Priests of the Sacred Heart – Page 27 – St. Joseph's Indian School

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.

Walking for cancer – a whole new meaning

Last year was the first time I was able to participate as a supporter, and was very moved by the whole event. Little did I imagine that one year later I’d be wearing a survivor’s shirt.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Today was a memorable day in three ways:

Brother Clay’s vow renewal
Shooting a TV interview
Taking part in Chamberlain’s Relay for Life

Brother Clay renews annual vows
When first joining the SCJ’s, one must profess annual vows for at least three years before being eligible for Final Vows. This gives you the chance to really decide if this vocation is where you find meaning and are fulfilled.

This morning we went to the downtown parish for mass, and were joined by two of the SCJ priests in Lower Brule as well. Before Fr. Bill, Clay renewed his vows and prayed an act of oblation. Watching his fervor, I prayed that I can recapture more of the passion I had in my early days; to give myself more fully to God. Afterward we all went out to breakfast at Casey’s restaurant.

Brule band member visits St. Joseph’s
Paul LaRouche of the musical group Brule produces a TV show for RFD TV. It is called Hidden Heritage. Paul is from the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. He was adopted as an infant, and never knew of his heritage and roots until he was an adult. His show highlights positive projects and people in Indian country.

Brule performs around the country, and Paul has been asked many times about
St. Joseph Indian School. He figured what we do here would make an interesting feature. Paul has known about St. Joseph’s since childhood – remembering pictures stuck to the refrigerator in his home.

We sat outside to take advantage of the lovely day, and Paul put me right at ease during the interview. I gave an overview of our programs. We don’t have many students on campus these last weeks of summer, but three of our high school students who are working here were able to show him around and talk about their experience.

When we were touring the museum, visitors found out who Paul was. There were a few who immediately bought one of his CD’s to have autographed.

Chamberlain’s Relay for Life
The last event of the day was the Relay for Life … to remember those who have died from cancer and celebrate those who have survived. Last year was the first time I was able to participate as a supporter, and was very moved by the whole event. Little did I imagine that one year later I’d be wearing a survivor’s shirt and walking the first lap with others who have done battle with cancer and come out on top.

The festivities were cut short when a big storm rolled in and sent everyone scattering for cover. We got pea and marble sized hail and heavy winds. A full but wonderful day all around.

Fr. Steve walking at the Relay for Life — Fr. Steve walking during Friday's Relay for Life photo courtesy of Chamberlain/Oacoma Sun

Welcoming St. Joseph’s visitors

I started the day at the eye doctor for my bi-annual exam. I wondered if the surgery or medications would have any effect on my eyesight.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

I started the day at the eye doctor for my bi-annual exam. I wondered if the surgery or medications would have any effect on my eyesight. I’m happy to report I got a clean bill of health there … nice to know part of me is still in good working order.

Part of small town life is many people know your story. I didn’t know the technician very well who first saw me, but she didn’t have to ask if I’d had any changes in my health history. She knew all about the cancer because I’d been on their prayer list at church.

Later in the day, some visitors stopped in at the museum. One couple from Ohio had called ahead weeks ago and I planned time to see them. Another group from Tennessee just dropped in and toured the museum and campus until I was done with afternoon meetings.

People ask such insightful questions about our school and programs when they visit and appreciate seeing where their donations go. One of the folks from Tennessee – fairly new to St. Joseph’s – said, “I had to see if it was real.”

Because of distance so many of our donors don’t get the chance to see the campus up close and personal. But we enjoy seeing folks who are able to make the trek.

Bringing Gospel values to Indian reservations

Social services is such a concrete way of embodying gospel values; therefore I want to be as supportive of this work as I can.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

A youth group from Mequon, WI is here in the parish. One crew is running a Jesus mini camp/ Bible school for area children. Another is building a handicap accessible ramp for the church in Red Scaffold. It’s inspirational to see these young people living out their faith and taking the time to learn about the Lakota culture.

Last night Young Nation, a local high school Lakota drum group, explained and demonstrated their singing and drumming to their counterparts from Wisconsin. They got the reluctant teens to try their hand (or feet) at a round dance and a two-step.

Most interesting was the demonstration of courtship songs the young men sang. I saw many of the Wisconsin girls listening quite intently! It was a good evening of cultural exchange.

Besides the visiting, one piece of work on my schedule while here in Eagle Butte was a Board of Directors meeting for the Sacred Heart Center, one of the outreach programs of the Priests of the Sacred Heart. It provides many valuable services to families experiencing the crisis of domestic violence. It gives young people in need of a safe place to stay. It also offers a variety of educational and outreach services to the community and area.

While St. Joseph’s Indian School provides excellent programs for children who are away from their families, it’s so important to try to strengthen families on the Indian reservations. Social services is such a concrete way of embodying Gospel values; therefore I want to be as supportive of this work as I can.

Toast and Tea on Lakota (Sioux) land

Lest anyone warns me to take it easy, I have been taking very long naps every afternoon and pacing myself accordingly.

Monday, July 12, 2010

This morning I stopped in to visit a housebound parishioner who means a lot to me. Over toast and tea, we reminisced and caught up about our respective doings. We also discussed what’s going on in Eagle Butte.

This evening, I went to a wake of a 52-year-old woman who died of cancer. A drum group played some traditional songs as the pall bearers brought Carol’s body into church. I didn’t know Carol well, but I know her sister Margaret very well and wanted to be there to support her family.

