Fr. Steve’s updates – St. Joseph's Indian School

Happy Thanksgiving Week from St. Joseph’s!

Fr. Anthony, St. Joseph's Chaplain — Fr. Anthony, St. Joseph’s Chaplain

Good day from St. Joseph’s Indian School!

Though we tried to hold off as long as we could, winter has ‘arrived’ here on the banks of the Missouri River. We were on the cusp of the recent storm that swept out of the Rockies. We got an inch or two of snow, and then the storm unloaded on eastern South Dakota. Snow kept right on falling across Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois. I have a sister living in Janesville, Wisconsin, and they were in the neighborhood of 20 inches!

Looking across the river as the sun rose was a beautiful sight. The sun reflecting off the windows and the newly fallen snow made it look like the Christmas villages many will be putting under their trees soon. Our students weren’t able to enjoy the snow for very long before temperatures rose and melted it all.

The biggest excitement last week was on Wednesday night, our annual Family Night at St. Joseph’s. All students gathered in the Rec Center to take part in a variety of ‘minute to win it’ type games with their siblings and extended family. It seemed like mass chaos, but it all ran rather smoothly and it was so much fun!

After the games, it was off the dining room for a turkey dinner. As the students waited for the serving to start, they had the chance to reflect on the people and things they were grateful for and create a centerpiece to share with friends and family over the holiday. Several students have headed home already, but the majority will be going on Wednesday just ahead of the next storm that is predicted to move into the area.

You may recall that I mentioned the elementary students were honored a week or so ago for their academic achievement. Last week’s local paper published a listing of high school students who made the Honor Roll at Chamberlain High—seniors Martina, William and Trey; juniors Danielle and Liliana; sophomores Reyna, Chandler, Hope and Camron, and freshmen Listella and Nathaniel. We want to congratulate them on their success!

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at St. Joseph’s!

These past few days I’ve had the chance to play ‘undercover boss,’ …but my disguise has not been too good since people recognized me! ‘Undercover Boss’ is a television show where the boss of a company works among his employees to see how things are going. I had the chance to help out at the Development Office sorting mail. It was an interesting experience. As I was sorting and looking around at others doing similar work, I kept offering up quick prayers of thanks to all our many Benefactors for their generosity.

One thing the staff kept mentioning was to check to make sure each envelope was for St. Joseph’s since sometimes our envelopes get used to return other bills—phone, cable TV, house payments, etc., but they come to us due to the bar code on the envelope. We forward them to the right address as soon as possible so that you will not lose any service.

I want to take a moment and wish all of you a very Happy Thanksgiving. I hope you are able to celebrate with family and friends. Some of our houseparents who work far from home will be gathering together to celebrate the day. No matter where or with whom you celebrate, may each of us be able to express our thanks to God for all the blessings He sends our way.

Know that we value and cherish you. We are grateful for your interest and support of St. Joseph’s Indian School.

Happy Thanksgiving,

Fr. Anthony Kluckman, SCJ

Chaplain

What a great week at St. Joseph’s!

Good day from St. Joseph’s Indian School! We had another busy weekend filled with a variety of activities for our students to take part in.

The high school students had the opportunity to attend the Sioux Falls’ Diocesan Youth Conference in Brookings, South Dakota. There was a two-fold purpose: to invite students on the margin of their Faith to have an encounter with Jesus, and to deepen the commitment of those who have had an initial conversion. There were about 1,500 students and adults in attendance. The keynote address was given by Fr. Leo Patalinghug, star of EWTN’s ‘Grace Before Meals.” He gave a cooking demonstration as he shared his message with the youth.

Chamberlain High School’s presentation of the “Wizard of Oz” showed on Friday and Saturday night. It was performed before a literally ‘standing room only’ crowd. Several of St. Joseph’s high school students were in the cast, choir and the stage crew working behind the scenes. They did a wonderful job and everyone enjoyed their journey over the rainbow.

Producers visited with Lakota (Sioux) students at St. Joseph's. — Rising Voices visited St. Joseph’s campus!

