Human Trafficking in South Dakota

In 2016, the Monastic Council distributed a questionnaire about social justice areas that we at Sacred Heart Monastery as a community would be interested in focusing on 2016-2017.  As a community we decided to focus on human trafficking and the Death Penalty.  The Social Justice Committee was asked to assist with these choices in educating ourselves, bringing the issues to prayer, and discerning what actions we might take.

We share some of what we have learned on this web page. We encourage others to become educated about this national and state problem, to be aware of one’s surroundings and those who are suspicious, and to get involved in helping stop this crime. Click here to read more about how Sacred Heart Monastery Sisters have raised awareness on Human Trafficking Issues.  Below, the Social Justice committee is posting information that they have found helpful and sharing some of the projects we are working on.  We hope that this will help you to grow in awareness of these issues.

The WATERTOWN INITIATIVE TO PREVENT SEX TRAFFICKING is excited to provide this valuable resource to support your efforts to end sex trafficking in Native American communities. It is time that young people know the truth, recognize the signs and understand how to avoid being trafficked. There is a solution to ending sex trafficking in all of our communities! For copies of the 17 minute full-length REACH DVD contact Sr. Teresa Ann Wolf, OSB at: srteresawolf@gmail.com 605-878-2021 2500 5th St. SE Watertown, SD 57201

February 8 , 2019 — International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking

 We observed the International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking on February 8, the memorial of St. Josephine Bakhita.

“​The Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and the International Union of Superiors General has designated February 8 as an annual day of prayer and awareness against human trafficking. February 8 is the feast day of St. Josephine Bakhita, who was kidnapped as a child and sold into slavery in Sudan and Italy. Once Josephine was freed, she became a Canossian nun and dedicated her life to sharing her testament of deliverance from slavery and comforting the poor and suffering. She was declared a Saint in 2000.​”

A prayer card and other information can be found at on the website of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.