Fr. Steve’s updates

Saturday, February 27, 2010

While walking around campus today, I saw a truck driving slowly and stopping every so often to point and look at buildings.

I went over to say hello and found out the driver was an alumnus who went to school here in the early 80s and wanted to show his wife and son where he spent a lot of his growing up years.

I offered to let them in and show them around, but they didn’t have a whole lot of time. Just wanted to stop quick and remember. I enjoyed the brief visit and shared recollections.

While I enjoy the work at school with young people, I do miss parish life from time to time.

Before I came to St. Joseph’s, I worked just 30 miles away in churches on the Lower Brule and Crow Creek Reservations.

Today, a couple from Lower Brule celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary and had a reception in town. I joined in the festivities and reconnected with the extended family. I knew many of the friends and neighbors and just spent time working my way around the tables and catching up with folks about their lives.

Some folks knew I’m battling cancer and asked how I was doing. Others saw my balding head and remarked that school must be much more demanding than parish life!

Besides campus staff, I’ve heard from lots of former parishioners who are offering their prayers and support these days.

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. View all posts by St. Joseph's Indian School