Tea Party with the Dennis Home

Sunday, October 17, 2010

I presided and preached at mass this morning. I do appreciate the weeks Fr. Anthony preaches, for it means a break from preparing a weekend homily. But,  I feel more connected to the congregation when I reflect on our lives here at St. Joseph’s in light of the scriptures.

Afterwards, I had brunch with the Dennis Home (1^st – 3^rd grade) girls. In between mass and the meal, the children got out their toys and played “restaurant” with the pretend foods from the toy box. I sat down for tea with a cup the size of a thimble, and rubbed my tummy in appreciation of the plastic burgers, potatoes and scrambled eggs they took turns bringing me.

Someone gave the home a beautiful book of children’s mealtime prayers. It was Nateela’s turn to lead the prayer, and she searched the book for a good one to use. She’s only a first grader, and some of the words stretched her phonics abilities, but we kept reading and practicing  until she had it down well in time for grace. Motivation and practical applications like that sure gives a child greater desire to learn.

Author: St. Joseph's Indian School

At St. Joseph's Indian School, our privately-funded programs for Lakota (Sioux) children in need have evolved over 90 years of family partnership, experience and education. Because of generous friends who share tax-deductible donations, Native American youth receive a safe, stable home life; individual counseling and guidance; carefully planned curriculum based on Lakota culture and individual student needs and tools to help build confidence, boost self-esteem and improve cultural awareness. All of this helps children to live a bright, productive, possibility-filled future. View all posts by St. Joseph's Indian School