healing – Page 21 – St. Joseph's Indian School

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.

Visions for St. Joseph’s future

Today I showed up for a meeting in the Development office and was the only one in the conference room … until I realized I was a half hour early!

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Often I get tied up with something around campus and run late for the next meeting. Today I showed up for a meeting in the Development office and was the only one in the conference room … until I realized I was a half hour early!

It gave me a good chance to walk around the office and check up on the many folks who work year round to handle bills and payroll, send out and answer mail, and try to answer the questions and needs of our donors.

The meeting was with the architect who is working on possibilities for our proposed alumni and historical center and museum storage addition. She presented three plans, and during the discussion we took elements of each and shifted the location to a different side of the museum so she can start drafting the fourth plan.

Her assistant just got his degree and joined their firm a month ago. I enjoyed watching how quickly he could use the computer program and shift things around and project them on the screen to give us immediate 3D visuals. One dream is to also think about adding an events center that would accommodate all our students and staff together, or be used to host public events. The project is still a couple of years off, and we have to see how much we can afford.

In the afternoon we started to have some power outages. First only my phone and computer went out, so I tackled a pile of letters on my desk. Next the lights went out, but I was able to keep going by the natural light. It’s amazing how quiet the office is without phones or electricity, and I secretly enjoyed the solitude.

Cancer-free at last checkup

My main complaint is pain in the nerves of my right foot. The doctors say that will take some months to heal.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Tina, St. Joseph’s Receptionist, reminded me that periodically I need to give a ‘how are you feeling’ update on the blog. Apparently that’s what many people call to find out.

My main complaint is pain in the nerves of my right foot. The doctors say that will take some months to heal. In the meantime, it’s tiring to stand for more than about ten minutes … when I walk, it’s with a limp.

I’m not ready to sprint to first base anytime soon. The medicines I take make me sleepy during the day, and I don’t sleep a full night’s rest. But I’ve been cancer-free since my last checkup, and I’ll get checked over again in September.

Today I was back at the office after a full week of being away. On my bad days I dread the backlog of phone calls and mail. On my good days I see them as opportunities of grace since I’m in contact with many diverse people from all over the country. Instead of grumbling about the interruptions in what I had “planned” to do, I need to always humbly see all those connections as part of God’s plan for the day.

Fr. Steve’s updates

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Today the town of Dupree (population 434) celebrated their centennial with a parade. Small town parades are an experience all in themselves. I wanted to get to main street early so I could get a good seat, but there was plenty of room because almost everyone in town was in the parade.

The town was founded on land donated by Fred Dupris, a French and Lakota trader whom the town was named after. He and Scotty Phillips are credited with saving the buffalo when they were almost hunted to extinction. One of the floats included many of his descendants who live in the area.

Another float had all the grandchildren of the Norwegian homesteaders who came to the area in 1910. There were antique tractors, powwow royalty riding in the back of pickups, and politicians positioning themselves for the November elections. All threw candy into the streets as children scrambled for the goodies.

I actually got to see the parade twice. Main street is only 5 blocks long, and the parade went south along the length of the town, then did a U-turn and came back north again.

Just a month ago a tornado went through the heart of town. The elderly manor was hit hard and residents had to be relocated to other area towns. Pioneer Hall – the community center – was damaged beyond repair and had to be bulldozed. In its place stands a large circus tent; the show and the centennial must go on.

It’s very indicative of life on these isolated prairie towns. People face great hardship with weather and life circumstances, but they find it within themselves to rebuild and keep going.

As I walked the sidewalks and stayed at the church for Saturday evening mass, the best part was seeing folks that I spent ten years of my life with. Some of those I remember as children are now parents. We recalled weddings and baptisms, sad funerals and times that made us laugh. So many of these folks have kept me in their prayers these past months and it was wonderful to be able to thank them in person and renew the ties of friendship.

Fr. Steve’s updates

I’m going to spend the next week on the Cheyenne River Reservation, where I lived and worked from 1984 – 1995 and have so many fond memor

Friday, July 9, 2010

I’m going to spend the next week on the Cheyenne River Reservation, where I lived and worked from 1984 – 1995 … I have so many fond memories.

Two of the towns, Dupree and Eagle Butte, are celebrating their centennials, and I figure I’ll be able to see a lot of people at the celebrations. The change of scenery should be helpful as I put office work aside for a week and just enjoy whatever comes my way each day.

