Bringing in ministry and wanting to refresh an aspect of the faith is not always easy in rural parishes. There are concerns about getting people to attend, long distance mileage, and paying for a speaker — all big expenses in a far-flung diocese. Not to worry, the Diocese of Rapid City pays Sr. Jacque Schroeder, OSF, for room, board and travel expenses to go out and minister in the grasslands and hills towns.

While she resides at Terra Sancta Retreat Center, Rapid City, her mission is “To be available for any group that wants to work on bringing their Catholic faith into their daily lives,” she said. “Parishes on the prairie may not know that I am available. I can come for an evening, a weekend retreat or even for two or three days, whatever their needs might accommodate.” In addition she directs retreats for individuals who would like some quiet time and spiritual direction at Terra Santa .

Sr. Jacque has served a total of 15 years on the Standing Rock Reservation. “I enjoy being with Native Americans, they have so much to offer,” she said. Sr. Jacque is very familiar with the farm ranch economy. Recently, she went to St. Michael Parish in Hermosa and did a talk on “Mercy and Hope,” for their adult faith formation class after a Sunday Mass.

“I go to Timber Lake once a month for the seven people I give spiritual direction to. On February 2, which is our community feast day when we renew our vows, I asked Fr. Brian Lane if he would witness my vows that day. How beautiful it was to renew my vows in the parish,” she said.

Sr. Jacque can be reached at (309) 369-4520 or jschroeder@diorc.org. There are no set fees for her ministry; however, free will donations may be sent to her community at Heading Avenue Franciscans, Spirituality and Resource Service, 2408 West Heading Ave., West Peoria, IL 61604.