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.

Fr. Steve’s updates

The feast of St. Joseph the Worker was May 1.

Monday, May 3, 2010

The feast of St. Joseph the Worker was May 1.

Since that fell on a Saturday, we waited until today to have a prayer service at the start of the school day in honor of our Patron Saint.

The students surprised me at their gusto in their responses to the litany.

We also used this occasion to announce our Leo John Dehon (founder of the SCJs) Circle of Courage award. The Circle of Courage emphasizes the Lakota values of Generosity, Independence, Mastery and, Belonging.

This year, Leahanna, a seventh grader, was recognized for best exemplifying those values in school and in her home.

Our junior high students had a track meet here in Chamberlain, which was a perfect opportunity to cheer on their efforts.

Track meets alternate between short periods of intense and exciting competition and lots of waiting around, which makes for a good chance to wander around and check on staff and students.

Several of our staff had their own children taking part; I also I ran into kids from other area schools that I know from parish work.

I stayed for the field events and several heats of hurdles and sprints. But, after a couple hours, I played out.

I wanted to see all our students compete, but I had to listen when my body said “enough,” and I went home for a nap. People remind me that the battle against cancer is not a sprint but a marathon.

Fr. Steve’s updates

The illness has really forced me to take one day at a time. I don’t know how long it will take for me to bounce back from surgery or how much I will – or won’t – be able to do over the summer months.

Sunday, May 2, 2010

At our monthly SCJ meeting, this afternoon we shared our summer plans.

My family teases me about being the great planner and lining up dates and activities many months ahead of time.

But, I will do what it takes to get in shape, bounce back and be active again.

Fr. Steve’s updates

Chamberlain High School held its fourth annual powwow today. Many of our students are active in the Native American Club at CHS, and they all pitched together to make it a successful day.

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Chamberlain High School held its fourth annual powwow today.

I was so pleased when the school decided to sponsor such an event. Many of our students are active in the Native American Club at CHS, and they all pitched together to make it a successful day.

Not all of our students are dancers. Some used their talents to cook, organize or work at one of the many tables with information or raffle prizes. Many hands working together surely made the job easier.

At powwows, I enjoy walking through the crowd and catching up with old friends. I saw families from the nearby reservation communities where I served as pastor. This provided an opportunity to say hello and catch up on news. So many people assured me of their prayers and also asked for mine for family members who are having a hard time.

I had the chance to visit another crowd of folks in the evening when I attended a 60th wedding anniversary gathering.

Dick and Mae are active in the downtown parish, but I see them each Wednesday when they come to the daily mass here at St. Joseph’s. Their whole clan was gathered, as were many folks from the area. 60 years of commitment inspires me to keep going, even when the journey gets difficult. Again, I received lots of prayers and support.

Fr. Steve’s updates

Today was our annual career day and Sobriety Walk. The hospital, bank and fire station were the most mentioned favorites.

Friday, April 30, 2010

Today was our annual career day and Sobriety Walk.

First, the students had fun exploring downtown businesses. The hospital, bank and fire station were the most mentioned favorites.

Heath Gourneau, an alumnus who has worked in substance abuse prevention, spoke to the students about his journey and encouraged them to remain drug and alcohol free.

He pointed out the Class of 1983 banner, which he helped design; today, the banner hangs proudly from our rec center rafters with other class banners created in the last 30+ years.

Students listen in a deeper way when they hear from someone who shares a common background with them. It’s important as we strive to help our students make good lifestyle choices.

The rains held off, and we walked in four directions around town and met up at the Dining Hall for supper.

I helped chaperone the youngest homes, and when we were walking around the campgrounds, second grader Devon found a penny on the ground.

I said, “Find a penny, pick it up and all day long you’ll have . . . what?”

“A penny,” Devon said.

I laughed, realizing Devon is much wiser than his years, and more accurate than the old saying!!

Fr. Steve’s updates

We had some controversy at Chamberlain High School when a group of students were asked to change a racially charged T-Shirt they wore to school. The issue highlighted tensions that need to be addressed in our community in an on-going way.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

It’s my hope the anger and passion raised on different sides of the issue can be a teachable moment. I pray for people to channel their energy into better understanding and work through the problems.

Our SCJ mission statement calls us precisely to be bridge builders between cultures, prophets of love and servants of reconciliation.

Our SCJ mission statement calls us precisely to be bridge builders
between cultures, prophets of love and servants of reconciliation.

Our team called a meeting for our high school students after school, and I stopped in to listen.

Sometimes, it’s hard to get teenagers to talk about what’s going on inside, but today our students spoke very freely and honestly.

We want our children to be proud of their culture, but they all know the sting of being “eyeballed” due to the color of their skin. One student spoke of the difficulty of finding your way between two cultures. Another told how important it is to hang tough and not let discouraging remarks get you down.

On a lighter note, while I was working in the office, I saw soap bubbles drifting by my window.

I just had to take a break and go out and see what the kids on the playground were up to. Some of the girls had to show me their flips and spins on the playground equipment.

Then, I got involved in a game of tag. First, that meant lots more running around than I wanted to do, but as our ranks quickly grew, everyone bunched together and just kept exchanging quick taps of “you’re it!”

Those brief breaks and encounters with the kids are what keeps me going.

Fr. Steve’s updates

I filled my new prescriptions downtown at Casey’s drugstore, and met with Jim, the pharmacist, to learn more about possible side effects. Like so many other townsfolk, he asked for the latest update and assured me of his ongoing prayers.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

First time I’ve blogged in a few days.

