What a joyful evening! On Monday, May 18th, from 4:00–7:00 PM, we officially opened the doors of The Lolek Center in Sioux Falls—and the response was more beautiful than we could have imagined.

The night began with a powerful moment of prayer: Fr. Jacob Doty offered the official blessing of the Center, consecrating the space to the Lord. Immediately afterward, our Executive Director, Eric Gallagher, shared heartfelt remarks that captured the vision and spirit of this new chapter.

Eric reflected on the life of our Center’s namesake, St. John Paul II, whose deep, lived friendship with Jesus Christ made the Church more joyful, attractive, and human. He spoke of how JPII took young people seriously—entrusting them with responsibility and inviting them into the adventure of faith—and how that witness profoundly shaped his own life. Eric closed by thanking every single person who helped make the Lolek Center a reality: those who gave financially, those who volunteered countless hours, and all who have prayed and supported this mission from the beginning. He also cast vision for what’s next now that the doors are open.

Here’s what life at the Lolek Center looks like this summer:

• Monday–Thursday: Open 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM. Come by anytime to read, pray, connect with others, or reserve space for small group studies and one-on-one discipleship meetings.

• Fridays: Primarily reserved for day retreats, so the Center will be closed as a drop-in community space.

• Upcoming events & formation opportunities will be announced soon. Be sure to fill out a Connect Card so we can keep you in the loop on the things that interest you most.

• We will be offering a summer study on relational prayer called Heart Speaks to Heart. It will be offered several times a week starting in June, will have flexible options and can be attended as you are able (missing a week or two is totally ok). If you are interested, you can sign up here to let us know times that would work well for you.

After the blessing and remarks, our high school youth leaders—many of whom have been involved in Lolek retreats—jumped into action giving tours of the space. The tours ran nearly nonstop for the full three hours! It was a powerful sign of the Holy Spirit at work to see so many people from the Sioux Falls community come through the doors, asking great questions and clearly moved by what God is doing here.

Guests enjoyed cake, ice cream, and cookies as we celebrated not only the birth of the Lolek Center but also the birthday of St. John Paul II himself. The atmosphere was full of laughter, conversation, and genuine excitement.

The evening concluded with the very first official event at the Center: a Theology on Tap night for adults. Shane Van Diest and Nick Ahrens stepped up to answer some of the most “diabolical” questions of our day—both those submitted ahead of time and those that came straight from the audience. Attendees enjoyed generous cheese platters (a huge thank you to Cheese World for the donation!), meatballs, chips & dip, and drinks while diving deep into faith and culture.

After a long and grace-filled day, Lolek Ministries is thrilled to announce that The Lolek Center is now officially open!

Looking Ahead

Our next steps include:

• Developing ongoing opportunities for formation in prayer and discernment

• Building out a discipleship coaching ministry

• Continuing to host fun, life-giving community events that bring the faithful together to share in the goodness of God

Thank you to everyone who came out, who prayed, who gave, and who continues to walk with us. The Holy Spirit is alive and moving powerfully in Sioux Falls. We are grateful beyond words to share this beautiful life of faith with you.

Come visit us soon. The doors are open, the coffee is hot (most days), and the Lord is at work.

Stay tuned—there is so much more to come.

In Christ,

The Lolek Ministries Team

We have wonderful news to share! We’ve created an Amazon Wishlist with many of the practical and beautiful items needed to make The Lolek Center a welcoming home for discipleship, community, and encounter with Christ.

From comfortable seating and cozy reading nooks, to kitchen essentials for hospitality, cleaning supplies, décor that creates warmth, and other day-to-day needs — each item has been thoughtfully selected to help us build a space where young people (and all who walk through the doors) feel at home and are drawn closer to Jesus. Our Amazon Wishlist is another way that the community is invited to participate in the mission of The Lolek Center.

👉 Shop the Lolek Center Amazon Wishlist here: http://lolekmin.org/wishlist

Every single purchase — big or small — directly supports the mission and helps transform an empty space into a vibrant hub of formation and community.

