Parish News: Kyle parishioners commissioned as lay ministers

posted on April 15, 2011

Parishioners Gayla Adams and Sissy Loafer from Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in Kyle, South Dakota were commissioned lay ministers on Monday, April 11, 2011 during Pastoral Ministry Days 7p.m. Mass in Spearfish, SD at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.

Gayla Adams has worked at Our Lady of Sorrows for the past ten years as parish life coordinator and parish administrator and has been the director of Religious Education.

Gayla grew up on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Her Grandma Naomi Broken Rope was a big influence in her life. As a child her Native Culture and Religion were always intermingled and very prominent in her life. She would attend Church and Pow Wows. According to Gayla, “This is who I am. Native and Catholic. My Indian Name, Mato Wakan Wi (Holy Bear Woman) reflects this.”

Gayla is the mother of five daughters. According to Gayla, “I love to spend time with my Tiospaye’s (Family Groups). I also love Pow Wow’s, everything about them the whole atmosphere.”

Viola “Sissy” Loafer grew up in the Kyle area and has worked at Our Lady of Sorrows for the past six years. Her duties have ranged from scheduling the use of the hall, fundraising, religious education, and office management.

Sissy attended school from 1st through 12th grades at Holy Rosary Mission (Now known as Red Cloud Indian School).

“My mother Phyllis Clifford, and grandmother Hilda Ruff were devout Catholics and my role models,” says Loafer. “The teachers and Sisters at Holy Rosary also influenced me and ultimately led me to my work at Our Lady of Sorrows and to pursuing being a lay minister. I have them to thank as well as the whole staff at Our Lady of Sorrows, Fr. Rick Abert, Sr Connie Schmidt, Sr. Sarah, Sr. Jean Marie Tognotti, and Fr. Steve Sanford.”

In her spare time, Sissy enjoys beading, reading, sewing, growing flowers and gardening, and spending time with her family including her four children and six grandchildren. “My daughter Tanya was born with a brain tumor. This led her to have strokes and at age 27 she became paralyzed. I take of her. Together we spend a lot of time praying.” stated Sissy.

Both of the ladies completed a four year course to become lay ministers. They will now be able to visit the sick and homebound, taking communions to them, perform Communion Services in the absence of a Priest, and help with Rosaries and Wakes.

If you are interested in learning more about Our Lady of Sorrows Church, you can contact Gayla Adams at 605/455-2888.