West River Catholic

June 2009

June Front Page

Bishop's Column: The Call

Common Ground: Be open to God’s love and divine mercy

Protecting yourself and your family: Part 1

Father Zandri recognized for ‘going the extra mile’

Lakota Circles of Hope Premiere event held

Celebrations held for Fr. Kerry Prendiville’s silver jubilee

Lakota Circles of Hope Premiere event held

The Lakota Circles of Hope Premiere awareness and fund-raising event was held June 4 at Prairie Edge in Rapid City. The event included a silent auction and presentation on the Lakota Circles of Hope program. The program is a culturally specific prevention curriculum for second through fifth grade students living on the Pine Ridge and Rosebud Reservations. Program instructors use Lakota values and traditions to help empower children to make healthy and positive choices. It is currently funded by grants from the Bush, Robert Wood Johnson, and Wellmark foundations.

(Above) Ken Kirk looks to see if he placed the winning bid after the silent auction. (Left) A short DVD presentation was shown during the event. (Right) Those attending the event were able to bid on items donated to the program for a silent auction. (Lower left) Doctor John Usera, CEO of the Chiesman Foundation Institute for Educational Leadership and Evaluation, and Deacon Marlon Leneaugh, St. Isaac Jogues Church, Rapid City. Doctor Usera served as the Master of Ceremonies during the presentation. He is directing an ongoing comprehensive evaluation of the program. Deacon Leneaugh gave a short prayer and azilya blessing. (Lower right) Catholic Social Services director Jim Kinyon gave a brief summary of the program. (WRC photos by Becky Berreth)

                    Thank you
On behalf of the Lakota Circles of Hope students, participating schools, families, and the CSS board and staff, may I extend our heartfelt appreciation for your support of the Lakota Circles of Hope Premiere held June 4.
The ambience of Prairie Edge, Lakota prayer offered for all children by Deacon Marlon Leneaugh, flute music by Sequoia Crosswhite, DVD presentation, hors d’ oeuvres, and gifts donated by private individuals and the business community, blended to make this a very memorable event honoring Lakota children and the Lakota Circles of Hope curriculum.
Let us remember that working together and respecting our differences, enables us to provide the best possible service and examples for our children. May the Lord continue to bless you for your generous, caring heart.
                                       Jim Kinyon
                                                  Executive Director