Following in the founder’s footsteps
Prior to the Mission Education gathering, staff from St. Joseph’s Indian School, as well as several SCJs and province employees, were asked to answer the question “I am a Dehonian because…”
Many of the statements were shared during Mission Education. The following is the complete list of statements compiled by St. Joe’s staff:
Steve Koepke – Director of Development – SHSM (Sacred Heart Southern Missions), Dehonian Associate
Twice in the last year I have been involved in a volunteer project in Tunica, MS. The task involved renovating a home. To call this structure a “shack” was probably being generous. It was four rooms covering barely 400 square feet with holes in the roof and floors and rotting wood throughout. I remember thinking, “no one should have to live like this.” As volunteers we murmured to each other that the project would probably be better served if we simply tore it down and started from scratch. Yet, for the family, they had lived here for decades. Their children were raised here. This was home.
So we reinforced the roof so it would hold a new set of shingles and we put up sheet rock and siding on uneven walls that were never square and slowly a comfortable and safe living space emerged.
But I knew this was only half of the miracle. The staff that led us, the tools we used and most of the materials had been made possible because of gifts from our donors. Kind hearted people throughout the country had made gifts, large and small, to help people they would never meet, to renovate a house they would never see and to help a family they would never talk to.
It is Sacred Heart Southern Missions, inspired by Fr. Dehon, which brings these generous people and these humble recipients together. On the drive home I remember thinking, “This is what it means to be Catholic. This is what it means to be Dehonian. This is the Sacred Heart alive and working in our world today.”
Sherry Langle – Counselor – SJIS (St. Joseph’s Indian School)
Hi, my name is Sherry Langle and I am one of the 1st-5th Grade Girls Family Service Counselors. I am a Dehonian because I believe in the Mission of St. Joseph’s Indian School.
Fr. Dehon brought a vision to the United Stated to provide a sense of spirit and hope to those who were living in impoverished conditions. Through this vision and with the help of the Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart, St. Joseph’s Indian School was founded to help those children and families living in these impoverished conditions.
For the love Fr. Dehon had for working and helping others, I as a Family Service Counselor can continue his work by providing the support, guidance and care for the students of St. Joseph’s Indian School through the continued collaboration of working with the whole family. In doing this, I am helping the students and families through education of life skills to strengthen their mind, body, hearts and spirits.
Carla Hubbard – Development Secretary – SJIS
I am Carla Hubbard and I am a Dehonian. I respect and care for our supporters in the best way I know. I listen to their concerns and I enjoy sharing our mission with them. I pray with our donors during their best days and their worst days. I am always proud to work for an organization that takes great pride in the care of the people who make our missions possible.
Clare Willrodt – Director of Pastoral Care – SJIS
I am Clare Willrodt and I am co-director of Pastoral Care at St. Joseph’s Indian School in Chamberlain. I am a Dehonian. Fr. Dehon’s inspiration was the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Every day through instruction and practice in contemplative prayer my colleague, Joe Tyrell, and I work with students to grow more deeply acquainted with the true presence of Jesus in their own hearts.
Geri Beck – Major Gifts Director – SJIS
I am Geri Beck and I’m the new director of Major Gift Services at St. Joseph’s Indian School in Chamberlain. I feel like I get to experience Dehonian Moments all the time when working to build relationships with donors who believe in and support our mission. Our donors give for many reasons including a desire to give back because they have been blessed and because they want to see God’s dreams for our students fulfilled. I feel like we’ve all been entrusted with a huge responsibility to be good stewards of these gifts.
Oakley Soulek – Mail Processing Specialist
I am Oakley Soulek and I work in Mail Processing. I am Dehonian because the work I do reflects the Core Values of St. Joseph’s Indian School. I must ensure that the donations that we receive reflect proper stewardship. I respect our donors and make sure that all transactions are handled with integrity. Our department strives for excellence.
