Greetings from St. Joseph’s Indian School,
SACRAMENTS
This past Sunday was a very grace-filled day for St. Joseph’s as 27 of our students, who had been studying since September, received the Sacraments. Nineteen students were fully initiated through Baptism, Confirmation and First Communion. Two students, previously baptized in another Christian tradition, made a profession of faith in the Catholic Church, were confirmed and received First Communion. Six others who were baptized Catholic as infants, made their First Communion.
We were honored to host their families and friends here on campus. Festivities began Saturday evening with a chicken dinner for the families, students and godparents. Sunday began with family portraits in the small chapel, followed by Mass and the Sacraments.
Each fall, parents and guardians submit a consent form indicating if they would like their child to take part in sacramental preparation. There is no requirement that a student here at St. Joseph’s must be Catholic, but we are happy to work with a family and their student if they so desire. The Mission Integration Director works closely with families throughout the year, ensuring that this is what they want for their child and updating them on progress being made.
At the beginning of Lent, the children’s final period of preparation begins with a one-day retreat. Students bake bread and reflect on the meaning of the Eucharist, make baptismal garments, glaze a pottery chalice and learn the meaning of the Blessing cup, explore the gifts of the Holy Spirit and learn about the holy things in Church, including tasting a host and sipping the wine used in Communion.
JOSEPH’S HIGH SCHOOL PREPARATION
This year, St. Joseph’s has 16 eighth grade graduates. We are excited for their futures! Two students who will be returning for St. Joseph’s High School Program are “lifers” (meaning they have been at St. Joseph’s since first grade).
In preparation for high school, our eighth graders will:
- make a trip to Chamberlain High to meet the teachers they’ll have next year
- meet the houseparents of the Homes they’ll be moving into and become aware of what is expected in their new surroundings
- visit some colleges in the area so as to start planting a seed for the future.
JOBS FOR AMERICA’S GRADUATES
This past Wednesday, St. Joseph’s had the opportunity to host the JAG (Jobs for America’s Graduates). There are three separate parts to the Conference—Employability, Public Speaking and a Math Competition. Sixty-five students and staff from the South Dakota Chapter were expected on campus.
JAG is a state-based national non-profit organization dedicated to preventing dropouts among young people who are most at-risk. In more than three decades of operation,
JAG has delivered consistent, compelling results—helping nearly three-quarters of a million young people stay in school through graduation, pursue postsecondary education and secure quality entry-level jobs leading to career advancement opportunities.
SPRING CONCERT
Last Wednesday, we held our annual Spring Concert. There were 25 performances on five different instruments—clarinet, piano, guitar, flute and the trumpet. Some of our students’ selections included The Planets from Animaniacs, fun pieces from various Disney movies, the theme from Titanic and even a patriotic piece—Battle Hymn of the Republic. The highlight was the 1st Grade’s singing of ‘If you’re happy and you know it—clap your hands, stomp your feet, and shout’ all done in Lakota. They even got the audience involved.
WIENERMOBILE
A week or so ago the Wienermobile came to Chamberlain as part of a promotion campaign. What made it special was that the driver, Isaac, is the son of Herb, who was an employee here back in the mid-80s. They were both happy to hear Chamberlain was on their route and they stopped in for a visit. Isaac had the responsibility of showing people through the Wienermobile and answering any questions.
I hope something unexpected yet exciting and challenging will come your way soon. May it bring a sense of openness and a willingness to try anything at least once.
I hope you may have received some April showers to help your May flowers bloom and grow.
Fr. Anthony Kluckman, SCJ
Chaplain
This is absolutely amazing. I am so glad the students were able to study for and receive the Sacraments.
God Bless y’all and keep up the good work!
Thank you for your kindness, Becky! Blessings to you!
God bless you all….good luck in your new schools…and angels to watch over you……
Thanks for your kind words, Geri! Blessings to you!
God bless you all…. I am continually uplifted and amazed reading your posts about the many many things you do to help your precious children….outside of giving them an excellent education… Love to all of you… 🙂
Thank you for your kind words, Carol! Blessings to you!
I’m curious about the religious instruction that the children get. Is it based on Christianity? what about Native culture and ways of worship? are you associated with the reservation and elders there? Where do these children come from? Where are the parents and family?
Hi, Sandra! Thank you for your comment. Our mission is under Catholic auspices and serves children of all religious persuasions. The root and foundation of our religious teaching is based on the teachings of the Church. However, we also teach our students their Native American traditions and how they closely correspond to the message of Christ’s Gospel. St. Joseph’s has a Native American studies program to teach the children their traditional Lakota language, culture and traditions. We also work with elders in this area. Curriculum and daily routines include numerous cultural elements. Students can learn traditional Lakota dances and songs. St. Joseph’s also hosts an annual American Indian Day powwow, which is open to the public.
To answer your last two questions, our students come from one of nine South Dakota reservations, where their families members typically live. St. Joseph’s Indian School is privileged to work with families who have chosen us to give their children a sound education and loving home-away-from-home. Seeking a better future for their children or grandchildren, Lakota families seek our help. Many of our students are in the custody of grandparents who – like many – are having a hard time meeting their own needs. They are facing abject poverty and unsafe living conditions. Our goal is absolutely not to replace family or culture, but rather to embrace it and to help the Lakota boys and girls be successful individuals. One family at a time, the cycle is breaking. You can learn more about some of our former students’ achievements at stjo.org/success.
Schedual of st joes luncheons
Thanks Andrew! You can find a list of upcoming luncheons at http://www.stjo.org/luncheon.