Author: St. Joseph's Indian School

 Our Jr. High girls hosted Todd County in the first home Volleyball match of the season. Our 6^th 7^th and 8^th grade teams all swept their matches. During the games I sat in the stands where kids plopped down for a few minutes to tell me about their activities. In between games I helped out at the concession stand. The staff appreciates the help, but mostly it’s a nice way to see people.

 After Mass I had brunch in the Speyer Home (6^th-8^th grade boys). The real Speyer home is being remodeled, and the guys are spending the year in the David Home, which was designed for 1^st – 3^rd grade girls. The quarters are smaller, but they’re adjusting OK. They’ll have far more memories about the activities that go on in the home than how the living space is arranged anyway.

Mark, one of the houseparent’s, is working with our drum group. He’s had a lot of enthusiastic newcomers turning out to learn Lakota drum songs. Such learning provides a good and strong connection to the students’ culture. 

 Some of our older Cottonwood trees in Wisdom Circle have become too big for our students’ safety and will have to be cut down. Mark and a group of the boys want to find the right sized trunk to build their own drum by hand. While we hate to see any tree on the Prairie come down, I admire how they’re making the most of the opportunity.
 
Each of our homes is required to do service projects during the year. Many homes do outreach to the elderly in town or nearby reservations. The Speyer Home is going to help build a new sweat lodge (inipi) and improve the grounds where the inipi is held, so that students can make use of it for many years to come.

 Our 7^th and 8^th grade girls played in an all day volleyball tournament downtown at the armory. Five schools participated in a round robin, so there were plenty of games. I couldn’t stay all day, but made it for the early morning matches. Our 8^th graders played hard, and won a few of their games and one match. The 7^th graders were in great form and went through the day undefeated. There’s not a big crowd at a Jr. High game, so every voice in the stands yelling out encouragement is appreciated. When there are lots of games like that, and waiting around times, it also gives a good chance to visit with the team members and any family that’s visiting.

Our fall FAST (Families and Schools Together) cycle entered its 2^nd weekend with 8 families coming to campus and participating in activities with their children. I stopped in to check on the artwork projects they are involved in, and to meet the parents or relatives I haven’t yet met. I’ve met some families when they’ve check out their students for breaks, or come for a ballgame or case service plan meeting. Here was a chance to meet or reconnect and try to make sure they feel welcome on campus.

One of our counselors had a session for the adults Friday night. The sharing was somewhat intense, with honest sharing of some difficult family issues that folks are dealing with. Hopefully doing that in a supportive group can help people get through life’s rougher patches.

 As I walked through the school on the way back to the office, I ran into one of our teachers running off coloring sheets for a lesson coming up next week. It’s not unusual for me to see staff coming in on their own time to do a little extra to make sure our students get a top notch education. Besides the skills our teachers bring, I also know that they put a good dose of tender loving care into the mix which makes a real difference.

 Friday, September 10, 2010

Today was my day off – a chance to sleep in and be lazy.

Mid morning I did have a session of physical therapy. Today they put me through more of a workout. As I watched another patient lying on a table and having his leg stretched, it looked like it would feel good. But when it was my turn I found out that my underused muscles ache even in the caring hands of a good therapist. It will take some time to really loosen up my hamstrings and tendons. I warmed up on a reclining bicycle. I stood on a disk with a ball attached underneath and tried to balance. I stretched my foot against elastic bands. I marched on a trampoline. I kept at it for a good 45 minutes and feel sore, but in a good and productive way. 

The grade school students were a little more tired than usual today. They had a 6:00 a.m. fire drill which got them up a little earlier than normal. One first grade was scared and cried a bit before the houseparent’s were able to assure her that everything was going to be OK. We hate to startle kids, but we have to take those drills seriously. We can’t just do them during the school day. We also have to take into consideration how to handle an emergency in the homes. With the one exception all the children handled it very well and got to where they needed to go.