Donna Dean – HR Director – SJIS , Dehonian Associate
I am Donna Dean and I’m the Human Resources Director at St. Joseph’s Indian School. Even though I’m not Catholic, I am a Dehonian. I respect and admire Fr. Dehon’s accomplishments and energies directed toward the working poor. He was truly a man before his time.
He teamed with factory owners to see that working conditions improved for the employees – better hours, less child labor, better ventilation and lighting. He respected those people who worked the hardest, but made the least – and tried to make their lives a bit better. An example I try to emulate in some small way.
Jim Preast – Houseparent – SJIS
My name is Jim Preast. I am Dehonian in Spirit. I am a houseparent for the 6-8th grade boys. I am able to give the boys insight of right choices and behaviors that our Lord wants us to reflect. I am able to give of myself and sacrifice in order to give them opportunity to succeed.
These are some of the values that have been laid in the foundation of St. Joseph’s. This allows us to perpetuate the heart of Father Dehon and his love for this ministry. This keeps his vision and spirit alive and operative.
Dixie Thompson – Museum Director – SJIS
I am Dixie Thompson and I’m the Director of the Akta Lakota Museum at St. Joseph’s Indian School. I am a Dehonian because the work we do at the Akta Lakota Museum reflects many of Fr. Dehon’s teachings and values.
By collecting, preserving and caring for materials that document the life of the Lakota people we provide our students and others an opportunity to learn about the Lakota based on respect, education and sensitivity to the culture.
As a Dehonian I find comfort and support in the work I do by the living the vision that Fr. Leo John Dehon set before us.
Mike Tyrell – Child Services Executive Director – SJIS, Dehonian Associate
I am Mike Tyrell and I’m the Executive Director of Child Services at St. Joseph’s Indian School. I am a Dehonian because I believe in many of the things that Fr. Dehon espoused. We cover his vision and values in the work we do at St. Joseph’s. Providing hope to an underserved population, we truly are prophets of love and servants of reconciliation.
We make a difference, impacting one student, one family, at a time – and ultimately help to change society. I am blessed to be part of Fr. Dehon’s vision.
Jennie Schilling – Student Coordinator – SJIS
My name is Jennie Schilling and I am the Student Coordinator at St. Joseph’s Indian School. I am a Dehonian because I have a passion for my job and the belief that everyone deserves a chance to become better and strive towards excellence.
The work I do helps students learn and practice different skills to help them when times get tough. I respect each student where they are at and continually work to help them learn to make choices that will help them achieve their full potential.
Maria Eveland – Development Office – SJIS
I am Maria Eveland and I work at St. Joseph’s Indian School in the Nagel Building. I am Dehonian because I believe in and respect Fr. Dehon’s mission to help poor Native American children. I believe in helping to educate them in mind, body and spirit and to help them become successful in life, in school and in the future.
I am very happy to have the opportunity to be part of his mission and help my fellow Native Americans to become strong, healthy and positive people who are builders of respect and unity between Lakota and other American Traditions.
Dn. David Nagel, SCJ – Provincial Treasurer, Dehonian Associate
I am a Dehonian because the love of God as expressed by the Heart of Christ is key to how we can serve others and there is a great need for love in the world today.
Gary Johnson – Houseparent – SJIS
I am Gary Johnson and I am a houseparent at St. Joseph’s Indian School. I work with high school students who have transitioned from 1st-8th grade school on campus and now attend Chamberlain Public High School.
I live with and watch over these students and I daily have the opportunity to impact their lives. I am a Dehonian because I use his core values as tools enabling the student for a life of faith, integrity, stewardship, respect and excellence.
Tom Thomas – Facilities Manager – SJIS
I am Tom Thomas and I am the Facilities Maintenance Supervisor. I am a Dehonian because of the work I do in the maintenance department. Our department relates to the St. Joe’s core value of excellence. We do this through continuing education. We are always on the lookout for new and better ways to improve everything we do. These improvements lead to better buildings, safer vehicles and nicer-looking grounds for everyone.
Our goal is to provide living conditions for students, work facilities for staff, and public spaces for visitors that reflect the warm and welcoming spirit of the SCJs.
