Patiently waiting

Saturday, December 18, 2010


I spent much of the day at my third funeral of the week. Bill, graduated from 8th grade at St. Joseph’s in the 70’s and died at his home in North Dakota . I didn’t know him well, but his brother served on our staff for several years as principal and cultural specialist, and has been a great support and inspiration to me. I wanted to be there to offer him and his family my condolences and support.
A first service took place in North Dakota; and this second, smaller service took place in Fort Thompson, South Dakota, where he grew up. It brought his mom, brothers and sister a sense of relief and closure to bring him home for ceremony here.
I was told the services would be at 3:00, and arrived around 2:00. They had actually been changed to 5:00, which meant lots of waiting time. Patient waiting is a strong theme during this Advent season. I’ve also learned from working among Lakota (Sioux) people, this many years that things happen in their own time. I was glad for the extra chance to talk with relatives and learn more about Bill’s life and theirs as well.
Several of our houseparents also came in support. Four of our St. Joseph’s students were relatives. I appreciate a different side of our students when I see them in their communities outside of school. When the meal was ready to be served, they were the first ones to prepare plates for the elders. Only after everyone else was served did they sit down and eat.

God works in the lives of real people

I stayed overnight t one of the Rapid City parish rectories, and enjoyed the camaraderie with the priest there. When I concelebrated the morning mass, Fr. Brian had me read the Gospel – the Genealogy of Jesus from Matthew’s Gospel. There are many tongue twister names in there, but it all shows us that God works in the lives of real people throughout history. And there are even a few black sheep in that family tree, so God can build great things despite our failures.

Friday, December 17, 2010

I stayed overnight at one of the Rapid City parish rectories, and enjoyed the camaraderie with the priest there. When I concelebrated the morning mass, Fr. Brian had me read the Gospel – the Genealogy of Jesus from Matthew’s Gospel. There are many tongue twister names in there, but it all shows us that God works in the lives of real people throughout history. And there are even a few black sheep in that family tree, so God can build great things despite our failures.

St. Joseph’s took 2nd place in the Knowledge Bowl, and I was mighty proud of our team.  The first match of the day was low scoring, and we were behind until late in the game. We eked out a 9-6 win to make the final four. Then, we blew the competition away,  first 17-1 and  then in a rematch with the team that had beaten us earlier, 22-3! In the final, we faced the very strong undefeated team. We stayed close, but in the end fell 18-13. Our one senior, Andrea, carried a lot of the load, but had great help from the rest of her teammates. With the experience the others gained, watch out for our team next year!

The Lakota Nations Invitational is one of my favorite events, because besides all the ballgames, contests, and activities going on, it feels very much like a family reunion. As I wandered the halls of the Civic Center, or dropped in at one of the gyms to catch some of the action on the hardwood, I ran into so many people from my past. It’s a wonderful chance to visit, catch up, reconnect. The three-hour trip home seemed to fly by because of all the memories I carried with me.

I got back home in time for our staff Christmas party. While the High School students are still with us until next Wednesday, this was the last day of school for our elementary school. Most of the houseparents and all the teachers now have 2 weeks off, so there is always a sense of relief and relaxation in the air as Christmas break begins. It’s the one night of the year when people from all the departments get together, and I get to spend some time with people’s spouses or guests that accompany them. We have a nice meal at the local convention center, draw for a few door prizes, give away a star quilt, and spend a relaxing evening together. Tonight we gave away a second Star Quilt to Brother Clay – a going away present before he packs his bags to finish seminary studies in Chicago. Staff enjoyed his presence and encouraged him to think about coming back to work here when he finishes.

Thirty-four year tradition

Thursday, December 16, 2010

The Lakota Nations Invitational in Rapid City started out as a basketball tournement 34 years ago. Most of the Indian Schools in the state are represented, and a few other teams round out the field. But, it has grown into much more of an event, to include Lakota language games, a juried art show to showcase the talents of the next generation of artists, a Lakota Hand Games competition, socials, dances and a Knowledge Bowl. To encourage learning, there are also individual tests in each of the regular High School subjects.

We don’t have our own High School at St. Joseph’s, but we do field a team in the Knowledge Bowl, and five of our students made the trek last night. I set off early this morning and drove the 200 miles to Rapid City. I arrived just in time for our first match. We faced Cheyenne Eagle Butte, where I was pastor for 10 years. Children I knew as babies were now lined up on the team against us. I also recognized all of the judges and officials, since they were from Lower Brule, where I also served.

By day’s end, we had won three matches and lost one. With double elimination, the field has been narrowed from 15 to 6 and we’re still going. Architecture was our best category, followed by a strong showing in Children’s Literature, Precipitation and National Parks.

