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Volume 1, No. 1 News of the Bureau of Catholic Indian Missions August/September 2009 Bureau of Welcome to The Sentinel Catholic Indian Missions 2021 H Street, NW Dear Mission Family, Washington, DC 20006 Yes, this is the Bureau of Catholic Indian Missions newsletter with a new look! For nearly 202-331-8542 two years many people have been involved with the evaluation process. I am grateful to Established in 1874 by the the “Come to the Table Committee” and “the Newsletter Committee” and all individuals Bishops of the United States who offered suggestions. I am pleased to officially announce the rebirth of the newsletter as we return to our roots with a fresh format. Welcome to the Indian Sentinel! Mission To further the interest Like the Indian Sentinel published from 1902–1964, the new Indian of the Catholic Missions Sentinel beckons you to watch for the stories of missionaries, to learn in the United States. about Native Americans and First Nation Peoples and to invite oth- ers to walk the mission trails by prayerful support and sacrifices. As Mission Locations reader, you continue to journey with me as I visit mission parishes, Alabama Montana chapels, Indian Mission Schools and a variety of ministry meetings Alaska Nebraska and conferences. Arizona New Mexico You will not only learn about the evangelization efforts of the California New York Church, as the good news of Jesus is shared, but you will also have the Colorado North Dakota opportunity to become a Stay-at-Home Missionary, another feature we Idaho Oklahoma are bringing back. More information is forthcoming in a future issue Louisiana Oregon about the Children’s Mission Playhouse. “I’m lovin’ it!” So, keep your Kansas South Dakota eyes open! Michigan Washington Minnesota Wisconsin A few highlights not to miss in this issue include my visit to the 115th Sioux Indian Mississippi Wyoming Congress. I can hear the jubilee drums at the 70th Anniversary of the Tekakwitha Con- ference. Do you hear them, too? The learning curve is in your favor as you study the list Board of Directors of educational opportunities afforded Native Americans. Go ahead and research the fol- Cardinal Edward Egan lowing pages! With a quick review, you will discover more Indian Mission News. Cardinal Justin Rigali It is my desire that the renaissance of our newsletter will bring greater consciousness Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien of the cultural and spiritual gifts of Native Americans and First Nation Peoples. Further dialogue between leadership at all levels will hopefully lead to a reciprocal exchange of ideas that will elevate the dignity of the human person. Lone Man (Isna-la-wica), late Executive Director & Editor 19th century, Teton Sioux put it this way, “. I have seen that in any great undertaking it Reverend Wayne C. Paysse is not enough for a man to depend simply upon himself.” A concerted and genuine effort on the part of the Catholic Church and First Nation Peoples can only bring continued Office of the Vice-Postulator blessings to our wounded world. for the Cause of Together we continue the missionary journey . Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha In the Joy of Blessed Kateri, Monsignor Paul A. Lenz, PA Reverend Wayne C. Paysse Executive Director INSIDE: Collage 3-4 | Sahale Stick & Catholic Ladder 5-7 | Remembering Mission Moments 8 | College Scholarships 12 Who Was Kateri Tekakwitha? By Sister Kateri Mitchell, SSA During her four years there, she was viewed as a young woman who ekakwitha was born in 1656 led an exemplary prayer life and in a Mohawk Village along the radiated holiness in her daily life. She TMohawk River, known today ministered to the sick, the children as Auriesville, New York. and elders. Smallpox swept through this village Kateri Tekakwitha was the first Native and left but a few survivors from this woman to take a private vow of virginity. dreadful disease. Tekakwitha was one She also performed many rigorous pen- of them. Consequently, at the age of ances for the forgiveness of her personal four Tekakwitha was orphaned and sins and those of her people. adopted by an aunt and uncle. At the age of 24 during Holy Week Tekakwitha was deeply affected in 1680, she was confined to bed and by smallpox and remained physi- those present by her cally frail. Her eyesight was poor and bedside remarked extremely sensitive to sunlight. She that they were in the lived her name, Tekakwitha, which presence of a very holy means putting things in order or person. When she 2 placing all before her with her hands drew her last breath, so that she would not hurt herself as she said the words: she walked in her village. “Jesus I love you”. At Even at a young age her spirituality that moment, they ex- appeared to be different than the mem- perienced a marvelous bers of her family