Mark Schoenhard – Rec Center Specialist – SJIS
I am Mark Schoenhard and I am the Recreation Specialist at St. Joseph’s Indian School. Fr. Dehon believed that everyone had the right to be happy and healthy. That’s why my work at the Rec Center is so important as I teach staff and students how to move, get stronger, make healthy lifestyle choices and feel good, all in a fun, adventurous way. A high quality life for all is what Fr. Dehon strived for and reflects the work I do at here at St. Joseph’s.
Mark Klein – Tipi Press Printing Manager – SJIS
I am Mark Klein and I work in St. Joseph’s in-plant print shop. We do work for all of the organization. Most of our efforts focus on fundraising. I am Dehonian because we must work with the highest level of Stewardship and Integrity. A portion of all funds given by donors go to fundraising. It is my duty to utilize those funds to the best of my abilities; therefore showing the highest level of respect to our children and benefactors.
Julie Soulek – Residential Director 1st-8th – SJIS
I am Julie Soulek and work as an administrator at St. Joseph’s Indian School. My responsibility is to serve the students, families and staff of SJIS. Fr. Dehon’s values of outreach and compassion speak to me on a personal and professional level. Thus, I am a Dehonian who is committed to serving as an instrument of empowerment to youth and families who are in need.
Patrick Lyden – Houseparent – SJIS
I am Patrick Lyden and I am a high school boys’ houseparent. I am a Dehonian by actively respecting and collaborating with both boys and Chamberlain High School staff. I respect and accept the total life story of the boys of Sheehy. I meet them where they are at and gently guide them toward a future of service to God and their respective communities. I foster powerful relationship with each boy and in turn connect them with the CHS staff so they can be empowered to trust other professionals in addition to the reclaiming environment here at St Jo’s.
Maija Davlouros – High School Services Support – SJIS
I am a Dehonian because I value iconoclasticism. Fr. Dehon followed a call to be a priest, even though this wasn’t what his friends and family wanted him to do. Once he actually became a priest, Fr. Dehon did unexpected things, like being out among his parishioners and not just staying in the pulpit.
I also value doing things in nontraditional and unexpected ways. As much as I love pulpits, you are more likely to find me playing games and painting pumpkins and setting things on fire. I am not about doing things the way they always have been done. I felt called to leave my home land and come to St. Joe’s. I followed this call even though my dad was absolutely dead set against me coming here.
Fr. Dehon started out in a manufacturing town in France, and through his followers, ended up helping Native Americans half a world away. I just started in New Jersey and I also ended up touching lives of Native Americans.
Both Fr. Dehon and I are trilingual. My languages are Polish, Greek, and Maija speak. Fr. Dehon spoke French and Dutch (because all Belgians do) and Latin (which nobody actually speaks but we will give him credit for it.) No matter what language Fr. Dehon and I use, both of us are interested in the concerns and cares of the people we’re with and helping people reach their goals.
Wanda Bunker – Houseparent – SJIS
I am Wanda Bunker and I am a houseparent in the Stevens home. We have 6th-8th grade girls. I am a Dehonian because my work puts a great value in the relationships we make with the children we serve, as well as their families. I also show respect to the students here and their families. I am also a good steward of the funds entrusted to us for the running of the home.” But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Luke 18:16
Shelly Luke – Rec Center – SJIS
I am Shelly Luke and I’m the Rec Center Custodian at St. Joseph’s Indian School. I am a Dehonian – because I have FAITH that God has a plan for all of us and right now St. Joseph’s Indian School is where I am supposed to be.
Foster Iverson – Grounds Supervisor – SJIS
I am Foster Iversen and I am a groundskeeper at St Joseph’s Indian School in Chamberlain, SD. I practice stewardship by striving to provide a clean, safe and attractive environment where staff can concentrate on their interaction with students and vice versa. As I see students, families, staff and guests walking on campus, I sense the joy, pride and sometimes even spiritual peace that our environment can provide them.