The students had heard the Olive Garden is a nice restaurant and were wondering if they might be able to have a meal there. When facing elimination in the 3rd match, I told them if they won we could go there – but joked that if they lost I’d buy a loaf of bread and some peanut butter. The laughter broke the tension, and between the incentive and what they had studied, they won! They enjoyed getting to eat out at a nice restaurant. We’ll keep going in the competition tomorrow.

Teach the teachers

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Most of our donations come from individuals, who have been especially generous during this holiday season. This morning we met with some people who work with non-profit organizations that try to find matches with corporate donors. There may be some possibilities for us, and we’ll see how that all works out.

Glenda, who works in Central Receiving, laid her husband to rest today. To support her and the family, I went to the memorial service held at the Oacoma Community Center. A good number of Glenda’s co-workers at St. Joseph ’s were there in solidarity. Losing a loved one is hard most any time of the year, but doubly so near Christmas.  

I got back to school in time to catch the Christmas program our students put on. Each grade practiced a couple of songs, and some of the students stand out for singing with extra gusto. I laughed loudest when 7th grader Braydon mimed Alvin and the Chipmunks Christmas song.  He whirled his hips around every time the “Me, I want a hula hoop” line came around. Besides the cute songs, I also appreciate the religious songs, which especially root put me more deeply in the Christmas spirit.

Tonight was the wake for Erika’s (one of our students) stepfather.  Services were held in Lower Brule, 30 miles away. On the reservation, wakes usually go late into the night and sometimes all night. Ministers from different churches are all welcome to get up and say a few words of comfort or encouragement to the family. Friends may get up and reminisce. Elders use the time as a teachable moment to pass on cultural values.

While many people were prepared to stay late into the night, the Giles Home (High School girls) had to get back to St. Joseph’s and get ready for school the next day. One of the houseparents made a move to go, but one of our girls told her they needed to wait until they had a chance to shake hands with the family. I was proud that one of our students felt enough self-confidence to help teach her teachers. The only fly in the ointment was that the minister speaking kept going on for a long while. When there was finally a break, everyone was too shy to be the first to approach the family, so I led the group up to Erika and her mom. We exchanged our condolences, hugs and a few tears.

No home

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

At our Child Service Team meeting we went over plans for which students will be in the break home, which opens the day after Christmas. Many of the High School students who are in sports will be back to take part in practices and games scheduled between now and the start of the school year. Sadly, there are also a few students who wrote down “no home” as their reason they need to stay. We especially want to accommodate the kids who might not have a good situation to go home to over the holidays or during other school breaks. It’s always sad to hear of families who are struggling.

On the brighter side, we again heard from a student who graduated high school when I first arrived at St. Joseph’s six years ago. JT finished a tour of duty with the Navy, then went back to school. He just completed his two year degree in Commercial Heating and Air Conditioning. He plans to continue his education in mechanical engineering, and we wish him all the best. We are trying to steer all of our students into some form of higher education and career path.

After school, we gathered in the Rec Center to announce the fall sports awards. Some of the students had great intentions when the season began, but didn’t stick to it; the coaches put in a plea for perseverance. I was happy for the students who did finish what they started and did it well – many of them added some hardware to their desk or bookshelf by taking home a trophy to proudly show their families at break time.

Besides the day-to-day activities, our management team started dialogue with a facilitator about strategic planning. Where do we hope to be five years from now? I can’t exactly say, but that’s what we will try to figure out over the course of the next year. It’s important not just for our young people, but for us as a group, to identify where we want to go. With a vision, then we can figure out ways to get there.

Building confidence

Monday, December 13, 2010

I usually spend Monday morning with Kory, our Director of Development, but he was flying back from a trip and was part of that unfortunate group of travelers who have gotten delayed and snowed out all over the Midwest. It gave me some unexpected time to answer Christmas cards and work around the office.

Jalynn and Mikeal will be traveling with us to St. Augustine next month to speak to our friends in that area during an appreciation luncheon. As they practiced for the first time, they both giggled and weren’t sure what to say about themselves, but that is why you practice – to build up their confidence. One of the girls lives close by the school, and goes home many weekend to help her elderly grandmother who has raised her. She cleans floors, takes out trash and does lots of work that Grandma cannot. Talk about assuming responsibility at an early age!

The William Home (4th and 5th grade girls) held their annual Christmas open house, with goodies they themselves had made. They spent the weekend baking and cooking and had many delicious treats. Staff members stopped off after school to partake of the holiday spirit. When I arrived, Laslie greeted me and took my coat. Winona offered me some hot cider and showed me where the food was set out. Later the girls offered tours of the home to those who wanted to see.

An eventful Sunday

Sunday, December 12, 2010

I joined the Rooney home for lunch after mass. Some of their weekend they had spent “super-charging” the home, cleaning extra before getting ready to leave on Christmas break on Friday. Lot of the boys are big sports fans, and wanted me to look at their collection of football and basketball cards.

