Meet the Missionaries

2022 Summer Missionary Hi, my name is Luke Tunge (pronounced Tongue-ee). I'm from Sioux Falls, home of my house. In the fall I will be going into my second year at SDSU, studying Geographic Information Sciences. I enjoy waterskiing, rock climbing, ultimate frisbee, rollerblading, and delightful hikes in nature. Luke is serving parishes across the diocese with his teammates: AnneMarie Smith, Ella Ulmer and Mason Krause. 

2022 Summer Missionary Hello, my name is Mason Krause. I'm from Big Lake, Minnesota and I'm currently studying Mechanical Engineering at South Dakota State University. I have an obsessive love for Finding Nemo and I frequently whistle like a bird. Mason is serving the parishes across the diocese with his teammates: Ella Ulmer, Luke Tunge, and AnneMarie Smith. 

2022 Summer Missionary Hello, my name is Ella Ulmer and I am from Aberdeen. This fall I will be a freshman at the University of Mary studying English and Catholic Studies in order to become a writer or free-lance editor. One fun fact about me is that I am an identical twin and you can consider me the cooler one for doing Lumen Christi this summer. I also grew up on a ranch and love the outdoors. Ella is serving parishes across the diocese with her teammates: Mason Krause, Luke Tunge, and AnneMarie Smith. 

2022 Summer Missionary Hey there! My name is Zach Liebl. I'm from Owatonna in the far off land of Minnesota. I love everything about South Dakota, but I eat hot dish and I play duck duck gray duck. I am studying Political Science at SDSU with plans to apply for law school afterwards. I have quit every sport I ever started, and I'm proud. You should be too. Zach is serving parishes across the diocese with his teammates: Allison Kluver, Courtney Holt, and seminarian, Brady Martinez.

2022 Summer Missionary I'm Jessica, and I'm from Northville, SD. I enjoy being in nature, and I love all forms of bread. I will be a freshman at SDSU this fall and studying biochemistry, and running track and field.  Also, St. Faustina rocks!  Jessica is serving parishes across the diocese with her teammates: Brandon Amburn, Kathryn Cassidy and James Herzog.

2022 Summer Missionary My name is Kathryn and I am from Sioux Falls, SD.  Even though I am from the most urban area of South Dakota I have an irrational fear that I am going to get attacked by a moose. I have never seen a moose in real life even during my time at the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND. Kathryn is serving parishes across the diocese with her teammates: Brandon Amburn, Jessica Boekelheide and James Herzog. 

2022 Summer Missionary My name is Brandon Amburn, and I am from Lansing, Michigan. I just finished my sophomore year at St John Vianney College Seminary at the University of St Thomas. I would be willing to play hacky sack at every free moment of the day, and I LOVE Star Wars. Brandon is serving parishes across the diocese with his teammates: James Herzog, Kathryn Cassidy, and Jessica Boekelheide.

2022 Summer Missionary My name is James Herzog.  I am from New Ulm, Minnesota. I am a graduate of the University of Saint Thomas (Saint Paul, MN). Something that I am most proud of is that I completed a 75-mile hiking trip in camo crocs, and I didn't even get blisters. James is serving parishes across the diocese with his teammates: Brandon Amburn, Kathryn Cassidy and Jessica Boekelheide.

2022 Summer Missionary Hello, my name is Maria Dvoracek. I grew up in St. Cloud, MN but now live in Sioux Falls and graduated from O'Gorman high school. Next year I will be a missionary with the School Sisters of Christ the King. I black out more than the average person, but don't worry...just don't pierce my ears or show me ground hamburger.  I love making music, particularly singing and playing clarinet. Maria will be serving parishes across the diocese with her teammates: Micah Impecoven, Grace Johanson and seminarian, Matthew Harris. 

2022 Summer Missionary Hello! My name is Grace Johanson and I have never made a hole in one. I am from the small town of Flandreau, SD, home to the world's best bakery. I am going into my third year of studying pre-occupational therapy at Briar Cliff University. God shows His love for me through nature and frozen snickers.  Grace is serving parishes across the diocese with her teammates: Micah Impecoven, Maria Dvoracek and seminarian, Matthew Harris.