Fr. Steve’s updates – Page 63 – St. Joseph's Indian School

Visions for St. Joseph’s future

Today I showed up for a meeting in the Development office and was the only one in the conference room … until I realized I was a half hour early!

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Often I get tied up with something around campus and run late for the next meeting. Today I showed up for a meeting in the Development office and was the only one in the conference room … until I realized I was a half hour early!

It gave me a good chance to walk around the office and check up on the many folks who work year round to handle bills and payroll, send out and answer mail, and try to answer the questions and needs of our donors.

The meeting was with the architect who is working on possibilities for our proposed alumni and historical center and museum storage addition. She presented three plans, and during the discussion we took elements of each and shifted the location to a different side of the museum so she can start drafting the fourth plan.

Her assistant just got his degree and joined their firm a month ago. I enjoyed watching how quickly he could use the computer program and shift things around and project them on the screen to give us immediate 3D visuals. One dream is to also think about adding an events center that would accommodate all our students and staff together, or be used to host public events. The project is still a couple of years off, and we have to see how much we can afford.

In the afternoon we started to have some power outages. First only my phone and computer went out, so I tackled a pile of letters on my desk. Next the lights went out, but I was able to keep going by the natural light. It’s amazing how quiet the office is without phones or electricity, and I secretly enjoyed the solitude.

This is the year we soar to new heights!

Ironically, I thought about my leg; I’d be happy to get back to my old heights. That will take slow and steady efforts.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Our Child Services Team (CST) gathered around the table for the first time in about a month to give each other updates about all that has been happening over the past month.

During the year we meet weekly, but less frequently during the summer months. Still a lot happens.

Mike, our Executive Director, put out a theme: “This is the year we soar to new heights!” Ironically, I thought about my leg; I’d be happy to get back to my old heights. That will take slow and steady efforts. But so will improving our programs to help the students thrive and grow.

Our principal, Kathleen, shared the highlights of a presentation she has prepared to help staff see the difference between a residential school and a day school. Because the students are here around the clock, we are their primary adult relationships during this time in their lives. When we can get the homes and school and counselors working together on the same page with integrated services, we have an opportunity to reach kids in a way that other schools cannot.

Our Admission’s committee met again and accepted more students; we are down to our last few openings. It’s hard to get the right balance of students for the homes. We have a shortage of 4th and 5th grade boys, but have to put many junior high girls on the waiting list. It can vary so much from year to year. We’ve prioritized children in each age group who we will accept if other students don’t come back, and the committee will meet throughout the year as needed whenever there are new openings.

We’re expanding to five high school homes this year. Although they will not all be completely filled, we have our biggest group of high school students projected at 48!

Preparing for our Lakota youth

Today was another office day. Besides meetings, visits and phone calls, there’s a big chunk of time as an administrator that is taken up with reading.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Today was another office day. Besides meetings, visits and phone calls, there’s a big chunk of time as an administrator taken up with reading.

Our high school staff sent me the student guidelines they’ve been working on to review. The guidelines cover topics such as:

study expectations,
student bill of rights,
curfews,
allowance and
drug and alcohol policy.

I only see four changes in the 40 page document; staff does a thorough job each year of reviewing our policies and updating and changing where necessary. I appreciate the efforts of our team who work with the guidelines and suggest improvements for our work here at St. Joseph’s.

The auditors have been in the office wrapping up the fiscal year, and our preliminary reports are in. Overall, we were blessed even during these hard economic times. We spent less than we budgeted, and received more than our expenses. That enables us to put money aside for a rainy day … and continue our renovations. Besides the bottom line, each number in a budget report can indicate areas that are on target or need looking at. I’m grateful staff here are conscientious about staying within their own budget.

For our continuing education, our Child Services Team is recommending we read the book No Such Thing as a Bad Kid by Charlie Appelstein. Some of our students come with tough issues to deal with in their lives. While most days it’s easier to love them; some days can be very trying. The author gives many practical suggestions about what to say and do when young people act out. If we can stop from overreacting, those events can lead to greater dialogue and get at the root of what might be troubling a child. We want to stop bad behaviors, while nurturing what the child needs in the long run.

