Fr. Steve – Page 23 – St. Joseph's Indian School

Another great donor luncheon for St. Joseph’s Indian School

I’m back from Tucson Arizona, where we had a St. Joseph’s Indian School donor appreciation luncheons on Saturday and Sunday. Isaiah and Brendan, two of our junior high boys from St. Joseph’s Indian School went along with us and spoke to the groups about their experiences at St. Joseph’s. Both days we met some wonderful friends of our school, who came with questions, ideas, support and prayers.

We’d planned for warm weather, but the Southwest was in for some of its coldest days since the late 1800’s. We were glad we had our winter coats. Since it was 12 degrees when we left South Dakota, Arizona lows in the 20’s didn’t seem so bad. By Sunday the highs climbed into the 60s and we had a brief taste of spring.

When we arrived Friday, we went sightseeing. The drive through the Tucson Mountain Park to the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum is spectacular, with giant saguaro cactus covering the rolling mountain foothills. The museum is part zoo, part desert arboretum and part science lab. The students especially enjoyed the mountain lion, wolf, and javelinas they spotted. The cave experience taught them a few things about the formation of planets and minerals.

We continued our tour through Saguaro National Park. Had I known we had to drive so many miles on dirt and gravel roads, I might not have taken that route. But I thoroughly enjoyed being immersed in cactus, brush, rocks and mountains in every direction. We hiked a short trail to see ancient petroglyphs, so the students could think about the Hohokam people who inhabited the land so long ago.

Our hotel was next to the University of Arizona. The boys were blown away to see a “college” stretching so far in every direction; all the different halls and buildings. As we walked by the University Medical Center, after so much in the news about the tragic Tucson shootings, I lifted a quiet prayer for all the victims and their families.

I lifted a quiet prayer for all the victims and their families.

On campus we passed separate buildings dedicated to individual academic fields ranging from Psychology to Space Science and the Chemistry building had valet parking for bikes! When we came to the neurophysiology department, Isaiah wasn’t sure what that was, so I explained that some doctors specialize in understanding people’s nerves and how to treat injuries and illness. There are such a wide variety of career paths available, but it’s hard for our Lakota (Sioux) students to imagine such fields if they’ve never even been exposed to the possibility.

Boys being boys, they were also impressed by the basketball stadium where the Wildcats play, and the orange and palm trees that they were seeing for the first time.

Isaiah, Brendan and Fr. Steve had a great time!

On Saturday night we drove south of town to Mission San Xavier del Bac for mass. The mission was founded to work with the Tohono O’odham tribe, and the church dates back to the 1700’s. We could see the gleaming white towers from quite a distance as we drove toward them in the desert.

On Super Bowl Sunday we finished the luncheon not only in time for the game, but for the guys to explore a nearby mall to pick up some souvenirs. We watched the first half at Shane’s Rib Shack while eating supper, then the second half back at the hotel. Everyone called it an early night right after the game, because we had to leave the hotel at 5:00 a.m. to catch our plane home.

Even on the return trip I heard plenty of exclamations of, “Woah” and “Wicked!” as the boys looked out the windows and explored the wide world with new vision.

Guest blogger: Fr. Anthony

Greetings again. As Fr. Steve is at a donor luncheon in Tucson, Arizona, I have the opportunity to share with you what happened over the weekend here at St. Joseph’s Indian School.

Our Native American students taking part in a spelling bee! — Our American Indian students taking part in a spelling bee!

Our celebration of Catholic Schools Week ended with the students taking part in a spelling bee. This year’s class winners have the chance now to take part in the national spelling bee and will move on to the regional “bee” in Mitchell, South Dakota at the world-famous Corn Palace.

The students also had a prayer service to bring the celebration to a close in which they wrote the prayers and expressed thanks and gratitude to their teachers, house parents and counselors as well as St. Joseph’s benefactors as part of the week’s theme—Catholic Schools an A+ for America.

We have been dealing with lots of snow here in Chamberlain, South Dakota as we have had six straight weekends of snow. The ground crews have done a great job keeping the campus open.

