God – Page 27 – St. Joseph's Indian School

Fr. Steve’s updates

Tonight, I got back from a “quick” trip to the hospital for pre-surgery tests and appointments. The drive is long, 375 miles each way, but I’m feeling well enough to do that by myself.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Tonight, I got back from a “quick” trip to the hospital for pre-surgery tests and appointments. The drive is long, 375 miles each way, but I’m feeling well enough to do that by myself.

I drove out Wednesday and back today. Driving on the prairie isn’t all that stressful when the weather is good. There’s little traffic, and I just put the cruise control on and use the time to pray, think or listen to music or a ball game.

The doctors packed in a lot of tests, and results I have back so far are encouraging. My blood work shows that my counts have climbed back to normal, which is especially good news for my immune system.

The CT scan of my chest shows the cancer has not affected my lungs. The EKG told the doctors my heart is strong (maybe part of my charisma as a Priest of the Sacred Heart?) and able to handle surgery.

I had two tests that the results are still pending from. The vascular surgeon ordered an ultrasound of the veins in my abdomen and legs, to look at the blood flow, and help them determine how much the blood vessels have been affected by the tumor. If some of the veins need to be resected or replaced that will be one of the more complicated parts of the surgery.

I had another MRI to see what effect the chemo and radiation has had on the tumor, but those results were not back by the time I met with the oncologist. When he looked over the other results, he was quite pleased. He doesn’t’ expect me to need any more chemotherapy, which is definitely good news.

With a little over a week to go before surgery, I’m feeling pretty good going in. I tell folks I’m about 85% of normal. The doctors expect 6 – 12 weeks of recovery, and I’ll just have to let the medicines and my body take the time to heal.

I came back home to another pile of cards and letters with lots of prayers and encouragement. I have certainly felt blessed and loved through this whole process!

Fr. Steve’s updates

I ate supper with the David Home girls. Afterwards, I experienced a battle of the books. I tried to get two first graders to take turns reading, but they were not in a very sharing kind of mood.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Today, I had the usual meetings with the Director of Child Services and the Child Services Team. As we wrap up the last three weeks of school, everyone is getting in full gear for the summer.

As soon as school is out, we start a seven week smorgasbord of summer programs. The high school program has the most complicated schedule to coordinate. Our students come and go to a variety of camps, jobs and summer classes.

We also had our monthly Strategic Protection Committee meeting, which deals with issues of campus security ranging from preventing accidents to monitoring access to campus and the homes. We place a premium on staff and student safety.

There are so many trainings our staff do that I forget about until being reminded. The college students who will work on maintenance crew for the summer need a defensive driving course.

Other staff need a refresher course in lawnmower and forklift safety. I appreciate that our supervisors make sure those happen.

I ate supper with the David Home girls. Afterwards, I experienced a battle of the books. I tried to get two first graders to take turns reading, but they were not in a very sharing kind of mood.

Both Sasha and Jasmine wanted my full attention. First graders are sometimes hard to reason with, so both girls read different stories out loud on either side of me, a competition in stereo. But, they both seemed OK with that, so I just bounced back and forth to listen as I could and to help or correct where needed.

Fr. Steve’s updates

Monday seems to have more of those small but time-consuming tasks as people have time over the weekend to think, then get back to work.

Monday, May 10, 2010

I didn’t accomplish anything big today … just stayed with 10 and 15-minute tasks, phone calls, questions and emails that can fill up so much of the day. Monday seems to have more of those small but time-consuming tasks as people have time over the weekend to think, then get back to work.

At the development office, we’ve seen an upswing in interest from Europe about Lakota culture and our school programs. We discussed ways to continue connecting with those folks.

Overall, it was a cold, rainy day! In South Dakota we appreciate the moisture most anytime, but it has been hard on our track team.

They’ve competed three times, but had four other meets rained out. At this point in the school year, with all the other events, there is no chance to reschedule, so our season came to an inglorious end.

After school the coaches passed out the ribbons our athletes earned for the season, and held a pizza party. No school records were broken this year, but the students showed a lot of heart in their events.

Fr. Steve’s updates

A small crowd in church for Mother’s Day. A few homes were away on a trip to Rapid City, but many of the students were checked out to be with their families.

