Friday, October 1, 2010
One of our staff, Avis, retired from her work at the Thrift Store. We held an open house at the store, and lots of people from the school and from town took the time to stop in for punch and cookies, show their appreciation, and wish Avis well in her new adventure. A kind and cheerful person can make such a nice difference no matter what their line of work. We always hate to say goodbye to our staff members, but are happy for them when they move on to something they’re looking forward to.
Today was Chamberlain High School’s Homecoming. Our Royalty from powwow got to ride in the back of a truck, and I met up with them for pictures for the yearbook. Fr. Anthony and I then parked lawn chairs on main street in front of the Catholic Church, joined by Fr. Mark. We had plenty of candy thrown our way, and notepads and other mementos from people campaigning for State office. The church is at the intersection where the parade started and we got a great view of the floats and cars as they loaded up. Our football players rode atop the fire trucks. Our two student cheerleaders had their own float, and a few others were on their class float. We gave our St. Joseph’s Elementary students time off to enjoy the mild day and walk downtown to take part in the festivities.
The football team played defense with heart, but couldn’t score and wound up on the short end of a 7-0 score.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
After morning physical therapy, they measured the angles that I’m able to pull back my ankle, and my hamstring. We’re making slow and steady progress, though I’m sure the next few degrees will be slower and more stubborn.
We had a sack lunch for our supervisors today. The topic was organizational Philosophy, and the general questions were “How can I live out the spirit of Fr. Dehon (founder of my religious order) in my day to day work?” Besides the how to of child care or development, the underlying motivation and spirit with which we do that work is essential as well. When I see our staff getting excited about learning and sharing with others, it provides motivation for me as well to be rooted more deeply in that spirit.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Katrin, the chaperone from our sister school in Handrup Germany stopped by my office to deliver a card from one of their faculty members who spent a semester teaching here at St. Joseph’s. I enjoyed the chance to chat and get to know here better. She is a graduate of the Gymnasium Leonium, and after completing her University studies, came back home to teach. We keep hoping for and working toward the day when we see more of our alumni in teaching and leadership positions here and back home in the years to come.
Robert is a former parishioner from up in Promise on the Cheyenne River Reservation. He is now a counselor and more in the Catholic School system in Rapid City. Robert was in town for a conference and Barb, his superintendent, could take me out for dinner. I met them at the museum after they had some time to browse and enjoy. We took a quick tour of campus, and I got the 4th and 5th grade Summerlee girls to give them a tour of their home. Our students are our best ambassadors. They excitedly showed the home and spoke of the many activities that go on there. LaChastity even sang a lovely song for them. Afterwards I sure enjoyed an evening of delightful and stimulating conversation as we swapped stories and ideas.
We wondered where you had been this week..! And we almost “called out the militia” to try to find out whether you were lost, stolen or strayed..OR we thought you might even have been mislaid !
But..there you are this morning ! ..wandering vaguely..quite of your own accord..!
YOU had made it down..to the end of the town..
But we had nearly offered a forty dollar reward !
We bought the new Brule CD..and wonder..Are they Catholic ? The CD is EXCELLENT…I miss the reservation..!
Hugs and prayers to you, Father Steve..
Mia and Bob
It is so WONDERFUL! to hear that you are improving, and will keep doing so; the same as the, ours, my PRAYERS will continue.
GOD BLESS’-
Cynthia
I’d love to see some pictures of the students, the St. Jo members of the football team and cheerleaders that might have been taken during the parade. Actually, as I read about the happenings on campus I often wish there were pictures. Are there some that I’m missing elsewhere on the site? As always I really enjoy the blogs and Fr. Steve you do have a way with words that makes all you write about almost as good as being there.