St. Kateri Catholic Community
We are very grateful for the Black and Indian Mission Grant which enabled us to bring Sister Kateri Mitchell to Lakewood, Co. for our Lenten Retreat. The participants in the Retreat were very comfortable and pleased that it was a combination of our Faith and Native Traditions. The retreat began with everyone forming our sacred circle, which is how we begin our Mass every Sunday. We were all blessed with sage by one of our Lakota elders then Sister Kateri led us in the four directions prayer. Sister Kateri brought a first-class relic of St. Kateri with her; it was the same relic that she took to the Lummi Reservation and where the miracle happened that brought sainthood to our beloved sister Kateri Tekakwitha. Each participant was given the chance to hold the relic of St. Kateri and it was a moving, spiritual and holy moment to hold the relic and pray with St. Kateri to our Creator.
After Sunday Mass Sister Kateri gave a very inspirational talk to the community, those who could not attend the retreat were able to speak to her in our parish dining hall, where we go after Mass for refreshments. This retreat was inspiring to the participants here are some of their comments: The last two years I have felt lost with my faith. This retreat reminded me that I never lost my faith. It gave us an opportunity to connect with each other and share our spiritual experiences. This was one of the most inspiring retreats I have ever attended. It was a truly wonderful and enlightening experience. I learned I am a worthy human being and that I can be forgiven. St. Kateri’s gentleness and teaching of love and empowerment were very inspirational to me. I was able to reflect on the Word and come to a sense of Christ’s love for me through his suffering which reassured me of his promise of everlasting life. The Spirit of the Creator and St. Kateri was strongly present in this retreat.
