Extension Magazine - Fall 2021

Extension | Fall 2021 27
The active St. Francis Mission youth group, started by Jenny and Ben Black Bear, provides
teenagers a healthy, faith-filled environment.
“I really depended on our
Catholic faith during this time.
We both did,” Jenny said. “I
prayed the rosary every Sunday
evening with our families until
he returned. I believe, with our
Blessed Virgin Mary’s intercession,
he was brought home safe
2021 u 2022
Lumen
Christi
AWARD
FINALIST
to us.”
When Ben returned,
they became more
involved in St. Francis Mission
and began working
in tribal programs. They
volunteered at the tribe’s
radio station, engaging the
community and sharing
announcements from
the parish in a segment
commonly referred to as the “Ben
and Jen Show.”
Their efforts and commitment
were noticed. In 2013 Jenny was
hired as director of religious education
for the mission. Two years
later, Ben began his role as parish
administrator of the parish’s three
other missions spread across a
reservation the size of Delaware,
and home to 12,000 people.
Catholic Extension invited the
couple to attend the Parish Health
and Pastoral Care Certification
scholarship program from Loyola
University Chicago’s Institute
of Pastoral Studies. They gained
pastoral practical skills to help
respond to physical and psychological
health needs in their
community. The training offered
the couple especially helpful
insight because they serve an area
that struggles with addictions and
mental health.
“My every effort is directed
toward helping the
residents of the Rosebud
and our Catholic brothers
and sisters experience the
healing power of the faith,
lifting them out of cycles
of despair,” said Ben. “The
sessions inspired me and
showed me a path that
will hopefully lead some
of our residents to return
to the faith.”
INSPIRING PASSION FOR GOD
The Black Bears help youth and
families on the reservation experience
the joy of their Catholic faith
and Lakota values, which include
Woc’ekiya (praying), Wa o’hola
(respect), Wa on’sila (caring and
compassion), Wowijke (honesty
and truth), Wawokiye (generosity
and caring), Wah’wala (humility)
and Woksape (wisdom).
Since 2015 they have helped
hundreds in their community
prepare for baptism, first Communion,
reconciliation, confirmation
and RCIA. Their work continued
even amid the difficult conditions
related to the pandemic.
“Although the pandemic shut
down the schools and classes,
they went to heroic efforts to
continue to reach out to families
and youth in innovative ways
so that people could continue
to grow in the knowledge of the
faith during this difficult time,”
said Bishop Peter Muhich of the
Diocese of Rapid City.
One of their most successful
programs has been their youth
group, which began in 2013.
Together they provide a safe and
nurturing environment for young
people surrounded by the harsh
realities of life on the reservation.
Todd County, where St. Francis
Mission is located, has one of the
highest suicide rates in the U.S.
The reservation lost 53 people to
suicide between 2010 and 2019.
Youth group activities include
participating in suicide awareness
and prevention efforts, among
many other service activities.
“Our main goal is to bring
youth together to teach them
about God, to do community
service, to enjoy fellowship and to
meet new people,” said Jenny.
The young people love the
program and its energetic leaders.
Roni, 14, said, “I think Jen and
Ben are a big part of my life right
now. They are so full of light and
help me build my relationship
with Jesus.”
Catholic Extension is honored
to support Jenny and Ben’s
development as church leaders.
They are using their deep faith
and beautiful Lakota values to
create lasting, positive change in a
community that is no stranger to
struggle.