The bell rang Sunday, April 25 at St. Mary’s and Our Blessed Redeemer in Flandreau.  The people of the parish were gathering in person and in church for the first time since March 8, 2020.  Their bishop was visiting them in person for the first time ever.
This was the last church in Flandreau to reopen its doors after the pandemic shuttered church doors in March of 2020.

Because of the pandemic the congregation had been meeting on Zoom.  Sunday’s service was the Holy Eucharist—celebrated with the necessary precautions.  
The bishop was Rt. Rev. Jonathan Folts, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of South Dakota.  He had met with the congregation in November—but only on Zoom.
Bishop Folts succeeded Bishop John Tarrant in 2019.  Before coming to South Dakota he had served parishes in Texas and Connecticutt.  He now lives in Pierre.
St. Mary’s and Our Blessed Redeemer’s pastor is Rev. George Gehant.