You may have heard that some indigenous languages are in danger of being lost. The older generations are passing away and the younger are not picking up the language. St. Joseph’s hosted the director and producer of a PBS production, RISING VOICES/Revitalizing the Lakota Language. The two have been taking the film around the state showing it to different schools and groups to show how steps are being taken to encourage people of all ages to deepen their awareness of the Lakota language. The film is being shown around the nation. Check their website to see if there is a showing near you! www.risingvoicesfilm.com.

Many of the people interviewed in the film stated it helps them feel more Native American if they can become more fluent in the language. It was an affirmation of the Native American Studies program we offer at St. Joseph’s.

Our girls’ basketball seasons are underway. Last week, all the grades played their Chamberlain counterparts. The girls all put forth a great deal of effort! The City of Chamberlain will be hosting a basketball tournament for fourth, fifth and sixth graders this coming weekend at various spots around town. St. Joseph’s will be hosting the sixth grade teams.

St. Joseph's Lady Braves are busy playing in the Recreation Center at St. Joseph's! — St. Joseph’s Basketball season is underway!

One of Chamberlain’s weekly papers, THE SUN, came out with an article on how many records were set or tied by this year’s football team. Three players raising the bar were St. Joseph’s students—Jeremy, Davis and Kyle. Jeremy was selected All Conference Linebacker and set five records—most assisted tackles for the season, total tackles for the season, most defensive points in a game, season and career. Davis was named All Conference Receiver and set a new record for most receiving yards in a game. Kyle tied the record for most forced turn-overs for the season and was also honored as All Conference Offensive Tackle. The team had a great season and we are thankful that some of our students were able to help bring about that success!

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, our students will be gathering this evening to take part in the National Family Day Project Night. They’ll first start in the Rec Center playing various ‘minute to win it’ type games. Then they’ll move to the dining hall for a turkey dinner while making decorations to take home to their families for Thanksgiving.

Students will also be reminded about the food box they’ll be taking home for Thanksgiving, as well as a voucher for a local grocery store. Thanks to your generosity, St. Joseph’s is able to help families have enough resources to make sure no one goes to bed hungry over the holiday weekend.

We are grateful to you for your support that enables us to gather the needed supplies. We hope you have a wonderful week and that God’s blessing may be upon you.

Fr. Anthony Kluckman, SCJ

Chaplain

What a weekend to be a child!

Good day from St. Joseph’s Indian School!

What a weekend to be a child! Our students made the rounds trick-or-treating on campus Friday and then had the chance to dress up again on Halloween itself and make the rounds in Chamberlain. There were a wide variety of costumes and I had a hard time judging my favorites! The weather cooperated as well.

Several of the high school homes made the trip to Sioux Falls, South Dakota to take part in haunted houses and scary corn mazes. On Friday, the National Honor Society students sponsored a dance for the 7^th and 8^th graders from St. Joseph’s and the Chamberlain community. The price of admission was a non-perishable food item to be donated to the local food pantry.

Lakota (Sioux) students walk around St. Joseph's campus. — Our Lakota students enjoyed dressing up!

St. Joseph’s National Honor Society has been busy helping local Special Olympics athletes during bowling practices and will be traveling with them this Friday to Aberdeen, South Dakota for the final bowling tournament of their season.

Each of our St. Joseph’s homes are asked to do some sort of outreach every year. The Ambrose Home (boys in grades 1-3) decided to go to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Fort Thompson and help pass out coffee and treats after the Mass. They enjoyed the fellowship, as did the parishioners!

As the year continues to roll by, new sports and activities commence for the Lakota students to enjoy. The girls’ basketball season opens this week as we host PILC (Pierre Indian Learning Center) and then travel to Crow Creek later in the week.

The intercity basketball program for 6^th, 7^th and 8^th grade boys is also underway. St. Joseph’s students combine with Chamberlain area kids to learn the basics of basketball and get some experience on the court. Coaches from both St. Joseph’s and the Chamberlain school district are assisting.

Lakota (Sioux) students at St. Joseph's Indian School — Our students participated in a costume contest!

Other activities for our Lakota (Sioux) youth include martial arts, wrestling, archery and swimming lessons. Several of our older students are practicing their skills in Lakota Hand Games. You might remember that our hand games team took first place at the annual Lakota Nation Invitational last year. They are practicing twice a week for this year’s competition. We’ll keep you informed about how they do this year!