We met with the architect for the next round of planning for the museum addition and alumni center. She incorporated our last suggestions well, and presented two good options. Of course we again took elements for each and will have one more draft by October so our Board of Directors can look it over.

I signed the approval forms for our college students who will receive our grants for higher education. 20 alumni are in college right now. Some are older students who are back in school after working for a few years or who are returning after starting a family. It is especially gratifying to see students who have graduated since I arrived six years ago continuing their studies. While our scholarships only cover a portion of the costs, it does help. Some of the application letters are brief and to the point. Others share touching personal aspects about struggles overcome and lessons learned about them as they find the motivation to stay in school. 

Our management team covered a wide range of topics today – Mission Awareness, supervisor training, strategic planning, employee turnover rates and succession planning for upcoming years when large groups of staff reach retirement age over the next 10 years. Some meetings deal with immediate problems. It’s just as important to have time to look toward the future and set things in motion now that will help down the road.

This afternoon was my first physical therapy session to improve strength, flexibility and balance in my right foot. Today was mostly for evaluation as the therapist took me through a series of exercises that seemed gentle at first, but in the long will push me in the right direction.  My hamstrings are very tight, as I’ve not been able to exercise as much as I’d like due to the pain from the nerves. But I’m starting to feel less nerve pain, so it’s time for some good old fashioned sore-muscles- due- to- exercise pain.

Monday, September 6, 2010
 
Rain changed our cook out plans with the students, but in the primary grade homes we still enjoyed the burgers and other picnic foods downstairs in the skate room.

 Just as we were sitting down to eat, two alumni who attended school here in the 70’s stopped in. Life had taken them many miles away, but they had traveled home for a family reunion. It had been over 30 years since they visited the campus and wanted that trip down memory lane.

 I invited them to have lunch with us, and then we started walking around campus. The dining hall and the old boy’s dorm evoked a flood of stories. The favorite spot for them was the system of tunnels that runs underground. They used to have Halloween spook houses there many years ago. Sometimes, they even found a way to sneak in and use it as a hiding place.

 Two of our current staff, Andy and Mary Jane, have been here over 30 years, and they remembered each other, even though these two grown men didn’t look anything like the 4^th graders they remembered. Our staff enjoys these visits and catching up as much as our former students do.

 A third brother showed up later. His memories weren’t as pleasant. Life in the dorm days was often regimented. Violating rules could bring spankings and punishment we would no longer use today.

 I know in the past the boarding school experience was painful for a good number of students. When I hear the sad stories it makes me work toward reconciliation and healing. Sometimes you just have to listen and acknowledge the pain.

This afternoon we loaded up the bus and took the students downtown to see the movie Ramona and Beezus. It portrayed the combination of sibling rivalry and mutual affection between two sisters in a delightful way. One of the 4^th grade boys sitting in front of me wanted more action. “This is a Girl movie!” he sighed. Hopefully he learned something about relationships and life. But by the end he enjoyed it too.

 Tuesday, September 7, 2010 

Having offices closed yesterday for Labor Day compressed two days worth of meetings into one, so I did a lot of sitting today. The most engaging meeting for me was our group discussion of our High School program. We complimented the strong parts of the program, and were honest about what we need to work on. Our students still struggle to stay in college once they leave here, and we see continued emphasis on independent living skills as crucial to their success.

 In the discussion about what are our goals for the High School program, I believe that it’s not enough to educate someone to be skilled and competent. Our goal is to have our young people become virtuous people. We are trying to form students who will use their talents to benefit their family and tribe and our needy world. We hope that our students will be seen as good and kind and fair.

This evening I stopped by the Carola home for supper with our High School Freshmen. There the realities of homework and grade concerns re-emphasized the need to continue the support and encouragement. Several freshmen are struggling with the adjustment to the Chamberlain Public High School. It takes time to make new friends and feel at home. It was also a night for a JV football game, so that took some of the pressure off and allowed for a little fun.

