SENT Ministries Brings a Week of Faith, Fellowship, and Joy to St. Michael Indian School
St. Michael Indian School was recently had a special visit from SENT Ministries, a missionary outreach group from Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio. The group traveled a great distance to spend time with our students, bringing with them a spirit of joy, service, and faith. Their presence on campus created a week filled with meaningful encounters, spiritual growth, and unforgettable memories for students across all grade levels.
Daily Retreats for Students
Throughout the week, the SENT Ministries team hosted daily retreats, each designed for a different group of grades. These retreats were carefully planned to meet students where they are, offering a balance of fun, connection, and faith formation. Each day began with excitement as students eagerly gathered to participate in activities led by the Franciscan University students, who brought energy, enthusiasm, and a genuine desire to connect with the St. Michael students.
A key highlight of the retreats was the wide variety of games and activities that encouraged teamwork, and leadership. Students participated in classic and high‑energy games such as capture the flag, ultimate rock‑paper‑scissors, Red Rover, and many other interactive challenges. These games not only provided fun and laughter but also allowed students to build trust, learn cooperation, and strengthen friendships. The Franciscan University students served as role models throughout these activities, demonstrating encouragement, fairness, and positive sportsmanship.
While the games brought excitement and energy, the retreats also placed a emphasis on spiritual reflection and faith development. Students were invited to take part in adoration, where they were given time to sit quietly in prayer and reflect on their relationship with God. During the retreats, students also learned about the lives of saints, hearing stories of faith, courage, and perseverance that helped them better understand how faith can be practiced in everyday life.
The Franciscan University students walked alongside the St. Michael students during these moments, offering guidance and support. They created a welcoming environment where students felt comfortable asking questions, sharing thoughts, and reflecting more deeply on their faith.
Mission Work Through the Eyes of a Franciscan Student
One of the visiting missionaries, Curt McGovern, shared his personal motivation for participating in the mission trip. Curt explained that Franciscan University offers mission opportunities that allow students to serve others and live out their faith. He shared that mission work has always been close to his heart because he recognizes the many blessings he has received from God. For Curt, being able to travel and share God’s love and joy with others is a way of giving back and responding to God’s call in his life.
Curt also took time to speak directly to the students at St. Michael Indian School, offering words of encouragement and affirmation. He shared how impressed he was by the students and expressed how special the school is. Curt described his time at St. Michael as a truly wonderful and fun experience, filled with joy and meaningful connections. He reminded students that God loves them deeply and that there is great joy present in their lives. He also reassured them that the missionaries continue to pray for them and encouraged students to remain strong and confident in their faith.
Father Ben Gurries Joins the Mission
Joining the SENT Ministries team was Father Ben Gurries, who is originally from Nevada and is currently serving in Jacksonville, Florida. Father Gurries is a member of the religious community Home of the Mother and was invited by Franciscan University to accompany the group on their mission trip to St. Michael Indian School. His presence provided spiritual leadership and pastoral support throughout the week.
Father Gurries shared that it was inspiring to witness the interactions between the Franciscan University students and the St. Michael students. He noted how naturally the relationships formed and how powerful it was to see young adults living out their faith so openly and joyfully. He also emphasized the importance of the Franciscan University students sharing their personal faith stories, explaining that these testimonies can have a strong impact on younger students by encouraging them to grow in their faith and consider how God may be working in their own lives.
Encouraging Faith Through Stories
The visit from SENT Ministries was a powerful reminder of the importance of faith, service, and community. Through games, prayer, reflection, and authentic relationships, the week allowed students to experience their faith in a joyful and supportive environment. The missionaries themselves also expressed how much they gained from the experience, making the visit a true exchange of faith and encouragement.
St. Michael Indian School is grateful to the Franciscan University SENT Ministries team and to Father Ben Gurries for their time, energy, and faith they shared with our students. Their visit left a lasting impression on our students and served as a witness to the joy that comes from living out one’s faith in service to others.