Fr. Steve’s updates

Our H.R. Director came for our weekly meeting. She’s swamped with getting updated health plans and employee handbooks out, so she employed some of our high school students to sort, collate and staple. Students were grateful help and to earn some spending money.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Our Human Resources Director came in today for our weekly meeting. She’s swamped with getting updated health plans and employee handbooks out, so she employed some of our high school students to sort, collate and staple. The students were grateful both to help out and to earn some spending money.

We recently hired a new Family Service Counselor, who hopes to start in a month or so.

By starting before the close of the school year, she will be able to meet students before summer break and do some job shadowing before fall rolls around.

Now, we’re advertising for several houseparents to replace the ones who are retiring or moving on to other things.

One of St. Joseph’s strengths is that our houseparents stay far longer than the national average of a couple of years.

Steve in the Dennis Home, for instance, is in his 14th year here and his 11th year in the same home. To celebrate his birthday, he has the tradition of cooking up a big batch of his famous ribs and inviting all the students at St. Joseph’s that he’s had in his home to come to the feast.

While he works with 1st – 3rd grades now, 36 of his “alumni” from 1st through 11th grade gathered in the skate room to eat, laugh, and share stories. Steve told the juniors that next year he’ll have someone represented in all 12 grades.

I had it easy at the party – didn’t even have to lead the meal grace, since the eldest student was asked to do that honor.

All of the kids crowded around Steve for a group picture afterwards. Our staff form some lasting relationships with the children they’re entrusted to care for.

One of the staff made me grin by saying that with my new hairdo, (or lack-of-hair-do) I now look like Captain Jean-Luc Picard from Star Trek. I always admired his leadership abilities anyway. Make it so!

Steve's group photo

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.

11 thoughts on “Fr. Steve’s updates”

    1. Dear Fr. Steve,

      I am praying for God to heal your cancer completely so you can continue to do His work with the Indian children. What Jesus did nearly 2,000 years ago, He can absolutely do today!

      “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”
      Isaiah 53:5

      “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
      Jeremiah 29:11

      May God Bless You,
      Your Brother in Christ,
      Steve Culpepper

  1. Fr. Steve,

    I have just sent my annual donation and wanted you to know that you will be in our prayers. My wife is recovering from cancer (2nd time) and I know how scary and upsetting to the “normal routine” this can be. May God bless and watch over you.

    Ken and Val Anthony

  2. Beautiful Children..! These years pass so fast..and are SO important. How fortunate you all are..to have each other.!
    Yes, Where is that HANDSOME Picard..? He better make it into the next picture..!
    I know it’s difficult, Father Steve..but hold on tight..! And..our prayers hold on with you..!
    Don’t take any wooden nikkels..!
    Hugs..Mia and Bob

  3. Dear Father Steve,
    I am praying for you – and also for the children. Have you heard of Kangen water? kangenwaterusa.com, and the Gerson diet? gerson.org. They will help fight the cancer. Blessings and healing!

  4. Jean-Luc, eh? Handsome fellow 🙂 My family, friends and I continue to pray for you, Father Steve. All will be well…much love to you from all of us here in middle Tennessee.

  5. I posted the letter with the prayer of healing next to my desk so I can pray for you faithfully to God each day. I have thought of you and your recent health challenge so often though I have never met you.

    I am confident that God will heal you and bless you and the beautiful Lakota children to whom you minister each day.

    May you be given all the needed strength and patience that will see you through your treatments as you move towards perfect health.

  6. Fr. Steve, I continue to pray for you! May God make his face to shine upon you, and may His Spirit fill you with both healing and peace!

  7. Dear Father. I am keeping you in my prayers
    at all times and I know God will do what is best for you we just have to trust. If he brings us to it he will lead us through it.
    Elsie

  8. Father Steve
    You and the school are always in my prayers but you’re receiving extra prayers during this difficult time. I am a 2 1/2 year survivor from breast cancer and understand the trials of surgery, chemo and radiation. God gives us the grace and strength to fight the disease and to deal with the challenges the treatment gives us. Exercise, positive attitude, laughter and keeping life as normal as possible helps you to take control of the disease rather than letting it control you. Most important remember this is a short speed bump in your life and vert soon it will be behind you. Remember Jean-Luc never let anything defeat him!! God bless you and your kids.
    Remember challenges build endurance and endurance builds strength
    All my thoughts and prayers are with you.
    Lisa
    Long time supporter of the school

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