Fr. Steve’s updates

Sunday, February 7, 2010

I had good energy today. Unfortunately, I know the next wave of chemo will hit soon. But, I also now know my body’s ability to fight back and overcome.

We had our monthly community meeting for the eight members of our Priests of the Sacred Heart community who work in our South Dakota mission. 

Some of us work in Chamberlain, while others tend the needs of the small churches on the Crow Creek and Lower Brule reservations.

It’s a morale boost to share prayer, stories and break bread together.

After our meeting Fr. Bill – who leads the Chamberlain parish – grilled up some brats and burgers … good Super Bowl fare! Even the non-football fans joined in the camaraderie of the game (and the new ads) as we talked and cheered and laughed.

These men have been great help to me by taking turns accompanying me to the doctor and through their prayer and support.

Today was also the first anniversary of a friend’s death, Fr. Justin. He served as my spiritual director and mentor during my seminary studies.

Fr. Justin was also a cancer survivor for many years and kept such a positive attitude about his illness. His other illness lead him to AA where he used his own struggles to reach out to so many trying to find sobriety and peace of mind.

We all face different limits and struggles, but God can find a way to help us be a blessing to others not just in spite of them, but actually through them.

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.

12 thoughts on “Fr. Steve’s updates”

  1. Dear Fr. Steve:
    I just want you to know that you can add me to the list of those praying for you and following your progress. Your note regarding Fr. Justin was very touching. I’ve been thinking about him today as well.
    Take care and know that you are being remembered with prayers and good wishes-
    Kathleen Dahlgren

  2. Hi Steve,

    keep you in my prayers and wish you the energy you need to fight.

    All the best and greetings from Germany
    Fr. Markus

  3. Ya the party is still out of hand here in
    LOUISIANA with The Saint’s winning
    I guess with the troble of the Huricains
    and life being hurt it has helped with people and there faith in God the father
    and in liveing life .

    I am doing that all so and I mite makeing it on the 13 or 14 of march keeping fiath in that .

  4. Father Steve
    Good to see everyone having fun and being together. I see your of good spirits and enjoying the weekend. We had lots of snow in pa. 25-30 inches in a little over a day! My family wishes you the best and I see the kids are doing great. Enjoy the blogs so much. I feel like I get to have a part in a lot of things more so, just me. Have a great week and tell everyone we love them.. God Bless-Mike Clapper and Family!!!

  5. Steve,
    We are praying hard for your full and complete recovery. Soon you to will be able to say you are a cancer survivor!
    God bless you in your ministry.

    Joe and sandy Holmes

  6. You are so right. Adversity does bring out our strengths if we use it that way. I figure that’s the only way to use it. It works. With cancer, I always envisioned being a warrior striking it down at every turn. I know you will come out on the other side of this stronger and better at what you do 🙂

  7. HELLO FROM URIAH ALABAMA. WE HAD 5″ OF SNOW HERE. MY HUSBAND HAS PROSTATE CANCER AND WE COVET YOUR PRAYERS ALSO. GOD IS NOT FINISHED WITH YOU YET, YOU ARE DOING SO MUCH GOOD FOR THESE CHILDREN. WE WILL TRAVEL TO SANFRANCISCO MARCH 8TH TO SEE CANCER DR’S THERE. MUCH LOVE AND PRAYERS FOR YOUR SPEEDY RECOVERY.
    VONCILE PETERS

  8. You remain in my prayers Fr. Steve. On this Ash Wesnesday, may God give you extra strength to keep up the good fight.

    In my prayers and thoughts,
    Joanne Brito, Austin, TX

  9. Father Steve,

    Tonight, February 21tst I will pray the rosary for you speedy recovery. I myself am a cancer serviver. God Bless you and the work you do.

    Take Care,
    bob

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