Sunday, May 9, 2010
Mother’s Day

A small crowd in church for Mother’s Day. A few homes were away on a trip to Rapid City, but many of the students were checked out to be with their families.

Sadly, we have a lot of kids whose mothers are absent in their lives. About a third of our students are being raised by the grandparents or other relatives for a variety of reasons.

Some of the students also live many hours from home and weren’t able to be with their moms.

It’s on days like these when kids might feel especially lonely or hurt; as always, our houseparents, counselors and support staff do all they can to nurture and support our children in positive ways.

I wrote out congratulatory cards for our six high school students who will be confirmed at St. James in Chamberlain next week.

I also started on the graduation cards to our 8th graders, trying to make them personal, especially since I’ll be gone for surgery at that time.

For Mother’s Day, I – of course – called home. Mom said that this blog has been a good way to keep up with me, and if nobody else reads it, at least she does. So HI MOM! LOVE YOU! Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there.

Fr. Steve’s updates

Two students finished degrees in Native American Studies, which is so needed to pass on the culture and values. One woman is finishing her degree as an industrial engineer and will hopefully inspire others to follow her footsteps.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Letters have gotten stacked up over these past weeks. I answer what I can and then feel more behind with the day’s new batch.

But, today I wrote cards to the college students we’ve been helping with scholarship monies who graduate this year.

Another went back to college after 30 years of working and raising a family … showing it’s never too late to pursue an education and fulfill your dreams.

I’m glad St. Joseph’s is able to help such students find the means to attend college.

The end of the school year is also a time of transitions. Brenda, who has worked as a houseparent for 19 years, will retire when school is out. Her co-workers gathered for lunch at the Marina, and I was able to join them. Brenda has so many memories and stories of the kids in all those years, and I laughed as she reminisced.

Another goodbye was to Jan, who is retiring from the Title program. Those teachers are actually employees of the Chamberlain School district, but I always say that their heart belongs to St. Joseph’s. Jan and all the Title teachers show wonderful care for our students and help those most in need of individualized attention.

I stopped to videotape a message for our high school seniors who graduate from the Chamberlain program in just two weeks. They were sixth graders when I started here, and I have lots of memories as I’ve seen them grow up.

Then, it was on to the chapel to take the official graduation photo for the newspaper. Wow – so many milestones are fast approaching!

Wow – so many milestones are fast approaching!

Fr. Steve’s updates

The feast of St. Joseph the Worker was May 1.

Monday, May 3, 2010

The feast of St. Joseph the Worker was May 1.

Since that fell on a Saturday, we waited until today to have a prayer service at the start of the school day in honor of our Patron Saint.

The students surprised me at their gusto in their responses to the litany.

We also used this occasion to announce our Leo John Dehon (founder of the SCJs) Circle of Courage award. The Circle of Courage emphasizes the Lakota values of Generosity, Independence, Mastery and, Belonging.

This year, Leahanna, a seventh grader, was recognized for best exemplifying those values in school and in her home.

Our junior high students had a track meet here in Chamberlain, which was a perfect opportunity to cheer on their efforts.

Track meets alternate between short periods of intense and exciting competition and lots of waiting around, which makes for a good chance to wander around and check on staff and students.

Several of our staff had their own children taking part; I also I ran into kids from other area schools that I know from parish work.

I stayed for the field events and several heats of hurdles and sprints. But, after a couple hours, I played out.

I wanted to see all our students compete, but I had to listen when my body said “enough,” and I went home for a nap. People remind me that the battle against cancer is not a sprint but a marathon.

Fr. Steve’s updates

The illness has really forced me to take one day at a time. I don’t know how long it will take for me to bounce back from surgery or how much I will – or won’t – be able to do over the summer months.

Sunday, May 2, 2010

At our monthly SCJ meeting, this afternoon we shared our summer plans.

My family teases me about being the great planner and lining up dates and activities many months ahead of time.

But, I will do what it takes to get in shape, bounce back and be active again.

Fr. Steve’s updates

Chamberlain High School held its fourth annual powwow today. Many of our students are active in the Native American Club at CHS, and they all pitched together to make it a successful day.

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Chamberlain High School held its fourth annual powwow today.