At our Mass on All Saints Day at Our Lady of the Sioux Chapel, we had a tree at the front of the chapel decked out with red ribbons. These ribbons bear the names of family and friends who have passed away and are now walking the Red Road. It is our way of keeping them in prayer, asking the Great Spirit to have mercy on them and welcome them into the Heavenly Kingdom. We’ll have the tree up all month as we keep the dearly departed in mind.

Hope you’ll have a wonderful month and that you did not overdo it on any Halloween candy you gathered. May God’s blessings continue to be with you, and thank you for your ongoing support of St. Joseph’s Indian School.

Fr. Anthony Kluckman, SCJ

Chaplain

Deep in the heart of Texas…

Brian, St. Joseph's Major Gifts Officer — Brian, St. Joseph’s Major Gifts Officer

Hello from St. Joseph’s Indian School!

This past weekend, three of our staff and two of our middle school boys, Tayeden and Ramez, represented St. Joseph’s at our donor luncheon in Westlake, Texas. The students did an outstanding job and our donors were delighted to learn more about all the exciting programs and activities we have here at St. Joseph’s.

A Lakota (Sioux) student prepares for the donor luncheon. — Preparing for the donor luncheon!

After Saturday’s luncheon, the boys spent the afternoon experiencing the fantastic sights, sounds and amusement rides at the State Fair of Texas. The aroma of Fletcher’s Corny Dogs filled the air and our stomachs on the beautiful 85 degree day in Dallas, Texas. The Texas State Fair is the largest of its kind in the United States with over 2.6 million patrons visiting during its twenty four days of endless activities.

Sunday’s luncheon went equally as well and the students were in for another treat. St. Joseph’s staff and students made the thirty minute trip to Arlington for a VIP tour of AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys. Our group was mesmerized and in awe as we received a behind-the-scenes look at the $1.3 billion stadium. Some of the places we toured were the press box and the “owner’s perch,” where Jerry Jones watches his Cowboys.

A student stands in front of a Cowboy player's locker. — Taking advantage of a photo opportunity in the Cowboy’s locker room!

Other stops included a personal suite and most exciting- the Dallas Cowboys’ locker room! Both Tayeden and Ramez had their picture taken in front of their favorite player’s locker, Dez Bryant. What a wonderful once-in-a-lifetime experience for these two fine young men.

None of this would have been possible if not for the generosity and kindness of our benefactors. We are grateful and blessed to have you as part of our Tiospaye-extended family.

Thank you for helping fulfill the dreams of two of our students.

From Deep in the Heart of Texas!

God Bless,

Brian

Major Gift Officer

Our roots of honor and goodwill remain…

“We no longer hunt buffalo with a bow or live in tipis, but our roots of honor and goodwill remain. While fire purifies and allows new life to begin, water is cleansing and brings us nourishment. Coming from all directions, the wind provides movement.

The powwow also has a purpose. Today we live in a culture of distraction. A place must be kept that pushes back against the distractions. A place that understands the culture because it embraces its individuals…”

St. Joseph’s 39th annual wacipi — powwow — was a success! People from across the country gathered on our campus to help hundreds of Lakota (Sioux) children celebrate their Native American culture and heritage. As we look to future celebrations, we thank you for sharing in our work and helping Lakota children in need reach for a brighter future!

Watch our 39^th Annual Powwow video HERE.

“The day comes to a close. Many thoughts run through my mind. I think the highest form of thought is gratitude. But silent gratitude isn’t much use to anyone… so thank you to those who share this vision.”

A time for reflection…

Greetings from St. Joseph’s Indian School!

We have finally had some time to reflect on our 39^th Annual Powwow.

What a wonderful few days we had! The festivities began with a bus trip to the Crow Creek and Lower Brule Indian Reservations. I had a chance to meet with donors taking part in the tour to offer a prayer for safe travel before they hit the road. It seems that they all had a great time!

On Thursday evening, St. Joseph’s Indian School had a Meet & Greet. Several staff members and students met with guests to explain the programs offered at St. Joseph’s and answer any questions our visitors had. We had two of our high school seniors and an alumnae who is currently working at St. Joseph’s share the impact our school has had on their lives.

