Four Red Cloud Students Confirmed by Bishop

posted on April 24, 2013

The Catholic Churches from across Pine Ridge Reservation celebrated the 2013 Confirmations for youth on Tuesday, April 23. Four students from Red Cloud Indian School were involved in the celebration.

Confirmation, one of the sacraments within the Catholic tradition, is an opportunity for youth to continue their growth in faith within the special blessing of the Holy Spirit. The ceremony once again was held at Sacred Heart Church in Pine Ridge.

Bishop Robert Gruss, of the Diocese of Rapid City, celebrated the Mass along with the four local Jesuit Priests and Lakota Deacon Gerald Bush. The celebration was further enriched with an honoring song sung by the Lakota Drum Group Cante Tinza.

A’leigha Janis, Mariah Lorraine Shangreaux and Jonnie Yellow Hawk were confirmed while Melinda Bad Wound and Crystal Dawn Bad Wound, who had been fully initiated into the Church as young children, received a special blessing from the Bishop.

These young women all participated in the preparation process and found their own understanding of the sacrament and their faith enriched and deepened. Of the five young people, four were Red Cloud Indian School students.