Football and friends

Friday, September 3

Chamberlain High School opened up their football season tonight. Three of our St. Joseph students are on the football team, and two of our students are cheerleaders for the Cubs, so I was in the stands to cheer them all on. Our staff has sons on the team as well, so I worked the bleachers and talked to lots of folks. Even as a parish priest I found out a lot more about what’s going on in people lives on the sidelines than I ever did at church.

 For many years Chamberlain has struggled in football, and tonight didn’t break the streak. Valentine Nebraska got ahead by a score of 38-0. The Cubs put a few good drives together, but turned the ball over several times. On the final play of the game we finally got a touchdown to avoid the shutout. 38-6 was the final score.

 Our students are new to the team and saw little playing time. But I find it important to support kids even when they aren’t the stars of the team. I encourage them to work hard, and not quit. When I played basketball in High School, at one point we lost 38 games in a row. I think it built some character in me not to give up. And when that win to break the streak did come, it sure felt extra special! Go Cubs!

 Saturday, September 4

The old cliché is that ignorance is bliss. On a Saturday where absolutely no one was around the office I took advantage of the quiet and went through the mail on my desk and the 200 or so emails that have accumulated over the past couple of weeks of travel. I didn’t feel much bliss as I began to realize all the work involved in handling the calls and requests right. Maybe that’s a sign of job security! It’s easier to spend time on the quickly answered notes, and since this Labor Day weekend won’t bring in many more, I made a good dent in the piles. Some ideas will take far more discussion and planning. But neither Rome, nor a good program, is built in a day, and I have to keep steadily after it.

 The afternoon was dedicated to College football – especially Notre Dame’s home opener – on TV. Some donors from Indiana sent me a new ND t-shirt, and I wore my colors and was pleased with what I saw. Fr. Anthony and Brother Clay are also big sports fans, so it was nice to have a running commentary going on during the game.  I spent the evening reading and with more solitary pursuits.

Author: St. Joseph's Indian School

At St. Joseph's Indian School, our privately-funded programs for Lakota (Sioux) children in need have evolved over 90 years of family partnership, experience and education. Because of generous friends who share tax-deductible donations, Native American youth receive a safe, stable home life; individual counseling and guidance; carefully planned curriculum based on Lakota culture and individual student needs and tools to help build confidence, boost self-esteem and improve cultural awareness. All of this helps children to live a bright, productive, possibility-filled future.

5 thoughts on “Football and friends”

  1. It sounds like you spent a very pleasant early autumn weekend and it was great to hear the news. As always, your words create a picture in my mind and I feel almost as if I’m there. Keep plugging away on the paper work … I know from first hand experience how quickly that can get out of control. That’s one of my struggles too.

    Well, I certainly will be cheering for the Chamberlain HS Cubs on Friday nights now. Sorry, though, Fr. Steve: I HAVE to cheer for the Tennessee Vols and the Carson Newman Eagles in college football. Our local NBC affiliate very often has the Notre Dame games on and I often catch part of the game but Big Orange gets my loyalty, understandably.

    Fall is a wonderful time of year and how wonderful that your health this fall will be so much better than last year! God Bless all at St. Jo.

  2. This is SUCH a greatg post…It brings back lots of memories..so I forwarded it to my grandson, who used to play first string tackle on The Bellevue West High School team in Bellevue, Nebraska…..It was such fun to see him come bouncing out at games..growling and ready to go..while the crowd cheered..! What FUN..! And this blog brought it all back..!
    And yeppers..it’s always lose some/win some..sooner or later..!
    And, oh yes..Knute and “Hold that line “..!
    Hugs, Father..and glad to see that you are still holding the line..!
    Mia and Bob

  3. It seems that you are really getting back in the game yourself; and that is WONDERFUL to hear,plus so beneficial to everyone, meaning YOU and THOSE AROUND YOU.–I have PRAYED so hard for this outcome, and I knew in my heart, mind and soul, that GOD was listening to all of OUR PRAYERS. He was listening, he heard, and he has answered.—“THANK YOU GOD.”

    GOD BLESS’-
    Cynthia

  4. Do you realize how “normal” this blog entry sounds? As if you have your life back. I am so happy for you. I know the road is long and difficult, but think of how far you have come. I paid for my gym membership last week. That means that I have been going for a full year. The time passes so quickly, and yes I can do so much more at the gym than I could one year ago.
    Sandy and I continue to pray for your full recovery. God bless you!

  5. We received a letter today with regards wanting my E mail. The one you sent it to is an old one. Above is our present adress. We are regular contributers so please see they get this adress.I grew up near huron SDak so have deep roots still there.We are on your mailing list. Thank You

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