Juntos has worked to develop partnerships in the community is by creating a Workplace English program for Spanish-speaking employees at Showplace Cabinetry. Together, Caminando Juntos and Showplace are working to close the language gap so that Spanish-speaking employees have access to the same opportunities for advancement as their peers and can perform their job with more confidence and greater precision.

“Starting this program has been an act of patience, as God planted the seed a year and a half before it finally sprouted. But it was worth the wait, as we found a company that aligns well with our mission and wants to provide opportunities for growth for ALL of its employees. It has been a very rewarding experience to co-create the curriculum with the Showplace staff and supervisors and to see the impact it has made on the employees’ lives. The students and the program have touched my heart,” shared April Ross, educational coordinator at Caminando Juntos.

Maria Puente, Showplace Cabinetry New Hire Trainer, shares some of the employee benefits from the program. “From being able to communicate with their supervisors, to asking for time off, being able to report problems and situations that might arise.” Puente continues, “Most of the Hispanic community would stay in entry level. But now, they’re thriving and moving up in positions that are higher.”

Made possible by a grant through the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, 48 employees benefitted from the program this year.  We are grateful for all of the partners walking with us on this journey.

Two different local television stations covered the story. We invite you to click on each station name to view their story of this remarkable program.

Dakota News Now

Keloland News

Above: Lauren and John awarding Sister Peggy Boehm the Ambassador of Peace award.

In November, Eastern South Dakota welcomed Pax Christi USA (PCUSA) staff members Lauren Bailey & John Noble as they visited Pax Christi members and chapters. During a whirlwind tour, they learned about the activities and people who have been working towards gospel nonviolence for many years. In addition, there were opportunities to connect with partners, and others who may become partners, who have been an integral part of peace and justice work in South Dakota.

A highlight of this trip was honoring Sister Pegge Boehm for her work. Pax Christi USA, an arm of the international Catholic peace movement, has, for 50 years, collaborated with people from across the country to find ways to advocate and work for a more just world. These individuals are often the local faces of Pax Christi in their region or state. Periodically, Pax Christi USA recognizes one of these individuals for the outstanding work that they do. This year, Sister Pegge was recognized for her contributions toward furthering the practice of Gospel nonviolence by being named an ‘Ambassador of Peace’ by PCUSA.

Sister Pam Donelan, Lauren Bailey, Sister Kay O’Neil, Sister Michelle Meyers, Sister Pat Prunty and John Noble. Sisters Kay and Michelle started Pax Christi in South Dakota.

John supported the amazing work of Sister Pegge and others even though, they brushed it off as just “something that needed to be done so I/we did it”.  During the presentation, John reflected on members’ work that is often difficult, and unrecognized, but “needs to be done”. He reflected on the work of not only Siser Pegge, but the work of many members of local Pax Christi groups as well. He celebrated the “really, really courageous and risky work that I’m not ready to do”, and provided examples from Nano and other Presentation Sisters as they developed the legacy of Justice is our Work.

One aspect of Sister Pegge’s work that was highlighted in “the work that needs to be done, so we do it,” was how well she recognizes potential partners and brings others into the work. John stated that the work that we do “is never done alone” and noted how well Sister Pegge does this as “one of the reasons we wanted to honor her…we saw over and over how that work is done in community”.  John reflected on the story of Nano’s lantern, an inanimate object without those who are willing to carry it. He likened peace and justice work to the guiding light of the lantern and how people, religious women in particular, have picked up the lantern through which the light of peace and justice work is done. These individuals go out to the world to work for things like peace, racial justice, Medicaid expansion and more. “This light needs to be carried … and Sister Pegge, you are an Ambassador of Peace, not just because you carry the light but because you carry that light to your community, with your community and from your community.”

Pictured above: Presentation Conference vocation directors Sister Mary Catherine Redmond, Sister Jessi Beck, Sister Jocelyn Quijano, Sister Sandy Butler and Sister Vicky Larson. Not pictured is Jen Rothenbuehler, vocation promoter.

“We are stronger when we listen and smarter when we share.” ~Rania Al Abdullah

Connection is key. Communication is key. We found ourselves longing for more of both these the last few years, as we were isolated in 2020 and then moved into several different physical spaces. We had office growth and sisters moved out of the convent. For the first time, we found ourselves not having a central in-person hub.