Sunday, September 5, 2010

 There were fewer students on campus this weekend as many got checked out to be with their families over the long weekend. For those students still on campus, many of the homes took advantage of the activities all around us for Home Trips on Saturday. After mass today I heard about all the adventures.

One of our High School homes went to Sioux Falls for the Lifelight Christian music festival. Another home drove to Huron to take in the State Fair. The 4^th and 5^th grade boys went to Pierre and took in the Drag races. We give each of the homes a budget to let their kids experience activities outside of St. Joseph’s. Each age group has different interests, but houseparent’s give them a variety of choices.

 Tonight I went to a wake in Fort Thompson. A 47 year old mother of five died suddenly of a heart attack. She was very active in church when I was pastor there and wanted to be of support to her husband and children.

 Wakes are filled with different people who say a few words of remembering, tell stories, pray, and share words of support for the family. I was struck by one man who is studying for ministry in the Episcopal Church. He lives 60 miles away and has no car. Reliable transportation is a real issue for many families on reservations. He wanted to be here, so just started walking. He didn’t put his thumb out as a hitchhiker would, but trusted for someone to pick him up and help him along the journey. He obviously made it, thanks to a trucker passing by.

I remembered Jesus’ words about taking nothing for the journey, and just going out to try to do the will of God. I can’t imagine myself making such a journey. It was a call for me to have more trust and faith.

Friday, September 3

Chamberlain High School opened up their football season tonight. Three of our St. Joseph students are on the football team, and two of our students are cheerleaders for the Cubs, so I was in the stands to cheer them all on. Our staff has sons on the team as well, so I worked the bleachers and talked to lots of folks. Even as a parish priest I found out a lot more about what’s going on in people lives on the sidelines than I ever did at church.

 For many years Chamberlain has struggled in football, and tonight didn’t break the streak. Valentine Nebraska got ahead by a score of 38-0. The Cubs put a few good drives together, but turned the ball over several times. On the final play of the game we finally got a touchdown to avoid the shutout. 38-6 was the final score.

 Our students are new to the team and saw little playing time. But I find it important to support kids even when they aren’t the stars of the team. I encourage them to work hard, and not quit. When I played basketball in High School, at one point we lost 38 games in a row. I think it built some character in me not to give up. And when that win to break the streak did come, it sure felt extra special! Go Cubs!

 Saturday, September 4

The old cliché is that ignorance is bliss. On a Saturday where absolutely no one was around the office I took advantage of the quiet and went through the mail on my desk and the 200 or so emails that have accumulated over the past couple of weeks of travel. I didn’t feel much bliss as I began to realize all the work involved in handling the calls and requests right. Maybe that’s a sign of job security! It’s easier to spend time on the quickly answered notes, and since this Labor Day weekend won’t bring in many more, I made a good dent in the piles. Some ideas will take far more discussion and planning. But neither Rome, nor a good program, is built in a day, and I have to keep steadily after it.

 The afternoon was dedicated to College football – especially Notre Dame’s home opener – on TV. Some donors from Indiana sent me a new ND t-shirt, and I wore my colors and was pleased with what I saw. Fr. Anthony and Brother Clay are also big sports fans, so it was nice to have a running commentary going on during the game.  I spent the evening reading and with more solitary pursuits.

I just got back from my 3 month check up at Mayo Clinic, with good and encouraging results. The doctors found no signs of the cancer’s return, and I don’t need any further treatments at this time. There was some clotting in the graft they put in the iliac vein, so we’ll try to get the blood a little thinner and monitor that over the next few weeks from home.  They now recommend some physical therapy to see if I can strengthen my foot and increase mobility. But overall they’re very happy with the progress I’ve made. I go back in another 3 months.

