Catholic Schools Week Celebrated at St. Joseph’s Indian School

Beginning January 28, St. Joseph’s Indian School joined other Catholic schools across the country in celebrating Catholic Schools Week.

This year’s national theme was “United in Faith and Community.” Faith-based activities included beginning the week with a Lakota Mass on Sunday, a Monday Catholic Schools Week Prayer Service and a Friday Rosary in honor of Nicholas Black Elk, Lakota catechist who is nominated for sainthood.

“I’m excited to go to church and listen to the crazy stories that Father Greg tells,” said fifth-grader Misun Monje.

Throughout the week, homerooms enjoyed other faith-related activities such as “Finding Jesus,” with figurines of Jesus placed throughout the school to emphasize his omnipresence; a scavenger hunt in Our Lady of the Sioux Chapel to teach the meaning and purpose of holy items; and pretzel snacks because the pretzel shape is like the prayer posture with arms crossed.

Community-based activities included dress-up themed days: Monday – Pajama day, Tuesday – Sunday-best day, Wednesday – Opposite-role day when students dress like adults and vice-versa, Thursday – Twin/triplet-dress day by matching a friend or two, Friday – School-pride day.

Opposite-role day for second-grader Sylus Sisneros meant sporting a look that no one had to doubt was President Mike Tyrell, right down to the ID badge. Eighth-grader Marybella Archambeau and Religious Studies Teacher Kim Schneider swapped styles and attitudes.

Students also prepared a meal and decorated tablecloths for the priests who live on campus.

Looking to the broader community, fourth- through sixth-grade students did a food drive for the St. James Food Pantry and seventh and eighth graders rounded up hygiene supplies, also to benefit St. James.

The school also celebrated educational excellence during the week. Judges reviewed submissions for Young Authors and Young Illustrators Awards. Winners were announced on Friday, February 2 at a Spelling Bee that capped the week’s activities.