community outreach programming

Saint Kateri Center provides the Native community of Chicago programs that bring us together through education and faith.

Saint Kateri Youth Circle - This program takes place on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month. These 4 hour meetings include prayer, catechism, traditional teachings with arts and crafts, and a provided healthy balanced lunch. The curriculum that is used for the Youth Circle is based in Native American values and traditions in correlation with Catholic values and traditions. The youth activities are infused with strategies to prevent substance abuse and lessen the dropout rate. We are working to continue to grow this circle to reach out to the Native Youth in the Chicago community.

In 2018: The youth have gained a better understanding of the life of St. Kateri Tekakwitha, learned culture teachings and how to make traditional regalia. These youth had the opportunity to learn about the traditional teachings of the Nookmis Drum (hand drum). They made their very own hand drum from start to finish, were a part of the birthing ceremony, and learned songs. The group also attended the archdiocesan sponsored youth rally, Holy Fire.

Saint Kateri Senior Luncheon - The once monthly Senior Luncheon program provides a balanced meal to the elders of the Native community. This event also provides an opportunity to gather in kinship with other community members and offers a sense of place for our elders in urban Chicago, where they are often living apart from their families. The Elders participate in prayer before the luncheon to continue the healing process. The American Indian Health Services of Chicago provides blood and glucose testing and health workshops every month.

Indigenous Women’s Healing Circle - Supporting our Indigenous Women is one of our most important goals. We are committed to healing, peace, respect and belonging through sharing our cultural resources and caring support for our community. This program occurs once monthly and consists of prayer circles, talking circles, and workshops. We offer educational presentations by Indigenous Women within the community that connect to Native culture. The integration of skills to become more involved with ecology and to be more environmentally conscious will aid in connecting with the history of Saint Kateri and provide healing for both ourselves and the Earth.

Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Conference - The Tekakwitha Conference is the world’s largest Native American Catholic evangelization event that takes place once a year in a different location throughout the United States and Canada. Every year we try to send as many of our youth members and staff as possible to the conference as it provides us with experience and be part of the larger Native Catholic community. In addition, we learn new ways to provide programming revolving around the teachings of Saint Kateri. We continue to seek support to send our community members and youth to take part in this wonderful enriched conference that embraces our traditions and catholic faith.