 I got back home from the Tennessee trip on Monday, and hit the road again Tuesday – barely enough time to do laundry and check on mail and messages. Our provincial superior, Fr. Tom, is making his annual visitation, so I also squeezed time with him in as well. He and my whole community have been most supportive through the whole illness. The cancer has truly colored and shaped my life in ways that are dramatic and ongoing. I don’t know yet how it will affect the way I pray or look at life or live each day. I do know that I am grateful to God for seeing me through the rough patches, and hope I can be of help to others along their way.

Yesterday I started with a blood test at 7 am, and had two other tests and four consultations with different doctors. I finished around 5, but did have a break for lunch. They cram a lot into each day, but it beats having to wait around for results or seeing specialists. The quality of the care and their patience with my questions has been outstanding.

Because I’ve been feeling more energy and less pain as the weeks have gone by, I hoped for, prayed for, and actually expected good results. But there is still that element of worry, what if??? Now it feels like I can go on with life without thinking about the cancer so much. Now I can focus on things like the upcoming Powwow.

Speaking of our Powwow, when I stopped in after school today the younger girls were practicing their dance steps in the gym. I was heartened to see some of our seasoned dancers showing the younger ones some of their moves.

 I ate supper tonight in the Summerlee home, with our 4^th and 5^th grade girls. A couple of the girls whose families aren’t able to provide them with dance Regalia were issued some of the St. Joseph’s Regalia that we’ve made or bought over the years. They were proud to show off what they’ll be wearing in two weeks.

 After supper the night was pleasant and everyone went outside to play before homework time. I grabbed a soccer ball out of the bin and 6 of us started kicking and passing it back and forth. My motion is still limited, but I’ll try to do those gentle games and activities as I’m able. It’s just a fun way to hang out with the students and build rapport.

 I’ve just returned from a week on the road. We held donor appreciation luncheons in three cities in Tennessee. I took advantage of the travel to that part of the country to add on a few days to visit friends and family. This was my first flight since I started treatment in January. I figured this trip would be a test of my stamina and overall it worked out well.

I first flew into Memphis. Several members of my fellow Priests of the Sacred Heart work just across the State line in Northern Mississippi, and I spent two days catching up with their work. As the area has grown from small country towns into good sized cities, they have built new churches and expanded their services. I appreciated the hospitable way the priests and brothers sat long and talked much over supper at the community house.

I joined Steve, a good friend I first met in college, and his wife Susan for lunch on Tuesday. Then I visited family friends, Buck and Carolyn and their son Jeffrey who live in the area. I capped off the evening when Fr. Ed took me to see our mutual friend Lyle. The two of them helped me enter into their Holy Land pilgrimage via their pictures and stories.

Fr. Tim said, “We’ve been praying for you all these months and now here you are with us, looking just like your old self – you seem like a walking miracle!” When I get impatient with my own recovery, others remind me just how far I have come.

I drove on to Nashville, a little over 200 miles, and stayed with my cousin Mick, his wife Christine and family. I stopped first at his shop where he builds kitchen cabinets, then went to their home. After supper two of their children asked about playing a game of password, and the fun and laughter we had made the night so memorable.

I enjoy learning about history, and on my way to Knoxville first stopped at the Hermitage, President Andrew Jackson’s home and plantation. The exhibit highlighted his many political and military achievements, but minced no words about his staunch support of slavery, and his Indian removal policy. His forcing the Eastern tribes to relocate west of the Mississippi led to the tragic Trail of Tears.

Andrew Jackson’s house saw so much history. The grounds were spacious and beautiful. I felt my limitation as I had to walk so slowly and couldn’t cover the ground I usually do. I had to leave a lot unseen.

I met our St. Joseph’s crew at the Knoxville airport. The Hills of Eastern Tennessee are gorgeous. I’d love to see the fall colors, which must surely be amazing. Henry, one of our donors, met us at the airport, treated us to supper, and made sure we found our way to the hotel. We were right next to a 60 foot basketball outside the Women’s Basketball Hall of fame, which made quite an impression on our two girls.

