The relationship between St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Naperville and the Lakota Nation Indian Reservation in South Dakota is a living expression of faith, compassion, and shared humanity. Through a twinning partnership with St. Agnes Parish on the Pine Ridge Reservation, the two communities have built enduring bonds rooted in mutual respect and Christian fellowship. This connection brings people together across distance and culture, affirming that service and solidarity are central to living the Gospel.
One meaningful expression of this partnership is the annual Lakota Coat, Blanket, and T-Shirt Collection organized by the St. Thomas community. From mid-December through mid-January, parishioners gather warm winter wear for families living on the reservation. Volunteers carefully sort, prepare, and ship the donations. In addition to coats, boots, and mittens, St. Thomas sends fleece blankets donated through Project Linus and T-shirts contributed by the local Lions Club. Each box and bag represents faith in action—an act of care and compassion shared from one community to another.
For the Lakota community, these efforts bring comfort and warmth during harsh winter months, while also serving as a reminder that they are remembered and supported by friends hundreds of miles away. For parishioners of St. Thomas, participation deepens awareness of social justice, gratitude, and the universal reach of the Church’s mission.
The twinning relationship continues to strengthen through prayer, correspondence, and shared outreach. It promotes friendship, cultural understanding, and spiritual growth for all involved. Together, the communities of St. Thomas and St. Agnes live out the values of unity, generosity, and hope—building a bridge of faith that connects hearts across distance while celebrating the beauty of serving others.
