Bishop Robert Gruss of the Rapid City Diocese recently visited to learn about the Lakota (Sioux) students who make St. Joseph’s Indian School their home-away-from-home. More than half of St. Joseph’s students come from tribes and communities in western South Dakota.

“As he travels, and people hear he works in South Dakota, countless people have asked him if he knows St. Joseph Indian School,” said Fr. Steve. “He was very interested in learning more about our school and the students and families we work with.”

The day began with a tour of the Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center followed by a visit to the Rooney Home, where some of St. Joseph’s junior high boys live with their houseparents.

Mary, Jr. Miss St. Joseph’s, presents the Bishop with a gift on behalf of the students and staff at St. Joseph’s Indian School.

At a prayer service in Our Lady of the Sioux Chapel on St. Joseph’s campus, the procession into the chapel was lead by Caden, St. Joseph’s Eagle Staff Bearer, and Mary, Jr. Miss St. Joseph’s.

St. Joseph’s drum group, Paha Makha ska Olowanpi - Chalk Hills Singers - concluded the prayer service with a traditional honor song for the Bishop.

After lunch, Bishop Gruss visited with students in their classrooms.