Welcome to St. Gertrude Parish

Thank you for supporting the youth group's service trip to Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota! With your generosity we were able to repair homes damaged from a severe hailstorm, connect with the native community, and learn about the Lakota Sioux culture. This experience has allowed us to grow in our faith and deepen our connection with the Holy Spirit.

~ Jim Potthast, Family & Youth Minister 

The thirteen teens on the mission trip were asked, “What was your favorite part of the trip?” Here are some of their responses:  

“You make friends, learn about things you can't learn any where else—the trip will change you.” ~ David

“The trip is a good balance of work and fun, and the experience is something that people need to see, but no one actually sees.” ~ Liam

“My favorite thing about the trip was everything. It’s hard to pick just one thing but having the Kids Day was amazing.” ~ Mikayla

“My favorite thing was doing the work. It was the main reason I signed up. It felt good finishing everything. The trip is a life-changing experience that you can't refuse. It's such a great opportunity to become a better person.” ~ Angelo

“My favorite thing on this trip was getting to know each other and creating a bond. I would say that bond carries the trip and makes it as special.” ~ Margaret

“My favorite thing about the trip was simply socializing with everyone. This includes making dinner, cleaning up, working, car rides, sharing meals, the Kids Day, and more.” ~ Jesse

“My favorite thing about the trip was the Kids Day. I got to connect with a bunch of kids on the reservation. It was pleasing to bring smiles to their young faces. I also want to say how amazing it is to bond with the group while working with the people on the reservation and do fun things like the ropes course, Mt. Rushmore, and Crazy Horse Memorial. Overall, the trip gave me a new perspective that I really came to appreciate.” ~ Mark

“My favorite part about the trip was going into the community and doing the siding work. I felt extremely satisfied afterwards and seeing a physical result of what you did for others is a feeling like no other. However, the trip is not just doing good for others, but also improving your own worldview and expanding your perspective towards everyday life and privilege.” 

~ Nathan

“My favorite thing about the trip was the cultural day. I was fascinated with the Pow Wow and understood the holiness of Wounded Knee.” ~ Conor

“In general, I loved all the new things on the trip. I'd say that I can't choose a single best thing because I was blown away by how stunning the trip was. I became emotionally attached to the place where we worked and stayed for nine days. The sights are amazing and experiencing it for the first time was stunning.” ~ Joey

“For the past two years, this trip has been one of the best moments of my summer—and you get to have fun, make new friends, and also help people at the same time.” ~ Lauren