Kathleen Donohue – Educational Director – SJIS
Attending the Educare Conference in 2012 gave me a more global perspective of Fr. Dehon’s message as educator. The conference was tasked with creating a portrait of a Dehonian educator. An educator modeled in the charism of Fr. Dehon seeks a holistic approach to learning including mind, body and spirit. He/she encourages creativity and calls the heart to open itself to others especially to those in need. Here at St. Joseph’s Indian School, everyone one on our campus is called to walk in Fr. Dehon’s shoes reaching out to our students in mind, body and heart. As an educator it is a true joy to see faith in action within our students’ lives as we plant the seeds and cultivate the values of the heart.
Frank Bunker – Houseparent – SJIS
My name is Frank Bunker. I have been a houseparent for many years. I am Dehonian. I treat the children I work with, with respect, encouragement, and dignity. I treat the families of the children I work with, with respect and dignity. I respect their culture, and their values, and I get to know them personally. I respect the benefactors by being a good steward of resources they so generously provide. I am Dehonian, and I serve the children, their families, the benefactors, and the St. Josephs organization with pride and humility.
Dianne Graves – Administrative Assistant – SJIS
I am Dianne Graves, the Administrative Assistant for the School. I am Dehonian because I believe in Fr. Dehon’s vision and values—I feel I show them in my daily work with the students. We have a very busy office with lots of paperwork, but I put the children’s needs first. In the last 36 years of employment with St. Joe’s, I have worked with many, many students—showing them love, respect and compassion and treating them with dignity. I have followed them throughout the years—being a mentor to some of them. Many of our former students have children attending school here now and we share memories when they visit. I feel I make a difference in the lives of students as I respect them and they know I care about them—thus forming relationships that last a lifetime.
Julie Lepkowski – Clinical Director – SJIS
I am Julie Lepkowski and I am the Clinical Services Director at St. Joseph’s Indian School. I am Dehonian because I believe in the mission of the school. The work that we do in the clinical department with students and families encompasses many of the beliefs that Fr. Dehon ascribed to.
We treat our students and families with respect, compassion and encouragement. We partner with them in order to help the students – mind, body, heart and spirit.
Karla Herman – Executive Secretary – SJIS
I am Karla Herman and I’m the Assistant to the Executive Director of Child Services at St. Joseph’s Indian School. I am a Dehonian. In my support role, I strive to carry out my daily work to serve others with respect, compassion and integrity. In doing so, I am carrying out the teachings and values entrusted to me through the spirit of Fr. Leo John Dehon.
Vickie Brennan Dykes – Gift Shop Supervisor – SJIS
I am Vickie Brennan Dykes and I am the Akta Lakota Museum Gift Shop Supervisor. I am a Dehonian because in my work I am able to show respect to the Lakota Culture by continually learning and sharing the traditional cultural. I have faith that I am on this path to serve with dignity and to continue Fr. Dehon’s values in my work and personal life.
Marina Kunzweiler – Integrated Marketing Assistant – SJIS
I am Marina Kunzweiler and work in the Integrated Marketing Department. As a member of our extended family – tiyospaye – I am proud to be a team member, who through our many mailings helps prospective donors and current donors gain a deeper knowledge about the cultural heritage of the Lakota (Sioux) people.
In my job I am the key link between our vendors and staff to make sure the production of our mail pieces and mail dates stay on track, allowing us to maximize every dollar for the education and care of the Lakota boys and girls. By making sure invoices are correctly billed to us and we don’t pay for unsatisfactory products I am fulfilling our core value of “stewardship.”
Cindy Knippling – Administrative Assistant – SJIS
I am Cynthia Knippling and I work in the School Office at St. Joseph’s Indian School as an Administrative Assistant to the Residential and Clinical Departments. I am Dehonian as I personally strive to make a difference with our students and staff through respect, education and spiritually. All of these are very important qualities that Fr. Dehon demonstrated and work towards the growth of our organization.
