Bringing Christmas Joy to the Students at St. Peter’s Indian Mission Catholic School

This Advent and Christmas season, Catholic Education Arizona, Integro Bank, Notre Dame Federal Credit Union, and Fasturtle Digital provided Santa, gifts, and a pizza lunch to 190 students of St. Peter’s Indian Mission Catholic School in Bapchule, Arizona. By coordinating the drive, organizing and delivering the gifts on December 17, these partners brought Christmas joy to St. Peter’s students in a meaningful way. For many children, these presents may be among the few they receive this Christmas.

“What a pleasure it was to bring Christmas cheer to the students at St. Peter’s!” said Nancy Padberg, MBA, President and CEO of Catholic Education Arizona. “Our hearts are full. We are so thankful for our partners in this project, Fasturtle, Integro Bank, and Notre Dame Federal Credit Union, who helped make this possible!” 

St. Peter’s Indian Mission School 

Located on the Gila River Indian Reservation, this Catholic school has educated children since 1923. The school began teaching grades preschool through 8th grade, but recently expanded to a high school. In 2023, the school welcomed its first Freshmen Class! St. Peter’s mission is to educate children who are grounded in God’s love to grow into respectful, reverent, and responsible citizens.

Since 1935, the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity have faithfully staffed St. Peter’s, carrying on a legacy of education and spiritual care. Under the leadership of Sister Martha Mary Carpenter, OSF, this school maintains a focus on the O’Odham culture and incorporates the culture’s Himdag of respect, reverence, and responsibility into prayer and liturgy.

The Power of Partnership

Catholic Education Arizona, dedicated to supporting schools like St. Peter’s, brought the effort to life. 

With the help of Integro Bank, Notre Dame Federal Credit Union and Fasturtle Digital, the Catholic Education Arizona Dream Team is honored to see business leaders engaged in helping our underserved students.

“Seeing the joy and sheer gratitude on the faces of the students, staff and our associates will be moments I will always treasure,” said Deb Preach, COO of Catholic Education Arizona.

At Catholic Education Arizona, we are deeply grateful to our partners at Integro Bank, Notre Dame Federal Credit Union and Fasturtle Digital for helping bring some Christmas cheer to these deserving students.

Merry Christmas!