Friday morning began with the announcement of our powwow royalty–Eagle Staff bearer Treshawn; Junior Miss St. Joseph’s Aurelia; and Miss St. Joseph’s Frederika. As our students headed off to class, our guests enjoyed breakfast and tours of the Nagel Business Office to see how our mailings are prepared and how envelopes with donations are handled.

From there, our donors and friends went to the Rec Center to make their own dreamcatcher and attend a demonstration of Native American children’s games.

On Friday afternoon, guests were able to tour the school with some of our students as their tour guides. A great time was had by all; students really enjoyed getting to talk with people from all over the country.

Over 400 guests and friends attended our Tiyospaye Banquet Friday evening. The highlight of the evening– besides the drawing for a star quilt– was the show of hands as to how many were attending their very first powwow. It seemed that 75-80% of the hands went up! We were so honored that they chose St. Joseph’s as the place to experience their first powwow.

Though Friday was rainy and cool, Saturday dawned clear and pleasant. Early risers had the chance to visit several of the

Lakota boy dances fancy dance in the powwow. — A St. Joseph’s student dances in the 39th Annual Powwow.

homes on campus to see where our students live. Prior to the Grand Entry, several of our grass dancers came out to bless the powwow grounds. The Grand Entry began with a presentation of the colors, which all veterans present were invited to take part in. The veterans in attendance were followed by the royalty from other Native American tribes and entities in the area and the many dancers who had come to take part in the powwow.

It is interesting to note that 102 St. Joseph’s students took part in the various dance categories, which enabled them to win some categories and place in others. The weather was wonderful, the colors magnificent and the dance moves intricate. Returning alumni were honored. Guests were invited to take part in tribal dances which are open to anyone in attendance.

We culminated the day with Mass at Our Lady of the Sioux Chapel and a complimentary meal prior to announcing the winners of the dance contests and drum competition. As things wound down, there were many compliments and ‘ohs’ and ‘ahs’ over what had taken place that afternoon.

We were honored to have so many guests, dancers, drum groups and staff all interacting in an enjoyable manner to make this one of the best powwows yet! If you would like to see some of what happened, you can take a look at the video one of our staff members put together.

We were blessed to have great weather on Saturday and we thank you for your prayers to help make that possible. I’m sure that many of those attending this year are already looking ahead to 2016. As a quick reminder, St. Joseph’s annual powwow always takes place the third weekend in September. We look forward to many powwows in the future and hope you can join us!

Fr. Anthony Kluckman, SCJ

Chaplain

It’s a busy week at St. Joseph’s!

Good morning from a rainy St. Joseph’s Indian School!

Talk about weather changing quickly. On Saturday we were dealing with 100 degree weather, but today is overcast, cool and rainy.

This week, our 5^th graders are taking part in a STARBASE program. STARBASE is an interactive program that works to motivate young students to explore the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) curriculum. On Monday, the students worked in groups to protect their astronaut, Eggbert during his travel on a rocket. In the afternoon, the group launched their ‘Eggbert’ space shuttles down a line to see if their protection was enough for Eggbert the Egg to survive.

Yesterday, the students spent part of the morning shooting rockets while learning about 45 and 90 degree angles. In the afternoon, the students ‘Popped the Fizz.’ This project had the students use an Alka Seltzer tablet and water to see how high they could get the capsule to shoot vertically in a 200cm tube. By tinkering with water and size of the Alka Seltzer, they discovered very quickly that they could adjust the height of their tablet’s journey up the tube.

Young boy sits in cockpit of plane. — Our students always enjoy visiting Ellsworth Air Force Base!

The students will continue doing activities for the remainder of the week. Their week will culminate with a field trip to Ellsworth Air Force Base near Rapid City, South Dakota on Friday.

This past weekend, many of the Residential Homes enjoyed American Island Days, sponsored by the local community of Chamberlain. Some of the activities our students took part in were inflatables and carnival games, a car show, laser tag and National Guard boat. The day ended with a showing of JAWS along the river bank so that you could watch on a lawn chair or, for the brave, sit in the water.

The students will have the opportunity to have their hearing tested as a van from the School for the Deaf will be on campus Thursday.

It has been wonderful to see the Lakota students back on campus. We are looking forward to our upcoming powwow on Saturday, September 19, 2015. You can find more about the many activities taking place September 17-19 here.