Lori Preheim – Programmer Analyst – SJIS
I am Lori Preheim and I work in the Technology Department at St. Joseph’s Indian School. I am Dehonian because I continually work to find new or more efficient ways to improve everything we do. The ever changing world of technology is definitely an “instrument of empowerment” for staff and students alike.
Sharmel Olson – Curriculum Coordinator – SJIS
I am Sharmel Olson and I am the Curriculum Coordinator at St. Joseph’s Indian School in Chamberlain, South Dakota. I am a Dehonian. At our school, we strive daily to meet the needs of every child we serve. We do this through faith and God’s love to help each child grow in mind, body and spirit. My position allows me to help guide the gifts of our staff and find ways to improve the knowledge our students have.
Mary Beth Freidel – Production Manager – SJIS
I am Mary Beth Freidel, manager of the Production Department at St. Joseph’s Indian School. I believe I am a Dehonian because the work I do reflects several of the core values of our mission. I work with integrity to ensure proper use of the gifts from our donors, respecting the trust they place in us. I continually try to increase our efficiency, enabling others to see our department as a group who strives for excellence.
Jenny Renner-Meyer – High School Residential Director – SJIS
I am Jenny Renner-Meyer, Director of the High School Program at St. Joseph’s Indian School. I am Dehonian because of my deep commitment to the social issues of the students of St. Joseph’s Indian School. Like Father Dehon, I see the students and staff of our organization as unique individuals, each with their own gifts and talents that I aspire to help them bring to light.
Robyn Knecht – High School Residential Coordinator –– SJIS
I am Robyn Knecht and I am the High School Residential Coordinator at St. Joseph’s Indian School. I am most like Fr. Dehon in the ways of being a social service minister. My education and experience center on counseling young people throughout the struggles in their lives. My current role opens the door to working not only with young people and families, but also with the staff who have a profound impact on the students – their houseparents. Fr. Dehon once wrote, “I have been led by Divine Providence to plow many furrows, but two in particular will leave an indelible mark: Christian social action and the life of love and reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.” These words speak to the calling that I have to embody Christian social action by serving those in need with guidance that promotes positive change.
Sherry Hansen – Food Services Assistant Manager
My name is Sherry Hansen and I work in the Food Services Department. I am Dehonian because my job gives me the opportunity to teach our students how good nutritious food will help them learn and make their bodies healthier, which in turn helps them deal with whatever life brings.
Being welcoming and interested in what they have to say is also an important part of my day. I am blessed to have spent 25 years here. St Joe’s is my extended family – my tiyospaye – where I feel appreciated and cared for. I want to pass this feeling on to the students.
Mary Gorski – Communications Director – Provincialate Office, Dehonian Associate
I am a Dehonian because I believe in the founder’s call to “Go to the people.” Through my work in communications I help to bring the Priests of the Sacred Heart –– what they do and who they are –– to people throughout North America and around the world. Plus, I’ve always had a soft spot for Fr. Dehon because of his passion for observing the world and writing about what he saw. He would have been a heck of a blogger.
Mary Willrodt – Houseparent – SJIS
I am Mary Willrodt and I am a houseparent. I try and imitate Father Dehon’s values of compassion, encouragement, and teaching. I try and make each child know they are loved, cared for, and safe here at Saint Joseph’s Indian School.
Claire Nehring – Houseparent – SJIS
A short time ago was the birthday of Fr. Leo Dehon, the founder of the SCJs (Priests of the Sacred Heart). This led to some discussions on campus about what it meant to be Dehonian. I remember quizzing our St. Joseph’s kids about Fr. Dehon once. What did they know?
Born in France!
Died in Belgium!
Had three doctorates!
Wore glasses!
While interesting, these bits of information weren’t terribly enlightening. I had some time between picking up my runner from track practice and dropping off my baseball players at the field, so I thought I would do some research.
One really obvious fact: Fr. Dehon did not have 10 teenage boys to contend with when he wanted a few minutes of quiet time.
I bet he never had to throw a wet sock off his desk as some giggling kid hit the floor behind the office door and whispered, “Don’t tell him I’m in here!” All while some other kid is screaming down the hall, “Where’s Annnnndrew??” and swinging the other wet sock with a vengeance.