I was so pleased when the school decided to sponsor such an event. Many of our students are active in the Native American Club at CHS, and they all pitched together to make it a successful day.

Not all of our students are dancers. Some used their talents to cook, organize or work at one of the many tables with information or raffle prizes. Many hands working together surely made the job easier.

At powwows, I enjoy walking through the crowd and catching up with old friends. I saw families from the nearby reservation communities where I served as pastor. This provided an opportunity to say hello and catch up on news. So many people assured me of their prayers and also asked for mine for family members who are having a hard time.

I had the chance to visit another crowd of folks in the evening when I attended a 60th wedding anniversary gathering.

Dick and Mae are active in the downtown parish, but I see them each Wednesday when they come to the daily mass here at St. Joseph’s. Their whole clan was gathered, as were many folks from the area. 60 years of commitment inspires me to keep going, even when the journey gets difficult. Again, I received lots of prayers and support.

Fr. Steve’s updates

Today was our annual career day and Sobriety Walk. The hospital, bank and fire station were the most mentioned favorites.

Friday, April 30, 2010

Today was our annual career day and Sobriety Walk.

First, the students had fun exploring downtown businesses. The hospital, bank and fire station were the most mentioned favorites.

Heath Gourneau, an alumnus who has worked in substance abuse prevention, spoke to the students about his journey and encouraged them to remain drug and alcohol free.

He pointed out the Class of 1983 banner, which he helped design; today, the banner hangs proudly from our rec center rafters with other class banners created in the last 30+ years.

Students listen in a deeper way when they hear from someone who shares a common background with them. It’s important as we strive to help our students make good lifestyle choices.

The rains held off, and we walked in four directions around town and met up at the Dining Hall for supper.

I helped chaperone the youngest homes, and when we were walking around the campgrounds, second grader Devon found a penny on the ground.

I said, “Find a penny, pick it up and all day long you’ll have . . . what?”

“A penny,” Devon said.

I laughed, realizing Devon is much wiser than his years, and more accurate than the old saying!!

Fr. Steve’s updates

I filled my new prescriptions downtown at Casey’s drugstore, and met with Jim, the pharmacist, to learn more about possible side effects. Like so many other townsfolk, he asked for the latest update and assured me of his ongoing prayers.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

First time I’ve blogged in a few days.

My digestive system is in a bit of disarray, but other than that I’m feeling pretty good.

I’ve gone back to my regular schedule of meetings. Finances are in good shape for now. Child Services are busy planning for graduation and all the end of the year activities that makes May one busy month. In Human Resources, we hired one new houseparent for next year and are checking references for others we’re interested in interviewing.

In between meetings, I’ve tried to make up for time away by making campus rounds and checking up on people and projects.

I ran across the 4th and 5th grade girls taking part in their Red Path group. The program tries to address the stresses of drug and alcohol abuse within their lives.

We have two new staff since I’ve been gone. Becky helps in the production room with sending out mail. Amanda is our new Family Service Counselor and will be working with our older girls and their families. I looked them both up and welcomed them.

On a rainy Monday, the Maintenance crew was looking for a fourth person to play a quick game of pitch during break. I never played before, but they quickly ran through the rules and gave me my cards. Through sheer luck Roger and I won, which drew both teasing and praise.

Then, we caught up on all that’s in the works on campus. I checked the progress of the Carola Home remodeling. The demolition is finished and workers are now dry walling.

A group of High School Junior ROTC Thunderbirds Drill Team from Flandreau Indian School paid us a visit and did an after lunch performance for our student body. Their program emphasized discipline to achieve goals in life, and living by a creed which makes you and the creator proud.

Our mentor program had the last group event of the year – Bingo and finger food supper at the Dining Hall.

I’ve never really liked Bingo ( I must not be a good Catholic!) but enjoyed the company of those around me as we played for prizes. I never came close to winning, but our team made sure everyone got at least a consolation prize. I took home a new dish towel since you can always use those upgrades in the kitchen.

On my way to the business office, I came across a group of staff enjoying lovely spring weather during break. Jean carried a lovely bundle of lilac blossoms from our trees. She was planning to arrange them in a vase in the work room. Little touches of beauty and thoughtfulness add a lot to a workplace.

Yes, it feels great to be back.

Yes, it feels great to be back.