St. Joseph’s students to return in three weeks

I’ve been told by several staff members that I’m walking a lot better now. Another told me that my smile was back the way it used to be, which is an even better sign.

Monday, July 26, 2010

I worked from 8:30 to 5:00 today at the office. Countless people do that day after day; but for me it was a small triumph and sign that I’m getting my energy back. Hopefully there are more of those days to come, because school begins three weeks from today. We still have a lot of work to prepare for our student’s arrival.

I find that I can put up with the pain in the foot a lot easier when I’m able to be up and about and doing things on campus. While I may not notice progress, I’ve been told by several staff members that I’m walking a lot better now. Another told me that my smile was back the way it used to be, which is an even better sign.

When I went to the clinic today I took the stairs instead of the elevator – another small triumph. I had my blood checked for the first time in 4 weeks. The clotting factor had dropped a little on the low side, so they made a slight increase in the strength of my prescription. They tell me that it’s an ‘inexact science’ and they have to continue checking and adjusting.

“Big city” shopping

The hour drive each way was actually quite relaxing, and I listened to CD’s that friends had sent. I’m eclectic in my musical tastes and listened to church music, Columbian Cumbias and traditional Hawaiian songs.

Sunday, July 25, 2010

I like to shop local, but there are always a few things that I can’t get in Chamberlain, South Dakota. Every so often I take a trip to the “Big City” (in this case Mitchell, population 14,000) to stock up on supplies.

This was my first shopping spree since I had the surgery two months ago … so my list had grown. Pushing a shopping cart around the big box stores is not as much fun when your leg hurts, but after a couple of stops I managed to fill the cart with the things I needed.

In the evening, Lou – former student and parishioner – dropped by. He heard I was recovering and wanted to see how I was doing. After we chatted a while he said it had been many years since he’d been back, so we took a tour around campus. I learned many things from him, especially how the dorms were set up during the time before we had homes.

Answered prayers

I took it easy today, and spent most of my time at home, puttering around with different odds and ends. In the evening I drove 40 miles to the parish in Stephan for mass.

Saturday, July 24, 2010

I took it easy today, spending most of my time at home puttering around with different odds and ends. In the evening I drove 40 miles to the parish in Stephan for mass. My former parishioners have let me know they’ve been praying hard for my recovery. This was a good time to join them for prayer. Being with them in person reassured them that our prayers are being answered.

It had been a while since I’d been to church there. As the families continue to grow and flourish I saw several new babies that I had to get introduced to – new life for the families and continued life for the church.

Walking for cancer – a whole new meaning

Last year was the first time I was able to participate as a supporter, and was very moved by the whole event. Little did I imagine that one year later I’d be wearing a survivor’s shirt.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Today was a memorable day in three ways:

Brother Clay’s vow renewal
Shooting a TV interview
Taking part in Chamberlain’s Relay for Life

Brother Clay renews annual vows
When first joining the SCJ’s, one must profess annual vows for at least three years before being eligible for Final Vows. This gives you the chance to really decide if this vocation is where you find meaning and are fulfilled.

This morning we went to the downtown parish for mass, and were joined by two of the SCJ priests in Lower Brule as well. Before Fr. Bill, Clay renewed his vows and prayed an act of oblation. Watching his fervor, I prayed that I can recapture more of the passion I had in my early days; to give myself more fully to God. Afterward we all went out to breakfast at Casey’s restaurant.

Brule band member visits St. Joseph’s
Paul LaRouche of the musical group Brule produces a TV show for RFD TV. It is called Hidden Heritage. Paul is from the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. He was adopted as an infant, and never knew of his heritage and roots until he was an adult. His show highlights positive projects and people in Indian country.

Brule performs around the country, and Paul has been asked many times about
St. Joseph Indian School. He figured what we do here would make an interesting feature. Paul has known about St. Joseph’s since childhood – remembering pictures stuck to the refrigerator in his home.

