A Conversation with a St. Joseph’s Indian School Alumna

Mary Jo stands by Andy, St. Joseph’s Alumni Coordinator, after she accepted her Distinguished Alumni Award in 2021.

Mary Jo Lends His Horse Dupris attended St. Joseph’s Indian School from 1991 to 1997. In 2021 she and three other healthcare workers were named St. Joseph’s Distinguished Alumni. 

We recently asked Mary Jo a few questions about her time at St. Joseph’s and what she has been up to since she graduated. Her answers were so inspiring that we wanted to share them with you.

We hope you enjoy hearing what she had to say.   Continue reading “A Conversation with a St. Joseph’s Indian School Alumna”

St. Joseph’s Sets Record by Awarding $186,285 in Scholarships in 2021-22

Erica, Oliver and Aaron: one family that was blessed by a St. Joseph’s Indian School scholarship as Aaron continues his education.

St. Joseph’s Indian School recently awarded $95,285 in spring-semester scholarships to Native American students across the nation, bringing the total awards for the academic year to a record $186,285.

This spring, St. Joseph’s provided 78 scholarships … Continue reading “St. Joseph’s Sets Record by Awarding $186,285 in Scholarships in 2021-22”

Artist Visits to Inspire Students through the Making of Mosaics

As students took their seats in the St. Joseph’s Indian School art classroom, they were greeted by two faces. One was a familiar face — their art teacher, Rachel Butzin. The other was someone new — someone at their school for a very special purpose: Michele David Mechling. Continue reading “Artist Visits to Inspire Students through the Making of Mosaics”

Reflection, Antics and Purpose Fill Catholic Schools Week at St. Joseph’s Indian School

Catholic Schools Week was Jan. 30-Feb. 5 and students celebrated with a (imaginary) visit from the Pope, among many other activities!

“Catholic Schools: Faith. Excellence. Service” was the national theme of  Catholic Schools Week this year, and St. Joseph’s Indian School students tapped into the theme with reflection, antics and purpose. Beginning January 30, the school joined others across the country to focus on Catholic education’s value. Continue reading “Reflection, Antics and Purpose Fill Catholic Schools Week at St. Joseph’s Indian School”

Two With Ties to St. Joseph’s Indian School Elected to National Leadership Team

The new administration of the U.S. Province of the Priests of the Sacred Heart includes (standing left-to-right): Fr. Rafael, Fr. Greg, Fr. Jack, Fr. Vien, Br. Duane and (seated) Dn. David.

The U.S. Province of the Priests of the Sacred Heart in Hales Corners, Wisc., elected a new Provincial Superior. The five-member Provincial Council was chosen by the gathered assembly of Priests of the Sacred Heart following the election of Fr. Vien Nguyen, SCJ, as the 16th Superior of the U.S. Province. Among those chosen to lead the U.S. Province of the international organization were two with ties to St. Joseph’s Indian School.

Continue reading “Two With Ties to St. Joseph’s Indian School Elected to National Leadership Team”

From the Desk of Fr. Greg: December

Children enjoying the December snow at St. Joseph’s Indian School.

The Christmas season gives us a multitude of reasons to rejoice. There is the opportunity for families to gather, eat together, exchange gifts and exchange laughter and excitement. Too often in the midst of preparing ourselves for family gatherings, meals and laughter we can easily find ourselves overwhelmed with a mound full of to do lists. Continue reading “From the Desk of Fr. Greg: December”

2021: A Year in Review at St. Joseph’s Indian School

During another year of uncertainty, challenges and obstacles, St. Joseph’s Indian School is proud to say we can look back on 2021 and know it didn’t break us.

While schools across the country closed or implemented a completely e-learning structure, St. Joseph’s opened our doors safely and securely to Lakota (Sioux) children. With added safety measures in place, we never had to close.

It feels so good to know children received everything they needed this year … food, clothing, a warm bed, and of course, an education … all thanks to YOU! Continue reading “2021: A Year in Review at St. Joseph’s Indian School”

Where Christmas and Lakota Traditions Align

The following essay was written by Joe T., Mission Integration Director at St. Joseph’s Indian School.

I start this connection by honoring the people whose land we live on, those of the Oceti Sakowin. I am a simple man, a humble man who have learned these Lakota ways by elders, and Lakota teachers. I humbly write this blog from the perspective of a white male of European heritage, this is my perspective designed to help folks like me learn how to be respectful. I write this to not convince, but to share connections that I have personally realized between these two beautiful ways of life …  Continue reading “Where Christmas and Lakota Traditions Align”

When a Cupcake Means So Much More

Eighth grade students showed gratitude through a random act of kindness.

Is there anything sweeter than an unexpected visit from a friend? Pair it with a cupcake, cookie dessert and a card!

Some eighth grade girls barreled through the hallways recently with a mission to spread gratitude and love to their teachers, classmates and other staff at St. Joseph’s Indian School. Continue reading “When a Cupcake Means So Much More”

Christmas Magic in High Supply at St. Joseph’s Indian School

It was a holly jolly day on Dec. 10 at St. Joseph’s Indian School!

Something magical happens one Saturday in December each year at St. Joseph’s Indian School in Chamberlain, SD. A conference room mystically morphs into Santa’s workshop, staff members turn into elves and there is even a visit from the big man himself: Santa Claus! Continue reading “Christmas Magic in High Supply at St. Joseph’s Indian School”