Fr. Steve’s updates

Fr. Steve reminds himself the need for patience as he prepares for five weeks of radiation.

Sunday, March 14, 2010

During school vacations, we keep one or two homes open for the students whose family situations make it better for them to stay here.

I had Mass for the 14 students and three staff – a more intimate gathering than usual. Later, I joined them for dinner.

Break Home is a lot more like family because you have boys and girls, and the age range is wider – 2nd through the 8th grade.

A lot of activities can be shared by kids of all ages – playing Uno or Guitar Hero, taking walks, reading a good book or helping out with chores around the house.

Tomorrow, I take off for five weeks of radiation, so I did laundry, packed and tried to tidy up my office as best I could.

What I think I’ll need more than anything is patience – to let the doctors and medicine and process unfold and take its course.

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.

13 thoughts on “Fr. Steve’s updates”

  1. Five weeks…..It seems like a long time, but it will go by quickly. We will continue to prayerfully support you.
    Just think when you finish this “lenten season” will have passed into the sunshine of the Easter Season!

    God bless you my friend, joe

    1. Dear Fr. Steve;
      Patience is indeed a virtue ! Let me express an idea I had for your students. How about setting up a grade friendly Jeopardy game for prizes?
      Maybe this is something you could peruse during your hospital stay, to help alleviate the time away. It would give the kids something else to work for, too.
      I will keep you in my prayers, as always. I wish you luck!

      Sincerely,
      -Diana Asbury

  2. As you begin your treatment, I send my continued prayers and best wishes. God go with you. I believe you will be OK. God and His Lady will protect you.

  3. Good luck Fr. Steve, our prayers will be with u, we will be thinking of u & praying for u. God will take care of u & everything will be ok. Your friends Angie & Kenny

  4. Dear Father Steve:

    As a cancer survivor myself (malignant melanoma) I can understand the concerns caused by such conditions. We are living in the age of medical miracles, and I trust that a cure will be yours in time. My prayers are with you, especially for the sake of those you care for.

    Dave W.

  5. Fr. Steve,

    My thoughts and prayers are with you. Please hurry back, good as new. I know you will be going through a challenge. Think of little Lily, an 8 year old girls who found out this year that she has had cancer since before birth — and never knew. Her family is fighting the fight of their lives, and Lily is getting better. she says “i’, kicking cancer’s butt.” You can do it too.

    Much love,

    Elaine N.

  6. May you experience comfort and peace especially @ this time. Praise God for leaving us with the Holy Spirit of Our Lord for such a time as this! May you feel His loving arms wrapped around you and may goodness and mercy follow you. Prayerfully, Cyndi Stevenson

  7. Fr. Steve,
    Safe passage as you take off for your 5 weeks of radiation. I pray for patience, rest and in the end, great joy. I know the staff and kids at St. Joe’s will do you proud. While you are in God’s hands, know that our hands are lifed in prayer for you.

    God bless,
    Jim & Marianne

  8. Fr. Steve,

    We will be praying extra hard for you in this next set of radiation and drug therapy. May God Keep you in His care and watch over you like you watch over His children. God Bless you Fr. Steve we are with you always.

    Love,

    Nancy & Kenny Raymond

  9. Dear Fr.Steve,

    We are thinking of you and praying for you,
    wishing you strenght and courage. You are in God’s Hand, may the angels comfort you.
    Love from all of us,

    Don, Jet, Tim and Ray Schneider
    State College, PA

  10. Dear Fr. Steve – my prayer for you:

    Dear Heavenly Father,

    Right now, at this moment, please lay your tender hand upon our friend Steve and touch him. Lord, take the cancer away with the pain and suffering. Please instill in him to keep the faith and believe with the grain of a mustard seed that you will be by his side and restore him to good health. You know what is best for him Lord. I ask this in your heavenly name. Thank you Jesus. Amen

    Annie Hall in West Frankfort, IL

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