My Dehonian moment was going to have to wait until after the kids had gone to bed.
In the meantime — there was dinner to eat and dishes to do. This one had to go the tutor and that one had to find his Geography book. The guys with privileges tried to run off all their excess energy at the Rec center and the ones who stayed back to do homework got hopped up on snacks and algebraic aggravation. Home meeting became a debate over sharing time on the X Box and whether or not people should leave the room when they fart.
Prayer time was calmer, with intentions offered for family, friends, baseball, track, Sandy Hook and the new Pope. And a special intention for the guy who was going to end up on the bottom of the…3…2…1…Dogpile!
I admit, I was not feeling very Dehonian at the end of the day. I was tired, cranky, and I had a pile of unfinished tasks. I was not in a more saintly state of mind the next morning either. When I finally plowed into Maija late in the afternoon, the only thing I had on my mind was making it to my day off and taking a long nap. In her infinite wisdom, she said to me, “Get out of my office and don’t come back until you have your heart in your work again.” Well, duh.
We work for the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Not the Sacred Rule Book of Jesus. Or the Sacred Schedule of Jesus.
We are called to be heart-centered. To paraphrase the Tin Woodsman, “Hearts will never be practical, until they can be made unbreakable.” There is something reckless and un-practical about being heart-centered. This is different from being careless or thoughtless — Fr. Dehon was a learned man and he was neither impulsive nor fickle. Rather, he was doggedly persistent, even in the face of heartbreak. Kind of like someone else we know — and whose steps we are following this Holy Week.
A Sacred Heart space is expansive and inclusive and yes, somewhat foolish — letting in the lost, the weak, the so-called outsiders.
There is room for a kid who lost his mom and a kid who feels like he has to be the man of the house. There’s room for honor-rollers and homework procrastinators. There’s room for wall punchers and cookie bakers, emo-kids and hip-hoppers.
As a matter of fact, there’s room in there for everyone, including a somewhat exasperated houseparent and her laundry list of seemingly “important” things to do. If we all squish together, there’s space for you too. Just leave the room if you fart. ‘Cause that’s one rule we are going to keep.
Brian George – Houseparent – SJIS
My name is Brian George and I’m a houseparent in the sixth through eighth grade community at St. Joseph’s Indian School. I embrace the values of compassion, encouragement and inspiration that our founder, Fr. Leo Dehon, SCJ represented in his lifelong commitment to Christ. My Native American heritage serves as a catalyst that enables me to serve our Native children as a positive role model. The values and spirit of Fr. Dehon are mirrored at St. Joseph’s Indian School and reflected in my work and in my spirit through the achievements of our students. When our children’s dreams come true, my life is fulfilled. I follow the dream. I am Dehonian.
Mary Jane Alexander – Outreach/Alumni Director – SJIS
I am Mary Jane Alexander and I have worked at St. Joseph’s Indian School for over 40 years. I am the Outreach/Alumni Director. I am a Dehonian because of the work I do here at St. Joseph’s with our students, families and alumni. It is truly a reflection of the vision and work of Fr. Dehon.
My work allows me to serve those who are in need. Through trusting relationships built over the years with our alumni and families, this serves as a foundation for our mission here at St. Joseph’s Indian School. Just as Fr. Dehon gained the trust and respected the dignity of those he served, so too do we start our work respecting the humanity of those we serve.
Glenn Shields – Food Services – SJIS
My name is Glenn Shields and I work in Food Services. I am a Dehonian because of my Tiyospaye. To me, Tiyospaye means “extended family.” This community is my extended family. Being an alumni of St. Joe’s, it is an honor to give back the gifts of faith, integrity, stewardship, respect, collaboration and excellence to a community that has done so much for me during my time here.
Fr. Anthony Kluckman, SCJ – Chaplain – SJIS
My name is Fr. J. Anthony Kluckman, SCJ and currently I am on my second tour as Chaplain here at St. Joseph’s Indian School. I served in the late 1990’s before moving on to pastoral work at Eagle Butte, SD and now am halfway through my fourth year this time.
