Sister Connie nominated as finalist for the 2011 Lumen Christi Award

posted on August 22, 2011

Sr. Connie has served the Pine Ridge Reservation at different times throughout her life, but most recently, for the past 8 years, as parish life coordinator at Our Lady of the Sioux Church in Oglala, SD; as well as pastoral coordinator for the entire Pine Ridge Reservation for the past four years. She is now in the process of making the transition from Our Lady of the Sioux, to teaching in the spiritual formation department at Red Cloud High School, Pine Ridge, SD.

The Lumen Christi award is sponsored by the Catholic Extension Society (CES). The award is presented to individuals who have been working to help strengthen communities located in the poorest, most isolated regions of America. After a candidate is nominated, the general public is invited to vote. The pool is then narrowed to six. Sr. Connie has made it to the final six. The Lumen Christi Organization will now choose between the six finalists and the winner will be announced in September. According to their website, this is the 34th year that a $50,000 award will be granted to the individual who best exemplifies the Light of Christ through his or her service to people in the poorest, most isolated regions of the U.S. The recipient and their diocese will each receive $25,000 to enhance a specific area of their ministry.

If you are interested in learning more about any of the churches that are supported by Red Cloud Indian School, contact Fr. Steve Sanford at 605-867-5491 ext 604.