Rosebud Reservation Service Trip 2022

ST. NICK’S 2022 SERVICE TRIP TO THE ROSEBUD RESERVATION IN MISSION, SOUTH DAKOTA

INFO MEETING: April 10, 2022, 11:30am Oldershaw Hall, St. Nicholas

WHEN: July 23, 2022-July 31, 2022

WHERE: The Rosebud Reservation, Mission, South Dakota (800 miles-12 hours from Evanston, plus stops). For more info see https://rosebudepiscopalmission.org/

https://www.facebook.com/Rosebud-Episcopal-Mission-108396892516634/

COST: $325 per person for food, lodging and programming at site. Travel in rental vans is included, provided through fundraising. $25 non-refundable fee due on sign up. Sign up is encouraged by April 30th for pre trip activities and trip planning. Balance due July 9th, 2022.

WHO: This is a multi-generational trip. However, no children under 12. Children ages 12 to 17 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

WHAT:

We will work on the Rosebud Reservation and serve the community needs. The work usually consists of light construction (roofing, building ramps, painting and minor repairs for elderly and persons with disabilities or other tasks appropriate to our age and ability level). We will also participate in cultural activities to experience the community, history, culture, and environment of this area.

WHY:

-We go to be a church of encounter. We will work in solidarity to make improvements requested by the community.

-We are on a pilgrimage to be changed, share our experience and become agents of change.

-Our understanding and empathy grow as we stand on another’s land, in their sacred space and with their community. News stories now come with faces and lives.

-Our witness becomes more direct, credible and impactful.

-In the end….we learn to love better.

DID YOU KNOW?

Of the 21,000 reservation members, 64% live below the poverty line, with 20 % of those living 50 % below the poverty line. 50 % of the children there live below the poverty line. Due to this harsh reality, historical trauma, poor health care and many other factors, additional challenges of alcoholism, addiction, and suicide have further bred a sense of despair among many residents .

However, that is not the whole story. There is also a history of incredible resilience in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, a strong spirituality and reliance on family, a respect for elders, and a deep connection with the land, animals and ancestors. There are many community members that are working to improve education, promote cultural practices and foster pride. We will serve with and for the community on projects coordinated by the Episcopal Diocese of South Dakota. Their focus is on building relationships, so that we grow to understand each other and work in solidarity towards peaceful solutions.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

The people on the Rosebud Episcopal Mission are in need of Mission partners. With trips to Rosebud Episcopal Mission canceled during COVID outbreaks, some of that work simply had to wait and the delays have substantially impacted the community. From light construction, cutting wood, and many other forms of household and property maintenance, volunteers will make a difference in the lives of so many.

Pope Francis calls us to be a church of encounter. Join us when St. Nick’s and St. Mary's go far beyond our borders to the Rosebud Reservation and you will be transformed. You will see what is often unseen and return with a deeper understanding of and stronger sense of community with our sisters and brothers on the Rosebud Reservation.

If you cannot attend but want to support this mission, please see our Donations page.

See our Theme page next.