Ember Days & Mass Times

Just a quick note to encourage you to observe the Summer Ember Days this Wednesday, Friday and Saturday following Pentecost Sunday. If you are able, please offer some extra prayer, fasting, and penance for holy vocations to the priesthood and for God’s blessings upon this season of the year.

The first most noticeable change coming July 5 will be a modified weekend Mass schedule, adjusting for the number of priests and new parish groupings. First up is Pastorate 1, from Mobridge to Leola, including Bowdle. The following message is from Fr. Michael Griffin, who will become pastor of these parishes:

On July 5, 2023, eight parishes will combine to form one glorious pastorate known, for now, as Pastorate 1; which I think is a great name as we are going to be amazing in transforming this part of the diocese and state with the joy of the Gospel.

As time progresses, a Pastoral Planning Committee will be formed from the 8 parishes to establish our goals and vision for the next 10 years.

In the meantime, as this planning work begins, we will have 3 priests serving in Pastorate 1, and due to the logistics of serving the pastorate, there will be a new Mass schedule for the coming year.

Starting the weekend of July 8-9, 2023, the Mass schedule for the 8 parishes will be:

Priest 1: Mobridge Sat 5:00 PM/Selby Sat 7:00 PM/Mobridge Sun 8:00 AM & 10 AM

Priest 2: Bowdle Sat 5:00 PM/ Roscoe Sun 9:00 AM/ Ipswich Sun 11:00 AM

Priest 3: Herreid Sat 7:00 PM / Eureka Sun 8:30 AM/ Leola Sun 10:30 AM 

As pastor, I will be rotating through the month so I have the opportunity to celebrate the Eucharist in each of the parishes in Pastorate 1.

On this beautiful Pentecost, we rejoice in the gift of the Holy Spirit in our midst, guiding us into a future where we know Christ calls us to a new life; be open to this gift, as a parish and as an individual believer. We are blessed beyond imagining, and I am so honored to be called to walk with you all.

Peace!

Fr. Michael Griffin