youth – Page 6 – St. Joseph's Indian School

A good lesson for our youth

Today we arrived home after a few days in Pittsburgh for donor appreciation luncheons. We met kind and wonderful people who are part of our St. Joseph’s tiyospaye – extended family. I lived in the Pittsburgh area for about a year when I was four, and visited friends there several times during my growing up years, but had never been to the city as an adult. We enjoyed walking around and exploring what the city had to offer. We walked through the campus of Duquesne University, and saw what classrooms and dorms look like at a University. It’s never too early to try to get our Native American youth thinking about college. As we walked through the cultural and entertainment district, I realized that I have never seen so much black and gold as the community really takes pride in their Pittsburgh Steelers, especially on a home football weekend.

Through the generosity of the Steelers and the Rooney family, our students got to go to the football game against the Cincinnati Bengals. It was my first NFL game as well, and for December, we were blessed with mild temperatures and a beautiful day for a game. We sat mid way up in the end zone, and all five of the Steelers’ touchdowns happened in our end of the field.

What I will remember even more than the game, was our visit to the practice facility. I’m fascinated by what goes on behind the scenes in most any business or organization. What impressed our students the most was the room home to the six Super Bowl trophies. What impressed me more, was all the “classrooms” in the facility. To succeed at such a high level takes not only conditioning and physical skill, but being able to learn and out think your opponent. It was a good lesson for our students, who both like sports, but also realize how important using their brain is.

At Friday’s luncheon, I reconnected with Joe, who was in the seminary with me during our high school years. He lives in the area and was a wonderful host as he took us up the cable car of the Duquesne Incline for a marvelous view of the city. A tour guide there took great pride in pointing out the history and achievements of the area, and we learned more about the French and Indian wars and General George Washington’s place in history.

On Saturday, we had another special guest. St. Pat used to be our principal and later oversaw Pastoral Care at St. Joseph’s Indian School. She is now back in her hometown of Pittsburgh was able to grace us with her company. Saturday night, 8^th grader Merrill got a visit from his aunt, who drove five hours from her home base in New Jersey just to spend a few hours with him.

Preparing the Native American youth

It is remarkable to see the Lakota (Sioux) students mature and grow in their love of Jesus.

We have begun the RCIC (Rite of Christian Initiation for Children) this month. This is a program to teach the youth at St. Joseph’s Indian School about becoming a Catholic and preparing them to receive the Sacraments in May. I enjoy teaching this program and seeing the children develop their faith issues and become excited about the day they are Baptized and receive their First Holy Communion. It is an extraordinary journey we take and I am so honored that I am accompany them on their exploration of their new faith. It is remarkable to work here at St. Joseph’s Indian School and not just see the students mature physically and mentally but also grow in their love of Jesus.

This year we have twenty-one students enrolled in the RCIC program; there are five second graders, six third graders, two fourth graders, four fifth graders, two sixth graders and two seventh graders. Please keep the students in your prayers as they take the first steps in their faith journey and also for me that I may have the wisdom and insight to be the best mentor for them that I can be. Next time I write, I will discuss the different themes we are touching. May I offer to each one of you a blessed and sacred Thanksgiving.

Becoming role models

The work is progressing on our Akta Lakota Museum expansion. I spent a lengthy phone conversation reviewing some of the text panels for our displays that will tell the history of St. Joseph Indian School. I thought I knew a lot about our history from the books and journals I’ve read, but as alumni and workers fill in details, I’m learning more all the time.

In the classrooms during study hall, I noticed several 8^th graders in the rooms helping younger children. The school has started a mentoring program for those students doing well and caught up. It gives them a chance to give something back and be a role model. It also helps the younger kids feel a sense of connection and a goal to reach for when they see older friends and relatives mastering the material.

I stopped in for supper at the Carola Home (high school boys). Mike, the houseparent had made his famous Texas fried chicken, with spuds and white gravy and sweet tea to wash it down. It’s one of the boys’ favorites, and rather than just eat and run, they sat around the table a bit longer to talk of school, sports, and give a good-natured teasing to one another – a good atmosphere in the house.

A good problem to have

We’re having a problem with our high school enrollment – but a good problem to have. Traditionally, lots of our 8^th grade graduates start our program and attend classes at Chamberlain Public High School. But most tend to transfer out to schools closer to home as time goes on. But, through our efforts at transitions and independent living, we have retained more of our high school youth.