A Grateful Funding Update

We continue to stand in awe of God’s provision. Through the faithful generosity of our monthly support partners, annual gifts and the tremendous response to our recent Harvest event, our general operating budget is fully covered for the year. This allows us to move forward with confidence.

We are still raising funds for special projects and larger needs through our Fund-A-Need campaign. If you’re in a position to give financially, we would be deeply grateful for your support there.

At the same time, the Amazon Wishlist offers a simple, tangible way for anyone to participate. It’s a beautiful opportunity to directly bless the ministry and help create the kind of space that will serve so many hearts for years to come. You can order on Amazon and it will be shipped directly to The Lolek Center! We’ll keep our wishlist updated as needed throughout the year.

Whether through prayer, monthly giving, a one-time donation to Fund-A-Need, or picking out an item from the wishlist, your partnership is making a real difference. Thank you for walking with us as we build The Lolek Center.

We are truly grateful for you.

-The Lolek Center

Lolek Ministries is thrilled to announce our premier Lolek event at the brand-new Lolek Center — and it’s happening on a very special day.

On Monday, May 18th, we invite you to join us for our Open House and Grand Opening from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, followed immediately by Theology on Tap at 7:30 PM. This will be a fantastic opportunity to make full use of the new space, enjoy fellowship, build community, and celebrate this exciting new chapter of Lolek Ministries.

Theology on Tap: An Open Panel on the Most Diabolical Questions of Our Time

After touring the new facility during the Open House, stick around for an honest, thought-provoking, and lively evening of conversation.

Shane Van Diest and Nick Ahrens will team up for an open panel where they’ll tackle some of the toughest, most uncomfortable, and “diabolical” questions facing Catholics today — the kind of questions many people feel they can’t ask even in church settings. Expect candid answers rooted in solid theology, all in a relaxed, adult-friendly atmosphere.

Theology on Tap Details:

• Date: Sunday, May 18th at 7:30 PM

• Location: The Lolek Center - 2701 S. Minnesota Ave #6

• Who: Adults 21+

• Cost: Free-will donation event

• Drinks & hors d’oeuvres available for a suggested free-will donation

• No RSVP required — just come on out!

For more information, check out the Facebook Event. You can also visit our website at www.lolekcenter.org.

This is going to be a memorable day and evening of celebration, connection, and meaningful conversation. Whether you join us for the Open House, Theology on Tap, or both, we’d love to see you there! Come and go as you are able!

Bring your questions, your curiosity, and your friends. We can’t wait to celebrate with you on May 18th!

*Please share this with anyone who might be interested — the more the merrier.

Praised be Jesus Christ!

On April 12th we gathered for The Harvest, a joyful evening of celebration and gratitude for all that God is doing through Lolek Ministries. We asked for assistance with our general operating budget, and through the generosity of those present, we met that goal. We also shared that we would soon be launching a Fund-A-Need campaign and encouraged people to get a head start on supporting the furnishing of our new center.

We are already seeing wonderful fruit from that encouragement. Several generous donors have stepped forward to help make The Lolek Center a warm and welcoming space. We want to thank them publicly:

• Troy and Mary Lou Claussen have funded the costs of a beautiful coffee bar, so every visitor can enjoy great coffee and warm hospitality.

• Spin Cycle Discount Appliance and Repair donated all the appliances we needed — including a refrigerator and beverage cooler for the kitchen, plus an additional refrigerator and chest freezer for back-room storage during larger events and retreats.

• Through the Rohe Family, we were able to purchase 15 round folding tables that will serve our larger gatherings and retreats.

• David and Marcy Schuh donated the full furnishings for one of our small group meeting rooms.

• Dan and Mary Jo Gallagher graciously offered to furnish everything needed for one of our discipleship and spiritual direction rooms.

• An anonymous couple has committed to furnishing our library and rec room with bookshelves, comfortable reading furniture, and a brand new foosball table.

Fund-A-Need Campaign - Check It Out!

We have 24 different areas in total, and there is still plenty left to furnish. A beautiful space is being prepared for the great work of discipleship, community, and spiritual formation that the Lord has entrusted to us.

