St. Joseph's Indian School

Sunday, December 12, 2010

I joined the Rooney home for lunch after mass. Some of their weekend they had spent “super-charging” the home, cleaning extra before getting ready to leave on Christmas break on Friday. Lot of the boys are big sports fans, and wanted me to look at their collection of football and basketball cards.

I got called to the Giles Home (High School girls) where one of the moms had come to tell her daughter that her step-father had died in a car accident. As pastor, I regularly spent time in prayer and conversation with grieving families. We talked about memories, worries, plans and hopes. The Giles Home put together a big box of food for the family to take home, as they face the task of feeding the many visitors who will drop by.

When the mom asked what kind of counseling St. Joseph’s has for her daughter, I explained that the Family Service Counselors, houseparents and Pastor Care would work together and all be available as time unfolds. Grief takes a long time, and we are prepared to help our students through these troubling times.

Today was our last day for boys inter-city basketball play. The four teams played a tournament to crown the champion. One team finished the season undefeated, and another winless. With the goals of sportsmanship, self improvement and having fun, everyone played. At the tournament’s completion, awards were announced. Each team had two boys chosen who worked hard and showed team spirit.

 

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Parts east of us really got socked with snow. We had a 2 foot ridge in front of Central Offices, and higher drifts in the courtyard between the school and the homes, which always seems to be a good trap for the snow. But our crew was out by 9:30 and as the winds died down the campus quickly got cleared for both foot and car traffic.

Today’s Christmas Store was a success, as our students did their holiday “shopping” for their families. Each home had 20 minutes to shop as each student had a book of tickets they could exchange for various items. Cathy and Glenda saved some of the nicer donated items for the occasion – from clothes and toys, to costume jewelry and lotions for the students to choose from. The baby clothes for younger brothers and sisters at home were especially popular, but the students needed some help from caring adults to help figure out what size might be appropriate. Unlike some of the big department stores, we don’t have the luxury of being able to come back and exchange it for a different size.

When they finished picking out presents, they moved down to the Skate Room where Santa was waiting. Jim, one of our houseparent, jovially played the role for the day. Some of the youngest kids whispered in his ear about what they hoped to get for themselves. Then they got some holiday goodies donated and baked by staff, and went to one of the wrapping stations where our staff and High School students were waiting to help them.

I relaxed by going downtown to the movies tonight. Knowing the price of a ticket in bigger cities, I feel spoiled by the State Theater in Chamberlain, where a Saturday night move costs $4.50, and pop and popcorn a buck apiece! Most of the junior high homes were there to see the latest Harry Potter movie. A good number of our students have read through the books. Since it was the first Harry Potter movie for some of the houseparents, the students had to fill them in on the back-story.

 

Friday, December 10, 2010

A day of sorrow, and a day of joy.

Daily we remember in prayer all our deceased benefactors, and their loved ones who grieve their loss. Today death hit closer to home. The husband of one of our staff members died. A 14 month battle with cancer came to an end today for Bob. Our prayers and condolences certainly go out to the family. His wife Glenda has spent many years sorting out all the clothes and boxes that are sent to St. Joseph’s.

This evening, in a ceremony downtown at St. James church, our Rec Center coordinator Bryan was married to Melissa. A nice crowd of fellow employees celebrated with the happy couple, and our chaplain Fr. Anthony presided over the ceremony. I got off easy and only had to say the meal grace at the reception. I enjoy such gatherings because I get to meet extended family, and discover kinship relations between people I know, and make new connections as well. After the toasts from the maid of honor and best man, some friends lit a fireworks display outside the banquet hall windows – a first with a wedding for me.

 

Thursday, December 9, 2010

While in the big city (Sioux Falls) I used the morning for shopping. When you’re a priest, some of your personal shopping is very simplified. I picked up a couple of black clergy shirts, and will retire the two oldest and most worn ones. I stopped at the store where I always get black pants, and will work two new pairs into the rotation. My sisters always accused me of being fashion challenged, so the choice of basic black makes my life less complicated.

When I shop for gifts and other purchases, I usually know what I’m looking for before I go, and map out which stores I need to visit. One clerk saw me with pencil and paper crossing off a purchase and remarked, “Now there’s a man with a plan”!

 When I got back to St. Joseph’s, the quickest way to spread the health news was to send out an email to everyone at the same time. Within minutes I had dozens of, “Hoorays”, “Greats”  and “Boring is Good.” My favorite quick hit was “We’re glad you’re boring”!

