In recent years, forms of Catholic ministry among the Native American people on the Yankton Sioux Reservation have changed dramatically. St. Paul’s Indian Mission School became the non-sectarian Marty Indian School in 1975 as Natives assumed control over the education of young people. Tribal housing developments were built in Marty near the Mission complex during the 1970s. The Mission Church transformed from a school chapel to a parish in 1983, the spiritual home of Catholics of many cultures in southern Charles Mix County.
St. Paul’s Indian Mission continues to be transformed as the needs of the people change. Its sisters, friars, staff, and people have made it their consistent desire to reach all people in need — on the Reservation and beyond — with the love and care of Jesus Christ. We are eager to continue building a Church that appreciates and integrates the Ihanktonwan Oyate’s rich culture.
The Okodakiciye Mission Association (o-ko-da-kee-chee-yay, the Dakota word meaning “spiritual bonds of friendship”) coordinates the services and ministries that reach beyond the boundaries of St. Paul’s Parish to all the Ihanktonwan people. Such services include:
- Ecumenical outreach – both the Pastor and Director of Mission Services are active members of the local ministerial association. Local Christian ministers frequently come together at Native wakes to share the message of God’s love to those in mourning.
- Intercessory prayer ministry – lifting up to God all the needs of the Oyate
- The Needy Nook provides food and clothing to those in need. Several Native volunteers provide a compassionate, listening ear to those who come.
- Furniture distribution – twice a year, friends of the Mission work with the Director of Mission Services to acquire and refurbish used furniture for distribution to people in need on the Reservation.
- Theophostic Prayer Ministry – Do you feel sad all the time? Do you agonize over some bad thing that happened years ago, but feel you just can’t get over it? St. Paul’s Mission has several people trained in this Biblically-based prayer ministry that paves the way for Jesus Himself to touch your deepest wounds. Call us up today (605-384-3234) for more information.
- Bible studies
- Working alliance with the Rural Office of Community Services and Indian Health Service in caring and providing for Natives in need
- Mission Service Week – the Mission coordinates this annual week of service projects and catechetical opportunities each summer. A group of 15-25 people come from St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Racine, Wis. to help with home improvement projects and evangelization with kids.
The Mission Association also publishes “Okodakiciye,” a quarterly newsletter for benefactors and friends of the Mission.
Okodakiciye • Saint Paul's Indian Mission 