I got called to the Giles Home (High School girls) where one of the moms had come to tell her daughter that her step-father had died in a car accident. As pastor, I regularly spent time in prayer and conversation with grieving families. We talked about memories, worries, plans and hopes. The Giles Home put together a big box of food for the family to take home, as they face the task of feeding the many visitors who will drop by.

When the mom asked what kind of counseling St. Joseph’s has for her daughter, I explained that the Family Service Counselors, houseparents and Pastor Care would work together and all be available as time unfolds. Grief takes a long time, and we are prepared to help our students through these troubling times.

Today was our last day for boys inter-city basketball play. The four teams played a tournament to crown the champion. One team finished the season undefeated, and another winless. With the goals of sportsmanship, self improvement and having fun, everyone played. At the tournament’s completion, awards were announced. Each team had two boys chosen who worked hard and showed team spirit.

 

Christmas store

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Parts east of us really got socked with snow. We had a 2 foot ridge in front of Central Offices, and higher drifts in the courtyard between the school and the homes, which always seems to be a good trap for the snow. But our crew was out by 9:30 and as the winds died down the campus quickly got cleared for both foot and car traffic.

Today’s Christmas Store was a success, as our students did their holiday “shopping” for their families. Each home had 20 minutes to shop as each student had a book of tickets they could exchange for various items. Cathy and Glenda saved some of the nicer donated items for the occasion – from clothes and toys, to costume jewelry and lotions for the students to choose from. The baby clothes for younger brothers and sisters at home were especially popular, but the students needed some help from caring adults to help figure out what size might be appropriate. Unlike some of the big department stores, we don’t have the luxury of being able to come back and exchange it for a different size.

When they finished picking out presents, they moved down to the Skate Room where Santa was waiting. Jim, one of our houseparent, jovially played the role for the day. Some of the youngest kids whispered in his ear about what they hoped to get for themselves. Then they got some holiday goodies donated and baked by staff, and went to one of the wrapping stations where our staff and High School students were waiting to help them.

I relaxed by going downtown to the movies tonight. Knowing the price of a ticket in bigger cities, I feel spoiled by the State Theater in Chamberlain, where a Saturday night move costs $4.50, and pop and popcorn a buck apiece! Most of the junior high homes were there to see the latest Harry Potter movie. A good number of our students have read through the books. Since it was the first Harry Potter movie for some of the houseparents, the students had to fill them in on the back-story.

 

A day of sorrow, and a day of joy

Friday, December 10, 2010

A day of sorrow, and a day of joy.

Daily we remember in prayer all our deceased benefactors, and their loved ones who grieve their loss. Today death hit closer to home. The husband of one of our staff members died. A 14 month battle with cancer came to an end today for Bob. Our prayers and condolences certainly go out to the family. His wife Glenda has spent many years sorting out all the clothes and boxes that are sent to St. Joseph’s.

This evening, in a ceremony downtown at St. James church, our Rec Center coordinator Bryan was married to Melissa. A nice crowd of fellow employees celebrated with the happy couple, and our chaplain Fr. Anthony presided over the ceremony. I got off easy and only had to say the meal grace at the reception. I enjoy such gatherings because I get to meet extended family, and discover kinship relations between people I know, and make new connections as well. After the toasts from the maid of honor and best man, some friends lit a fireworks display outside the banquet hall windows – a first with a wedding for me.

 

A man with a plan

Thursday, December 9, 2010

While in the big city (Sioux Falls) I used the morning for shopping. When you’re a priest, some of your personal shopping is very simplified. I picked up a couple of black clergy shirts, and will retire the two oldest and most worn ones. I stopped at the store where I always get black pants, and will work two new pairs into the rotation. My sisters always accused me of being fashion challenged, so the choice of basic black makes my life less complicated.

When I shop for gifts and other purchases, I usually know what I’m looking for before I go, and map out which stores I need to visit. One clerk saw me with pencil and paper crossing off a purchase and remarked, “Now there’s a man with a plan”!

 When I got back to St. Joseph’s, the quickest way to spread the health news was to send out an email to everyone at the same time. Within minutes I had dozens of, “Hoorays”, “Greats”  and “Boring is Good.” My favorite quick hit was “We’re glad you’re boring”!

Girls basketball season drew to a close tonight. Our 7th and 8th graders were on the road and our 4th and 5th grade girls played at home. Our 6th graders finished last night, held a pizza party to pass out awards and wrap up their season. Our coaches do a good job of getting playing time for everyone and teaching and encouraging.

I had to go to the Sheehy Home (boys High School) to check out the Buffalo hide they are working on. The Lower Brule tribe culls a few animals from its herd each year, and after a hunt our students were given the chance to learn to prepare the hide. It was stretched out in the garage, and the work of scraping and salting took lots of elbow grease. With final exams just a few days away, it wasn’t exactly the best timing for the project. But our students made the time to help because such work helps reinforce tradition and express culture.