Local Catholic forms association
for Native American women

Her call has been to walk in the spirit of Christ humbly and obediently and to share God’s love with the Indian people through prayer, and she has been striving to do just that on a day-to-day basis.

Sister Clissene Lewis, who comes from the Yavapai-Apache, Pima and Hopi Indian tribes, has been fulfilling her call to serve among the Native American community for seven years.

In 2003, she was inspired by a simple prayer to serve among the Native missions and reach out to the people she was surrounded by every day. She now works as an administrator for St. Peter Parish.

Her work consists of serving five of the Native mission parishes where she meets with parish councils, takes part in business discussions, and helps plan special events.

Sr. Clissene also has taken on the responsibilities of visiting The Caring House, a nursing home for Native Americans and giving Communion to the sick.

“The people are very respectful of her. Because she is Native American, she brings that sensibility and understanding that not all of us have and that opens up many doors for her,” said Fr. Dale Jamison, director of the Office of Native American Ministry.

One of the doors that opened for her she stumbled upon on her own. In 2009 Sr. Clissene began a new formation group for Native American single women, titled Little Servants of the Cross.

Little Servants of the Cross reaches out to Catholic Native American single women who have the interest, level of spirituality and freedom that will allow them to enter into this religious community.

“The vision is to follow in the sacred footsteps of Jesus for the salvation and sanctification of the lost by living in solidarity and community with our Native brothers and sisters,” said Sr. Clissene, “This will be accomplished by leading others to Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament.”

Although the new group is still getting on its feet, Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted has already offered his prayers and support and has given Sr. Clissene her constitution and rule of life to begin the program.

Sr. Clissene will be attending the 71st annual Tekakwitha Conference, an association of American Indian Catholics in Albuquerque, New Mexico July 28-31, where she will publicize Little Servants of the Cross in the hopes of attracting participants.

“Little Servants of the Cross will give the women of the communities more of an identity with the Church and encourage them to get more involved,” said Deacon James Trant, who serves St. Francis of Assisi Mission. “They’re already encouraged by Sr. Clissene’s appearance which has caused much curiosity among the women. This will reinforce the Native American woman’s role in the Church.”

Because of her devout prayer life and dedication to the Catholic Church, on December 12, 2009, Sr. Clissene took her religious vows and was granted the right to officially wear a full habit.

Her work to serve God continues on a daily basis and incorporates prayer, Mass, holy hour, recreation, and the apostolate work among the Native American communities.

“It’s an honor to serve God among our Native people,” said Sr. Clissene, “Our people have much to teach others about the importance of knowing God through nature and silence.”