In these Indian reservation communities, wakes and funerals are still very well attended. I find the best part of coming back to a parish where I’ve served is that first look of recognition across a room and the smile as people approach to say hello. Tonight, lots of familiar faces came up and gave me a hug or hearty handshake.

After the wake and rosary, the family served a meal, so people could stay around and visit. That gave me the chance to wander the tables and reconnect with folks. It’s the part of parish work I miss most when I have the administrative duties to take care of back at St. Joseph’s.

Lest anyone warns me to take it easy, I have been taking very long naps every afternoon and pacing myself accordingly. I still have nagging nerve pains in my foot that are about the same as they’ve been for weeks. But otherwise I feel OK.

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!

Weekly Reflection

After masses were done, all the SCJ priests and our seminarian gathered in Lower Brule for our monthly time of meeting, fellowship, prayer and food.

Sunday, July 4

After masses were done, all the SCJ priests and our seminarian gathered in Lower Brule for our monthly time of meeting, fellowship, prayer and food. The discussion at the meeting was lively and continued through supper. We have a good and committed group here trying to fulfill the mission of our community in South Dakota.

We live at the western edge of the Central Time zone, so it’s not dark enough here for fireworks until after 10.

Chamberlain/ Oacoma always puts on a good show, and our house sits high atop a hill for a good view from our back yard without having to go anywhere. The drawback of the yard is that it’s been so wet here this year we have a bumper crop of mosquitoes, so inside was better for viewing.

I watched the first few explosions to get a flavor of the holiday, then crashed into bed because that was late enough for me to stay up.

Monday, July 5

Today was the business holiday on campus. Almost all our staff had the day off, so campus was very quiet. When I went to check on the summer home, I found out even they were gone for an outing.

I stopped by the school gym to try my had at free throws. So much of my shooting power comes from the legs, and at first, I shot like the NBA centers who get intentionally fouled because they can’t hit anything. It took me many tries even to get myself back to a 50/50 rate.

While I feel sharp mentally, physically I have a long way back. This morning, I tried some simple yoga I’ve done for years and found even that painful.

But, whether I rest or exercise, my foot still hurts, so I may as well go and exercise!

Tuesday, July 6

A couple from Portland, Oregon, who has been giving to the school many years, stopped by for the first time today.

They’d been to Mt. Rushmore and figured the extra 200 miles was worth it to see what they’ve been a part of. I answered their questions as best I could and showed them one of the homes where the students live.

They were grateful and satisfied and headed back west toward the sunset. I’m always grateful, too, for our wide and varied array of donors who make St. Joseph’s possible.

Heavy rains, some hail and tornado warnings filled our afternoon and evening.

Because we’re redoing the chapel roof, we had some water seeping through and had to get out the buckets to catch where it was leaking. That’s one of the calculated risks of redoing a roof, but the years have taken their toll and it needed doing. We expect the new roof to be lots more energy efficient and last for many years when it’s all done.

Wednesday, July 7

I tackled the hill today!

From our house to the office is just 2/10 of a mile, and the hill has a pretty steep grade in parts. I used to walk it all the time, but since surgery, I’ve had to drive.

Tonight after supper, I needed something from the office and decided to give it a try on foot. Down and back would normally take 10 minutes, but today it took me a half hour.

I huffed and puffed climbing back up, and I’m sore in places that are not where the nerves are hurting. But, it was a good feeling as I try to get back to tackling bigger hills and more important issues.

As people on campus and in town ask how I’m doing, I wish I could say “better every day,” but I’m stuck in the position of feeling about the same every day.

When the doctors told me 6 – 12 weeks of recovery, I optimistically believed I could whip it in six, but as that time nears, I know it’s going to take longer and have to deal with that disappointment.

But, I need to not forget to ask people how and what they are doing and listen with care and empathy.

Fr. Steve’s updates

I appreciate good staff, grow close to them and hate to see them go. But we always seem to find others who take up the commitment to our mission and help out with their own unique gifts, talents and personalities.

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

At afternoon work break, our business office said goodbye to Desiree, who will leave us to work at home on the family ranch. I appreciate good staff, grow close to them and hate to see them go. But we always seem to find others who take up the commitment to our mission and help out with their own unique gifts, talents and personalities.

We have two homes open for our students who need the support of St. Joseph’s summer program. I stopped in for supper in the Summerlee home, and enjoyed the company of a half dozen of our young women, grades 3-8. They have three hours of school each morning, then afternoons filled with recreation or other activities. The favorite activity seems to be the trips into the town pool, and playful interaction with other kids their age.

Fr. Steve’s updates

As a priest, you don’t always know the lasting impact you make on people that you see each Sunday in church.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

As a priest, you don’t always know the lasting impact you make on people that you see each Sunday in church. Today a family from Texas that I got to know from helping out in Pleasanton stopped by on their way back from a family wedding in Michigan.

We have kept in touch with cards and letters over the years, but a visit was a nice pick me up during my recovery time. I gave Del, Janelle and Devin a tour of St. Joseph’s and then we had lunch together and time to fill in the missing events of the past 9 years.

When we first met, Devin had just started guitar. I showed him a few ways to easily move between chords; then he took off on his own and sped way past me musically. He is now working on his masters in music, and from recordings I’ve heard, his guitar work is wonderful.

In education, you always hope your pupils surpass you, and it’s gratifying to hear from those who have. That gave me more hope and encouragement for my work at St. Joseph’s.