From our desire to stay connected across geographical lines and grow as Presentation people, our in-person coffees evolved and Mission News & Brews was born in a virtual space. The goal was to provide a platform for regular communication, while sharing in mission as a Presentation family. Mission News & Brews provides opportunities for Presentation people to connect virtually and hear updates, or share them, as we work together to stay informed of what is on the horizon and how can we connect together to further the mission and charism. We know we are the best advocates for one another when we are informed of what is going on and we feel heard when we have a space to share.

These virtual coffees are open to all Presentation people and we typically host about 30 attendees. We spend the first portion of the meeting time sharing updates from the departments and ministries who are present. We then invite a guest to share around a topic of interest, usually focused around justice work. Guests have been other sisters, community leaders, mission partners… The discussions are thought-provoking and usually leave us with “stirrings” in our hearts and minds.

This month, we had the privilege of taking this one step further. We were honored to host the Conference vocation team. This team has been collaborating for years and really modeling what could be possible as many teams and departments within individual congregations become smaller.

Mission News & Brews continues to ebb and flow as needs change. We look forward to what this might look like in the future and grateful for this shared space that brings us together each month.

“If you can’t fl y then run. If you can’t run then walk. If you can’t walk then crawl. But whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.” ~ Martin Luther King Jr.

… and moving we have done. It has been a central theme for us recently. As we take these next steps, we are excited to listen to where the Spirit is calling us. We are led by our mission in all that we do and this is no different. Over the last year and a half, our sisters have all moved out of the convent in Aberdeen. As they transitioned from the convent, many moved into Presentation Place in Aberdeen or Presentation Center in Sioux Falls. The ministries and employees are also now moving into spaces that better fit their needs too, as we continue to focus on serving the mission.

October 2021

Caminando Juntos, our sponsored Hispanic ministry in Sioux Falls, expanded into a larger office space on the edge of downtown Sioux Falls. They continue to see an influx of clients as they walk with the newly arrived Latino immigrants in the community. Many clients have said this new space feels “like home” as they are welcomed into the ministry.

In addition to the physical move, they have increased their team to better serve the growing needs. In the last two years, they have hired more staff to help assist in the intake of the high volume they are experiencing each day, including someone to help with the large amount of immigration cases they receive. The ministry can experience up to 50 calls a day for assistance.

New life and movement will continue to find its way into Caminando Juntos as it grows for the future needs. April Ross, current director, will be moving to full time education director for the ministry. Education is a passion of hers and the ability to fully focus on this area will be a benefit to those they serve. With April’s move to education director, we are excited to welcome Matthew Tschetter, our new executive director, who joined the ministry on June 6.

March 2022

In Sioux Falls, the integral ecology and mission development teams found new space to meet their growth and expansion. This group was grateful to have a short move up the stairs, landing on the main level of the same building they have been in for the last nine years. Some beautiful art pieces from the convent fill the space, making it feel like a wonderful extension of Nano’s legacy and centered in mission.

May 2022

This May, the remaining teams at the convent (in Aberdeen), moved across town and found new space above the Avera Performance Center. Although the physical archives will remain at Presentation Heights for now, the following departments have moved: finance, mission development (which includes the archivist and cojourner coordinator), and the assistant to the president.

Along with this move, there has been discernment on what to do with all of the beautiful statues and artifacts in the convent. Our archivist has been working diligently to rehome precious statues, religious items, art and so much more. Many of the beautiful statues are finding their way to South Dakota parishes and we are grateful they will be treasured and enjoyed in years to come. With this transition, we have discovered new treasures and found ourselves pausing and reliving beautiful memories in this process. We remember our sisters who have gone before us, and are guided by their love and foresight as we continue stepping forward in this process.

Future

One of our most asked questions remains, what will happen to the convent and the land? In Aberdeen, Presentation Convent sits on the Presentation Heights 125-acre campus, which includes Presentation College. We continue to strive for places of collaboration to enhance both missions. Presentation College will remain on the campus.

