As local communities around the province prepared to celebrate feast of the Sacred Heart in the midst of a pandemic, the SCJ community in South Dakota grappled more so than most with how to be together, separately.
“The regional community in South Dakota is under some duress,” wrote Fr. Bernie Rosinski, SCJ. Fr. Bernie lives at the SCJ residence at St. Joseph’s Indian School in Chamberlain, SD. “Fort Thompson is in Buffalo County and that county currently has about 30 active cases of COVID-19, located largely in Fort Thompson itself.
“Fr. Christianus Hendrik, SCJ, our local superior, as well as pastor at Fort Thompson, seeks to prevent contagion among our full SCJ community in South Dakota. Because of this, he has decided to self-quarantine to avoid contact with other SCJs…
“But, we still need to commemorate the feast of the Sacred Heart.
“In the spirit of Fr. Dehon and the Dehonian charism, Frs. Hendrik and Mark planned to celebrate the feast day by having Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament during which they will renew their vows of poverty, chastity and obedience as is done traditionally throughout the Congregation. Concelebration of the Mass is not possible at this time at the recommendation of the bishop of the diocese. So, each priest will celebrate Mass individually.”
Feast of the Sacred Heart separately, but together. Click here to read more.
Photo above: The Big Bend Dam near Fort Thompson, the site of a recent COVID-19 outbreak.