Will You Help Us Be Ready by May 18th?

The Lolek Center is scheduled to open on May 18, 2026. In order to order, receive, and assemble everything in time, we need to move quickly on the remaining items. Whether you’d like to:

• Contribute to the general furnishing fund,

• Claim an entire item or room,

• Or support a portion of the costs for one of the areas that speaks to your heart…

…your gift will make a direct and timely difference.

You can participate today here:

Fund-A-Need Campaign - Check It Out!

It has been beautiful to watch so many respond generously to this vision and mission God has given us. Thank you in advance for partnering with us as we prepare this space to welcome people into deeper encounter with Christ.

May the Lord bless you abundantly for your generosity.

We give all glory to God for calling us into this mission. From the very beginning, He has made the path clear—through the unmistakable clarity of the vision and mission He placed on our hearts, through the overwhelming generosity of the community, and through the faithful, dedicated leadership of our Board of Directors.

We are deeply thankful to our Mission Support partners and to every single person who has supported this mission so far—with prayers, words of encouragement, time, and resources. Your partnership is making a real difference. Because of you, this ambitious mission will soon become a reality.

As people walk through the space for the first time, the reactions have been overwhelming. Visitors light up with excitement, expressing how moved they are by what the Lord is already doing. There is a tangible sense of anticipation for the many blessings and graces that will flow from this place in the months and years ahead—lives transformed, faith deepened, and community strengthened for the sake of the Gospel.

Watch the video to see the progress for yourself. We pray it encourages you and stirs your heart with the same hope and gratitude we feel every day.

Thank you for walking with us on this journey. We cannot wait to share more milestones as the Lord continues to build something beautiful for His Kingdom.

In Christ,

The Lolek Ministries Team

The night was filled with gratitude, powerful testimonies, and a clear vision for the future. We took time to share a snapshot of Lolek Ministries’ first full year of service: more than 22 events and programs that we either led or assisted with across the diocese. From retreats and formation nights to one-on-one discipleship and family support, the Lord has been at work in beautiful ways. We also shared stories of how God has worked in and through this type of ministry in powerful and proven ways for many years already!

Three moving testimonies highlighted the real impact of this mission:

• Erin Devlin, a current high school student, spoke about how Lolek Ministries has supported her desire to grow as a missionary disciple and leader. She shared how the community and formation she’s received have helped her stay rooted in her faith amid the many opportunities and challenges she faces.

• Carly Goepferich, a wife and mother, shared the profound value of one-on-one spiritual counsel. Through Lolek’s accompaniment, she has found help discerning the Lord’s will through the joys and difficulties of family life.

• Fr. Joe Vogel encouraged everyone by explaining how unique and necessary Lolek Ministries’ approach is in the life of the Church today. He has witnessed firsthand the positive impact this ministry is having on individuals and families throughout the diocese.

Executive Director Eric Gallagher then cast a clear vision for what lies ahead. He shared the story of how The Lolek Center came to be over the past year and painted a picture of where the ministry is headed—deeper formation, expanded outreach, and even greater support for families, young adults, and parish leaders seeking to live as joyful missionary disciples.

Eric also spoke honestly about our current needs and invited everyone to partner with us. There are multiple ways to support Lolek Ministries right now:

• Through financial gifts and joining our Mission Support Team.

• By contributing to our fund-a-need campaign (more details coming soon)

• By volunteering time and talents when The Lolek Center opens in May.

A special mailing will be sent out in the coming weeks with additional information, upcoming events, and more opportunities to get involved. If you are not currently on our mailing list and would like to receive it, please send us an to lolek@lolekministries.org. We’ll also be sharing parts of the evening that were recorded through our social media channels on Facebook and Instagram.

Subscribe now

We are deeply grateful to everyone who attended The Harvest, to those who prayed for the evening, and to all who continue to support this mission. The response and energy in the room confirmed what we have sensed from the beginning: the Lord is raising up something profound and life-giving for the Church in our area.

Thank you for being part of this journey and for your support in raising up missionary disciples in the Church.