The discernment began over two years ago for how Presentation Heights can best serve our mission into the future. We have a desire to enhance our property with more of its natural beauty and imagine how this could be enjoyed by the Aberdeen community and region. We are using Laudato Si’, an encyclical written by Pope Francis, which calls us to care of creation and for our brothers and sisters in need. This letter guides our discernment process. We have also formed our most recent Chapter call around this important work and look forward to our Presentation people walking with us on this journey.

Although we don’t know our exact path, we do know that the land will continue to evolve and grow in the year(s) ahead. “Together, we continue to look ahead with our partners, as we have always done, in regards to our future and to addressing needs both locally and globally,” shares Sister Janice Klein.

The Cinco de Mayo Fiesta is a family event that brings together the business and civic community of Sioux Falls, S.D., and the surrounding area to welcome, appreciate and celebrate the Latino cultures among us. While observing this traditional Mexican holiday, Cinco de Mayo in Sioux Falls creates awareness of and develops pride in the diverse Latino cultures that make up our community.

Caminando Juntos, our sponsored Hispanic ministry in Sioux Falls, receives the proceeds of the Fiesta. This is the major fundraiser each year to help support the work they do in the community to welcome and meet the needs of newly-arrived Latino immigrants.

 After a two-year pause due to COVID, the Cinco de Mayo festival in Sioux Falls returned with flying colors. The festival drew in roughly 8,000 visitors from all over the area, who came together to celebrate the rich Latino cultures in our area. Authentic music, food, and dancing created a lively and friendly atmosphere at Falls Park, welcoming people of diverse cultures and backgrounds. Highlights of this year’s festival included Mexican folklore dancers, a Guatemalan kite-flying contest, a Chihuahua fashion show, a piñata and kids’ area, and a variety of Hispanic vendors. The day was a huge success!  

April Ross, Director of Caminando Juntos

This year, Caminando Juntos is also celebrating 20 years in the Sioux Falls community. They recently expanded into a larger office space on the edge of downtown Sioux Falls, as they continue to see an influx of clients. Many clients have said this new space feels “like home” as they are welcomed into the ministry. In addition to the physical move, they have increased their team to better serve the growing needs. In the last two years, they have hired more staff to help assist in the intake of the high volume they are experiencing each day, including someone to help with the large amount of immigration cases they receive. The ministry can experience up to 50 calls a day for assistance. New life and movement will continue to find its way into Caminando Juntos as it grows for the future needs. April Ross, current director, will be moving to full time education director for the ministry. Education is a passion of hers and the ability to fully focus on this area will be a benefit to those they serve. With April’s move to education director, we are excited to welcome a new executive director who will be joining the ministry in June.

The community is still buzzing with excitement from a successful fiesta and grateful to have had this opportunity to celebrate together. The joy of being together was alive and well. If you wish to view some of the photos from the day, they can be found on the event’s Facebook below.

To view photos Cinco de Mayo Fiesta, please visit the Cinco de Mayo Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/CincoFiestaSiouxFalls

Read the latest news from the Aberdeen Caminando Juntos ministry in their newsletter:

2022 Caminando Juntos Newsletter

We congratulate Sister Lynn Marie Welbig, the South Dakota honoree of USA TODAY’s Women of the Year.

The USA TODAY’s Women of the Year recognizes women across the country who have made a significant impact in their communities and beyond. “These honorees are strong and resilient women who have been champions of change across the country, leading and inspiring as they promote and fight for equity, and give others a place to seek help and find hope.”

CLICK HERE to read Sister Lynn Marie’s interview. Be sure to watch the video that is included in the article.

CLICK HERE for the USA TODAY’S article highlighting all of the outstanding, courageous women on both a state and national level.

The Aberdeen congregational general chapter concluded over the weekend as we elected a new leadership team. The purpose of chapter is to strengthen our unity and apostolic vitality for the sake of the church and world. Every four years we gather in our chapter of affairs and election to set directions for the next years which will forward our apostolic mission. We then elect a president and council to lead us in implementing these directions. We are grateful to many of you who have journeyed with us in this preparation this past year. The new leadership term will begin June 1. Give God the glory!

• Sister Mary Thomas, president elect
• Sister Vicky Larson, vice president
• Sister Roxanne Seifert, councilor
• Sister Pegge Boehm, councilor