If the trend continues, we won’t have nearly enough room for a strong crop of upcoming 8^th grade graduates. We particularly have a strong group of 8^th grade boys, with seven of them on the honor roll, and only four spaces projected to be open next year. Since we are finishing the major stage of our home renovations, we have the opportunity to open another home, and use it to have a place for those students. We had meetings today to discuss the logistics and possible staffing that would require.

Lakota (Sioux) youth basketball

Our mail room is a busy place as lots of holiday mail starts streaming in. I am so grateful that people think of us as Thanksgiving and Christmas approach. I realize this is a tough time for many people out there, which makes the generous sacrifices all the more meaningful.

I finished off a day of meetings by relaxing with girls basketball at the gym after school. Our 6^th grade girls came alive in the 4^th quarter, scoring 10 of their 16 points then, and coming from behind to defeat Pierre Indian Learning Center. I took in the action on the court part of the time, but sitting in the bleachers surrounded by 1^st and 2^nd graders, I had a whole group crowded around wanting to talk and tell me things. Tayron in particular had question upon question that reminded me of my baby brother Dan.

Every answer I gave, was always followed up with another, “How come?”

Listening to our kids

Today’s gospel reading was from Matthew 25, about the wise and foolish virgins preparing for the wedding procession. I often ask our students what are some of the issues they and their peers face. Teen pregnancy is high on that list. I used the occasion to talk about preparing for the future, and the value in waiting until marriage to have children of their own. A lot of our students come from single parent families, or are being raised by grandparents or another relative. I hope they will be the generation that waits and prepares for that special someone who they can commit their entire life to, and are able to be there for their children.

Clare, who teaches one of our high school religion classes after church, said that it led to some lively discussion with her group. They remarked that they don’t often get to talk about premarital sex and its consequences, and had lots of thoughtful things to say, as they think about and prepare for their future.

I ate lunch with Raphael Home (1^st-3^rd grade boys). Around the table there was never a lull in the conversation, as each child had something “urgent” they had to share. It’s important to take time to listen when kids are young and full of questions and stories. If we don’t when they are young, they won’t open up as they get older.

The priests in my our local SCJ community gathered for our monthly meeting. Fr. Vincent works on the Indian reservation in Lower Brule and told me how much the parishioners there enjoyed having William Home (4^th-5^th grade girls) join them for mass. For the William Home service project, the girls baked muffins and invited the parishioners to stay after mass for breakfast. Who can turn down such an invitation from a smiling 10-year-old with a muffin?

Who’s your favorite Saint?

All Saints Day.

Fr. Anthony had morning mass for our school crowd. Since our high school students go to Chamberlain High School, coordinating schedules is difficult at times. To have morning mass for them we’d have to start somewhere around 6:30 am. If you know HS students, that’s not their most alert or best time of the day. Instead, I celebrated mass for them after school when they participated quite well. I try to get them involved in reading and helping serve. They’re more open to do that in a smaller crowd of peers than for the whole school. At times, I also appreciate the opportunity to preach geared more exclusively to their age group’s reality and issues.

There are over 10,000 people who have been canonized as saints. One church in Chicago has an empty alcove amid a pantheon of saints. The point is that some day, if we live our faith to the full, we could be one of those remembered as a great example to others.

Do you have a favorite Saint?

A glimpse of issues

Of our 37 new students attending St. Joseph’s Indian School:

* only 2 live with both parents
* 14 didn’t live with either parent
* 15 had problems with school attendance
* 18 were witnesses to domestic violence
* 22 had family difficulty with drugs or alcohol

The SCJs have an 11:30 prayer time, usually for adoration and mid day prayer before lunch. Our houseparents usually have free time during school hours, but I happened to run into Tony on my way to the chapel to set up.

“You do this every day at this time?”

“We sure try to.”

“How cool!”

I appreciated the support and affirmation, but also realized staff shouldn’t be surprised to know that prayer is the foundation of all the other things we do. For all the administrative skills that I’ve needed to learn, St. Joseph’s Indian School is primarily a ministry. If we’re not in touch with the Lord’s will, in vain do we labor. Each day, I lift up the needs of staff, student, donors, tribal communities, nation and world, hoping all of us can walk the path God sets before us.