The drive is 3 hours, but I stopped half way in Fort Pierre to visit former parishioners who have retired there. Glady and Andy are always gracious hosts, and besides good conversation and a huge meal, I’m so much at home there that I could even take a two hour nap before continuing the journey.

I’m staying at the rectory which was home for ten years of my life and ministry. It too is home when I get up here a few times each year. I was first greeted by the women who work in the rectory and keep the place going, now, as well as when I was here, and they’re all treasured friends. Later when Fr. Brian and Fr. Matt got home from their rounds, they gave me updates on folks in the area and made me feel most welcome. They cover an area about the size of Connecticut, and serve nine small mission parishes from here.

Visitors and sunshine give new perspective

I’ve received so many prayers for my healing and recovery, and I am grateful for each one. The prayers and kind thoughts seem to be working as I continue to mend!

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Two visitors brightened my day!

Fr. Byron drove in from Milwaukee to check in on how I’m doing. He was my formation director and mentor during my college years and retreat director several times after. He hadn’t been to St. Joseph’s in 13 years, so I took some time to give him a tour to see what’s new since then.

For more than an hour, we walked the campus and met people who explained their role at St. Joseph’s. I learn something new and appreciate more each time I hear staff reflecting on their jobs.

But, I also realized at the end of our tour that was the most walking I’ve done in some time. With a good friend at my side, and a nice sunny day, I just didn’t feel so sore and tired in my leg!

Bishop Blase Cupich of Rapid City also stopped in to see how I’m doing, and he joined us for lunch. Recently, we heard he’ll be leaving Rapid City to oversee the Spokane, Washington diocese. I felt it was even nicer of him to take the time to see me given all the transition and wrapping up that he has to do in the next month.

At the end of his visit, we went to the chapel and each said a prayer for each other. I’ve received so many prayers for my healing and recovery, and I am grateful for each one. The prayers and kind thoughts seem to be working as I continue to mend!

Fr. Steve’s updates

While the foot pain from my nerves is ongoing and bothersome, the hardest part of this stage of recovery is the lethargy, tiredness and lack of drive.

Saturday, July 3, 2010

While the foot pain from my nerves is ongoing and bothersome, the hardest part of this stage of recovery is the lethargy, tiredness and lack of drive. The weekend does bring more time for rest, but I feel worn out from sleeping large chunks of the day away.

Projects I would like to get to are started and left hanging as I lose energy, focus and staying power. What I think will only take a few minutes turns into a much longer production. I did at least catch up with some reading and long overdue letters.

Except for the museum – where we do have a good number of visitors – campus is eerily quiet for the long holiday weekend.

Fr. Steve’s updates

Today I stopped by the high school summer home. The only high school students still on campus are those who are working around town this summer.

Friday, July 2, 2010

Lloyd, one of our houseparents, stopped by the office to give me Star Trek DVD’s. He knew I’d appreciate having something to watch during my resting times. I’ve seen all the episodes many times, but this includes many behind the scenes shots and info. With the way my foot feels, it’s too bad Dr. McCoy couldn’t give me a quick hypo-spray and regenerate my damaged nerves.

Today I stopped by the high school summer home. The only high school students still on campus are those who are working around town this summer. Many had already checked out for the holiday weekend, but Dominic and Shay were still around.

I find the students are more talkative when alone or in small groups, and I had some good conversations with both. Whether summer or school year, it’s important to take some of that face to face time to understand our students and their needs.

Fr. Steve’s updates

I’ve been consistently able to put in three or four hours a day in the office. Even if I don’t accomplish so much, it at least helps me from going stir crazy.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

I’ve been consistently able to put in three or four hours a day in the office. Even if I don’t accomplish so much, it at least helps me from going stir crazy.

Today our business office supervisors all met to check in. We don’t receive as much mail or as many phone calls during the summer months, but that gives everyone more time to take inventory – not just physically, which we do this time of year – but to look at what’s working and what needs improvement.

Sometimes it’s in the quieter times that good ideas crop up and beg to be explored.

I stopped to check in on the progress in the Rooney/Speyer homes. The inside demolition was accomplished quickly after school was out, and our crew is already hard at work building new walls and replacing all the windows with ones that will insulate much better.

I obviously haven’t stopped in as much as when I’m running at full speed, but I know folks appreciate it when I take interest in the work they’re doing. And our staff does a lot of good work, even if much of it is behind the scenes.