Children of the Prairie
St. Joseph's Quarterly Newsletter

Fr. Greg, Chaplain

A Note from Fr. Greg

The Feast of St. Joseph is the feast day for St. Joseph’s Indian School, as St. Joseph is our school's patron saint. This day had me reflecting on all that St. Joseph, our Protector, has done to help our wonderful school in both the good times and the difficult.

I was thinking about some of the hardships the early SCJs and Benedictine Sisters went through to get the school off the ground in 1927. Not only that, but four years later a fire destroyed much of the campus. It was in the midst of the Great Depression and the effects of the Dust Bowl. They had to start all over in the face of uncertainty. The school struggled with difficulties in raising money to keep the school afloat for the Lakota (Sioux) children … they had to endure.

But, endure they did. Just four years after the fire, our first edition of Children of the Prairie was published and mailed to prospective donors. We now celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Children of the Prairie newsletter!

Yes, St. Joseph’s Indian School experienced humble beginnings, just like our patron saint. St. Joseph was a humble and simple man, patient and kind. Likewise, the patience and kindness of the early SCJs and the Benedictine sisters helped foster a relationship with the students that has been passed down from generation to generation. This continued spirit allows our school to keep thriving. Thank you and God bless!

Peace and Blessings,

Fr. Greg Schill, SCJ
Chaplain

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