The local school system lost two days of classes due to the weather, but we were able to hold normal class schedule. The snow has played havoc with our sports’ schedule due to cancellations and re-schedules. We have been able to hold our Intercity League Girls’ Basketball, which is a program that involves 7^th and 8^th grade students from St. Joseph’s and the Chamberlain area. The teams are mixed so as to give them the chance to meet and interact so, if they go on to Chamberlain High, they know each other right at the start. The boys’ league was held before Christmas.

This past Thursday was the feast of St. Blasé when the blessing of throats usually takes place. We offered the blessing for all those students and staff who wished to participate at our Sunday liturgy in Our Lady of the Sioux chapel.

Deacon Bud Jetty, a Native American, who helps at St. James Parish in Chamberlain, was able to be present to help with the blessing. After the liturgy, we were talking and thought it appropriate that we blessed the throats when we did as they were probably going to be a bit strained as the students and staff took sides in rooting for their favorites in the Super Bowl.

One of the homes here on campus hosted a Super Bowl party which was super. The high school students hosted some of our 8^th graders, so to help them get some insight into the high school program. A great time was had by all except by those who back the Steelers.

We also had a bit of good news as it was announced that two of our upcoming high school graduates received word that they had been accepted by their first choice of college! One will be attending University of Creighton in Omaha, Nebraska, and the other will enroll at the University of Sioux Falls in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Thanks for your support of St. Joseph’s Indian School so that these and the other students may have the opportunity to dream big and pursue their futures.

Thank you for all you do. May the blessings of the Great Spirit continue to be with you and yours. Until next time …

Fr. Anthony Kluckman, SCJ

St. Joseph’s Indian School

Testing my foot and nerves

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Never mind that Punxsutawney Phil didn’t see his shadow, (which means a short winter) the -19 degree overnight temps were COLD and we’re tiring of the white stuff already.

Today, I checked out our remodeling efforts in the Rooney & Speyer homes. They may even be finished before school lets out in May, so we’re well on track. The work has slowed down a little as we’ve had to pull workers off that project to handle snow removal around campus, but we know that’s going to regularly happen here in South Dakota during the winter. I saw Jon, our electrician working and asked what he was doing, “Outlets” he said. Outlets don’t sound to bad, but when you have over 200 to do, that’s a big time commitment!

Today for Catholic Schools Week the day was reserved for an appreciation day. Students baked cookies and other treats and placed them in different staff work areas with a note of thanks. The chocolate glazed popcorn the 7^th graders created was my favorite.

When I went to the Rec Center this evening to exercise, I ran into the Stevens and Matthias homes (6^th – 8^th grade girls) doing their enrichment activity. The staff created games and challenges based on the show “Minute to Win It”. The girls build ten story towers of cards, balanced dice on a tongue depressor and bounced pencils into cups. Silly games, but a nice break with lots of laughter. And as the two homes kept a running tally of points earned, it brought out the competitive juices in all the kids. What’s nice about odd games is that everyone had a chance to participate, and the students who aren’t known as athletes might have even greater success than the ball players.

I’ve been gradually stepping up my exercises, testing the foot and nerves. I don’t want to overdo it, but I want to keep pressing forward and try to do more.

I took up the students’ challenge

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

I stopped in at the Akta Lakota Museum & Culture Center to see how things were going there. We don’t get a whole lot of visitors in February – only one brave soul during yesterday’s snowstorm. We do get regular shoppers on our Akta Lakota online gift store, interested in artwork, books and information on Native American culture, so there are always orders to fill. But now is also a good time to do inventory and prepare ahead for summer busloads of tourists, and travelers who stop through to visit campus.

Today was Red, White and Blue day for Catholic Schools Week. I simply donned my 1970’s White Sox cap–which covered all three colors–and I didn’t have to change any of my usual black and white wardrobe. My sisters envy me because I sure don’t have to spend much time figuring out what to wear for the day.

Fr. Steve in the classroom with our Native American students. — Fr. Steve in the classroom with some of our American Indian youngsters.

