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Campus Ministry

“I am the way, the Truth, and the life.” John 14:6


The Rapid City Catholic School System’s vision of forming hearts and minds in the Truth extends beyond our commitment to excellent and faithful classroom instruction. Under the supportive oversight of our high school principal, Father Robert Kinyon, our Campus Ministry team has the privileged role of forming our students and families in the love of Jesus through Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, all-school Confession, retreats, prayer groups, service projects, daily conversations, and other formation opportunities! Students feel known and loved by Jesus as well as our team members who inspire them to live courageous lives of faith.

The Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary

SistersThe Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary (SCTJM) is a religious institute founded in the Archdiocese of Miami, Florida, in 1990 by Mother Adela Galindo. The sisters are dedicated to living lives of deep prayer, joyful service, and faithful witness to Jesus Christ through the Heart of Mary. Their mission is to be a living image of Mary's love within the Church while helping others encounter the truth, beauty, and fullness of the Catholic faith.

Guided by their charism, the Servants strive to form hearts rooted in Christ by proclaiming the Gospel, fostering authentic discipleship, and inspiring a civilization of love, truth, life, and solidarity. Through their ministries in education, evangelization, catechesis, youth formation, and parish life, they seek to accompany people of all ages in developing a deeper relationship with Jesus and His Church.

At the heart of their vocation is a complete consecration to the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary. By offering their lives in love and service, the sisters seek to bring Christ's compassion, mercy, and hope to every person they encounter. Their joyful witness, fidelity to the Church, and love for the Eucharist continue to inspire the communities they serve, including the students, families, and faculty of the Rapid City Catholic School System.

"All for the Heart of Jesus through the Heart of Mary!" This motto beautifully captures the spirit of the Servants' mission and their desire to lead others ever closer to Christ through the loving guidance of His Blessed Mother.

Sr Brooke
Sr. Brooke Kolbe is a religious sister with the Institute of the Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary. Raised in central Illinois, she attended Illinois State University, where she earned a degree in Special Education before answering God's call to religious life. Sr. Brooke entered the convent in August 2016, professed her first vows in 2019, and joyfully professed her final vows on December 12, 2025.

Since 2021, Sr. Brooke has served at St. Thomas More High School as a campus minister and Theology teacher. She has a genuine love for accompanying students as they grow in their faith, encouraging them to develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ while discovering the unique gifts God has given them. Her joyful spirit, compassionate heart, and approachable nature make her a trusted mentor and a beloved presence within the school community.

Sr. Brooke has a passion for photography and enjoys capturing the beauty of God's creation and the memorable moments that make school life so special. Whether documenting campus events, celebrating student accomplishments, or finding beauty in everyday moments, her creative eye reflects her appreciation for the goodness and joy found in God's world.

Known for her infectious smile, joyful personality, and unwavering faith, Sr. Brooke brings enthusiasm, kindness, and authentic Christian witness to everything she does. Her joyful presence reminds students and colleagues alike that holiness is lived through love, service, and a deep trust in Christ. She is a treasured member of the Rapid City Catholic School System and continues to inspire others by helping form hearts and minds in the Truth.

Sr Maria BelenSr. Maria Belén is a religious sister with the Institute of the Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary. Originally from central Illinois, she began her studies at Danville Area Community College, where she earned an Associate's Degree, and later completed her degree in Child Development at Illinois State University. She entered the convent in August 2017, professed her first vows in 2020, and has been serving at St. Thomas More Middle School since 2021 as a campus minister and Theology teacher.

 

Sr. Maria Belén has a special gift for connecting with middle school students during one of the most important stages of their faith journey. She approaches each day with patience, joy, and enthusiasm, encouraging students to deepen their relationship with Christ while creating a classroom environment where they feel known, valued, and loved. Her genuine care for her students and her joyful witness to the faith make her an important part of the St. Thomas More Middle School community.

Outside the classroom, Sr. Maria Belén enjoys expressing her creativity through arts and crafts and has a talent for designing engaging graphics and materials using Canva. Whether she's creating beautiful classroom resources, planning faith-filled activities, or adding thoughtful details to school events, her creativity enhances the learning experience and helps bring the beauty of the Catholic faith to life for her students.

Known for her joyful spirit, warm smile, and servant's heart, Sr. Maria Belén is passionate about walking alongside young people as they grow academically, spiritually, and personally. Through her ministry, she inspires students to discover the joy of following Christ and helps form hearts and minds in the Truth.

Testimony

Student testimonies

Levi B. - “Campus Ministry has completely transformed my faith life and brought me closer to God than I thought possible. Through retreats, Adoration, Mass, and Confession, my relationship with Him has become personal instead of just routine. It’s changed the way I live and has given me a deeper sense of purpose and strengthened my connection to God.”
 
Violet G. - “Campus Ministry has long been an essential part of Saint Thomas More culture. I have witnessed countless lives changed during pivotal moments through the community it fosters. Whether through retreats, Eucharistic Adoration, prayer groups, or simple fellowship among peers, meaningful relationships are formed within those walls. It offers students a place to be fully themselves in an environment that often emphasizes performance and achievement. Amid busy schedules and academic pressure, Campus Ministry—led by Sister Brooke—creates space for students to slow down, feel seen, and be valued. Beyond encouraging emotional and social growth, it also nurtures students’ spiritual development. Campus Ministry has made a lasting impact on many lives at Saint Thomas More, and I am grateful to have witnessed so many of these powerful stories.”
 
Brianne K. - “Our faith is the heart and soul of our school. We participate in weekly Mass, Adoration once a month, and grade-level retreats. This allows us to grow in our own faith and grow in communion with our classmates. One of my favorite things about our school is our Campus Ministry room. It is a room that is for everyone to come and study, talk, or play games. It is an amazing faith-filled space.”
 
Sienna K. - “This school has provided amazing opportunities that strengthen the bond I have with our Lord and the love that I have for Him. Through adoration, Mass, and Theology classes, I have experienced profound peace in my heart and trust in the ways that the Lord will work in my life. It is like no other and works in every part of my life. I am so grateful for the teachers, staff, Sisters, and friends I've met so far. Overall, RCCSS has set a new standard. We aren't just set up to excel in education, sports, or extracurriculars but also to become saints. We aren't just given resources to have a successful life after high school but also given resources to successfully live in Christ forever.”
 
Dean T. - “Adoration at STM really helped me connect with God. A truly touching experience for everyone.”