Fr. Steve’s updates

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

I spent much of the day in my pajamas, but not because I’m feeling poorly or overly tired.

Today was Doctor Seuss’ birthday. To celebrate “Read Across America Day,” it’s our tradition at St. Joseph’s to make it “Wear pajamas to school day,” which makes it fun and different.

After my morning of meetings where I needed to dress a bit more formally, I put on my wildest PJs for the afternoon and made the rounds at school. I got lots of giggles and smiles when the kids saw me.

For 45 minutes toward the end of the day, teachers brought out armloads of Doctor Seuss books and students sat on the hallway floor to read aloud. The older students partnered up with younger ones and took turns reading and listening.

I enjoyed watching older siblings proud to spend time with a younger brother or sister. One of the core values we try to instill is generosity, and having older students invest themselves in the lives of the littlest ones on campus is rewarding for everyone involved.

As far as my health goes, I feel about 85% of normal. I’m getting spoiled with a nap right after lunch, but really need one.

In the evenings, I no longer schedule many activities. I mostly slow down and read. Maybe not Doctor Seuss books, but texts that nurture my spirit and imagination. If it’s good for kids, then we adults probably need it even more.

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.

8 thoughts on “Fr. Steve’s updates”

  1. Thinking of you and saying prayers. Reed had his last basketball game we lost in a game with Crow Creek. Was a close game and Reed had 20 points so he went out with a bang. Sad for me to see all of this end but that is part of growing up I guess. God Bless

  2. When I pray for you,I also pray that there are some teachers out there in the world who understand education and children/students even half as well as you do..!
    Your contribution to the world will not be seen for many years, but it is a lasting one, and a unique one, that will influene many lives, even centuries from now. And that is because..YOU do it RIGHT..!
    God is blessing you now..right now…!
    Just stay in there..and..Keep pitchin’..!
    Hugs ..Mia and Bob

    1. AMEN AMEN to Mia Inez Archer’s prayer for teachers such as you are and her comments. As I teacher myself (in Catholic schools for 30+ years), I know well the need for such dedicated and capable teachers.

  3. It was funny just imagining you in your PJ’s all day. But one must keep a sense of humor and fun while struggling with the disease in whatever form it attacks us. You are continually in my prayers and I ask all my friends to pray also. They all know of my interest in your school.

  4. Fr. Steve, here is today’s prayer from Holy Cross Family Ministries. I thought it is perfect for you and your fellow workers:
    Lord Jesus, today we celebrate the feast of St. Katharine Drexel who devoted her life to establishing schools and to ministering among the African and Native Americans. Her life was centered on the Eucharist, which was a source of unity and justice among all races and peoples. May we pray for all who minister within the Native American reservations and on the continent of Africa. We ask this in your name. Amen.

  5. Father, you have such a great attitude and that’s what is going to help you get through your health issue, along with the positive input you receive from staff, children and all your “fans”.

    We are praying daily for you.

  6. Father Stephen, we have known one another for many years. Sir, I am not much for prayers, but you are in my thoughts every day. I wish you happiness, longevity, health and peace. May God be with you. Robert

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