Sioux Falls, SD – March 31, 2026 — Lolek Ministries recently hosted more than 30 individuals from across eastern South Dakota for its Fall Sanctus Retreat, held March 27–29, 2026, at the peaceful Abbey of the Hills in Marvin, South Dakota.

The Sanctus Retreats are intentionally designed for young people who desire to grow deeper in their spiritual lives. These formative weekends offer a focused opportunity to encounter God more intimately through prayer, silence, and the sacraments.

This year’s retreat was enriched by the presence of Lolek’s dedicated mentoring team, joined by Fr. Joe Vogel, Fr. Michael Kapperman, and two sisters from Pro Ecclesia Sancta. Participants immersed themselves in a rhythm of prayerful formation: they heard inspiring talks, dedicated several hours each day to sacred silence, met one-on-one with mentors, and actively participated in the Sacraments.

The theme, “On Prayer and Experience of God,” drew primarily from the timeless teachings of St. Teresa of Ávila and St. John of the Cross and found the text Fire Within by Thomas Dubay. Sessions explored core aspects of the spiritual life, including the Experience of God, Prayer, Conditions for Spiritual Growth, Detachment & Abandonment, and Holy Friendship.

Many attendees left renewed, with fresh insights into how to pursue a deeper union with Christ in their daily lives and could articulate well their own experience of God.

Lolek Ministries extends heartfelt thanks to the Abbey of the Hills for their generous hospitality, to our guest priests and sisters for their faithful accompaniment, and to all the young people who courageously stepped away from the noise of the world to seek the Lord in silence and prayer.

We are already looking forward to the next Sanctus Retreat, scheduled for November 2026 at St. Mary Parish in Dell Rapids. Details and registration information will be shared in the coming months.

If you know a young person who might benefit from this kind of intentional spiritual formation, we invite you to keep Sanctus Retreats in your prayers and share the opportunity with them.

We are thrilled to announce that The Lolek Center, a new community and formation center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, will officially open on Monday, May 18, 2026.

This date is significant: it is the birthday of St. John Paul II, whose childhood nickname “Lolek” (meaning “free man” in Polish) inspires our name. Throughout his life, St. John Paul II showed a profound love for authentic community, deep friendship, and the energy of young people. He gathered friends for prayer, discussion, and joyful fellowship, and he constantly called the youth to live boldly for Christ — believing that holiness is not reserved for a few, but a gift offered to all. That vision lies at the heart of everything we will do at The Lolek Center.

Join us for our Grand Opening Open House
Monday, May 18th • 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
2701 S. Minnesota Avenue, Suite #6 - Sioux Falls, SD

The afternoon will begin with a special blessing of the building. You’ll then enjoy:

• Guided tours of the center

• Light snacks and drinks

• Opportunities to learn about what will be offered

• Learn about the ways to get involved and support our mission!

Feel free to stop by and hang out for awhile or come for a quick tour and visit!

Also, at 7:30 PM that evening, we will celebrate with our very first event (more details coming soon)!

In the days leading up to May 18th, we will be sharing daily insights, plans, behind-the-scenes pictures, and more here at lolek.news and across our social media channels (Facebook | Instagram | YouTube). We invite you to follow along and spread the word!

Subscribe now

The Lolek Center is an apostolate of Lolek Ministries, a 501(c)(3) lay organization dedicated to feeding the spiritually hungry through discipleship, community, and mission.

Mark your calendars and come experience what it looks like to take your spiritual health seriously in the company of others who desire the same.

We can’t wait to welcome you!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sioux Falls, SD – March 17, 2026 – Lolek Ministries is thrilled to announce that it has signed a lease for a prime space in the heart of Sioux Falls and officially plans to open The Lolek Center this summer.

The Lolek Center will be located in the northwest corner of the Lewis Square building at 2701 S. Minnesota Ave. The 4,953 square foot space will serve as a dedicated hub for spiritual growth, community, and discipleship formation. Key features include:

• An open gathering space for larger group events

• Five rooms dedicated to small group meetings, one-on-one discipleship, and spiritual direction meetings

• Two offices

• A library/rec room

• A prayer room

The Lolek Center’s location in the heart of Sioux Falls is especially exciting for Lolek Ministries. Placing the new space right in the middle of the city will make it highly accessible to community members seeking deeper spiritual formation, authentic relationships, and meaningful encounters with Christ.