Girls basketball season drew to a close tonight. Our 7^th and 8^th graders were on the road and our 4^th and 5^th grade girls played at home. Our 6^th graders finished last night, held a pizza party to pass out awards and wrap up their season. Our coaches do a good job of getting playing time for everyone and teaching and encouraging.

I had to go to the Sheehy Home (boys High School) to check out the Buffalo hide they are working on. The Lower Brule tribe culls a few animals from its herd each year, and after a hunt our students were given the chance to learn to prepare the hide. It was stretched out in the garage, and the work of scraping and salting took lots of elbow grease. With final exams just a few days away, it wasn’t exactly the best timing for the project. But our students made the time to help because such work helps reinforce tradition and express culture.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Boring news. The doctors didn’t find anything wrong and told me to come back in April for the next check up! That’s the word we’ve all been hoping and praying for. Both the oncologist and radiologists said that I’ve made great progress in the six months since surgery.

Myxoid Lipo-Sarcoma is a fairly rare form of cancer. While there are no signs of it now, the danger is its potential for of recurring. Rather than talking about a cure, we have to keep watching closely, and I have to learn to live with that degree of uncertainty. I can let it drive me crazy, or I can wake up each day and thank God for the gift and try to make the most out of it. I was certainly filled with lots of gratitude today.

While eating breakfast and reading the paper, I got to meet bishop Quinn, who came to the parish for the Holy Day mass at the parish High School. He promised to remember me in his prayers, so I felt a special blessing to start the day. For the Immaculate Conception Holy Day I concelebrated the noon mass in the parish which drew a good crowd. South Dakota is a small state and afterward several people with roots there came up to me to chat. One has an aunt in Chamberlain that I know well. Another attended a funeral of a relative in Stephan, and we realized we had met there before. Small world.

I left for Sioux Falls late in the afternoon after my last consultation.  I again spent some drive time in prayer, thankful for the doctors, medicine, and prayers and support of so many people. Then I turned on the radio and sang along with all the songs I knew with lots of joy and gusto as the miles passed quickly by.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Today was a day of tests, and waiting, since I won’t meet with my doctors until tomorrow. The CT scan took the longest because I had to  drink a few bottles of liquid and wait for that to settle to help the tests show the contrast. When I entered the main clinic building, a pianist was playing lovely Christmas carols that lifted my spirits and put me in a holiday frame of mind.

I concelebrated the noon mass at the local parish where I’m staying. After mass, two woman came up and introduced themselves. One is a donor to St. Joseph’s who has been praying for me all along. The other used to be a donor, but moved away from South Dakota many years ago and lost touch with the school. She gave me a check for the school and wants again to be reconnected. I am amazed at the web of care, which exists for St. Joseph’s almost anywhere I go in the country.

The priests at the local parish offered hospitality, and the rectory felt much more like home than staying in a hotel. I used part of the day for window shopping and walking. It felt good to stretch the legs out after the long ride in the car. I used a good part of the day for more solitary pursuits, and had quality times to pray and read.

Monday, December 6, 2010

 A fog rolled in overnight, and left our trees covered in a frost that made for a morning winter wonderland. The evergreens all looked like they had been flocked, in a way better than any department store display. What a nice way to kick off St. Nicolas Day!

One of our alumni, who now works in a state office called. She remembers how special Christmas was during her days at St. Joseph’s, and wanted in turn, to do something for the children. Her office decided to adopt one of our homes and put together Christmas packages for the entire group. Many people are thinking about us as Christmas nears.

Today was our biggest mail day of the season, and staff is still sorting all the letters and cards that arrived. I am grateful to the generous folks who think about us this time of year, and in an ongoing way throughout the year. We will work hard to thank folks promptly, and answer questions that come in.

