The Sisters of St. Peter Catholic Mission and School, Doris and John Cacciola, Jan and Dave Ruedlin, Faye and John Ralph and William Moser; not pictured is Cheryl Kasselmann.
John Cacciola
Recently, members of the Bocce Bandits (a new Friday Bocce League team) visited with the Franciscan Sisters at St. Peter Indian Mission School in Bapchule, Arizona. St. Peter is located on the Gila River Indian Community about 20 miles south of the Wild Horse Pass Casino. The school is about 100 years old and currently serves 200 plus Native American Indian students. Interestingly enough, a number of the original adobe structures are still standing.
Our team members and friends attended Mass which was followed by a tour of the library and computer technology center. We then had a coffee break and more opportunity to interact with the Sisters. Besides the academics, the school has actively emphasized the importance of preserving the Pima language and culture by providing programs and courses for the students.
Great fun and information was exchanged with the Sisters who truly were most gracious and anxious to discuss their vision for the students. The vision included encouragement of learning, promotion of cultural traditions and fortification of health initiatives.
Prior to departing, the team members presented the Sisters with a host of items which included art/craft supplies and household items such as dish and laundry detergent, bar soap, paper towels, toilet tissue, glass cleaner, etc.
Following the visit, the team made a wrong turn and arrived at the Wild Horse Pass Casino for lunch. That is the truth and we are sticking to it.