Prayers for the newlyweds

The past two days, I’ve been busy with a task most priests do a lot, but I don’t get involved with too much anymore – a wedding. Six months ago the local parish was in between pastors and since the couple didn’t know which priest would be here now, they asked if I would handle the preparation and the wedding. I knew Nicole as a parishioner in Reliance, just 15 miles west of here, when I was pastor in that area, so I was delighted to be asked.

The wedding rehearsal, went smoothly with even the flower girls and ring bearer handling their responsibilities. When we went for the rehearsal dinner however, the restaurant had forgotten all about the reservation for 30 and really had to scramble. Many people would have been furious, but these two families just made the best of it, ordering drinks and enjoying each other’s company until we were able to get served. I hope that Nicole and Steven can handle many frustrations and setbacks with the same ability to make the best of a bad situation.

The wedding itself was lovely. I particularly enjoyed visiting many of the cousins and neighbors that I hadn’t seen in a while. Congratulations, and prayers for the newlyweds.

I also did my fair share of office work the past two days. Yesterday, as school was about to end, I realized that I’d been so busy at my desk, I hadn’t even seen one student the whole day. I remedied that by standing in the hallway as classes were dismissed and students were heading to their homes. Even if it’s a brief encounter, kids appreciate being greeted by name, and having the chance to show off the drawing they did in art class, or the A they earned on a science project.

Today was also homecoming for Chamberlain High School. When our students make the transition from St. Joseph’s Indian School to the public High School, they generally fit in well and are accepted. Cody, one of our sophomores was recently voted class Vice President, and rode proudly on the Sophomore float. Many of our students put in lots of hours working on the floats and decorating for the dance and other activities. We dismissed our grade school classes a little early this afternoon, so the kids could walk downtown and take in the sights and sounds (and candy tossed to the sidewalks) of the parade.

At the big game, the football team had a one point lead at halftime, but faltered during the second half. Maybe next year!

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.

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