Fr. Steve’s updates

This year’s Holy Week has been so different for me, not having to prepare any homilies or lead services. Instead, I con-celebrated mass this morning at the local parish, where there was uplifting music and a good spirit among the overflowing crowd.

Sunday, April 4, 2010
Easter

This year’s Holy Week has been so different for me, not having to prepare any homilies or lead services. Instead, I con-celebrated mass this morning at the local parish, where there was uplifting music and a good spirit among the overflowing crowd.

The pastor introduced me and told folks that I was here for cancer treatments. Standing in the doorway afterward to shake hands and wish folks a happy Easter, countless folks came up and offered their prayers and support. Some told me briefly of their being survivors. All urged me to have faith and courage. And, the experience of prayer and community increased my faith and courage.

I’ve been told it’s important not to lose much weight before surgery, and having two Easter dinners probably has me looking to gain rather than lose over the weekend!

Right after church, Brother Clay and I went to a downtown hotel for a lovely Easter brunch. In the evening, some of the Franciscan sisters invited me over for dinner. One sister, who was in novitiate during World War II (she has just a few more years of religious life than me!) recalled how disappointing it was that they couldn’t initially receive their profession cross because silver was rationed at that time! But with 65+ years as a sister, I think her vows definitely took.

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.

One thought on “Fr. Steve’s updates”

  1. Now, I just happen to know that..It is not the number of years that wear us out..It’s all those dang trips around the sun. It’s distance, Father..! That little nun you mention may have walked backwards all of her life..! I have a cousin like that. She is 100 years old. She is also a Hoosier..! That is why dancing is so good for we humans. Part of the dancing time is spent dancing backwards.
    Vaya Con Dios..but ALWAYS BACKWARDS..!
    Hugs..Mia and Bob

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