Wake Ministry

Faced with the reality that funerals and wakes occur frequently on the reservation, the need to create a new wake ministry of Lakota lay leaders who could stand in to serve parishioners, their families and their communities was needed. In 2014, recruiting for this team began.

Today, this group of more that 20 Lakota women and men are serving as leaders in their parishes, offering families spiritual support when it is needed most. "Our wake team ministers are truly community leaders who are bringing needed peace and consolation to these families during some of the most challenging times anyone can face," shared Sr. Connie.

Wake services involve praying the rosary or, at times, a scripture or psalm service. A manual helps the wake teams when questions arise. Comforting and consoling grieving families is something that comes with being a part of the larger Church community.