Over the coming weeks, Lolek Ministries will share official opening dates, along with more details, photos of the space, and additional information about the mission of The Lolek Center through this newsletter and through the Lolek Center Instagram & Facebook accounts.

This milestone would not have been possible without the generous financial support and faithful prayers of countless individuals and mission partners. Lolek Ministries extends deep gratitude to everyone who has contributed—your gifts and intercessions have truly brought this vision to life.

For those eager to learn more about the mission of The Lolek Center sooner and who feel called to support this work financially, through prayer, and/or by volunteering, Lolek Ministries warmly invites you to join The Harvest—a special evening celebration and vision-sharing event on Sunday, April 12, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at St. Therese Parish in Sioux Falls. This gathering will offer an opportunity to celebrate progress, hear more about the vision, and connect with the mission. Pre-registration is required. You can pre-register at https://lolekcenter.org/harvest.

Stay tuned for updates, and please continue to pray for the successful launch of The Lolek Center as a beacon of hope and formation in Sioux Falls.

About Lolek Ministries
Lolek Ministries is dedicated to forming joyful missionary disciples through spiritual direction, discipleship coaching, and community events, inspired by the legacy of St. John Paul II (Karol “Lolek” Wojtyła). The Lolek Center will serve as a home for this mission in Sioux Falls.

Media Contact:
Eric Gallagher
Lolek Ministries
eric@lolekministries.org

Praised be Jesus Christ!

Sioux Falls, South Dakota – March 9, 2026 – Lolek Ministries (formerly known as Suscipe) today announced the successful completion of its legal name change. This milestone reflects the organization’s deepening commitment to the legacy and encouragement of Pope Saint John Paul II — whose childhood nickname was “Lolek” — and its desire to place every aspect of its apostolate under his patronage.

“We are excited to dedicate all of our ministry under the patronage of St. John Paul II and his hope for the Church in this new millennium,” said Eric Gallagher, Executive Director of Lolek Ministries. “His vision continues to inspire us as we seek to encourage people to a life of holiness.”

In his Apostolic Letter Novo Millennio Ineunte, Saint John Paul II urged the Church to embrace its missionary calling with renewed fervor:

“We must revive in ourselves the burning conviction of Paul, who cried out: ‘Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel’ (1 Cor 9:16). This passion will not fail to stir in the Church a new sense of mission, which cannot be left to a group of ‘specialists’ but must involve the responsibility of all the members of the People of God.” (No. 40)

He further emphasized the call to form disciples and proclaim Christ boldly:

“... A new apostolic outreach is needed, which will be lived as the everyday commitment of Christian communities and groups.” (No. 40)

Looking ahead with great anticipation, The Lolek Center is scheduled to open in Sioux Falls in 2026. The Center will serve as the primary home and hub for Lolek Ministries’ formation, discipleship, and community life. At the same time, the ministry’s vibrant retreat programs and praise-and-worship events will continue to be offered throughout the region, bringing spiritual renewal to parishes and young people far and wide. A new website reflecting the updated name and branding will be announced in the coming days.

Updates will be posted regularly here on our official newsletter.

The Lolek Center is pleased to announce The Harvest, a special evening celebration and vision-sharing event on Sunday, April 12, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at St. Therese Catholic Parish - Parish Hall, located at 901 N Tahoe Trail, Sioux Falls, SD 57110.

This free event, hosted by Suscipe (the 501(c)(3) organization behind The Lolek Center), invites adults (21+) to join us for a gathering centered on fellowship, gratitude, and forward-looking hope. The evening will include social time from 6:00–6:30 pm, followed by a meal and program from 6:30–8:00 pm. Attendees will enjoy testimonies from those involved in our mission, expressions of gratitude for God’s faithfulness thus far, and an inspiring update on where The Lolek Center stands today and the exciting direction we are headed in 2026 and beyond.

