CCFESD Grant Supports Growing Needs of Spanish-Speaking Catholics in West Sioux Falls

Thanks to the generosity of donors, St. Katharine Drexel Parish in Sioux Falls is taking an exciting step forward in serving the city’s growing Spanish-speaking Catholic community.

Gifts entrusted to the Catholic Community Foundation of Eastern South Dakota (CCFESD) make it possible to provide grants like this one, which will allow Fr. Nicholas Haiar, Parochial Vicar for the St. Francis of Assisi Pastorate, to attend the Intensive Pastoral Spanish program at the Mexican American Catholic College. This eight-week immersion program will equip Fr. Haiar with the language skills and pastoral vocabulary needed to celebrate the sacraments, hear confessions, offer spiritual guidance, and preach in Spanish—all important ways of ministering to the growing Spanish-speaking community in western Sioux Falls.

This grant, approved at the CCFESD 2025 Spring Board of Directors Meeting, will help with Fr. Haiar’s travel and provides funding for replacement clergy so that parish life continues uninterrupted during his formation. The grant will also go towards providing the materials needed for this ministry to flourish. Hymnals, lectionaries, Mass response cards, devotional pamphlets, and even sacred art such as an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe will be purchased with these funds.

Parish leaders are confident that these efforts will increase attendance and engagement, fostering a welcoming environment for Spanish-speaking Catholics and supporting the long-term growth of faith in the city of Sioux Falls.

To learn more about grants distributed by CCFESD, including steps to apply, visit www.ccfesd.org/grants or reach out to Director of Stewardship Heather Fortin at 605-988-3777 or hfortin@ccfesd.org.