Two Sisters Establish Legacy of Good Will

After 58 Years of Combined Service

posted on May 28, 2014

The sun was shining brightly last Sunday morning as parishioners from the local community gathered with friends from as far away as New York to bid farewell to two women who have dedicated a combined total of 58 years to inspiring students and supporting the mission and pastoral ministry of Red Cloud Indian School.

A celebratory mass and breakfast was held at Our Lady of the Sioux church in Oglala, South Dakota just up the road from the school. There, Sister Mary Jane Hebert and Margaret Giroux of the Congregation of Notre Dame participated in their last official Mass on the Pine Ridge Reservation.

“It’s really sad for Sister Mary Jane to leave,” said Jennifer Sierra principal of Red Cloud Elementary. “I know working at [Red Cloud Indian School] gave her peace and time for prayer and she’s going to miss the kids. That was always at the forefront of her work here, the kids, making sure they had the right guidance, structure and preparation for high school.”

Sister Mary Jane began her work at Red Cloud Elementary in 1988 and has taught grades five through eight as a religion teacher and acted as the religion coordinator for the school.

“It’s been extraordinary to watch what has happened in 26 years,” says Sister Mary Jane. “So many good things that have happened. I’ve met some great kids here and I’ll be sorry to leave.”

But she says that her love for the students will only continue to grow and humbly hopes that her legacy will influence others for many years to come.

In 1982, a few years before Sister Mary Jane arrived, Sister Margaret joined the community as an art teacher working for 15 years teaching students to paint, draw and build whatever their little hearts dreamed up. She then moved into her next and final role supporting Red Cloud’s fundraising effort in the Advancement Office. Whether she was hand writing hundreds of personal thank you letters to the many generous donors, or supporting other staff in their work, her willingness and dedication had a profound impact on all who met her.

“She gave a face to the ministry at Red Cloud,” says Jane Farrell, who worked alongside Sister Margaret for many years as director of donor relations. “She was able to reach out and touch hearts in such a good, gracious, peace loving way. What she’s done for Red Cloud, you just can’t quantify.”

Red Cloud has become another home for Sister Margaret, which she says, makes her departure all the more bittersweet. “When you come to Red Cloud you don’t leave easily, especially after 32 years. It’s a sacred place.”

Sister Margaret will be leaving next month, and Sister Mary Jane will be leaving in early July. While both of the Sisters will be missed dearly by everyone they touched, they are leaving Red Cloud having established a legacy of dedication and unyielding good will towards towards the students, the staff and the community. Philáuŋyayapi Sisters, for everything you've accomplished!

Learn More about Red Cloud's Pastoral Ministry

 

Photos: All Rights Reserved ©Red Cloud Indian School, 2014