Semper Youth Hosts Second “Late Night Show” on Catholic Dating
MITCHELL, S.D. — Semper Youth hosted its second “Late Night Show” on Wednesday, January 28, welcoming engaging guests and tackling a topic relevant to many young people: Catholic dating.
Semper invited Hector and Nikayla Bautista, along with host Tim Goldammer, to discuss intentional, faith-centered relationships. The Bautistas shared their “non-negotiables” in dating, the importance of not settling, and the value of evangelizing within a relationship. They also encouraged youth to pursue relationships with fellow Catholics rather than adopting a “flirt to convert” mentality, emphasizing the central role of the Eucharist and the sacraments in building a strong foundation.
“The youth really liked the Q&A,” said Hector Bautista. “Several came up to us afterward to share how it impacted them, and some asked what we would do in their situations.”
In addition to the talk show segment, participants enjoyed food, fellowship, and games. All Semper events are planned, organized, and led by the Semper Youth Leadership Team, fostering peer-to-peer ministry and authentic engagement.
“You have something special happening there,” Bautista added. “The relational ministry, the real topics youth are thinking about, the fun atmosphere, the food, and the presence of your religious and clergy were powerful. I’m excited to see what happens in the next two years.”
Hector and Nikayla Bautista have been married for seven years and are parents of three young children (plus one dog and four chickens). Hector serves as Director of Mission Engagement for the Diocese of Sioux Falls, and Nikayla leads a Catholic wedding photography business serving nearly 70 weddings annually.
For more information about Semper and upcoming events, follow @semper_highschool_ministry and @semper_college_ministry on Instagram or email
Registration for the 2026 Summer Academy is now open!
Summer Academy offers summer childcare to families alongside educational activities, outdoor field trips, and faith-based formation. Your child will have an exciting summer while also growing in wonder and knowledge.
Eligibility: The academy is open to all students in grades PreK-6th grade for the 2026-2027 school year. The minimum age is 3 by May 1, 2026, and students must be potty-trained.
Sessions: Join us all summer or for half of it! The academy is split into two 6-week sessions with options for mornings, afternoons, or both: Session 1: May 26-July 3, 2026 and Session 2: July 6-August 14, 2026 from 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM.
Cost: Reduced from last year! General cost will be $800 per session for half days and $1,600 per session for whole days. St. John Paul II students who register by April 1 and pay the $250 deposit will receive a further discounted price of $500 per session for half days and $1,000 per session for whole days.
For more information and registration, visit St. John Paul II's Summer Academy page.
February 12, 2026
Dear St. John Paul II Families and Parishioners,
I am writing to share that Mrs. Sarah Timmer, Principal of St. John Paul II School, will be concluding her service at the end of this school year, as she has accepted the position of Endowed Instruction and Engagement Coordinator with the Mitchell School District.
We are grateful that Mrs. Timmer will continue to lead our school through the remainder of the academic year. She remains fully committed to her responsibilities and to ensuring a smooth and positive transition for our students, families, and staff. She has also generously offered her assistance as we prepare to welcome new leadership.
At this time, we are diligenting exploring the needs of the school, staff, faculty and students as we prepare to seek a new principal. This effort will include collaboration with the Education Advisory Committee, Pastorate Leadership Team, Diocesan Director of School Services and Bishop Donald DeGrood. I invite you to keep our school and this upcoming transition in your prayers as we look ahead with trust and confidence.
Please join me in expressing sincere gratitude to Mrs. Timmer for her dedicated service to St. John Paul II School, particularly her leadership during our transition to Catholic classical education and ongoing renewal. We are thankful for the concrete, positive changes she has brought to our school, our students and our community.
In Christ,
Fr. Yamato Icochea, PES
Pastor and Superintendent
Pastorate Transparency Week 4: Facilities
What is the valuation of our properties?
What is the role of the Facilities Manager?
What major projects have been recently completed?
What future projects are being considered?
- Holy Family: Maintain the initial restoration including repairing scratches on the marble pillars; acoustic friendly flooring in the choir loft; LED lighting upgrade. The roof is 17-18 years old and currently in good condition.
- Holy Spirit: LED lighting upgrade, Parking lot
- St. John Paul II: Construction of rosary walk and garden or grotto to further immerse our students in the Catholic faith; beautification of the interior to support our Catholic values
- Tree Removal: All campuses have nearly 50 ash trees total that may need to be treated or removed, and potentially replaced, in the near future due to the emerald ash borer.
- Safety: We recently conducted a safety audit for all facilities with the Dept. of Homeland Security, and suggestions from that report are being considered. Details of any safety plan will not be shared publicly. However, please know that we are actively monitoring and improving the safety of our parishes and school building.
What is the status of the Holy Spirit parking lot?
How do we plan to fund long-term maintenance?
- Annual Budget Item through Offertory: For foreseen repairs and maintenance, we can include this in our annual budget and fund through regular giving and church support. This is a primary reason for our recent campaign calling for increased giving.
- Capital Improvement Savings Accounts: Each parish has capital improvement accounts where all building support contributions are deposited (this account does offer growth potential). These funds have been depleted with major projects and need to be built up.
- Endowment Support: Specific endowments through the Mitchell Catholic Foundation are designated for the care and maintenance of our facilities, or for the greatest needs of the parishes.
- Special campaign/request: While this is our last choice for funding, there are times where an emergency need arises, and we will ask for extra support from our parishioners to help cover the need.
A generous amount of services, repairs, and labor--big and small--are donated or discounted by parishioners and local businesses. We heavily credit the upkeep of our facilities to these generous acts and thank these individuals.
Pastorate Transparency Week 3: PLT
What is the pastorate leadership team (PLT)?
Who is on the Pastorate Leadership Team?
How is this different from the pastoral council?
What is “Amazing Parish”?
What is our organizational clarity?
- Why do we exist? (Purpose)
- How do we behave? (Values)
- What do we do? (Action)
- How will we succeed? (Strategic Anchors)
