Catholic Social Services awarded Msgr. Michael Woster the Founder’s Award on October 25 in Rapid City. The award is named for the late Msgr. William O’Connell who started the charitable organization. 

Msgr. Woster’s brother, Chris Woster, spoke on behalf of his family. Chris detailed the Catholic Church and ranch life upbringing their parents, Frank and Margaret Woster, provided in the center of the state near Reliance. He recalled parts of growing up together, including how Msgr. Woster’s love of music started early with a band he had in high school. Chris said, “The music my mother heard coming from the garage was never angelic or church worthy.” Chris also recalled times spent doing dangerous things, such as building a raft from creosote-soaked railroad ties that “floated under the surface of the water.

Angela Weber is former music director of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Rapid City. She was serving there when Msgr. Woster was the pastor. “As an administrator he created a family atmosphere with birthday (parties) and retreats. It was striking the way he prayed the Mass,” she said. She still meets with him for spiritual direction. 

On behalf of the diocesan priests, Fathers Tim Hoag and Brian Christensen spoke via video recordings. Father Hoag served as an associate chaplain in the Rapid City Catholic School System. He credited Msgr. Woster for the foresight to plan for the “big picture” and said that he is a great resource for information. Father Christensen said Monsignor Woster was his first pastor when he moved to Rapid City while serving in the Air Force. He said Monsignor Woster became his mentor and they enjoyed many meals and great conversations.

The award winner had a chance to speak following the presentations. He said as a young man he followed drugs and motorcycles down the wrong road. “In 1971 the Lord intervened and saved me. He gave me a mission to become a priest,” he said and added how surprised his parents were at the turnaround.

During his 42 years as a priest, Msgr. Woster has served in many parishes and diocesan capacities, including a brief stint as Director of Catholic Social Services. One of his favorite memories was when he served as Diocesan Administrator after then-Bishop Charles Chaput left the diocese. Archbishop Harry Flynn of Minneapolis/St. Paul invited him to go with the Region VIII bishop’s delegation for their five-year report (Ad Limina) to Pope John Paul II. His luggage arrived late in Rome — and he strolled the gardens behind Casa Santa Maria in his cowboy boots and blue jeans — much to the dismay of the Swiss Guards. When his cassock arrived, the Swiss Guards would snicker and call him “Msgr. Cowboy.”

At the 2024 Annual Gathering, three Order of St. Benedict Awards were also presented. The Benedict Award commemorates the work of the St. Martin Benedictine Sisters. Those recognized included the Cornerstone Rescue Mission — which offers food, shelter, and emergency services. Executive Director Lysa Allison accepted the award. Recipient Gene Ligtenberg has served several organizations, including Child Protections Services and the KC Family Program, and is a past board member at CSS.  Finally, the Kovarik Family, which has made contributions in money, time and property to the diocese, was recognized. Kathleen Kovarik accepted the award on behalf of her family, including her aunt, Sr. Carol Kovarik, OSB.

The meeting also served as an opportunity to introduce the new Executive Director, Dr. Grant Sasse, as well as the new Communications Director, Brian Smith.

At the conclusion of the Annual Gathering, Dr. Sasse recapped his staff’s work in group presentations and individual counseling — in person, online and by telehealth. Group presentations reached 3,436 people and 183 counseling clients were served. He said to meet the demand for mental health services two interns have been hired. He also thanked the donors for supporting Catholic Social Services.

As part of the evening, the new Executive Director, Dr. Grant Sasse, and Communications Director, former seminarian Brian Smith, were introduced. Dr. Sasse recapped his staff’s work in group presentations and individual counseling — in person, online, and by telehealth. Citing the work of Catholic Social Services, he noted that group presentations reached 3,436 people and 183 counseling clients were served. Two new interns have been hired to meet the demand for mental health services. Dr. Sasse ended the evening by thanking the donors for their continued support of Catholic Social Services.