June 2020

The Most Reverend Donald E. DeGrood has decreed the following assignments to become effective on July 1, 2020: Reverend Michael Griffin, in addition to his current assignment as pastor, Saint Mary Parish, Aberdeen, to temporary parish administrator of Sacred Heart Parish, Westport. Deacon Thane Barnier, in addition to parish deacon at Saint Therese Parish, Sioux Falls, to diocesan representative on the St. Michael Cemetery Board of Directors. Mr. Christopher Motz, in addition to the executive director of the South Dakota Catholic Conference, to serve as the diocesan representative on the Bishop Dudley Hospitality House Board of Directors. Respectfully submitted, Matthew K. Althoff Chancellor

Question My middle school daughter questions the truth of the creation in light of the discovery of prehistoric animals and Adam and Eve being the first humans because in order for us to exist then incest had to occur. My daughter is a gifted student and loves science, so she has many questions about truth in the bible in light of the facts in science. (submitted on Instagram) Answer This is a fantastic question to start off this new column, and I’m particularly excited that it’s coming from a middle-schooler. I’ll offer a few thoughts here, but be sure to check out the link below for additional resources as well. The short answer is this: despite the common perception, there is absolutely no conflict between what science discovers about creation…

The Diocese of Sioux Falls ordained two men to the priesthood and three to the transitional diaconate in May. These were Bishop Donald DeGrood’s first ordinations and looked a bit different than in past years. The biggest differences were in the reduction in those who could attend and no receptions afterward due to social distancing requirements. Photos from the ordinations will be in the July issue of The Bishop’s Bulletin. The two men ordained to the priesthood, Tony Klein and Michael Kapperman, took a few minutes to tell us about themselves before ordination. [caption id="attachment_5050" align="alignleft" width="244"] Father Tony Klein[/caption] Tony Klein grew up in Sioux Falls with two older sisters. He graduated from O’Gorman High School and entered the seminary at St. John Vianney College Seminary at the University…

[caption id="attachment_5046" align="alignright" width="300"] Father Jordan Samson held Masses at Christ the King Parish in Sioux Falls with all the recommended guidelines in place and encouraged.[/caption] After two months away due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Masses resumed in mid-May. Attendance was light in many places as personal discernment was encouraged. Father Chuck Cimpl, pastor at Holy Spirit Parish in Sioux Falls, said many who attended thanked them for the precautions taken to make things safer. “Those who returned were truly excited to receive the Eucharist again. Some were in tears because they so appreciated celebrating the Eucharist in a live setting once again. It was an emotional experience for both the clergy and the faithful,” Father Cimpl said. [caption id="attachment_5044" align="alignleft" width="300"] Father Chuck Cimpl begins his first homily in…

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 provides financial resources to people in eastern South Dakota who are impacted by the coronavirus. So far, the effort has helped 92 families (including 184 children) in 13 different parishes in seven communities. Over $40,000 has been distributed. Funds raised are 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 are identified in one of the 120 Catholic parishes in eastern South Dakota. All needs are verified by local pastors. If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, contact your local parish or the Catholic Community Foundation for Eastern…