We sat outside to take advantage of the lovely day, and Paul put me right at ease during the interview. I gave an overview of our programs. We don’t have many students on campus these last weeks of summer, but three of our high school students who are working here were able to show him around and talk about their experience.

When we were touring the museum, visitors found out who Paul was. There were a few who immediately bought one of his CD’s to have autographed.

Chamberlain’s Relay for Life
The last event of the day was the Relay for Life … to remember those who have died from cancer and celebrate those who have survived. Last year was the first time I was able to participate as a supporter, and was very moved by the whole event. Little did I imagine that one year later I’d be wearing a survivor’s shirt and walking the first lap with others who have done battle with cancer and come out on top.

The festivities were cut short when a big storm rolled in and sent everyone scattering for cover. We got pea and marble sized hail and heavy winds. A full but wonderful day all around.

Fr. Steve walking at the Relay for Life — Fr. Steve walking during Friday's Relay for Life photo courtesy of Chamberlain/Oacoma Sun

Helping children and youth flourish

I used to walk to church every day, but now it takes too long, and I miss not being about to leisurely soak in the break of morn. I also mourn the limits of not walking as well as I would like.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

I drove to mass this morning with the windows rolled down; the land smelled fresh and new after a heavy night’s rain. I used to walk to church every day, but now it takes too long, and I miss not being about to leisurely soak in the break of morn. I also mourn the limits of not walking as well as I would like.

I only had one meeting today. I spent a lot of time in the office to begin working on schedules and calendar events. The new school year isn’t that far away.

For the last 6 months, it really has been one day at a time. But I’m starting to think long term again – in a good and healthy way. When I’m aware of important events coming down the road, I am more likely to do the preparation that makes them more successful.

This evening the folks in our dining hall held a baby shower for a couple on staff who recently had twins. Karla works in the kitchen; Brenton in our Rec Center. The girls were born two months early, spending their first five weeks in the hospital. They’re tiny, but lovely. I think of babies as one of God’s greatest miracles. Yet I also see their dependence and remember the responsibility it puts on all of us to build a society where all children (and adults, too!) can flourish.

Sharing our struggles

I called Fr. Jim, a fellow SCJ, to check in. He’s been of great support during this time of illness and recuperation.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Sharon, a friend of one of our houseparents, dropped in to share an idea. She had the text from the apology to American Indians Congress passed in December. What she has done with people is gather them together, read through what is said, and then talk about it as a group. Folks were encouraged to share their reaction.

There were tears, a little anger, but mostly gratitude for a new beginning. It may work out well to do something similar with our older students … to make them aware of the past, but also present efforts at healing and reconciliation.

Last night my leg was hurting and I didn’t sleep well. That turned my post lunch siesta into a three hour deep sleep that I needed; but that shot the entire afternoon. I just have to pay attention to what my body needs and accept it when I’m forced to slow down.

I called Fr. Jim, a fellow SCJ, to check in. He’s been of great support during this time of illness and recuperation. I can be honest with him about the times I lack energy and motivation. Ironically, it helps rekindle the fire within. We all need people with whom we can share the struggles.

Welcoming St. Joseph’s visitors

I started the day at the eye doctor for my bi-annual exam. I wondered if the surgery or medications would have any effect on my eyesight.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

I started the day at the eye doctor for my bi-annual exam. I wondered if the surgery or medications would have any effect on my eyesight. I’m happy to report I got a clean bill of health there … nice to know part of me is still in good working order.

Part of small town life is many people know your story. I didn’t know the technician very well who first saw me, but she didn’t have to ask if I’d had any changes in my health history. She knew all about the cancer because I’d been on their prayer list at church.

Later in the day, some visitors stopped in at the museum. One couple from Ohio had called ahead weeks ago and I planned time to see them. Another group from Tennessee just dropped in and toured the museum and campus until I was done with afternoon meetings.

People ask such insightful questions about our school and programs when they visit and appreciate seeing where their donations go. One of the folks from Tennessee – fairly new to St. Joseph’s – said, “I had to see if it was real.”

Because of distance so many of our donors don’t get the chance to see the campus up close and personal. But we enjoy seeing folks who are able to make the trek.