While in Math class, I took up the students’ challenge and proved I can still add mixed fractions, as I explained each step to them as I did it. I heard some of the poetry the 6^th graders were working on. When I entered the 5^th grade room and found they were in their reading mode, I listened to a few impromptu book reviews as I went around the room to ask what each was reading. Our speech therapist celebrated a birthday, so I stopped by and sang, “Happy Birthday” to Angela, then observed her lesson for a while.

Our SEED book discussion group was down to four hearty souls who braved the cold. Yet discussion of the autobiography “Crow Dog” was lively. He is from Rosebud, and his take on historical events we remember like the development of the American Indian Movement, the 1973 Wounded Knee occupation and the takeover of BIA offices in DC were fascinating. He also describes a Lakota (Sioux) ceremony and ritual in an enlightening way.

A day of prayer and recollection

Friday, January 21, 2011

Today was a day of prayer and recollection.

I’ve been on the go a lot, and appreciated the chance to visit with my spiritual director and reflect on what’s been happening in life since we last met. While I face frustrations and bumps along the way, the past two months have been a good ride.

There are times of disturbance and discouragement when our Native American students or staff are having problems. But, those are countered by the times I can help others see with vision, and find reason to hope and move forward.

Afterwards, I took advantage of being away from phone calls and mail to immerse myself in spiritual reading and prayer. In the busy demands of an administrative position, I can’t afford to forget that it’s prayer that nourishes and keeps me going.

Behind-the-scenes at St. Joseph’s

We’re a real crossroads this time of the year, but don’t get a whole lot of visitors in February!

Fr. Steve of St. Joseph's Indian School — Thursday, August 05, 2010

St. Joseph’s renovations
I didn’t have many meetings today, so I was free to move about campus and check in on what’s been going on.

I talked with Tom, head of our facilities department. Tom updated me on all the summer projects our maintenance crew has been up too. It’s obvious what they do when you see one of the homes being gutted and remodeled. There’s so much behind-the-scenes work that goes on; people may not notice.

The campus was surveyed for drainage to improve problem spots. The electrical system on our geothermal Templifier was upgraded, so we won’t have problems heating the campus this winter. Our crew takes great pride in all that goes into keeping the campus safe and beautiful.

I checked out our pool after it got a paint job and a new surface on the surrounding deck. I ran into Patrick, a houseparent I hadn’t seen for about a month. There are so many folks on campus I so enjoy sitting down to share with … even if I only take a few minutes to catch up.

Silent auction brings new friends
There’s been lots of activity at the pavilion where we’ve been silent auctioning off furniture we’ve replaced over the years.

First, we gave staff on campus the chance to look over what we have and switch out anything they could use for offices or campus homes. Now, we’re making a few bucks and clearing out needed storage space. Seems like the biggest spenders were parents of college kids, looking for some worn but usable couches and chairs for setting up an apartment. You’d think they’d buy more of the bookshelves, but no!

Our Lady of the Sioux chapel visitors
Over at the chapel I saw a man kneeling in prayer and another looking at the artwork. I turned on more lights so they could get a better look. They were two priests visiting from Massachusetts, on the way to Alaska. I answered questions about the school until their traveling companions showed up and urged them to hit the road on their westward journey.

Fr. Peter, an SCJ from Ottawa Canada, also surprised us with a visit. He’d been on a tour of many of the National Parks, and just stopped in for a cool drink and the chance to say hello before he continued his journey east. We’re at a real crossroads this time of the year, but don’t get a whole lot of visitors in February!

Success begins in the heart

I doubt I’ll ever spend 18 hours straight in a confessional; but I pray I can be a humble and good priest, and help people feel both the need for conversion and the love of God.

Feast of St. John Vianney
I doubt I’ll ever spend 18 hours straight in a confessional; but I pray I can be a humble and good priest, and help people feel both the need for conversion and the love of God. To do that I have to fully accept both those realities in my own life.

Visions for St. Joseph’s
Our management meeting dealt with a broad array of topics. Some issues are immediate like reshuffling janitorial duties, or how we’ll split our presentations to the all staff gathering next week. Other topics require long-term planning, such as adding on to the museum or starting our next strategic plan.