Devona and Irene are our two 7^th graders who were selected to make the trip. They represented St. Joseph’s well. Of course they were most nervous the first time in Knoxville, but our kind and gracious donors made them feel appreciated, and that their words were worth listening to. By the luncheons Saturday and Sunday, they were more relaxed and able to be themselves.

Our donors come from such a wide variety of backgrounds and careers. They like putting a real face to a picture in the mail. Yet it’s just as important for us to realize the kind and caring people behind a signature on a check or an email typed to our web site. The luncheons are a chance to say thank you, and give people who may never get to actually visit St. Joseph’s a chance to find out more about us. At all three luncheons I so appreciated meeting the folks who came.

We drove on to Nashville and arrived in the midst of a riverfront festival and the regular crowds that pour into the heart of downtown on a Friday night. Usually I’m the one in front leading the way on walks, but touring the streets of downtown Nashville, past the Ryman theater and the music venues on Broadway I brought up the rear as I limped along. My leg isn’t so much in pain as it is weak, and I just can’t move as fast as I want. We ate BBQ for supper, found the souvenir shops, and listened to some Country Music.

After the Memphis luncheon, we hopped on the Trolley that made a loop around downtown. I made sure to point out the Lorraine Motel, which is now the National Civil Rights Museum, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was shot and killed. History seems more real when you get to see and experience the places you read about in books. Maybe the significance will click for Irene and Devona years in the future. We didn’t get to Graceland, but Devona sat at table with a donor who went to school with Elvis when she was in 7^th grade, and told a few stories about the King.

We did some touristy things. The girls delighted in seeing the Ducks board the elevator at the Peabody Hotel. We hunted for souvenir shirts and key chains and coffee mugs on Beale Street, and while eating supper listened to Blind Mississippi Morris sing the Blues. Neither girl had ever heard Blues before, and weren’t quite sure what to make of it. But the music sure had my toes a tapping.

Wow – what a whirlwind of activity we’ve been living these last couple weeks! Last week was full of home visits, fellowship and learning for all of us here at St. Joseph’s.

Times of fellowship are especially enjoyable for me. From brunch after Mass with the freshman girls in our Crane Home to supper with the 1^st-3^rd grade boys in the Ambrose Home, I find time getting to know our students and staff refreshing and exciting.

Of course, visiting in each home gives me pretty unique perspectives on our children and their houseparents as well. While brunching with the freshmen girls, our new houseparents discovered a weakness in our electrical system when all the kitchen appliances needed to prepare a meal for 15 people caused the circuit to break! It was quite an adventure for them to find the fuse box, but the students and I got in some great visiting time, and in the end, the food was delicious and worth the wait!

Equally unique was my time with our students in the Ambrose Home. Before supper, three of the boys were watching a TV show about Arctic Wildlife like polar bears and caribou.

As quick as I joined them, they started in with many questions about the animals and the landscape. I didn’t know all the answers but appreciated their questions. Their inquisitive nature showed such a thirst for knowledge, which is even more important to teach than content.

An all-school beginning of the year picnic was another special time last week. It just feels good when our whole group gathers together for prayer and community! After leading grace, I grabbed a chair and a spot at the end of the serving line. My job was to pass out popsicles.

I got the chance to greet all of the students I already know, and when new student came through the line, I stopped to ask their name. It will take awhile to get to know everyone, but I keep working on it!

Last week was also a moving time of awareness for all of us.

We hosted a speaker whose mother survived Auschwitz and father survived a work camp in Czechoslovakia. He spoke to our older students about the horrible realities of the Holocaust.

His main message was that people are capable of anything – from murder to love. We have to learn not to hate, and not to stand idly by when any group is persecuted because that’s how evil grows and spreads.

So you all know, I continue healing as well! My foot still gets sore and standing for long periods of time is a challenge, but I’m healing.

Proof of this came when I did a bit of back-to-school shopping! I purchased a new pair of black shoes. With the nerve pains, my normal shoes pinch and hurt my feet, so I’m constantly kicking my shoes off when I get the chance.

