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St. Stephens Indian Mission provides various programs
for the Shoshone and Arapaho people. Programs related toward religious instruction and the needs of the community, such
as youth activities, counselling, home visits, substance abuse counseling, and a scholarship program for post-secondary education.
Our Mission staff cover many miles traveling between St. Stephens three parishes.
In their ministry to the Shoshone and Arapaho people, the Mission's dedicated
staff are working to help them build a better community for themselves and their children.
YOUTH PROGRAMS
The future of every culture
in the world remains in the hands of its youth. The examples they experience between childhood and maturity, sets a
precedent of imitation. The examples also have a definite influence on their chance to have a successful and rewarding
life. In turn, the youth of today become a model for the next generation to imitate.
Family life is the earliest and most
influential part of a youth's development. But programs outside the family unit help to expand a youth's experience
and introduce them to the outside world. While passing down their own cultural traditions, the Shosone and Arapaho people
also want their children to expand in their knowledge of the world around them. The Mission staff who administer to
the youth, are dedicated in giving them encouragement and help them to be aware of what the world has to offer.
The energy and excitement of youth here on the Wind River Reservation continues to be an inspiration for all of us.
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| Jean Watt and Dominic Littleshield |
When our former Director of Religious
Education, Sister Mary Schaefer, left us a couple of years ago, Jean Watt came forward to apply for the job. Jean is
an Arapaho and has a background of years of Catholic Church ministry. As Director, she organizes and conducts a number of
programs; the weekly CCD classes, First Communion and Confirmation preparation groups. She also provides instructions
for parents of children who are to be baptized and arranges for the baptisms. Jean offers instruction for converts (RCIA
program) and for adults who are preparing for Confirmation.
A newcomer to the Mission's staff, but
a lifelong active member of our parish, is Dominic Littleshield, an Arapaho. Dominic worked in the business office of
St. Stephens Indian School for 15 years; he also coached the volleyball teams.
It so happened that the Mission was looking
for a youth minister, and Dominic seemed to fit that need. He has worked with young people in his years of coaching,
and had experience with the Arapaho Boys and Girls club. His own Catholicity and prayer is important to him, and he
wants to help the youngsters grow in their belief and practice.
Outside or indoors, the children enjoy
many varied and healthy activities.
Sister Florence Petsch, OSF, a Shoshone
from the Ft. Washakie area, works with the pre-school religious education program. Father Dan Gannon assists in the
pre-school program.
ADULT PROGRAMS
The Circle of Healing Drop-In Center is an Alcohol and Drug Prevention Program, administered
by it's Director, Patricia Snook.
Link to the Circle of Healing Drop-In Center page
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