In September, more than 40 people gathered from across the Northwest region for a retreat sponsored by the Rocky Mountain Mission Jesuits and Kateri Northwest Ministry Institute (KNMI) titled “A Future Full of Hope.” The retreat was in conjunction with this year’s Jubilee Year of Hope declared earlier by Pope Francis.

KNMI Board Member Patricia Baker began the retreat with inspiring words about hope and the Jubilee Year. We were honored to have Bishop William Skylstad join us, bishop emeritus of Spokane and former president of the U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops (USCCB). Bishop Skylstad gave a synopsis of the document issued last summer by the USCCB entitled “Keeping Christ’s Sacred Promises: A Pastoral Framework for Indigenous Ministry” and encouraged all to continue the dialogue about Native ministry with our local bishops and pastors.

We had several presentations including an update on the cause for the canonization of Nicholas Black Elk as well as the use of traditional Indian rituals complementing the Mass, the challenges and ideas for connecting with our Native youth, and reaching out to other Native people inside and outside the city of Spokane. We also honored Marie Poirier, one of our beloved board members who passed away. Our regular Kateri meetings have resumed as we study Scripture, reflect on the works of women in the Bible, work on healing and always come together to pray.