The Lolek Center is a forthcoming community and formation center in Sioux Falls, dedicated to discipleship, community, and mission. Our vision is to empower individuals to deepen their faith, grow as joyful and bold missionary disciples, and bear fruit that transforms families, parishes, and communities through holiness and authentic witness. We offer intentional discipleship through one-on-one coaching, spiritual direction, small group studies and cohorts, formation events, and dedicated space for ongoing growth—all rooted in authentic Catholic teaching and open to anyone seeking a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.

The Harvest provides a perfect opportunity to learn more about our mission, hear firsthand about our progress toward securing a space in Sioux Falls, and discover practical ways to get involved—whether through prayer, participation in programs, volunteering, or financial support.

Anyone interested in hearing more about the mission is invited. Space is limited, and RSVP is required to secure your seat—no cost to attend, though opportunities to show support will be available during the evening. Please note: This is an adults-only event (due to alcohol service and space constraints), and business or church attire is requested.

Join us for good food, meaningful fellowship, powerful testimonies, and a shared vision for the future of missionary discipleship in our region.

To RSVP and for more details, visit: www.lolekcenter.org/harvest

RSVP HERE

We look forward to celebrating with you!

Sioux Falls, SD – February 6, 2026 – Suscipe, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to forming joyful, bold missionary disciples, today announced that the Be Not Afraid Campaign has raised a total of $85,177.20 in pledges and donations. This strong showing of support—fueled in part by a generous $50,000 dollar-for-dollar matching gift from a donor couple—has enabled significant progress toward the launch of The Lolek Center in Sioux Falls.

The campaign sought $100,000 to cover initial leasing, buildout, and furnishing expenses for a formation and community space. Contributions received through the end of 2025 were matched, effectively doubling their impact and bringing the project much closer to reality.

In light of this community generosity, the Suscipe Board of Directors has formally authorized pursuit of a facility lease in Sioux Falls, with operations targeted to begin later in 2026. The Lolek Center will serve as a dedicated hub offering one-on-one discipleship coaching, spiritual direction, Bible studies, formation events, and authentic Catholic community—complementing existing parish and diocesan efforts while helping individuals deepen their prayer life, discern God’s call, discover their gifts, and live their faith with greater courage and joy.

Suscipe extends heartfelt gratitude to every donor, pledger, monthly supporter, and friend who made this milestone possible. Your response has accelerated the vision of a center for missionary discipleship in Sioux Falls.

The campaign remains open—and your support is still urgently needed.

While the initial momentum has been extraordinary, additional funds will allow The Lolek Center to launch even stronger: covering final buildout costs, essential furnishings, startup programming, and operational runway in the early months. Every gift, no matter the size, continues to move this mission forward.

- Donate now at: suscipe.givingfuel.com/be-not-afraid-campaign

- Become a monthly supporter to provide steady, predictable funding for the long term

- Share this update with friends, family, and your parish community

The need is great, the mission is clear, and the time is now. Together, we can establish a welcoming space where the next generation of Catholic leaders encounters Christ more deeply and is equipped to bring His light into the world.

To stay informed on facility progress, opening timeline, and ways to get involved, visit lolekcenter.org or subscribe to this newsletter.

Subscribe now

As part of our ongoing mission at Suscipe to foster authentic discipleship and growth in the interior life, we are delighted to announce an exciting development in our youth discipleship efforts: our youth retreats are now officially known as Sanctus Retreats.

Sanctus—Latin for HOLY—perfectly encapsulates our vision for these retreats: equipping young people with the practical tools and formation they need to pursue holiness amid their ordinary, everyday lives. Drawing from the rich spirituality of saints like St. Francis de Sales and St. Ignatius of Loyola, these retreats are mostly silent, centered on prayer, discernment, and deepening one’s relationship with Christ.

Youth participants meet individually with trained and dedicated adult mentors throughout the weekend, receive the sacraments (including Mass and Reconciliation), hear inspiring talks on the spiritual life, and engage in guided reflections—all in a safe, supportive environment that helps them become true missionary disciples.

