Meet the Missionaries

2022 Summer Missionary Hello! My name is Grace Johanson and I have never made a hole in one. I am from the small town of Flandreau, SD, home to the world's best bakery. I am going into my third year of studying pre-occupational therapy at Briar Cliff University. God shows His love for me through nature and frozen snickers.  Grace is serving parishes across the diocese with her teammates: Micah Impecoven, Maria Dvoracek and seminarian, Matthew Harris. 

2022 Summer Missionary Hi, I am Isaac Smith and I am from Groton, South Dakota. I just finished my first year of seminary at Saint John Vianney Seminary at the University of St. Thomas. I'm a hooper and I have a rap album and they call me Lil Steezy. I've also never lost because I'm that guy. Isaac is serving parishes across the diocese with his teammates: Caleb Honner, Elaina Lubeck and Addy Gilbert. 

2022 Summer Missionary Caleb is my name and hack is my game. I'm from Sioux Falls and I will be attending the University of Mary to study philosophy and theology this fall. I love the Dumb Ox and .... Jesus. I'm a total nerd about baseball and love to play it. Caleb is serving parishes across the diocese with his teammates: Elaina Lubeck, Addy Gilbert, and seminarian, Isaac Smith.

2022 Summer Missionary Hey, my name is Addy Gilbert, and I am from Dell Rapids, SD. I will be a Freshman at the University of Mary. I will be studying in the cold to become a Speech-Language Pathologist. Unpopular opinion... I don't like Mac and Cheese, but Jesus still loves me! Addy is serving parishes throughout the diocese with her teammates: Caleb Honner, Elaina Lubeck and seminarian, Isaac Smith.

Sarah Dvoracek Lumen Christi Missionary My story I grew up in a wonderful intentional and loving family. My parents modeled living as true Catholics through prayer and service. As most adolescents do, I struggled with the big questions: 'Who am I?', 'Why am I here?', and 'Is there a God?'.  I was intellectually formed well but it wasn't until I was challenged to pray daily by a dear friend in college that the Lord had room to do big things in my life consistently. He had pulled me deep and close to His heart in an intimate embrace and continues to do so. As I have experienced the unstoppable love of Jesus, He has also convicted me of the necessity of sharing the joy with those around me. Where I Serve? I…

Cole Mitzel Lumen Christi Missionary My story Having grown up Catholic I had a firm Catholic faith. This faith was increased as I attended retreats and started to find others that were running to the Lord like I was. These people in my life called me on to more and I began to dive deeper in my daily prayer. After I graduated I was able to help at some retreats that I had attended as a high school student. This opened me up to working with the youth and I found myself called to it more and more. So I continued to be drawn deeper and now I help others do the same. Where I Serve? I will be serving as a Lumen Christi Missionary for the Diocese of Sioux…

Clare Dvoracek Lumen Christi Missionary My story I have been blessed with a beautiful Catholic family who formed me as I was growing up to be open to God working in my life. Throughout my high school years, they continued to model for me what it means to live life for Christ as I began to search for my identity and purpose. Through following their example of frequent prayer and study of scripture, I began to know God and to desire to share Him with others. I am continuing to grow with Him and walk with others who desire to do the same this year.   Where I Serve? I will be serving as a Lumen Christi Missionary for the Diocese of Sioux Falls in St. Mary's Catholic School, as well…

Macy Hajek Lumen Christi Missionary My story Being raised in a Catholic family, this set a foundation of the Catholic faith and love of Christ. I attended youth conferences where I had many awesome encounters with Jesus and individuals who devoted their lives to Him. However, it wasn’t until my life was tested that I started to develop a truly personal relationship with Christ. When I was a junior in high school, I lost my best friend in a car accident. The grief that followed left me searching, and Christ revealed Himself to me as I slowly opened up to Him. The more I learned about the person of Jesus through prayer and Scripture, the hurt in my heart began to lighten to see the beauty of life. This relationship…

Maggie McDermott Lumen Christi Missionary My story I was born into a devout Catholic family that brought me up with the precepts of the Catholic Church. By the time I got to middle school, I knew a lot about the beauty of the Catholic faith, but it was hard for me to truly believe it in my heart. I soon encountered God in the people around me as I started to get more involved in my faith. In high school, I went against the grain and started to change my life in small yet radical ways.  Throughout all the natural ups and downs of my life, I realized that I felt truly alive and free only when I was close to God. I desire to share this life and freedom…

2021 Summer Missionary My name is Jaci Mollman and I am from Spearfish, SD. I am currently 21 years old and going to be a senior at Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD majoring in Studio Art. I became a Lumen Christi missionary because I was very attracted to the idea of living like an Apostle for the summer in traveling to different towns each week and seeking out those who need to hear of God’s love for them most, all the while growing in my own faith!  Jaci served women in the Sioux Falls area on team Sts. Louis and Zelie Martin with AnneMarie Smith.