Native American – Page 57 – St. Joseph's Indian School

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!!

We had some controversy at Chamberlain High School when a group of students were asked to change a racially charged T-Shirt they wore to school. The issue highlighted tensions that need to be addressed in our community in an on-going way.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

It’s my hope the anger and passion raised on different sides of the issue can be a teachable moment. I pray for people to channel their energy into better understanding and work through the problems.

Our SCJ mission statement calls us precisely to be bridge builders between cultures, prophets of love and servants of reconciliation.

Our SCJ mission statement calls us precisely to be bridge builders
between cultures, prophets of love and servants of reconciliation.

Our team called a meeting for our high school students after school, and I stopped in to listen.

Sometimes, it’s hard to get teenagers to talk about what’s going on inside, but today our students spoke very freely and honestly.

We want our children to be proud of their culture, but they all know the sting of being “eyeballed” due to the color of their skin. One student spoke of the difficulty of finding your way between two cultures. Another told how important it is to hang tough and not let discouraging remarks get you down.

On a lighter note, while I was working in the office, I saw soap bubbles drifting by my window.

I just had to take a break and go out and see what the kids on the playground were up to. Some of the girls had to show me their flips and spins on the playground equipment.

Then, I got involved in a game of tag. First, that meant lots more running around than I wanted to do, but as our ranks quickly grew, everyone bunched together and just kept exchanging quick taps of “you’re it!”

Those brief breaks and encounters with the kids are what keeps me going.

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.

Fr. Steve’s updates

Jesus was noted for his companionship with people at table, and that’s often part of my “work” at St. Joseph’s.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Jesus was noted for his companionship with people at table, and that’s often part of my “work” at St. Joseph’s.

After mass, I visited the Speyer Home for brunch. The 6th – 8th grade boys were most welcoming. They filled me in on how the track team is doing, made predictions about their upcoming home run derby.

We talked NBA playoffs over scrambled eggs, biscuits and gravy. Eighth grader Sean helped his houseparent with most of the cooking, and it turned out great.

Then for supper, I was off to a pot luck shared by the six homes that make up our middle school grades. We had a lull in the rains, and sitting across from each other on the picnic tables was great fun.

Campus comes more alive when we can be outside in the warmer weather.

Fr. Steve’s updates

During the prayer service, one of our counselors read some prayer reflections on what people got out of the weekend – mostly the chance to more deeply appreciate one another.

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Home in Chamberlain!

Fr. Hendrick from Lower Brule helped with the driving, and we made it back last night. While cliché, there really is no place like home.

Today was a settling back in day, doing laundry and starting to dive into the piles of mail and paperwork surrounding my desk. It was also a day to start reconnecting with students and staff.

I feel a great sense of relief and will be happy to return to as much of a normal routine as I can over the next month.

This morning we had the graduation for our FAST (Families And Schools Together) program.

Ten families took part over four weekends; they appreciated the structured activities our program offered to help them improve parent/child communication and relationships.

During the prayer service, one of our counselors read some prayer reflections on what people got out of the weekend – mostly the chance to more deeply appreciate one another.

After certificates and an honor song on the drum, we gathered in the school assembly room for a meal. Rain squashed plans of an outdoor picnic, but the grilled food tasted almost as good inside.

Fr. Steve’s updates

Folks joked about me being a professional bell ringer. I’ve rung church bells, school bells and jingle bells in the past, but few times with as much sense of joy and celebration.

Friday, April 23, 2010

Today was the day to finally ring the bell, and I rang it loud and clear!

Folks joked about me being a professional bell ringer. I’ve rung church bells, school bells and jingle bells in the past, but few times with as much sense of joy and celebration.

Four of us from Hope Lodge – Butch, Robin, Kelly and I – finished up radiation this morning. There was a nice turnout of other patients who came in support, even though their treatments were much later.

Their presence at 7:30 a.m. spoke to us loudly about their care and concern.

Afterward, we shared lots of hugs, addresses and promises of prayer along the way.