Though these kids have struggled, they are now happy to be at St. Joseph's Indian School.

Mary Jane, who oversees Admission, sent us the summary profile of the new students we accepted this year. More students are coming to us from families living off the Indian reservation, in places like Rapid City, South Dakota and Sioux Falls, South Dakota or some of the border communities near Indian reservations. Numbers don’t tell the whole story, but give us a glimpse of issues the students might be dealing with.

Of our 37 new students attending St. Joseph’s Indian School:

only 2 live with both parents
14 didn’t live with either parent
15 had problems with school attendance
18 were witnesses to domestic violence
22 had family difficulty with drugs or alcohol

Tonight was our girls basketball opener against Lyman County, which is the next school district west of Chamberlain. Lots of familiar faces were in the stands, even on the visiting side, since I used to be pastor in Kennebec and Reliance. I always enjoy those occasions as a chance to visit with folks and catch up. Some staff were in the position of cheering for a niece on one side of the court, and their classroom student on the other. St. Joseph’s won two, and Lyman one, as all of our girls got the chance to run the floor and show what they’ve been practicing so hard for.

My 500th post!

I’ve been blogging for almost two years now, and Adria, who helps me with the technical work on my blog, tells me that I just completed my 500^th post!

I started as a way to keep a lot of people posted about my battles and recovery with cancer, but also to let people know about the day-to-day events that make up the St. Joseph’s Indian School experience. I go back to the doctors in a few weeks for my next check up, and am feeling well. And each day that goes by at school, is another day of blessing, with lots of little events that touch my heart and bring a smile to my face.

"And each day that goes by at school is another day of blessing, with lots of little events that touch my heart and bring a smile to my face." — "And each day that goes by at school, is another day of blessing, with lots of little events that touch my heart and bring a smile to my face."

Today was All Souls Day. Fr. Anthony suggested the homes give the students a chance to write down names of their loved ones whose death is close to their hearts. At Sunday mass, the kids placed small scraps of paper, or a whole page of neatly written names into a basket. Today before mass, I read through them, and prayed for all people who grieve and are trying to find the way forward without those they love to walk with them on life’s journey. I’m also reminded that we’re all ultimately on a journey towards our heavenly home, and remembering and praying for those who have died gives us a better perspective on how we should live our lives today.

Chris Grant is a law enforcement officer whose specialty is preventing gang violence in Indian Country. He did a series of student presentations today, and I sat in with the 4^th and 5^th grade boys from Cyr and Perky Homes.

When he asked the boys how many of them knew someone in a gang, all but two hands went up.

Sadly, it is a very real problem even in rural South Dakota Indian reservations. When he asked what gangs do, one of the students said, “Gangs fight for colors”. Just wearing the wrong color can be dangerous in many places.

Officer Grant showed some graphic photos about the kind of harm violence can lead to. He had our boys complete attention the whole time through. We hope and pray our students make the choice not to become involved in gangs!

“This is Carla, how can I help you?”

Hi friends! I was excited when Fr. Steve invited guest bloggers to write a little something for our readers.

My name is Carla and I’m one of the staff who answers the telephone when you call, so there’s a good chance we may have already visited with one another.

I was born and raised in Chamberlain and during my lifetime, I have seen St. Joseph’s Indian School make a difference in the lives of thousands of Native American children. I can’t say it often enough, but I am fortunate to work in such a caring environment. St. Joseph’s truly cares for these children and for their staff.

I truly enjoy visiting with friends of St. Joseph’s. Many people call for information about the school and the children, to give a credit card donation or to have their mail tailored to their special interests. If I don’t have the answer for you, I’ll find out who does and be certain all your questions are answered!

It is my pleasure to record and schedule your Holy Mass requests for Fr. Steve. I am also happy to fill out forms and confirm corporate matching gifts from your company. Many people don’t realize companies match donations from both active and retired employees and even their spouses, widows or widowers. It’s an easy way to make your gifts go even further.

We do everything here hand-in-hand with you. With your help, we are able to bring a brighter future to these very special Lakota (Sioux) children. Now be sure to give us a call (1-800-762-2162) if you have any questions. I am waiting to visit with you!