But, while shopping, I got my normal size – except in wide width – and I can already tell a positive difference!

Little by little my foot is getting better. I’m hoping and praying the rest of me inside is following that healing path as well.

I’ll be posting again this afternoon since we’ve been so busy – thanks and God bless to all of you who continue following us on this journey!

Wow – what a busy week we’ve had!

Monday was our first day of school. Most of our students are back, and we’re off to a good start. But, there’s still some scrambling as we work to figure out if students haven’t arrived yet are just late or will be going to school elsewhere.

Because of our waiting list, we prioritize alternates and make sure to let the children and their families know right away if a spot becomes available.

Prayers for Guidance
Our week began with an all-school prayer service; we asked God’s gudance over each of us as we begin anew. I felt a little sorry for the first graders since they haven’t learned to read yet. The prayer sheets and songbooks were an incomprehensible mystery to them! But, overall, the service was a fitting and wonderful way to start the year.

Between meetings, I’ve made sure to duck into classrooms to say hello and make sure I meet our newest students especially. I have 42 new names and faces to learn scattered throughout the school.

On our first day back, I stopped in to see the first graders at 3:00. All of the children are new and none of them knew my name. But, I didn’t feel too bad, especially when I overheard one little boy as the teacher – who’d been with them all day – “What was your name again?”! As the year progresses, we’ll all get to know each other and become quite a family.

Planning for the Future
Tuesday, our second day of school, found about 20 of us from around campus gathered together to have our first powwow meeting. Our annual event will be September 17-18, right here on our campus. There is so much to be done before then!

Mike, one of our facilities crew who has been through this many times, put it in this perspective. “It’s just like a wedding,” he said. “Everyone is real nervous and worried beforehand, but once it starts, everything falls into place.”

Our worries and nervousness do translate into taking care of a lot of details before our signature event, and our various departments collaborating on this special event help it run smoothly.

Another of my meetings was with the director of child services. When we finished business, we talked about my participation in the life of the school. I feel great energy being able to be back full-time and participate in more of what goes on here. It is so good to be back!

I’ve quickly realized this week that being back in the regular routine means lots more meetings than over the summer. I can grumble about meetings as much as anyone, but talking over issues and coming up with action plans really is essential for long-term success.

One of my meetings was with human resources just to get an update on the ups and downs we may be having with relation to our team. We’ve spoken at our managment meetings about possible training sessions for supervisors to help them better deal with problems, issues and opportunities as they arise. Having a strong team is crucial to our children’s success!

Focusing on the Children
My highlights throughout the week so far have all centered on the children. Each evening, I’ve enjoyed supper with different groups of students. The Stevens Home girls, in grades six through eight, are all returning students with the exception of one. I enjoyed the time we had over a meal getting caught up.

Our six, seven and eight year old boys in the Raphael Home also kept me entertained this week. There sure is lots of life and energy in a group of 12 first through third grade boys! Seven of the boys are new to St. Joseph’s and the home. I was so impressed by this group of children. When it came time to set the table, so many wanted to help right away. I pray we can keep nurturing that desire to be a part of a family and contribute.

The high school homes kicked off the year with a picnic in the spacious and lovely backyard of our Kateri Homes. All of the coaches from Chamberlain High School were also invited to attend so they could meet houseparents and get to know their student athletes in a relaxed setting away from school and the fields.

We have a few new students in the high school program, so I made a special point to meet each of them. Some of our returning students have been here all nine, 10, 11, even 12, years. I have so many memories of them. It was wonderful to sit around picnic tables and catch up with these students.

As I reflect, I think it’s easier to get to know students here at St. Joseph’s because we get to see them in so many different places and circumstances – in the classrooms and homes, on the playground, at church and even on the powwow grounds. I’ll have the opportunity to watch them grow and develop in so many ways during this new school year. Oh what excitement lies ahead!