Fr. Steve’s updates

I sat at table with a group of the regulars I’ve gotten to know – sort of our Last Supper. We’ve shared so much over these weeks, and I continue to take inspiration at people’s faith and courage.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

The lovely spring weather reminded me of years past when I was in school during final exams time. I wanted to enjoy the great outdoors but was preoccupied by the task at hand. I knew I’d get through finals, but they were still stressful. I just wanted to hurry up and get done, but time crawled at a standstill pace.

So too with today! Time passed so slowly as I went through yet more tests and appointments. The end is so close, which makes the waiting even harder. I’m ready for this to all be over.

This evening a group of volunteers grilled hamburgers and treated us with tasty side dishes. They were from the hospital’s finance department, and we joked with them that they had a vested interest in our well being.

Fr. Steve’s updates

St. Joseph’s is a special place because of the people who carry one another through whatever trials and hardships we endure.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

My radiologist took her time meeting with me today, and I so appreciated it. She asked the bigger overview questions – how am I feeling after meeting with all the doctors last week? What are my questions now as I wrap up and go forward?

In this age of specialists, I appreciated one doctor looking over the whole process and asking how I’m doing with all of it. That in itself felt healing.

I’ve been blessed to make it through with limited pain. We still have a long way to go, and more tests have been ordered, but there is hope, and at least a short reprieve coming up.

The doctor also cautioned about rushing back into work full time when I get back to St. Joseph’s and frantically try to make up for time away.

Since January, I’ve delegated so much, and team members have responded generously and graciously. Life at school is being carefully attended to.

My doctor said I must be at a very good and special place for that to happen. She’s right!

St. Joseph’s is a special place because of the people who carry one another through whatever trials and hardships we endure.

Fr. Steve’s updates

My appointments will pick up in the next couple of days, but today was a quiet one after early morning radiation. I have great plans and energy when I start the day, yet it’s a struggle of the will to make the effort and accomplish what I hope to.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Slowly I’m tidying things up and trying to get things in order as the Friday checkout time draws near. My appointments will pick up in the next couple of days, but today was a quiet one after early morning radiation. I have great plans and energy when I start the day, yet it’s a struggle of the will to make the effort and accomplish what I hope to.

The scriptures from Acts of the Apostles the past days have been about Saint Stephen’s faith during trial: “Into your hands I commend my spirit, O Lord.” I strive for more of that kind of attitude each day.

But when facing serious illness it’s easy to get caught up in angst and worry. It’s harder to keep hope afloat and love alive. Yet that’s God’s calling.

Tonight was the last Tuesday potluck. I’m not a fancy cook, but roast beef that simmers all day in the crock pot always comes out tender and tasty, so that was my contribution.

Those of us who finish treatment this week got the chance to share a few words with those who remain, and have been part of our journey. My life in religious community has been my greatest support over the years. Being part of Hope Lodge has also been a positive experience of community – a time of mutual listening, sharing and support. For that I am most thankful.

We thrive when experiencing such care and it’s up to all of us to make it happen wherever we find ourselves.

Fr. Steve’s updates

I started the last week of radiation! The end is in sight, but instead of making the time go easier, it seems to be getting harder. I’m anxious to get home.

Monday, April 19, 2010

I started the last week of radiation! The end is in sight, but instead of making the time go easier, it seems to be getting harder. I’m anxious to get home. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

At times today I felt like a zombie, just going through the motions, drifting with no definite sense of purpose. Still very sleepy. I’m so ready for this stage to get over. These are the times when I just have to hang tough and pray for patience and perseverance.

Once you speak about the fears and struggles out loud,
they lose some of their power to bring you down.

It helps having folks around to be able to talk with and vent. So many of us are experiencing similar feelings and emotions. Once you speak about the fears and struggles out loud, they lose some of their power to bring you down. The key is to face discouragements squarely in order to be able to chase them away.

Besides the camaraderie here, a couple of phone calls from friends helped give me perspective and picked up my spirits. Love and friendship are always great remedies when our spirits need a lift. I’m so grateful for people far and near who have shown such care.