Greetings from a weather-beaten state,
We have had tornadoes, hail and very heavy rain in South Dakota. Wessington Springs, which is about 60 miles northeast of us, was recently hit by a tornado that destroyed
several houses and businesses. Areas just to our north had some weather activity that knocked down storage silos.
Thankfully, Chamberlain has been spared the very dangerous storms. Our prayers are with those who have not been so fortunate.
Already this summer, we have had lots of visitors at the Akta Lakota Museum and Cultural Center browsing the museum, historical center a gift shop. It’s a pleasure to visit with them – some have been contributing to St. Joseph’s for many years and for some it is their first visit.
Those who have been here before are amazed at the changes that have taken place on campus, including now complete home renovations and the addition of the Tokéya uŋkí nájiŋpi (We Stood Here in the Beginning) Historical & Alumni Center.
All these projects, as well as the programs and necessities we provide for the Lakota children, are accomplished through your generosity. We’re so grateful!
If you are coming through South Dakota this summer, please stop in! If you are traveling later in the summer, be sure to attend our annual powwow on September 13.
Other than visitors, the campus has gone a bit silent as Rising Eagle Day Camp has come to an end. All together, 984 Native American children took part in the four-week program, all from the Crow Creek and Lower Brule Indian Reservations.
Pilamaya – thank you – for your support! You helped provide the resources needed to meet the needs of the summer day camp program and made these smiles possible!
With fewer children on campus, St. Joseph’s maintenance crews are making needed repairs in homes and classrooms. New windows are being installed in the Benedictine Homes where our youngest students (grades 1-3) reside.
There is never a dull moment!
We hope you and yours will have a wonderful week and that God’s blessings may continue to be with you always.
Fr. Anthony Kluckman, SCJ
Chaplain
Thank God, our prayers for protection were answered!
Congratulations on the expansion of the Akta Lakota Museum. We don’t travel much these days but would love to make another visit someday. Our last was about 2004 or so.
the Northcutts, Missouri
Thank you for your prayers and kindness!
Reading your post and seeing your photos makes me feel as if I were there at the museum all over again. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the St. Joseph School late April 2012 and wish we could be there more often.
The kids were absolute GEMS!!!
Y’all keep up the fine work!
Thank you Deli – how wonderful that you were able to visit!
Oh, absolutely! We can hardly wait to go back. In fact, we’re seriously considering attending the powwow; but it’s the same day as the consecration of the new altar at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral back home (Brownsville, TX). Decisions, decisions!
Thanks Deli – that would be a hard decision! If you decide to attend, you can register at http://www.stjo.org/powwow.
Thank you so much!
how much dose it cost 4 your books?
You can see the books we have available through the Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center at http://shopping.aktalakota.org/browse.cfm/books/2,15.html.
Thank you for the update. Ft. Anthony. Thanks be to God that you all were spared the bunt of these storms. I pray for those that have been affected. Hope some day to make a visit. God Bless you all!
Thank you Toni! When the time comes, take a look at http://www.stjo.org/visit. There’s lots of helpful information!
Fr. Anthony,
Think about creating a satellite location for your school. It’s not uncommon to have more than one location (in another State); this would be a good backdrop in the case of future disasters.
Should you need help, I am a ‘Referral Associate’ Broker and will find you the right agent.
Don’t forget, as I understand it, the ‘Blessed Mother’ is the Patroness Saint of America!
Thank you for the suggestion Mary!
Beautiful pictures. I’m thankful you were spared from the storms! Theresa
Dear Sir Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I want to know you that if Indian students want to study in your school, how do they study? What is your fees.? What is your admission process for Indinan students.Can you give concession for christian chidren? Please tell me details about your school. Your B. N. Singh Pastor Jehanabad, Bihar, India.
Thank you for your questions Pastor!
Our school is for Native American children in South Dakota. Our students primarily come from situations of extreme poverty and there is no cost for them to attend. You can learn more on our website, http://www.stjo.org.