From the road with Fr. Steve

I hope you’ve enjoyed hearing about campus activities from all our guest bloggers here at St. Joseph’s Indian School. I’ve enjoyed my time away – three weeks of vacation and a week for retreat. This week I will be in Milwaukee for SCJ community meetings and to celebrate the jubilees of priests and brothers who have been in vows for 50 and 60 years. I take a lot of inspiration from those men who have given so much of their life in service of others. I’ll return to St. Joseph’s campus next weekend. While a lot happens at St. Joseph’s Indian School over the summer months, I know the school has been in great hands even in my absence.

My time away has been a nice combination of visiting family and friends and seeing some sights I’ve long wanted to visit. One of my sisters now lives in upstate New York, and after a few days with Anne, I got to fulfill a long time dream and spend a day at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. On my way to Baltimore for retreat, I stood in Independence Hall in Philadelphia and reflected on the events of our nation’s history. I wondered how we can do more to preserve life, liberty and freedom in our communities. While in the city of brotherly love, I also made it up the steps that Rocky Balboa sprinted up in the movie. As I look back over the city, I also looked back over the past year with a great deal of gratitude for the prayers and support. I’ve come a long way since surgery and I will keep running the race with faith and hope and love.

Each year I look forward to retreat week as a time of prayer and reflection. One of the reflection talks was on self-care for priests. Since surgery, I’ve been good about the physical self-care, taking time to stretch and exercise. It showed results as I walked many miles each day with few problems. I suppose what I do have to work on is self-care that avoids procrastination and tackles the hardest but most important tasks first, instead of doing the easy things first and causing stress as deadlines approach. Time along the trip spent with those I love, and quiet times with the Lord are the best self-care there is.

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 “From the road with Fr. Steve”

  1. Sounds like a wonderful – God filled_ three weeks! I missed our chance to be together. Hopefully your next rip to our part of the world.
    School will be starting soon. My youngest will be a Junior in HS…where does the time go???
    I lift you and your ministry everyday in my prayers!

  2. I’m happy for you that your summer is going well. It has been very interesting to read the blogs of those who are carrying on at St. Joseph’s in your absence. Obviously, the work of the school is far reaching, Those blogs, along with all your updates, has helped me to see even more clearly how much you do for the children you serve.
    God bless you.
    Theresa from Florida

  3. Dear Fr. Steve,

    So relieved you’re okay. Very happy that you’re enjoying you well deserved vacation and retreat time. Sounds like you had a blast.

    I have family in upstate NY as well. N. Bangor & Plattsburgh. Ken and I haven’t been up for quite some time but keep in touch via the internet..

    Hope the rest of your vacation and retreat is a pleasent experience for you with lots of fond memories. You are continued in our prayers.

    God Bless You and keep you in His care,

    Nancy & Kenny

  4. It was really good to hear from you Father Steve. It sounds like you are having a lovely summer. I want to say thanks so much for having all the guest bloggers — it has been a real treat and an eye opener to read their blogs and to get to know them a bit. I’m thankful I have a small connection to St. Joseph’s and all the people who live and work there, as well as with the children. God Bless You all!

  5. I’m glad to hear you had a good vacation and retreat. My brother lived in LakePlacid some years ago and I remember the ride from Maryland up there-BEAUTIFUL scenery!
    It’s good to hear you were able do extensive walking considering the condition you were in-thanks be to God.
    It’s been interesting hearing from your bloggers at St Joe’s; everyone seems so caring and devoted to the school.
    God bless all of you!

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