St. Ann's centennial: 100 years of faith, Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation, Belcourt, North Dakota, 1885-1985

• Format: Text
• Language: unknown
• Published: North Dakota State Library
• Subjects: Indian; St Michael; Metis
• Online Access: http://cdm16921.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/ndsl-books/id/27558

difficulties continued, partial tuition was asked of the families. During the years of 1974 to 1976, special trips were made to Congress to get additional funding. Finally in 1977, funding was given in full. The School Board took over the care of the buildings. As the school grew, eight portable classrooms were added. "In a few years we have witnessed mushroom growth," the Visitor said to himself. "The school has grown from eight religious Sisters teaching 250 children to 80 or 90 staff members working with 350 children." Change was thrust upon the Metis and those involved accepted the challenge. The Visitor felt a deep sense of gratitude to Sister Judith, the present school board and all others involved for upholding educational standards and striving to keep the Ojibwa Indian School functioning. Father Hugh Smith In the late sixties and early seventies, there seems to be a constant change of priests. Father Hugh Smith of Blue Cloud happened to be one of these priests. He was an assistant postor and serviced St. Benedict's Church. Father Hugh, well- liked by the people, did all he could for them. He wanted to help them economically and tried in several ways to do so, even going so far as to encourage a sheep cooperation. Father Hugh left St. Ann's in January 1971. Father John Lemrise Father John, a native of Taunton, Massachusetts, was of French-Canadian descent. He arrived at St. Ann's to help on August 15, 1970. Being quite a gifted person, his tasks were varied and many. He was assistant at the church so one found him not only celebrating the Eucharist but also playing the organ for funerals and weddings, substituting for the other priests when they were away, visiting homes, discussing and praying at prayer meetings. He was asked to be chaplain for St. Ann's School. This position required that he celebrate classroom Masses for the children. Being well versed in the French language was a great asset for Father John. He not only spoke French with the people but he taught the seventh and eighth graders in the Mission School "French Conversation." "Music Appreciation" and "The Cultural Background of the Chippewa Nation" were other classes he offered in the school. It was in September of 1971 that Bishop Justin Driscoll, the newly installed Bishop of Fargo, asked the priests at St. Ann's to take over the parish of St. John. Father John accepted the pastorship. Another Change In 1971, Father Lambert Soergel, chaplain for the Queen of Peace Community, moved to St. Ann's when the convent relocated on the Mission Hill. The native from Indiana joined the other priests at the Mission in pastoral work. The Return of Father Wilfrid "Father Wilfrid must have surprised everyone," the Visitor thought, "for here he is back again at St. Ann's." This time he became the pastor. Before returning to Belcourt, Father had spent two years in Bogota, Colombia and eight years as prior of this new priory being established by the Blue Cloud Abbey. During his stay at St. Ann's this time, one of the changes in the church appeared in the parish bulletin: There will be no distinction between a low Mass and a high Mass. Sister Maura gave instructions to the parents of the children who were to receive First Penance and First Communion. The parents then, in turn, taught their children at home. These classes for the parents lasted for six weeks. Just as life in the parish appeared to be going well, Father Wilfrid was asked to go to St. Michael's Mission in St. Michael, North Dakota. Father Benno Leaves "His People" The former Chaplain of Queen of Peace Convent, Father Benno, returned once more to be among "his people." As before, one could see him at any time traveling the reservation roads. From home to home he would visit the families. Aging and not too well, it was thought best that Father Benno should be closer to the Blue Cloud Abbey. He left Belcourt and became the chaplain for the Benedictine Sisters at St. Mary's Hospital in Pierre, South Dakota. He returned to Blue Cloud in March 1980 and died at the Abbey on November 6, 1980. Father Bede Roman From October 1, 1972 to February 1, 1975, Father Bede came to give of his talents, love and service to the Metis at St. Ann's. Since Father Cuthbert returned to Blue Cloud, Father Bede took his place at St. Anthony's Church. Father Bede also worked with couples preparing for marriage and took Holy Communion to the shut-ins. He thoroughly enjoyed visiting the people and playing a good game of cards. Brother Martin Tegart In 1973 Brother Martin Tegart was stationed at St. Ann's. While at the Mission, he attended classes at the Turtle Mountain Community College. He 57 Scanned with a Zeutschel Zeta book scanner at 300 dpi. Edited with Multi-Page TIFF Editor.