I drove 6 hours to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester for my 6 month checkup which will unfold over the next couple of days. I took time for heartfelt prayer in the car on the quiet and lonely roads. In my previous trips to Rochester, I’ve felt a sense of dread and sadness. A few times, I even felt nauseous remembering the chemotherapy. Tonight, was the first time I felt a total sense of peace. Maybe it was the Christmas lights lining the downtown streets. More likely it was a sense of gratitude for how far I’ve come in a short, though, intense year. I actually see myself in a better place spiritually than a year ago. I continue to hope and pray the physical comes along as well.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Lots of activities were packed into the day. At morning mass we had a ceremony, the Rite of Acceptance, for those students going through our baptismal preparation program. As I made the sign of the cross over students’ ears,  eyes and lips I thought there would be more giggling, like in the practice. But all of the students took it seriously. In their own way they understood that we are trying to serve God with our hands,  voices and hearts, and our entire selves belong to God. The students who decide to complete the program will be baptized in May, with a family retreat and other rituals along the way. My hope is that by doing rituals and ceremony over the course of the year, it helps the meaning sink in more deeply and help them grow in faith.

In the afternoon, about two dozen of our girls took part in the Dancing Dolls recital. It’s so great to see our students dancing side by side with girls from town. It’s a lovely start to get them interested in dance, and overcome shyness about getting in front of a crowd to perform. Lots of family members came to cheer them on and watch. For a variety of reasons, there are always a few of our kids who have no family members able to see them perform. That’s why it’s so important for caring adults from St. Joseph’s to show up in support.

In the evening, our 8^th grade class took part in a “We The People” competition. They’ve been studying a special unit on the U.S. Constitution and presented prepared answers on a variety of topics about our laws and government. The initial presentations

were very good. Where our students faltered was when the judges asked follow-up questions. It’s hard for many middle school students to put into their own words what they have written about in a report, and we’ll need to do more work on that for next time. For tribal people who have such a complex relationship with the federal government, it is of even more importance for the upcoming generation to understand about the federal system of laws. I was glad our students got the experience, and hope it stirs further learning.

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Our 8^th grade girls hosted a four team basketball tournament and I stopped by the gym to watch some of the action. Our girls lost the first game, but came back in the 2^nd for a third place finish. Towards the end of the early game, Erin had been hustling and playing very hard, but fouled out. She went to the bench in tears, feeling she had let her teammates and everyone down. Afterwards I pulled her aside, and told her that I know how bad it feels when you foul out. But I appreciated how much heart she showed by her intensity on the court. It’s better to foul out trying, than to stay in the game and not help your team by taking it easy. Probably a good lesson about life there too.

Three of our girls’ homes are taking part in tomorrow’s Dancing Dolls recital. Most parents can handle one or two hairdo’s, but since our houseparents have 10 or 12 to do in the morning, they asked if we could have a special mass tonight to give them more time to get ready. I like when we can pray with smaller groups, and we had about 30 staff and students together in the small chapel. The girls took all the readings, and helped serve and bring up the gifts.

 

Friday, December 3, 2010

One of our alumni dropped off some scholarship papers. He wanted a letter of recommendation for a scholarship offered by the Daughters of the American Revolution. I didn’t associate that organization with scholarships geared toward Native American youth, and was pleased to find out about it. There are many charitable organizations that offer assistance to our college students. I keep telling our students they will be able to find scholarships for college as long as they prepare themselves to handle the studies. Making sure our students are prepared for higher learning is an ongoing challenge and priority for St. Joseph’s Indian School.

Brother Duane, one of our SCJ formation directors in Chicago, came out for Brother Clay’s year-end evaluation. We have all enjoyed Clay’s presence in the school and community, and will be sorry when it comes time for him to return to his own schooling in just a few weeks. I tell anyone I supervise, and not to expect any surprises in an evaluation. I bring up the issues and topics we’ve been discussing all along. I have a soft heart, but can be critical in a constructive way because that’s how we improve. I praise where praise is due, and point out areas of growth and change that are needed. All three of us came away from the evaluation feeling good about the discussion.

We have 20 students participating in our baptismal preparation program. Five of the students are grades 4-6, and the rest are about evenly split between 2^nd and 3^rd graders. Sunday they will go through the Rite of Acceptance in the RCIC (Rite of Christian Initiation of Children) so after school we had a practice. One of the rituals calls for a signing of the senses, making the sign of the cross over the eyes, ears, lips, heart, shoulders and feet.  I felt the teacher in me,  helping them articulate why we pray for those senses to be blessed. The language about the yoke on the shoulders was harder for them to understand, but they could all relate to the concept of helping to shoulder the load because all of them help out in the home with their cleaning and responsibilities. But my favorite reply came from 2^nd grader Leola, who said we bless the shoulders, “So we can give hugs”! I definitely felt a spiritual hug and deeper sense of my own faith from her inspiration.