Preparing students for their sacred day

Richard and his Lakota (Sioux) students.
Richard reading a book to the kids!

In a little over two weeks, on Sunday April 15, we will be having 21 students receiving the sacraments of Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation.

It is an exciting time in their lives and a somewhat sad time for me as this will be the last time I prepare students for this sacred day. I will be leaving St. Joseph’s Indian School at the end of the school term.

I have been here for almost ten years and in those years have served in various roles, including teacher and houseparent. I have tried to bring passion, dignity and laughter to each different job I have done, but the time has come to bring in new blood and new ideas.

I have always believed in going out when you are on top and not clinging to a job because it is safe and secure. We see that often in sports, where athletes hold on for dear life to their career, even when they can no longer be an asset to the team. I am proud of the work I have accomplished here at St. Joseph’s and walk away with my head held high and, most importantly, with the love and respect of our students.

I will be moving to sunny Palm Springs, California where an earthquake lasts only thirty seconds, as opposed the three day blizzards we have here!

As I let the Spirit guide me, please keep me in your thoughts and prayers. I must say, I have enjoyed doing this blog and am glad so many of you have responded so positively to what I have written.

God Bless you all – Richard

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 “Preparing students for their sacred day”

  1. Thanks for all the work you’ve done. Good luck and best wishes for the future. Enjoy sunny Palm Springs!

  2. Best wishes, and thank you, Richard, I am sure you will be missed.

    As for 30 seconds, that’s a long time to be in an earthquake. Maybe, you may consider Arizona.

    Best again,

    Mary

  3. Richard, may your journey take you to new wonders. God bless you and the lives of all the children whom you have walked with toward the sacraments.

  4. Congratulations on your retirement dreams. Thank you for your years of service to the St. Josephs school and the community. Best wishes for a sunny new outlook on life. From a former Florida resident of 15 years, enjoy the sunshine and beauty and leave early in hurricane situations. Happy Easter!

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