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In the words of our Bishop DeGrood: We are grateful that a majority of South Dakota voters chose to reject the extreme abortion policy proposed by Amendment G. This measure’s defeat has spared South Dakotans from experiencing the bitter fruits resulting from similar measures enacted in other states. We give thanks to God that South Dakota can continue to uphold parental rights, protect women from coerced abortions, and safeguard the health and safety of preborn children and their mothers.
At the same time, the reality that a significant number of our fellow citizens voted in support of this measure reveals how much work remains to be done to build an enduring culture that truly cherishes all human life. Sadly, abortion continues to divide our nation and our state. We are mindful of the fact that, while we rightfully celebrate the rejection of Amendment G, many of our South Dakota neighbors feel differently. To borrow the words of Abraham Lincoln, moving forward from this election we must conduct ourselves “with malice toward none, with charity for all.”
The defeat of Amendment G is certainly not the end of our state’s conversation on abortion. There is reason to hope it may steer that conversation in a more productive direction. We urge policymakers in the legislative and executive branches to develop creative and compassionate solutions to help women and families facing difficult pregnancies. We challenge ourselves and others to build a society where no woman believes that abortion is the right answer for the problems she faces. We pledge our Church’s resources to help with authentic efforts to build a civilization of life and love. We are profoundly thankful for the many individuals, families, businesses, churches, and organizations that worked tirelessly, some for more than two years, to bring about the life-affirming results of this election. Because of their efforts, South Dakota has become a beacon of hope for millions of Americans who yearn for a culture where every preborn child is welcomed in life and protected by law. South Dakotans have chosen a different path from many other states—a path that is noble, humane, and rooted in love.
In the scriptures God says to us, “I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live.” (Deuteronomy 30:19). May God richly bless South Dakota for choosing life in the 2024 election.
Bishop Donald DeGrood began the Set Ablaze program a little more than a year ago. He divided the parishes of the diocese into groups called pastorates. I was assigned as pastor of this Southeast South Dakota Pastorate back in July of 2023. This includes the parishes of Vermillion, Beresford, Wakonda, Centerville, Elk Point, Jefferson, Dakota Dunes, as well as the Newman Center and Saint Agnes Catholic School. The local Priests were also assigned to assist me (Fr. David, Fr. Joe, Fr. John and Fr. Kevin). Following the bishops’ guidelines, the
Pastorate Planning Committee was formed consisting of two members of each parish
within the pastorate, the Newman Center, the Catholic school, as well as the Priests
and Deacons of the area. We began meeting during that first year working on the
different parts of the Bishop’s plan.One of the first decisions of the committee, (with help from those who took the pastorate survey), was to name our area: The Pastorate of the Holy Angels. Then the committee went to work on the plan. This included getting information through surveys, townhall meetings, and general discussions with parishioners.
To complete the plan, we needed to come up with aspirational goals in the areas of worship, evangelization, service, and community. We also set goals for both the Newman Center and St Agnes Catholic School. These six areas are called “the six pillars” of our pastorate. After a year's study and work, the Planning Committee was able to present our plan to Bishop Degrood who accepted it this past June.
The Bishop then asked that I form a leadership team to work with me to implement the plan. We were to include within the leadership team a business manager for the pastorate, as well as a director of discipleship and evangelization.
Amy Giorgio (from the southern parishes), and LeeAnn Haisch (from the northern parishes) were chosen to be on this leadership team with myself and Father John Rutten. We then interviewed for the two other positions; and Michael Denz was chosen to be the Director of Discipleship and Evangelization; and Becca Haisch was chosen to be the Business Manager. Our leadership team meets weekly to discuss the best way to implement the plan. In doing so a Pastorate Council was formed to offer advice. One member from each of the parishes within the pastorate as well as the Catholic school and the Newman center was chosen to be on the council.
We had the first meeting of the Pastorate Council in September of 2024. Here, the members of that council each chose one of the committees on the six pillars of the ]plan to assist in implementing the plan.
Father David will lead the Worship committee. Michael Denz will lead the Discipleship and Evangelization committee. LeeAnn Haisch and Becca Haisch will tag team both with the Service and Community committees. Father John Rutten and Amy Pohlson (the school principal) will each lead their advisory councils to implement the goals in their respective schools.
Each of these six committees will take on new members. If you are interested in joining one of these pillars, please contact one of the members of the Leadership Committee.
Besides attempting to achieve the goals within the six pillars in our pastorate, the Pastorate Council will also try to find ways to unite the seven parishes and schools. One of the ways is to have a common Parish Bulletin. And so, every few weeks you will find attached to your parish bulletin an insert describing events and happenings within the pastorate. We also look forward to having pastorate area activities.
And so, keep watching your parish bulletins or other ways that you receive parish information, and participate in the activities. This will help us become more united with the people in the Pastorate of the Holy Angels.
God Bless,
Fr. Terry