St. Joseph's Indian School

It was two weeks before Christmas and Kristal Salter had yet to find the perfect Christmas ornament for her granddaughter, Roselyn. She had browsed through stores and searched online, but nothing she found seemed to do justice to the annual tradition. None of the ornaments felt quite right.

It is possible nothing felt right because the holiday season, in general, was proving to be more difficult than in years past. Kristal lost her father, Jimmy Young Barton, in June 2021 at the age of 88. Although it had been six months since his passing, she felt his absence more and more the closer December 25 approached. Continue reading “A ‘Blessing in Disguise’ to Remember a Beloved Paw-Paw”

Greetings everyone, I hope all of you are doing well. There are several great things happening here at St. Joseph’s Indian School.

Just this past week, 11 new students enrolled at St. Joseph’s Indian School. We are grateful for every student we have studying and residing here at St. Joseph’s which would not be possible without your generosity. Continue reading “Fr. Greg’s Hoší — News — for February 2022”

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 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”

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”

“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”

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 16^th 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”

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”

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”

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”