Four years ago our staff came together and worked out our vision for St. Joseph’s, which laid the groundwork for much of what we’re doing now. Our next plan will take us to 2017; so we’re laying out a time frame for that process now.

Celebrating birthdays with conversation
Two of my three member management team, Kory and Donna, have birthdays this week. After our meeting we went out to lunch to celebrate. It’s fun to visit with staff when you’re not just talking business and getting to know each other in a more personal way. If you’re going to have good teamwork, it’s important to build relationships.

How do you want to be remembered?

I spent the day helping with the funeral. Afterward, at the luncheon, I heard family and friends telling the stories of how he will be remembered.

Saying goodbye
Ron, a 69 year-old rancher from my former parish in Stephan, died after a long and painful battle with cancer. He died in the same house he grew up and lived all his life. He knew the cancer was terminal. When I talked to him a few weeks ago, he had come to a sense of peace and acceptance about that.

Ron knew a lot about many things; but, what I admired most was that instead of pontificating about what he believed, he asked, “What do you think about . . . ?” He was anxious to learn, and because of that, he had a lot of wisdom.

Remembering Ron
I spent the day helping with the funeral. Afterward, at the luncheon, I heard family and friends telling the stories of how he will be remembered. One of his sons recalled how Ron would give them a ranch chore and then pressure them to get done by a deadline; however, he wouldn’t tell them HOW they had to do it. Many of their days were spent experimenting with homemade gadgets that sometimes worked great; other times leaving them working late to make up for their mistakes. In allowing them to try different things, they learned.

The freedom to grow
I think God is like that too. We all have a broad outline of what we have to do – love God and our neighbor – but we each have to find unique ways to do that. In giving us freedom, God allows us to make mistakes … and hopes that we can learn from them.

Our Tiyospaye – extended family

Speaking of blood, since my clotting factor was too high last week, I had more blood work today. My level stabilized and is where the doctors want it.

New Staff
This morning I welcomed our seven new houseparents and one new teacher as they began their week of orientation. Three are South Dakota residents; one couple is from Michigan. The others represent Oklahoma, Louisiana and Ohio.

We get the most geographic diversity within the houseparent job. Most of our staff have local roots. The newcomers bring lots of enthusiasm, plenty of questions, and a little bit of anxiety as they tackle this new endeavor.

Mike, our Executive Director of Child Services, spoke about his first years as a houseparent. There are days that are fun and memorable; other days when the students frustrate and upset you terribly. He encouraged everyone to work through both the good and the bad. It’s the whole mix of admiring kids at their finest, and working with them at their lowest, that really makes the job get into your blood.

Doctor visit
Speaking of blood, since my clotting factor was too high last week, I had more blood work today. My level stabilized and is where the doctors want it.

Our Tiyospaye – extended family
Darby – who works on our computers – was back at work today after becoming a brand new Dad for the first time last week. His wife and son are both doing well. He just needs to have a “man-to-man” talk with his son about keeping it a little quieter in the middle of the night.

Encounters like this remind me that besides the students we serve and friends like you, our staff have family and loved ones that become part of our Tiyospaye – extended family.

St. Joseph’s making way for 2010-2011 school year

During the school year, Sundays can be anything but a day of rest. However, today was very peaceful. I had plenty of time for reading and prayers.

During the school year, Sundays can be anything but a day of rest. However, today was very peaceful. I had plenty of time for reading and prayers. Several phone calls came in from family and friends that lifted my spirits.

The only real work I did occurred when a donor arrived with a truck load of non-monetary goods; I was the only person he could find on campus. I helped him unload, and tomorrow Central Receiving will have their hands full once again.

I ventured out to the campus recreation center to see how much of a workout I could do. I increased my time and speed on the treadmill, and the soreness in the foot was more easily put out of mind with a closely fought baseball game on the TV. I’m not much of a weight person; but I worked on some upper body strengthening, since that part of me feels fine.

Tomorrow our new Child Service’s staff – 7 houseparents and 1 teacher – arrive and start their orientation. While the calendar still says we have much more summer left, tomorrow our summer at St. Joseph’s comes to an end.