Pastoral Letter on Sunday Mass Obligation

Statements and Documents, Videos
10Aug 2020 by wpadmin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DleCFrGGTEDear Faithful of the East River South Dakota (i.e. Diocese of Sioux Falls), Thankfully, the anticipated magnitude of the serious effects of COVID-19 have not been as extensive in South Dakota as was initially projected. These past months have caused hardship not only for those who have had serious effects from the virus and their families, but also for those who have been in isolation and health care workers. Also, I am mindful of those who attend to those who are vulnerable in their families. To varying degrees, I sense we have all been affected physically, psychologically and spiritually by the various measures implemented to limit the spread of the virus. Throughout this experience, I have kept close to mind the risk to those most vulnerable to harm and also my duty…
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Priest Assignment Changes -August 2020

Priest Assignment Changes -August 2020

Officials
29Jul 2020 by wpadmin
Effective July 27, 2020, the Most Reverend Donald E. DeGrood has decreed the following priest assignment change: Reverend Joseph Scholten, from Chaplain, O’Gorman High School, Parochial Vicar, Cathedral of St. Joseph Parish, and Discernment Assistant in the Office of Vocations to a voluntary leave of absence. Effective August 10, 2020, the Most Reverend Donald E. DeGrood has decreed the following priest assignment changes: Reverend Mark Axtmann, in addition to his appointment as Chaplain, Avera St. Luke’s Hospital to Sacramental Minister at St. Mary Parish, Aberdeen Reverend Andrew Thuringer, from Parochial Vicar, St. Mary Parish, Aberdeen to Chaplain, O’Gorman High School, Sacramental Minister, Cathedral of St. Joseph Parish, and Discernment Assistant in the Office of Vocations. Thank you for holding each of these priests in prayer as they undergo these transitions…
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Mater Ecclesiae Monastery Announcement

Mater Ecclesiae Monastery Announcement

Statements and Documents
17Jul 2020 by wpadmin
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Since my arrival in the Diocese of Sioux Falls, I have come to appreciate so many blessings within our Church in eastern South Dakota. One of those blessings is the dedication to prayer and devotion to the Blessed Sacrament through the Adoration Sisters at Mater Ecclesiae Monastery located near our cathedral these past 18 years. Sadly, I’ve been informed by Mother Caridad that, after prayerful discernment, the Adoration Sisters have decided to return to Mexico. For those of us who have come to know and love the Adoration Sisters, this is a great loss, but God has affirmed in my prayer that He has a wonderful plan for them and us. My hope and prayer for Mother and the Adoration Sisters was that God…
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Healthy Emotional and Spiritual Response to the impact of COVID-19

Healthy Emotional and Spiritual Response to the impact of COVID-19

Videos
24Jun 2020 by wpadmin
In the past months I have been reviewing data and insights from others on the status of COVID-19 so I can actively discern how we should respond as a diocese. My goal has been to prudently discern how we might help reduce the spread of the virus but do it in a reasonable manner so as not to cause unreasonable hardship on people’s lives. Now that we have months of data on COVID-19, it has been on my mind and heart to address the emotional and spiritual impact it has had on so many people. The video below walks you through my thoughts. You can find some of the data I am using as I discern at this link, doh.sd.gov/news/coronavirus.aspx. You can use this data to help inform yourself and…
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Message to the Faithful – Harmony and Love

Message to the Faithful – Harmony and Love

Videos
10Jun 2020 by wpadmin
In the wake of the current events ranging from the pandemic to the divide that is not only gripping our nation but our entire world at this time, Bishop DeGrood prays for us all with a message of harmony and love. It's God's love that is going to help us find harmony where there is great disharmony and injustice, much like Jesus and His suffering and the great injustice He enured. God bless you all. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3Esq3GDKY8
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Guidelines for Public Masses

Guidelines for Public Masses

Officials
01May 2020 by wpadmin
Effective May 1, 2020 Public Masses, that is Masses prayed with congregants participating in the nave of the church or chapel, may begin on May 15, 2020 or later. Prior to their start, pastors should work to make estimates of their seating capacities so as to provide adequate spacing and introduce measures to uphold healthy social distancing. During this time, the faithful remain dispensed from the obligation to attend Holy Mass on Sunday until further notice. This measure is in place so that you can prudently discern your own attendance. If you feel unsafe, you should feel no guilt or shame in staying home. Similarly, you should feel a freedom to permit others who are comfortable attending to do so. The following measures are intended to promote social distancing, good…
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Plan for resuming public Mass once social distancing and hygiene practices are in place

Plan for resuming public Mass once social distancing and hygiene practices are in place

Joint Statements
01May 2020 by wpadmin
JOINT STATEMENT: THE SPIRITUAL LEADERS OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESES OF SIOUX FALLS AND RAPID CITY [caption id="attachment_48" align="alignleft" width="400"] Very Reverend Michel Mulloy & Bishop Donald E. DeGrood[/caption] May 1, 2020 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Our decision on March 17, 2020 to suspend public Masses was made after much prayer, consultation, and after having reviewed the recommendations of public health authorities. This decision was focused on preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus especially for the most vulnerable. We know this extraordinary measure has been difficult for all the faithful. We are grateful for the acts of charity and expressed understanding that we have witnessed in our midst during this time. This makes us all the more pleased to bring you good spiritual news in this Easter…
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COVID-19 Relief Fund

COVID-19 Relief Fund

Videos
29Apr 2020 by wpadmin
The Catholic Community Foundation for Eastern South Dakota, in partnership with the Catholic Diocese of Sioux Falls, has established the COVID-19 Relief Fund which will provide financial resources to people in eastern South Dakota who are impacted by the Coronavirus. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to the COVID-19 Relief Fund through the Catholic Community Foundation for Eastern South Dakota. Funds raised will be used to provide financial assistance to individuals who have been impacted by the physical, spiritual, and/or economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Needs will be identified in one of the 120 Catholic parishes in eastern South Dakota. All needs will be verified by local pastors. [button-blue url="https://ccfesd.org/" target="_self" position="center"]Visit CCFESD for More Information[/button-blue] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c636Gj3LAeQ
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Priest Assignment Changes

Priest Assignment Changes

Officials
14Apr 2020 by wpadmin
Effective April 14, 2020 The Most Reverend Donald E. DeGrood has decreed the following priest assignment changes to become effective on May 1, 2020: Reverend Dana CHRISTENSEN, from Pastor, St. Mary of Mercy, Alexandria, St. Stephen, Bridgewater, and St. Martin, Emery and Chaplain to Mary of Mercy and St. Joseph Monastery to Parochial Vicar, St. Mary of Mercy Parish in Alexandria. Reverend Kenneth LULF, in addition to his current assignment as Pastor, Holy Family Parish, Mitchell, to Pastor of St. Mary of Mercy, Alexandria, St. Stephen, Bridgewater, and St. Martin, Emery. Monsignor Charles MANGAN, from Director of the Marian Apostolate to Parochial Vicar, St. Mary of Mercy, Alexandria, St. Stephen, Bridgewater, and St. Martin, Emery and Chaplain to Mary of Mercy and St. Joseph Monastery. Reverend Robert WULLWEBER, from leave…
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