On March 14, the Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart (SCJs) will celebrate the birth of their founder, Fr. Leo John Dehon. A member of the SCJ Congregation, Fr. Henry Hogebach, founded St. Joseph’s Indian School in 1927.

Fr. Dehon valued a spiritual life that always led to action. Today, the Priests of the Sacred Heart serve in 40 countries. From the Great Plains to the Mississippi Delta and beyond, the SCJs seek to bring the love of Christ to those most in need of healing and compassion, especially the families and children overlooked by society.

In keeping with Fr. Dehon’s vision, our missions around the world help provide a quality education, social services and pastoral care to those who need it most.

St. Joseph’s Indian School has served Native American children and families in response to Fr. Dehon’s dream since 1927.

“We join the SCJs in fighting a centuries-old battle against inequality, discrimination, poverty and despair,” said Claire, a St. Joseph’s houseparent. “In many places, oppression is more deeply ingrained in the fabric of the culture than the laws that were meant to relieve it… Ours is a mission to be compassionate, meet people where they are, and share the good news. So whether people are in the Delta or on the ‘Rez,’ they can have a good school for their children and a church that responds to their needs. If we are going to be called Christians, it should show not just in our words but in our actions.”

Wopila tanka — many thanks — for your support of our mission to serve Native American children and families in response to Fr. Dehon’s dream.

Learn more about Fr. Dehon and the Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart.