St. Mary’s Church, Lower Brule Indian Reservation
There are few places in the United States where congregations face the level of poverty and hardship that is on the Lower Brule Native American Reservation in South Dakota. Nearly one in two residents on the reservation lives in poverty (U.S. Census Bureau, 2024).
Through the support of BIMO, the Lower Brule Ministry Team at St. Mary’s Catholic Church daily strives to help meet the physical and spiritual needs of those most vulnerable in their community. The Feeding Our Families (FOF) program, a food voucher distribution program, began during the COVID pandemic. Under Fr. Jean-Claude Mbassi, the program grew tremendously, with Fr. Mbassi distributing approximately 700 vouchers annually. The goal of this program has always remained to not just meet temporary, physical needs, but to accomplish the diocesan mission to attract and form intentional disciples who proclaim and live the mission of Jesus Christ.
Last year, Fr. Jean-Claude was re-assigned by his order to serve outside of South Dakota, and the new parish priests, Fr. Floribert Bulo Dhelo, SCJ, and Fr. Marius Ari Saputra, SCJ, arrived to serve on the reservation. After the arrival of the new pastors, the team temporarily paused FOF to focus on cultivating one-on-one relationships. Fr. Floribert describes the first few months after the new assignment as “a difficult experience” that was characterized by low Mass attendance, frequent funerals, many suicide cases among mostly young people, substance abuse, and poverty. However, he described how the new pastors came to “understand that this was the context in which the Lord needs us.” Despite and through these challenges, more than 200 Natives were engaged through Mass attendance, wake and funeral services, sick and elderly visitation at homes and in hospitals, and fellowship after Sunday Mass. At St. Mary’s in Lower Brule, the team conducted Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) classes for children prior to their First Communion and Confirmation. Four children were confirmed and received First Communion. Additionally, nine individuals were baptized.
The team has since begun to explore ways to expand and build upon FOF to better meet the needs of their community. Not only have they established a new relationship with an additional grocery market within Lower Brule who has agree to accept FOF vouchers—allowing voucher recipients without reliable transportation easier access—but they have also begun a gift card distribution on Mondays from 9 am-2 pm for low-income elderly and others with significant needs. One parishioner, a Native American, is helping to spearhead these activities, serving as a bridge between the ministry team and the Native American community. Additionally, the parish team has instilled regular fellowship after Sunday Mass, including a meal for both those attending Mass as well as those passing by. Before leaving, some grocery products are available for anyone in need to take home. This experience allows the team to meet Native community members and to build trust.
We look forward to continuing these activities in the coming year and are grateful for BIMO funding that helps support the general operating costs of the Lower Brule Ministry Team at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Western South Dakota.