and other members event. Kateri Tekak- of her community. She was attracted to witha’s scarred and an inner silence and a relationship with disfigured face from a Creator through nature. smallpox completely Later, she was intrigued with the disappeared before presence of Catholic priests in her their eyes. Her face We continue to honor a holy woman who, even today, works marvels through spiritual, emotional and physical healings among people of many cultures. village. Tekakawitha desired to know more about their God. At the age of 20 became clear and radiant. she requested baptism at the place to- It has been noted that some people day known as Fonda, New York. At this present actually experienced miracles time she was given the name Catherine, at that time. Kateri in the Mohawk language. We continue to honor a holy Shortly after her baptism, Kateri woman who even today works mar- Tekakwitha’s spiritual director, a vels through spiritual, emotional and Jesuit priest, recommended that she physical healings among people of relocate to a Christian village up many cultures. The spirit and holiness north which today is in the Canadian of this young 24 year old woman of province of Quebec. In this village the 17th century have spread to many she was free to practice her faith with countries around the world, and other Mohawk Christians without especially among her own people, the harm and prejudice. Indigenous of North America. A look around our missions,collage schools, churches and classrooms St. Augustine reminds us that when we sing, we pray twice. Veronica Metcalf (left), president of the St. Mary’s Society, Mabel Picotte and Janice Howe led the Congress participants in a joyful song during the Mass. 3 Catholic Indian Congress June 5-7, 2009 Native Americans gathered at the 115th Catholic Indian Congress at Ft. Thompson, South Dakota. The Congress was a time for Native Americans to share their heritage and Catholic Faith. During the Congress, meetings, fellowship and worship gave enouragement to all present. John Apple, president of the St. Joseph Society, presented a plaque to Cecilia Montgomery honoring her for her devotion to the Catholic Indian Congress. Deacon Bud Jetty (left), who is ordained for the Diocese of Sioux Falls and stationed at Chamberlain, and Francis Jetty(right) met with Father Paysse. A look around our missions,collage schools, churches and classrooms Blessed Kateri Feast Day Mass Friends of the cause of canoniza- tion for Blessed Kateri gathered July 10 for the annual Feast Day Mass at Holy Family church, in the Dio- cese of Houma-Thibodaux. Father Wayne Paysse, executive director of the Bureau of Catholic Indian Mis- sions, was the principal celebrant and homilist for the liturgy which filled Holy Family church in Dulac, Louisiana. After the Mass, a celebra- tion at Grand Calliou gym was at- 4 tended by an estimated 300 people. The festivities and social included dance demonstrations and a Native American Treater Band that played Father Rock Naquin, retired pastor of Holy Family, pre- Pierre Soulette, before Mass, led a Native American well into the night. senting gifts including a Native American ribbon shirt. ritual of smudging (similar to incensing). Father Wayne Paysse greets the Native American dance group which participated in the Kateri Feast Day Celebration. Those who participated (from left to right starting at the back) were: Cacinda Voisin, Kayla Voisin, Lousie Billiot, Angelle Hatch, Father Paysse, Makayla la Verdin, Cheryl Parfait, Shelly Knight, Kayla Soares; (standing in the middle upper row) Mariah Parfait, Mariah Billiot, Morgain Parfait, Tyler Voisin; (in front) Laren Hatch, Kaisha Luke, Megan Parfait. In the background is Treater Band Drummer, Alvin Parfait. Sahale Stick and the Catholic Ladder he Sahale Stick and the listeners and could be easily passed Catholic Ladders. Like the Sahale Catholic Ladder were used on to other members of the tribes. Stick, the Catholic Ladder was cre- Tsuccessfully by early mission- Father Blanchet carved into a stick ated in vertical format, describing aries to teach the faith. These totem- of wood simple symbols of bars, dots events from bottom to top. like devices are still considered one and crosses to represent the basic The charts allowed room to include of the best teaching tools to express tents of the Catholic faith. Akin to a more historical and doctrinal points, the validity of bible history and the miniature totem, the “Sahale Stick” as well as symbolic illustrations, church. enabled the missionaries to teach such as the sun, moon, and stars to The Sahale Stick was first used by religion from a historical-biblical represent creation and a small church two French-Canadian priests in 1838, perspective. Since the Indians were building to represent the Catholic Father Norbert Blanchet and Father used to transmitting their history Church.