From the Office of Faith Formation

As the 2025–26 class of the Veritatis Splendor Institute is completed, students from across western South Dakota are reflecting on how the catechetical formation program has deepened their faith, strengthened their families, and equipped them for service in the Church.

For many participants, VSI began with a simple desire to learn more about the Catholic faith. For others, it was a response to a persistent call from God.

Tanya Cooper admits she initially resisted joining the program, reluctant to give up her Saturdays and uncertain about the commitment. Encouraged by a friend who felt called to VSI during adoration, Cooper eventually enrolled. Looking back, she sees God’s hand guiding her throughout the journey.

“What started as a willingness to try something new became an encounter with Christ,” Cooper said. “The assignments often felt more like prayer than work.”

Through courses on theology, the sacraments, and the Mass, Cooper gained a deeper understanding of her faith and developed confidence in sharing it with others. She also credits her formation group with helping her establish a stronger prayer life and recognize God’s voice more clearly.

For Mary Vareberg, VSI has transformed family life. As a mother of teenagers and middle school students, she initially sought tools to better explain her Catholic beliefs. Instead, she found herself growing alongside her children.

“The deeper understanding I’ve gained has opened meaningful conversations with my kids,” Vareberg said. “God continues to show our family his grace.”

For YoLanda Martian of Reva, VSI fulfilled a lifelong desire to learn more about the Church. Growing up in a rural parish with limited access to formal catechesis, she dreamed of deepening her faith but never found the opportunity until VSI.

“Now I know so much more about prayer, Scripture, and the teachings of the Church,” Martian said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity and the confidence it has given me.”

Meria Sperle echoed the importance of community. Traveling monthly from Buffalo with fellow parishioners, she has found both spiritual growth and lasting friendships.

“The prayer group has become a faith family,” Sperle said. “Even with the early mornings and long drive, it’s something I look forward to every month.”

John Talcott, who attended VSI alongside his wife during diaconate formation, said the program strengthened not only his faith but also his family life.

“VSI helped us grow roots in our faith,” Talcott said. “The sacrifices were real, but the fruits have been immeasurable.”

Together, these testimonies reveal a common theme: VSI is more than an educational program. For its students, it has become a pathway to deeper discipleship, stronger families, vibrant community, and a renewed commitment to sharing Christ with others.

The Catechist Certification Program will provide diocesan certification for catechists: a one-year Basic Certification Program and a two-year Master Certification Program, through instruction in the content of the faith and formation as disciples of Christ. The program will include doctrinal and liturgical education, instruction in evangelistic and catechetical methodology, formation in the moral life, discipleship, spiritual life and prayer, community life and mission, Catholic worldview, and more. The program will include courses of study and an annual retreat. We will provide formation advisors to assist in the work of the study and discipleship formation.