Tag: 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

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

I stayed home the rest of the day, occupied with laundry, reading, prayer, exercise, sorting baseball cards and watching some TV shows I’d recorded.

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Yesterday and today have been rather low key for me.

Friday is my day off, and I only went into the office for a short while in the morning to answer mail. I stayed home the rest of the day, occupied with laundry, reading, prayer, exercise, sorting baseball cards and watching some TV shows I’d recorded. Not too exciting or noteworthy, but satisfying and restful to me.

Today, I met with Brother Clay for the first time in almost two months to review how his work has been going. Fr. Anthony has been supervising him in my absence.

When you first enter religious life, you renew your vows one year at a time until you’re ready for final vows. As Brother Clay asks to renew his vows this summer, we’re going  through the formal evaluation and request stage.

As he reflects on what he’s learning, where there joys and struggles are, it’s also a good reminder to me to take time to name where I need to grow and improve, and what brings me joy and satisfaction.

As the weather gets nicer, visits to the museum are picking up again. I was called to the museum to say hello to Dennis and Bonnie, donors visiting from California. I had time, so I gave them a tour of campus.

I enjoy the interaction and the chance for a “show and tell” look at the school. I can’t do that every time, but visiting with folks is so much more enjoyable than paperwork.

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.

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.

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

I met with my management team as a group for the first time in eight weeks. Instead of a long drawn out meeting, the time together was actually rather short.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

I met with my management team as a group for the first time in eight weeks. Instead of a long drawn out meeting, the time together was actually rather short. They’ve kept me, and each other, in the loop, and while I was gone what needed to be taken care of and worked on was attended to well.

Sometimes, when I get stuck in all of the immediate issues needing my attention, I break out of the rut by working on things far into the future.

As I’ve wondered how long my recovery after surgery will be and what I will or won’t be able to do, I haven’t looked too far past May 25. But, good long range planning helps me make good decisions about how to be a good steward of my time today.

So, I took my calendar, which goes until August 2011, and started working backwards on some of the events and projects that are farthest out. It gave me both a new perspective and a burst of creative energy.

The high school boys had an inipi (sweat lodge) ceremony for the last Sons of Tradition session of the year. One of the elders from the nearby Crow Creek reservation came to campus to lead the prayer ceremony.

We always make participation optional, and some students chose instead to help with the fire or the meal. It was the first inipi for two of our students, and I listened as Chris shared how good he felt after going in and praying with others in that traditional way.

I joined the group for the feed afterwards – delicious Indian Tacos with freshly made fry bread.

Fr. Steve’s updates

At our Child Services Team meeting, we looked back to review the year. We’ve also dealt with my illness and absences. There have been so many learning opportunities in these challenges.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

At our Child Services Team meeting, we looked back to review the year.

We began in August with the tragedy of losing Ryan, one of our houseparents. He died suddenly and unexpectedly from an aneurysm. We’ve also dealt with my illness and absences. There have been so many learning opportunities in these challenges.

Of course, this winter was also long and cold. In short, it’s been a tough year.

But, we highlighted progress with staff training, ongoing renovations and improvements that we’ve all pitched in to make happen. Even through the tough times, it’s important to look at the successes. In retrospect, we’re blessed to say there have been many successes!

After school, I umpired the last Tee Ball game of the season. With the youngest grades, you do lots of coaching and encouraging as well.

Some children needed the reminder to pay attention instead of rolling in the grass or looking for insects. Some needed to be told where to throw the ball or when it was time to run. It’s all part of the learning process, and it’s just fun watching the littlest ones play.

The high school girls at the Morningstar Home invited me for supper. We had goulash, and the girls teased that it didn’t seem right … every time I’ve visited this year, my company has fallen on Tater Tot Casserole night!

The high school students have just two weeks of school left, and everyone is working on end of the year projects and term papers. Final exams are coming up quickly. It’s a busy, and somewhat stressful, time for them, but with encouragement from houseparents and counselors, they’ll make it through.

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.

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.

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

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!!