Office of Native Ministry
The Diocese of Rapid City established the Office of Native Ministry to serve as a liaison between the Native community and the Diocese. The Office of Native Ministry is involved in several services and causes including, but not limited to, hosting spiritual retreats and working toward the canonization of Nicholas Black Elk. Over the past few months, the Office has participated in the bi-annual Canku Wakan Retreat and the annual Mass for Servant of God Nicholas Black Elk.
Canku Wakan Retreat - As a result of inculturation and the concerted efforts of Native people, priests, and deacons, an indigenous retreat was developed named Canku Wakan (Holy Road). This is a four-day spiritual journey utilizing an inculturated form of prayer inclusive of Lakota and Catholic rituals, traditions, and ceremonies designed to bring participants to a closer relationship with Tunkasila (God the Father). During this prayer experience, Native Catholic leaders give presentations and share personal testimonies of faith. A sweat lodge ceremony (Inipi ceremony) and morning prayer with the sacred pipe, sweet grass, and sage blessings, the Eucharist, talking circle, and a healing service are some of the common prayer forms associated with this retreat.
The Canku Wakan weekend is designed to allow people the freedom to benefit from the best of both traditions of worship and to profit spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Attendees are able to form a new vision and awareness of their rightful place in God’s tiyospaye (family), the Catholic Church. A renewed spirit of cooperation is formed, bonded by friendship, with trust, created and fed by a mutual love for each other and Jesus Christ.
The most recent retreat was September 8-11, 2022, which is the second retreat of the year. The retreat was held at the Sioux Spiritual Center in Howes, South Dakota. Many of the attendees received scholarships to cover the costs of attendance. These scholarships are mainly provided through grant funding from organizations such as the Black and Indian Mission Office and The Sisters of St. Francis. Many attendees traveled over 500 miles to come to the retreat. This year individuals from South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana attended the retreat. Attached is a Newsletter published by the Director of Native Ministry, Germaine Little Bear that includes quotes from many of the attendees.
Mass for Servant of God Nicholas Black Elk – On August 17, 2022, the Diocese of Rapid City held the 4th Annual Memorial Mass, graveside remembrances, and meal celebrating Nicholas Black Elk. The event began at 8:30 a.m. with graveside prayer followed by Mass at 9:30 and a meal. The Celebrant was Bishop Peter Muhich and the homilist was Father General Arturo Sosa, Superior General of the Society of Jesus. The event was held at St. Agnes Church located in Manderson, SD on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Readings included: Rev. 7:2-4, 9-14; 1 John 3:1-3; Matthew 5:1-12a.
The Director of Native Ministry, Germaine Little Bear, is on the committee for the canonization of Nicholas Black Elk and was in attendance at the event. The committee has been working on the canonization of Nicholas Black Elk for several years now. At the event, Father Arturo Sosa provided an update on the progress saying that the Cause is under active consideration by the Vatican Congregation of Saints and is being advocated by the General Postulator of the Society of Jesus, Fr. Pascual Cebollada as well as Fr. Michael Steltenkamp, the Jesuit who wrote the biography of Black Elk based on extensive interviews with Black Elk’s daughter, Lucy Looks Twice.