The theme of service has always been a part of who I am as a priest and I found a way to express that as a member for Fr. Leo John Dehon’s community through a sense of availability. It has given me the freedom to minister in a variety of ways and locations with various SCJs. I felt that the Sacred Heart called each grouping to blend their talents and gifts to be of service to those they ministered to.
While not everyone may feel called to minister in South Dakota, I love being on the banks of the Missouri River and having the chance to work with the students and staff here. It is youth work in a home mission setting, trying to bring the beauty of the Scripture alive while enabling our students to feel important and help prepare them for their future, while affirming the staff (the workers Fr. Dehon wanted us to be among) who have devoted many, many years of support and encouragement to the program offered here.
Shelby Bertram – Teacher – SJIS
I am Shelby Bertram and I am a third grade teacher at St. Joseph’s Indian School. I am a Dehonian. I believe that all students should strive for excellence in all of the SCJ values. In my classroom we work hard to display the right manner. We all have a relationship built on respect, and if we forget our values, we encourage each other to be a better model. Through working together we can all fulfill God’s dream.
Todd Loudner – Carpenter – SJIS
I am Todd Loudner Sr. and I work in the Facilities Department as a carpenter. I am a Dehonian because my work is all for the children of St. Joe’s. I help change things for the better for the children.
Fr. Jack Kurps, SCJ – Executive Director – SHSM
I am proud to be an SCJ and a part of the Sacred Heart Southern Missions in northern Mississippi. The work we do – building the Church and providing education, social services and housing, particularly for low income individuals and families – is Dehonian at its heart.
We help others experience the love of God we ourselves have received.
As Dehonians in Mississippi, we seek
to be a witness to the all-inclusive love of God
revealed in the Sacred Heart of Jesus
to be a voice of compassion for people in need
to be steadfast in our work for social justice.
-SHSM Mission Statement
Margaret Donovan – Executive Director – Sacred Heart Center
I am Margaret Donovan, the Executive Director of Sacred Heart Center in Eagle Butte, SD. I am a Dehonian because I believe in Fr. Dehon’s vision and values. I am inspired by the way he put these into action through his daily work of serving those in need who were the most vulnerable. The Sacred Heart Center carries on his dream, vision and values through our daily work of serving the women, children and families impacted by violence, abuse and poverty. I am proud to be a part of the vision and the mission.
Robb and Cheryl Gould – Houseparents – SJIS
We are Robb & Cheryl Gould and are houseparents in the Hogebach Home for high school girls. We are Dehonian as we aspire to guide the girls with love and compassion to develop all of the attributes within the Circle of Courage (Belonging, Independence, Mastery, and Generosity). This encompasses all aspects of their education, spiritual growth, maturity, relationships, and healthy lifestyle. We yearn to impact each girl with the abundance of God’s vision for a joyful and meaningful life.
Joe Tyrell – Pastoral Care Associate – SJIS
My name is Joe Tyrell I am the Pastoral Care Associate. This is my first year here at St. Joseph’s. Part of my job entails teaching some of the religious education classes along with my partner Clare. The other part of my job includes going into the homes and assisting the houseparents with spiritual development of the students.
I must confess I do not know a lot about Fr. Dehon. I am told he ministered to the poor and the factory workers in France and that he founded the Priests of the Sacred Heart. That being the case, I am Dehonian because we continue that work here at St. Joe’s. In some small way we try and minister to the poor through the students we work with by teaching them about God and trying to integrate that into their daily lives.
LaRayne Woster – Cultural Specialist – SJIS
My name is LaRayne Woster and I have the honor of teaching Native American Studies to first through eighth graders as well as work with our high school students intermittently. I honor the mission of St. Joseph’s because I share knowledge of the students’ culture through a stair-stepped curriculum, exposing them to roles of people as well as dancing styles, connect being proud of who they are to their heart and teach them to pray the way our ancestors did so many years before us.
