Friday, November 19, 2010
Greetings! Fr. Steve is away this weekend attending a donor luncheon in Baltimore, MD and he asked me to touch base with you to inform you what happened this weekend here at St. Joseph’s Indian School in Chamberlain, SD.
My name is Fr. Anthony Kluckman, SCJ and I am the chaplain here at St. Joseph’s.
On Friday, November 19th, I finished the monthly novena of Masses we offer for our benefactors. Also, I wanted to tell you that we pray for you every Sunday at Mass. We are truly grateful for your generosity. Friday night also brought a unique visitor to the Chamberlain area as the National Christmas tree from Wyoming stopped to overnight in Chamberlain. People were able to go a view the tree and write their names and/or a brief message on the banner hanging on the truck. Although it was a bit late arriving, several of the homes here on campus were able to take part in the welcoming activities.
Luckily, we have avoided any real wintry weather thus far, but the local weather stations say that is about to end. The next day or two could bring us some snow. We are hoping that it will not interfere with Thanksgiving travel plans.
At Mass today, we had the students bring cut outs of a pumpkin, turkey or leaf on which they were able to write what they are grateful to the Great Spirit for. These were then placed in front of the altar and will remain there through Thanksgiving as our way of saying, “Thanks to God”.
This afternoon we had the latest two games of the inter-city basketball league. This is a program that invites local boys in the 6th, 7th and 8th grades to come out to St. Joseph’s and join with our students in those same grades to play basketball. The aim of the program is to help the students get to know each other now, so that when the may be in high school together here in Chamberlain, they will already be acquainted with each other. When the boys basketball season begins after Christmas, then the Sunday league will be for our girls who are in the midst of their basketball season now. I enjoy helping out by officiating at some of the games. Thus far my knees are holding up.
On behalf of Fr. Steve and all the students and staff here at St. Joseph’s, I would like to extend sincere greetings that you and yours will have a wonderful and Happy Thanksgiving. May God’s blessings continue to be with you all.
Fr. Kluckman, It was great to get your newsy post. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! We have so many blessing to be grateful for this year. I hope it is a really good holiday for you and the children at St Joe’s!
Welcome Aboard, Fr. Kluckman..!
It appears to us that your order produces a lot of priests who are REAL people people ! That is unusual and extremely meritorious..! We feel like we already know you..! And I am sure Father Steve appreciates having you there to “sub” for him. And so do we. You’re an “ace”..!
Hugs and Blessings to Both You and Father Steve..!
Mia and Bob
I thoroughly enjoyed all the blogs that arrived in my inbox over the weekend, and it’s a real pleasure to become acquainted with Fr. Kluckman. It sounds as if Thanksgiving is going to be a good time for the family of St. Joseph’s. I send my heartfelt wishes for a blessed holiday to all.