From the Office of Faith Formation

This fall, Holy Cross Church in Timber Lake will host a remote site for the transformational catechesis program offered in our Diocese called Veritatis Splendor Institute often called VSI. St. Joseph’s Parish in Gregory piloted the live-streaming delivery of VSI this past year with remarkable success. The diocese will move the hub to the north to serve more of the lay faithful with faith formation that has the power to transform ourselves, our families, and our communities. Veritatis Splendor is Latin for “The Splendor of the Truth,” an encyclical from Pope John Paul II.

Today we live at a time in which it is vital that all Catholics better understand the fundamentals of the Church’s teachings. VSI shares the truths of the faith with love, revealing the truth through presentations and dialogue all in a community with other believers. LuAnn Lindskov from St. Mary’s in Isabel expresses, “VSI is for all who want to deepen their understanding of the faith and grow as evangelists and teachers.” Parents have the privilege and responsibility of passing on the faith to their children but often do not feel equipped to do so. “VSI provided the foundations for me to explain the Church’s teachings with more confidence. Each day spent at VSI filled my heart and soul. It is said we cannot give what we do not already have,” Lindskov added.

As a graduate, Deacon Jim Hulm from Holy Cross in Timber Lake feels the VSI experience leads participants to “gain a better understanding of why we as Catholics do some of the things we do. You will be better able to defend your Catholic faith.” He said, “I have grown so much closer to God and my Catholic faith, something I never knew I was missing until I got into the program. I am not just a better Catholic because of VSI, but I am a better person overall!” When Lynn Hahne from Holy Rosary in Trail City first read about VSI in the church bulletin, her interest was sparked. She prayed for several years, but after a personal invitation from a priest, she felt the call and God tugging at her heart to get engaged. Monthly travel and distance to Rapid City can be obstacles, which is why Lynn is excited about VSI coming virtually to Timber Lake. Lynn states, “Believe me when I say, it deepens not only your knowledge and understanding, but your relationship with the Holy Trinity.” For more information about the Timber Lake hub or the Rapid City main campus, visit our website at: www.rapidcitydiocese.org/vsi.