In the past year alone, we’ve seen participation in these retreats double in size, a tremendous blessing that reflects the hunger among our youth for this kind of intentional formation. With this momentum, we anticipate reaching full capacity for retreats throughout the coming year, allowing us to serve even more young people in their journey toward holiness. We intend to continue to offer two retreats a year, one in the Fall and one in the Spring.

This growth and continued fruitfulness would not be possible without the faithful prayer, encouragement, and generous support of our Mission Support Partners and the broader Catholic community. Your partnership enables us to offer these transformative experiences at a reduced cost to families, covering costs for our mentors and spiritual directors, and makes it possible to offer scholarships to those in need.

If you’d like to make a donation to fund scholarships for these retreats, you can do so here: https://suscipe.givingfuel.com/suscipe-scholarship-fund

To mark this new chapter, we are pleased to share details of the upcoming Sanctus Youth Retreat:

Event Details:

• Dates: March 27–29, 2026

• Location: Abbey of the Hills Retreat Center, 46561 147th St, Marvin, SD 57251

• For: Youth in grades 8–12 seeking to grow as intentional disciples

Registration is now open: https://suscipe.regfox.com/sanctus-youth-retreat

We invite you to keep this ministry in your prayers as we continue forming the next generation of faithful, missionary disciples.

Sioux Falls, SD – December 11, 2025 – Suscipe is thrilled to announce that a generous donor couple has committed a $50,000 dollar-for-dollar matching gift toward the $100,000 year-end campaign to launch The Lolek Center, a new permanent home for Catholic missionary discipleship in Sioux Falls.

Because of this lead gift, the ministry is already halfway to goal, and every donation made now through midnight on December 31, 2025, will be instantly doubled — dramatically accelerating the opening of the Center in early 2026.

The Lolek Center will provide dedicated space for one-on-one spiritual direction, discipleship coaching, formation events, and authentic Catholic community, serving men and women across the region who are hungry for deeper intimacy with Christ and clearer mission in daily life.

Funds raised in this “Be Not Afraid” campaign will cover:

• Leasing and building out the Center’s new home in Sioux Falls

• Furnishing spaces for prayer, study, and community life

• Training and equipping additional discipleship coaches for sustained one-on-one accompaniment

Thanks to this extraordinary matching gift, we are excited that our vision of establishing The Lolek Center will happen sooner than we had originally planned! This is a pivotal moment. With the community’s help over the next three weeks, 2026 truly can become the year a new movement of missionary discipleship takes root here and spreads across the upper Midwest.

To participate in the match and support the campaign, visit:

https://suscipe.givingfuel.com/be-not-afraid-campaign

Join the Mission

Gifts of any size are welcomed and will be doubled. Donors may also establish or increase recurring monthly partnerships, further increasing the impact throughout 2026 and beyond.

For more information about The Lolek Center and Suscipe’s mission of forming joyful, bold missionary disciples, visit www.lolekcenter.org.

In the episode, Gallagher shares the story behind the Center’s establishment, its goal of nurturing spiritual growth, and the transformative impact we envision for families and individuals.

Listen to a preview of the interview here:

You can also find the full interview on Apple Podcasts here.

For more on The Lolek Center and upcoming events, subscribe to this newsletter, visit www.lolekcenter.org or follow us on social media (@lolekcenter).

The Lolek Center will be a formation and community center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, operated by Suscipe, a 501(c)(3) organization, to serve primarily youth and young adults seeking deeper faith engagement. It will foster community, mentorship, and spiritual growth, supporting and supplementing parish and diocesan ministry. Our aim is to lease a space starting in 2026.

Eric Gallagher, the Executive Director of Suscipe, shares the announcement in the video below:

Please be sure to subscribe to this Lolek Center Newsletter to stay informed of all of the updates, news, and announcements regarding this important new ministry!

Subscribe now

A website for The Lolek Center can be found at: www.lolekcenter.org.

Interested in supporting this important work through a financial gift? Check out our end-of-year campaign here:

BE NOT AFRAID CAMPAIGN

Finally…please keep us and this initiative in your prayers!