When our religious community gathers …

I’ve been on the road for three days traveling to Texas to help celebrate the priesthood ordination of one of our youngest SCJs. The ceremony was simple, since he was the only one being ordained, and lovely. Participating in the ordination reaffirmed my own commitment to being a good priest. My favorite part of the ritual is when the one to be ordained lies prostrate on the floor in prayer and the whole congregation sings the litany of the saints. During my ordination, that’s when I most strongly felt the love and power and prayer that has supported me all these years, and I was again very teary eyed as we prayed for Greg.

When our religious community gathers, it’s the laughter, storytelling and camaraderie I enjoy the most. There was ample opportunity to do just that.

Greg’s family have been long time donors to St. Joseph Indian School. I told them that donors are very generous with us in many unique ways, but to send the SCJs a vocation is very special indeed.  While he hasn’t been assigned to South Dakota, who knows where the future might take him.

I lived in Texas for 5 years and enjoyed the people and culture immensely.   I had some time to visit good friends in the area and enjoy the 85 degree summery weather by taking a long walk. Since I worked up an appetite, I got to enjoy a hearty breakfast of chorizo and eggs, and later have brisket and sweet tea as mouth-watering as I remember.

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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