My digestive system is in a bit of disarray, but other than that I’m feeling pretty good.

I’ve gone back to my regular schedule of meetings. Finances are in good shape for now. Child Services are busy planning for graduation and all the end of the year activities that makes May one busy month. In Human Resources, we hired one new houseparent for next year and are checking references for others we’re interested in interviewing.

In between meetings, I’ve tried to make up for time away by making campus rounds and checking up on people and projects.

I ran across the 4th and 5th grade girls taking part in their Red Path group. The program tries to address the stresses of drug and alcohol abuse within their lives.

We have two new staff since I’ve been gone. Becky helps in the production room with sending out mail. Amanda is our new Family Service Counselor and will be working with our older girls and their families. I looked them both up and welcomed them.

On a rainy Monday, the Maintenance crew was looking for a fourth person to play a quick game of pitch during break. I never played before, but they quickly ran through the rules and gave me my cards. Through sheer luck Roger and I won, which drew both teasing and praise.

Then, we caught up on all that’s in the works on campus. I checked the progress of the Carola Home remodeling. The demolition is finished and workers are now dry walling.

A group of High School Junior ROTC Thunderbirds Drill Team from Flandreau Indian School paid us a visit and did an after lunch performance for our student body. Their program emphasized discipline to achieve goals in life, and living by a creed which makes you and the creator proud.

Our mentor program had the last group event of the year – Bingo and finger food supper at the Dining Hall.

I’ve never really liked Bingo ( I must not be a good Catholic!) but enjoyed the company of those around me as we played for prizes. I never came close to winning, but our team made sure everyone got at least a consolation prize. I took home a new dish towel since you can always use those upgrades in the kitchen.

On my way to the business office, I came across a group of staff enjoying lovely spring weather during break. Jean carried a lovely bundle of lilac blossoms from our trees. She was planning to arrange them in a vase in the work room. Little touches of beauty and thoughtfulness add a lot to a workplace.

Yes, it feels great to be back.

Yes, it feels great to be back.

Fr. Steve’s updates

Jesus was noted for his companionship with people at table, and that’s often part of my “work” at St. Joseph’s.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Jesus was noted for his companionship with people at table, and that’s often part of my “work” at St. Joseph’s.

After mass, I visited the Speyer Home for brunch. The 6th – 8th grade boys were most welcoming. They filled me in on how the track team is doing, made predictions about their upcoming home run derby.

We talked NBA playoffs over scrambled eggs, biscuits and gravy. Eighth grader Sean helped his houseparent with most of the cooking, and it turned out great.

Then for supper, I was off to a pot luck shared by the six homes that make up our middle school grades. We had a lull in the rains, and sitting across from each other on the picnic tables was great fun.

Campus comes more alive when we can be outside in the warmer weather.

Fr. Steve’s updates

During the prayer service, one of our counselors read some prayer reflections on what people got out of the weekend – mostly the chance to more deeply appreciate one another.

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Home in Chamberlain!

Fr. Hendrick from Lower Brule helped with the driving, and we made it back last night. While cliché, there really is no place like home.

Today was a settling back in day, doing laundry and starting to dive into the piles of mail and paperwork surrounding my desk. It was also a day to start reconnecting with students and staff.

I feel a great sense of relief and will be happy to return to as much of a normal routine as I can over the next month.

This morning we had the graduation for our FAST (Families And Schools Together) program.

Ten families took part over four weekends; they appreciated the structured activities our program offered to help them improve parent/child communication and relationships.

During the prayer service, one of our counselors read some prayer reflections on what people got out of the weekend – mostly the chance to more deeply appreciate one another.

After certificates and an honor song on the drum, we gathered in the school assembly room for a meal. Rain squashed plans of an outdoor picnic, but the grilled food tasted almost as good inside.

Fr. Steve’s updates

Folks joked about me being a professional bell ringer. I’ve rung church bells, school bells and jingle bells in the past, but few times with as much sense of joy and celebration.

Friday, April 23, 2010

Today was the day to finally ring the bell, and I rang it loud and clear!

Folks joked about me being a professional bell ringer. I’ve rung church bells, school bells and jingle bells in the past, but few times with as much sense of joy and celebration.

Four of us from Hope Lodge – Butch, Robin, Kelly and I – finished up radiation this morning. There was a nice turnout of other patients who came in support, even though their treatments were much later.

Their presence at 7:30 a.m. spoke to us loudly about their care and concern.

Afterward, we shared lots of hugs, addresses and promises of prayer along the way.

Fr. Steve’s updates

I sat at table with a group of the regulars I’ve gotten to know – sort of our Last Supper. We’ve shared so much over these weeks, and I continue to take inspiration at people’s faith and courage.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

The lovely spring weather reminded me of years past when I was in school during final exams time. I wanted to enjoy the great outdoors but was preoccupied by the task at hand. I knew I’d get through finals, but they were still stressful. I just wanted to hurry up and get done, but time crawled at a standstill pace.

So too with today! Time passed so slowly as I went through yet more tests and appointments. The end is so close, which makes the waiting even harder. I’m ready for this to all be over.

This evening a group of volunteers grilled hamburgers and treated us with tasty side dishes. They were from the hospital’s finance department, and we joked with them that they had a vested interest in our well being.