Parish News: Vacation Bible School

posted on June 21, 2011
by Shannon Grooms, Our Lady of the Sioux Parish

Our Lady of the Sioux in Oglala, South Dakota hosted their Vacation Bible School on June 14-17, 2011, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Br. Rene Hall. A service group from St. Joseph’s Prep School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania conducted the event. It was led by teachers Mr. Sam Deitch and former Red Cloud Indian School Volunteer, Mr. Dino Pinto.

The young men from St. Joe’s came on the service group as part of a cultural class. One student had this to say, “This service trip and the class we took are on opposite spectrums. The actual experience is nothing like my expectations.” Another student said, “The landscape is so nice. You can see wide open spaces and thunderstorms rolling in.” A third student added, “It’s so confusing to have so many emotions. It is sad to see the troubles in the area, but (I feel) hopeful to be having a positive impact.” One young man mentioned, “I’d like to take this back with me, and keep helping.”

Local children attending the session learned about God, made crafts, and played games. One little girl in attendance said, “I wish we had something like this every day!”

If you are interested in learning more about Our Lady of the Sioux, contact Sr. Connie Schmidt or Shelley White at 605/867-5673.

Shannon Grooms is a member of Our Lady of the Sioux Church. She taught Religion at Red Cloud Elementary School for four years until the birth of their oldest daughter. Shannon, her husband, and her two daughters live on a ranch nine miles north of Oglala, South Dakota.