A group of seniors recently embarked on a mission trip to the Rosebud Lakota Reservation in south-central South Dakota. It became much more than a week of service; it was an opportunity to build relationships, encounter a culture different from their own, and experience firsthand what it means to live as “men for others.”

Accompanied by faculty chaperones Dr. Dan Delio and Michael Speyrer, the students partnered with St. Francis Mission, a Jesuit ministry that has served the Lakota people for generations. From the moment they arrived, they were welcomed by members of the community, including Jenny Blackbear, who ministers to youth on the reservation and introduced the group to both the needs of the community and the work ahead.

Throughout the week, Blue Jays led a vacation bible camp at St. Bridget Chapel for children from the reservation. Working in small groups, they organized games, crafts, catechetical activities, and prayer, helping create a joyful environment where young participants could grow in their faith. Beyond the children’s program, the students also rolled up their sleeves to assist with practical needs around the reservation, including landscaping and maintenance work at a local cemetery.

While their service made a tangible impact, the experience was equally defined by what the students received from the Lakota community.

The group celebrated Mass at historic St. Francis Church with Fr. Edmond Yaini, S.J., whose ministry among the Lakota provided students with a deeper appreciation of the Church’s missionary tradition. The church itself reflects that history, having been established through the generosity of St. Katharine Drexel and her commitment to serving Native American communities. Students also learned about the symbolism woven throughout the church, including four teepee poles at the entrance representing God dwelling among His people.

Father Edmond invited the group to attend a traditional Lakota Powwow, where students experienced a vibrant celebration of faith, family, music, dance, and cultural heritage. Rather than simply observing, they were welcomed into the festivities, offering a memorable example of the hospitality extended by the community throughout the week.

The cultural exchange continued through conversations with tribal leaders, who shared the history of the Rosebud Reservation, the traditions of the Lakota people, and the relationship between the Catholic mission and the community. Evenings often concluded with shared meals, prayer, reflection, and conversations that deepened the students’ understanding of both the challenges and the resilience of the people they had come to serve. One evening, Father Edmond shared stories of his own journey from India to the Society of Jesus and ultimately to the Lakota people, before preparing a buffalo curry chili dinner for the group.

The return trip included stops at Red Cloud, home to one of the nation’s premier Native American arts festivals, and Badlands National Park, providing students with one final opportunity to appreciate the beauty and history of the region.

For many participants, the week included numerous firsts; teaching children in a faith setting, preparing meals for an entire group, using tools on service projects, and living in a community far different from home. More importantly, it challenged them to see service not simply as completing a task, but as forming relationships rooted in dignity, faith, and mutual respect.

For the students who traveled to Rosebud, the week affirmed that authentic service is never one-sided. While they came prepared to serve, they returned home equally enriched by the generosity, faith, and enduring traditions of the Lakota people, an experience that many hope will become a lasting tradition for future Blue Jays.