We hope you have a wonderful week. We continue to keep you in our prayers, thanking the Great Spirit for your generosity that enables our students to benefit from the programs we are able to offer.

Fr. Anthony Kluckman, SCJ

Chaplain

A final farewell

Sunday, July 28

My bags are packed and it is time for me to leave St. Joseph Indian School. I move on to new challenges and adventures that await me in the role of Provincial Superior of the Priests of the Sacred Heart.

Last week, I met a few of the new staff taking part in the LSCI (Life Space Crisis Intervention) training. All the new staff will be on campus Monday for their weeklong orientation. All our Child Services staff gathers on August 5 for training and preparation for the school year. Then comes my favorite day of the year (this year Sunday August 11)… when the homes open and the Lakota students begin returning!

I enjoy reconnecting with students and hearing about their summer. I check in with St. Joseph’s teachers and houseparents after their break. I will miss that day very much. I’ll miss getting to know the 40-something new students we’ve accepted into our program. I’ll miss working with our creative and passionate staff.

A college football coach was talking on Sportscenter the other night about his efforts at rebuilding. He had a great senior class, and this year’s incoming freshmen will have some big shoes to fill

“Seniors graduate every year . . . but the legacy continues”

The same is true here. Students and staff will move on, but St. Joseph’s Indian School not only endures, it thrives. We have a great tradition and legacy here. I am grateful and blessed to have been part of it for the past nine years.

My last events were a mass Saturday evening and a social afterward in the Rec Center. I’ve had a host of farewells these past couple of weeks, and shed more than a few tears. The tears are both sadness at parting and joy from all that we’ve experienced and accomplished together. I felt a sense of joy for a last celebration, hug, or memory with people I’ve shared so much with.

We wrapped up shortly before 10. The sky outside was still a warm red and purple, lingering colors from a gorgeous sunset over the Missouri River. I will miss those spectacular sunsets. The fountain in front of the Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center was still running, and the sound of water very soothing.

Our SCJ Founder, Leo John Dehon had a favorite scripture – Ecce Venio – Behold, I come to do your will O God.

In the quiet of the night, alone in the parking lot with just me and the Creator, I felt a deep sense of peace.

Difficult as it is to leave, I’ve come to a place of acceptance. I am ready to move on, looking forward to the next time I’ll return to enjoy all the amazing staff and students who grace this campus.

God Bless you always!

Fr. Steve

A visit to Michigan and Indiana

We just finished our donor luncheons in Grand Rapids, Michigan and Merrillville, Indiana! Our two Lakota (Sioux) students who told folks about their life at St. Joseph’s were Selena, who just graduated from eighth grade and will enter Chamberlain High School in the fall, and Chandler, who just finished her seventh grade year.

St. Joseph’s students and staff visited Chicago after a donor luncheon. — On the shores of Lake Michigan.

When I asked the girls to share about their hopes and dreams for the future, Selena spoke about going into law enforcement to help make life better for the people at home – the Lower Brule Indian Reservation.

Chandler shared that she wanted to go into nursing, possibly as a midwife. Then she added that a dream of hers was to attend college at the University of Notre Dame. On the way from Michigan to Merrillville, we took a slight detour, and went to South Bend!

The university was a lot bigger than she imagined. Rather than scaring her off, this excited her more!

Whether or not Notre Dame becomes her final decision, when our Native American youngsters talk about college, we try to encourage them to think big and then to prepare themselves by working hard.

We took a few pictures by the Golden Dome, and bought some souvenirs in the bookshop.

Our time in Michigan included a visit to the Gerald Ford presidential museum, just a few blocks from our hotel. In the evening, we ate at a fun family center that included a pizza buffet, go-carts and bumper car rides. Selena was the daring racer who lapped everyone else, flying by with the biggest grin on her face!

After our luncheon on Sunday, we headed up to Chicago. My religious community’s formation house is in Chicago, and with students gone for the summer, there was plenty of room to make that our home base. We spent the next day touring the Windy City.

I attended college and graduate school in Chicago, so know and love the city well. It’s always fun to see the sights anew through the eyes of newcomers, and Selena and Chandler were enchanted everywhere they turned. We spent the evening touring the Hyde Park neighborhood, including the University of Chicago and getting our feet wet in Lake Michigan. Even on a hot summer’s day, the water is always icy cold. Then, we picked up some deep dish Chicago pizza and came home to enjoy the feast.

