I love our mission here in North Dakota, and every year I look forward to St. Ann’s Summer Camp. There is something unique and beautiful about the loving spirit of the kids of the Turtle Mountain Reservation. Many come from challenging circumstances but nevertheless show a profound responsiveness to the love of God. St. Paul tells us; “Where sin abounds, grace abounds all the more” (Romans 5:2), and that has been my experience serving here in North Dakota. The cross of Jesus deeply marks the lives of the people here: tragedies, illnesses, and various forms of addiction, yet it is also a place where the love of God is present.
Sr. MaryAnn Richwald, SOLT
Year Long Ministries and Apostolates
St. Ann's School:
St. Ann's School is a free, K-6 Catholic elementary school for children in and around Belcourt. Our teachers are year-long missionaries who work alongside some of our SOLT religious sisters. There are a variety of subjects, specials, and grades taught by our volunteers. Not all missionary volunteers who teach come from a teaching background, either educationally or experientially, but they are passionate and dedicated educators who work to develop the whole person of their students.
The school operates Monday-Friday from 8am-3pm. There are school masses every Tuesday and Thursday, adoration once a month, as well as daily/weekly rosaries, chaplets, and other prayer opportunities with the students.
"True education is a kind of never-ending story–a matter of continual beginnings, of habitual fresh starts, of persistent newness." - J.R.R. Tolkien
Youth Ministry:
Youth ministry consists of after-school programs and weekly youth group meetings. Our volunteers work to develop curriculums and activities for adolescents in grades 6-12. Our youth center is often available for after-school open hours where teens come for homework help, fellowship, and free time. The youth group meets weekly and is a space where our volunteers lead and present teachings about faith and life, and is a way for us to form and build the teens of the Turtle Mountain community.
The youth ministry team also puts on regular events such as monthly family movie nights, service opportunities for high schoolers, and more!
"Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire." - St. Catherine of Sienna
Homeless and Food Pantry Ministries:
Our homeless and food ministries are an integral part of St. Ann's Mission. Hot lunch is served daily and is an opportunity to feed those in need, as well as provide relational ministry, and grow in fellowship with members of the greater Turtle Mountain community. Homeless ministry also consists of visits to the local homeless shelter. These visits provide additional opportunities for relationship building and community outreach.
Our food pantry is also an opportunity for volunteers to work hands-on in the community. It provides groceries to individuals and families facing food insecurity.
"The world today is hungry not only for bread but hungry for love; hungry to be wanted, to be loved." - St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta
Additional Ministries
While the ministries listed above are our biggest apostolates, we have many other service opportunities for volunteers to take part in! This includes, but isn't limited to:
- CCD/Religious Education
- Communion Calls
- Development and Fundraising
- Hospital Visits
- Maintinence and Yardwork
- Retirement Home Visits
- Thrift Store Assistance
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