God works in the lives of real people

Friday, December 17, 2010

I stayed overnight at one of the Rapid City parish rectories, and enjoyed the camaraderie with the priest there. When I concelebrated the morning mass, Fr. Brian had me read the Gospel – the Genealogy of Jesus from Matthew’s Gospel. There are many tongue twister names in there, but it all shows us that God works in the lives of real people throughout history. And there are even a few black sheep in that family tree, so God can build great things despite our failures.

St. Joseph’s took 2^nd place in the Knowledge Bowl, and I was mighty proud of our team.  The first match of the day was low scoring, and we were behind until late in the game. We eked out a 9-6 win to make the final four. Then, we blew the competition away,  first 17-1 and  then in a rematch with the team that had beaten us earlier, 22-3! In the final, we faced the very strong undefeated team. We stayed close, but in the end fell 18-13. Our one senior, Andrea, carried a lot of the load, but had great help from the rest of her teammates. With the experience the others gained, watch out for our team next year!

The Lakota Nations Invitational is one of my favorite events, because besides all the ballgames, contests, and activities going on, it feels very much like a family reunion. As I wandered the halls of the Civic Center, or dropped in at one of the gyms to catch some of the action on the hardwood, I ran into so many people from my past. It’s a wonderful chance to visit, catch up, reconnect. The three-hour trip home seemed to fly by because of all the memories I carried with me.

I got back home in time for our staff Christmas party. While the High School students are still with us until next Wednesday, this was the last day of school for our elementary school. Most of the houseparents and all the teachers now have 2 weeks off, so there is always a sense of relief and relaxation in the air as Christmas break begins. It’s the one night of the year when people from all the departments get together, and I get to spend some time with people’s spouses or guests that accompany them. We have a nice meal at the local convention center, draw for a few door prizes, give away a star quilt, and spend a relaxing evening together. Tonight we gave away a second Star Quilt to Brother Clay – a going away present before he packs his bags to finish seminary studies in Chicago. Staff enjoyed his presence and encouraged him to think about coming back to work here when he finishes.

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