Holy Week at St. Joseph’s

Happy Holy Week from St. Joseph’s Indian School!

What is the old adage, ‘if you don’t like the weather just wait a few moments?’ That has been the truth here in Chamberlain these past few days. It was in the 80’s on Saturday and then on Monday, the temperatures dropped to the low 30’s along with rain, sleet and snow. On Tuesday, most of the snow melted and on Wednesday, the weather was overcast and rainy. The moisture is allowing the grass to green-up nicely!

WAX MUSEUM
Last Friday, our 3rd graders hosted a ‘wax museum’. Each student did research on a famous person and prepared a board and a short speech. After dressing like the person, they were ‘frozen’ in the Assembly Room and ‘came to life’ when a spectator pushed their talk button. After their short speech, the student ‘re-froze’ until their button was pushed by someone else.

Students and staff were invited to come and interact with the ‘famous people’ being portrayed. The teachers had suggested some names, but the students were free to pick their own subjects to research and portray.

Some of those represented were Rosa Parks, Helen Keller, Amelia Earhart, Sally Ride, Pocahontas, Jackie Robinson and Ruby Bridge. We congratulate the students on doing a fine job of memorizing the facts they wanted to share and not being nervous about representing the individual they chose!

FLAT FRANCIS
“Flat Francis” was at the Hogebach Home recently- watching over two of the students as they recovered from having their wisdom teeth pulled. He showed off his sense of humor as he sat in the window and door way to startle guests as they came into the Home. He also learned how the seniors cook and helped with the dishes… drying only, of course, since he did not want to get wet. He also listened in as plans were made for a shopping trip for the seniors preparing for college. He was kept busy and is now taking some extended time with Crane Home.

PROM
This past Saturday was Chamberlain High School’s Prom. Our students were treated to a dinner here on campus before heading to the Grand Entry. After the Grand Entry, our students and all of the other prom participants enjoyed a dance.

Once the dance was over, the students could be ‘locked-in’ at post-prom at the High School until 6 AM Sunday morning to take part in various games and activities. As a way to keep kids safe on prom night, if a student wanted to leave post-prom, their parents or guardians were contacted. Some of our staff were ‘locked-in’ as well serving as chaperones.

Everyone was looking to get some rest on Sunday morning, so we scheduled an afternoon Mass on Sunday so they could get some much needed shut eye.

PALM SUNDAY
With Sunday being Palm Sunday, we started the Liturgy in our skating room so we could have a procession with the palms. The main aisle was covered with palm branches so as to give the students an idea of what it may have been like when Jesus entered Jerusalem.

This past Sunday was also our last Lakota Mass for the year. We had the drum group playing as we walked from the skating room and students dancing in their Native American regalia that is also used at powwow. It was a beautiful, colorful experience.

Our students traveled home for Easter break Thursday and have until Monday to spend time with family and friends before returning to campus to finish out the remainder of their year.

I hope your Lent was beneficial. I also hope that you and your families have a beautiful Easter, as we witness the Resurrection of Jesus by which He overcomes death and sin. May we always be grateful for the price He paid to restore us to friendship with God.

Fr. Anthony Kluckman, SCJ
Chaplain

Author: St. Joseph's Indian School

At St. Joseph's Indian School, our privately-funded programs for Lakota (Sioux) children in need have evolved over 90 years of family partnership, experience and education. Because of generous friends who share tax-deductible donations, Native American youth receive a safe, stable home life; individual counseling and guidance; carefully planned curriculum based on Lakota culture and individual student needs and tools to help build confidence, boost self-esteem and improve cultural awareness. All of this helps children to live a bright, productive, possibility-filled future.

4 thoughts on “Holy Week at St. Joseph’s”

  1. This was one of the more interesting posts. I am always looking toward happenings/activities at the school.

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