Monday, we made our way around the loop, and up the Magnificent Mile. As we walked past a silver statue, the street performer came to life and jumped up next to Selena, who almost jumped over the Wrigley Building!

They laughed and got their picture taken with him. Lunch was at Ed Debevic’s. At first, the girls didn’t know what to make of the intentionally rude waiters. But they laughed and enjoyed the outing, especially when our server sang and danced on the table. We made our way to Lincoln Park Zoo. Our staff members were surprised that such a nice a zoo could be free, and enjoyed the lovely scenery and animal antics.

The Native American students took in all the sights of the city, including street performers. — Selena and Chandler were startled by a street performer.

Besides the girls’ first plane ride on the trip out, they also experienced their first city bus and subway/el rides, and then took a spin on the Navy Pier Ferris Wheel for a great view of the city. The best view we had was standing by Buckingham Fountain in the evening, with patriotic music playing, the mist shooting high into the night, and the city lit up all around us.

These were my last two donor luncheons. Most folks have gotten word via email that I will be moving on at the end of the month, so the days were nostalgic and bittersweet. I got so many hugs and congratulations, and cherished the people who care so much about St. Joseph’s Indian School and want to make sure the good work continues. With our committed, passionate staff, I assured them that it would. There are no doubt greater and more exciting things to come after I’ve completed my time there.

I have truly loved and enjoyed the chance to meet the people across the country who make the work we do at St. Joseph’s Indian School possible. So many folks make great sacrifices that allow us to run our programs. So many people have never gotten the opportunity to visit up close and personal, so it is a joy to let them meet the students and find out more about all we’re doing.

Besides being a blessing to the school, our donors have been a blessing to me personally.

Many folks have been praying for my health. A week ago, I was back at Mayo Clinic for my 6-month check in with the oncologists. I’m happy to report a continuing clean bill of health. After running the comprehensive battery of tests, the doctor told me that I can now wait a full year before needing to come back – thanks be to God!

The Lakota students took in the sights and had Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. — The girls get their first glimpse of Chicago-style deep-dish pizza!

Openness to the Spirit

Last week in Wisconsin was both affirming and emotional. My religious order, the Priests of the Sacred Heart, held our election assembly for new leadership, and my brothers in the community asked me to become the next Provincial Superior.

I was honored to be chosen, though know the position also carries a lot of responsibilities. The hard emotional part for me is that this means finishing up my time at St. Joseph’s Indian School as Director. By August, I will be leaving South Dakota and no longer involved in the day-to-day running of the school. I will become a member of the Board of Directors, however, which will give me good reason to come back to visit a couple times each year and help set direction in a broad way.

So many of our staff were praying I would NOT be elected, but religious life calls for openness to the Spirit. When I first came to St. Joseph’s eight and a half years ago, I was sad to leave parish work on the Lower Brule and Crow Creek Indian Reservations. But I trusted, and my time at St. Joseph’s has been such an amazing blessing in surprising and unexpected ways.

I will enter into the new role with the same faith and trust and enthusiasm.

One of my main responsibilities will be personnel. My first difficult task will be to call forth good leadership to follow here at St. Joseph’s. We don’t have a successor named yet, and it will take some time to get the right people in place. In the interim, I know staff here have a clear sense of our mission and purpose, and lots of work and vision still to be done with our strategic plan. They will press on in the right direction regardless.

Today at mass, I saw the Native American students who are in the summer High School Prep Program, and I got teary-eyed thinking about the day I will have to say goodbye to them. A couple of them were first graders when I arrived, and we have so many memories together.

Every year we say goodbye to our students as they move on, hopefully prepared to make their way in the world. It will be so different with me doing the leaving… But, the Lakota people don’t really say goodbye. They say doksa, which means until we see each other again. During the time between, they will be kept close in my heart and prayers.

I will also miss the incredible interaction with our donors. A few stopped by the Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center today, tickled to finally see campus and get a better idea of what we do at St. Joseph’s. We have a wide and generous circle of friends that make what we do possible. Their interest, support and prayers inspire all of us to work hard to make the difference we believe we are making.