Kateri Northwest Ministry Institute
The annual Kateri Northwest Ministry Institute retreat was held September 12-14, 2024 at the Immaculate Heart Retreat Center in Spokane. Rose Morrison (Oglala Sioux) served as the M.C., welcoming and opening with prayer and introductions, following with full group participation of introducing each fellow retreatant.
“Finding Our Way Together in These Changing Times” was introduced by Fr. Pat Twohy and Fr. Mike Fitzpatrick. The question asked was “What does the walk, the journey together of the Jesuits and Natives look like for the future?” Participants broke into small groups and did an open sharing with the larger group. Individual reflections ranged from being an “acolyte” to considering oneself a prayer warrior. Also expressed was the deep sense of loss in two Montana parishes, where the Jesuits historically served and were founders, that are now being served by diocesan priests from the two separate dioceses within Montana. Described as a major loss within one diocese is the closure of the church and the diocesan priests’ unavailability and inability to involve tribal parishioners. It was brought forward by a diocesan priest guest, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops General Assembly approved on June 12-14, 2024 “Keeping Christ’s Sacred Promise: A Pastoral Framework for Indigenous Ministry.” A 17-point summary (page 48) suggested action steps to further develop Native / Indigenous Ministry. (Source: USCCB.org)
Saturday came with the Nespelem and Omak parishes sharing the visual of their church year in full color and colored detail of their full participation of the church year. They extended to each working group their model with a blank form for each group to brainstorm and follow-up and shine on their individual parishes. This provided for a rich and enhanced sharing of ideas both within tribal tradition and the liturgy of the Catholic Calendar.
On Saturday the Jesuit Provincial and fellow Jesuits joined us at the breakfast as a welcoming. Retreatants spontaneously introduced themselves and their tribal home parishes. Voiced was the loss of Jesuits in tribal homeland parishes. An expressed hope in the continued joy of coming together for the Kateri Northwest Ministry Institute (KNMI) annual retreat was articulated.
The retreat closed with Holy Mass. During this closure, board member Charlotte Kelley (Assiniboine / Nakota) (R.I.P.) was remembered by family in the sharing of Sweet Grass and reflections of her life.
