Presentation Sisters

Presentation Sisters Share Next Phase
for Presentation Peace Circle

Last year, the Presentation Sisters announced plans to create a green space on a portion of their property in Aberdeen. Envisioned as a place of tranquility and renewal, the space is designed to foster inner peace while offering opportunities for contemplation and re-creation. This vision reflects the Sisters’ longstanding commitment to hospitality, peacemaking, and the renewal of one’s inner spirit.

This sacred space has been named Presentation Peace Circle, a legacy gift the Sisters hope will serve generations to come. Like the sanctuary of Blessed Sacrament Chapel formerly occupying this space, Presentation Peace Circle will provide an environment of solitude and opportunities for reflection, soul-searching, healing and community connection. As guests step away from the demands of daily life and the noise of a fast-paced world their attention can move into a deeper sense of presence and peace.

“We considered many different names, yet Presentation Peace Circle continued to resonate with us,” said Sister Mary Thomas, President of the Presentation Sisters of Aberdeen. “Our community has long been grounded in a commitment to justice, and over time we have come to trust that when right relationships are present, peace can gently take root and grow. The circle itself also speaks to us. Its unbroken form is a quiet reminder that Christ is at the center of all we are and all we do.”

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To bring this vision to life, the Sisters have partnered with Confluence, a South Dakota based landscape architecture firm known for its collaborative approach and focus on connecting communities through thoughtful design. Together, they are creating a space that honors the sacred history of the land while embracing future possibilities. Preserving the memory of what once stood here is especially important; elements of the former convent, chapel, and college will be thoughtfully incorporated throughout the design. These will take shape as statues and icons, some newly created, others carefully relocated to find new meaning within the space.

Over the past year, the land has been prepared and is now ready for the next phase of development. Work is expected to begin in mid-May, starting with the installation
of temporary safety fencing as construction gets underway. As it takes shape,
Presentation Peace Circle will feature contemplative walking paths, areas for and
meditation, and opportunities to listen and learn.

The project is anticipated to be completed in fall 2026. This timeline carries
special significance, as it coincides with the Sisters’ celebration of 140 years
of ministry in South Dakota.

“Continuing to provide a peacefully reflective space for all to enjoy has long been a dream of the Presentation Sisters,” said Sister Mary. “This is how the sisters can continue to minister to others in a new and creative way.”

It is the Sisters’ hope that all who enter Presentation Peace Circle will experience the same sense of spiritual peace and nourishment that has long been part of their communal life. They envision this space as a living legacy, one where the tradition of prayer and contemplation continues to flourish, enriching the hearts, minds, and spirits of all who visit for generations to come.

The Presentation Mission is to joyfully incarnate the compassion and justice of Jesus as Nano did so that our neighbors locally and globally might live with hope.

Our mission guides our ministry and underlines our spirituality. Our focus on promoting justice and alleviating oppression helps us to determine which of the many needs of God’s people we might best be able to meet through our ministry efforts. This guidance is essential as we minister to those in need all over the world.

For questions, please contact: Brooke Nicholson 605-929-7502