North American administrations meet
The SCJ administrations of Canada and the US gathered in Ottawa for their biannual meeting April 13-14. Discussion topics included the upcoming General Chapter, the welcoming of international SCJs, possibilities for sharing the Dehonian charism among laity, World Youth Day 2016, and renewal/retreats for SCJs in North America. The meeting was also an opportunity for the two councils to visit with members of the local SCJ community in Ottawa.
Vacation time is work time in India
Fr. Tom Cassidy continues to update the province blog with posts from the Indian District, where he is assisting with the formation program until early May. Last week he wrote:
“With this being vacation time the scholastics spend more time at work, and work right now is concentrated on the front drive and small plots of land in front of the refectory for grass and flowers. Currently there are 10 students in the house though all but three of them will leave next week to begin either their vacation or their 20-day pastoral experience. Some of the students who left on April 1 will return to keep the work force up. The returning group is splitting their ministry time from their vacation time. They began their ministry time helping out during Holy Week and with the Indian custom of house blessings following Easter.
“After eight or ten years in the seminary system the students pick up all sorts of trades and skills. Some have learned a lot about electricity and technology, while others learn carpentry and masonry and still others cooking and hospitality skills. Some, given their physical size, are usually the first given work requiring strength — some might call that the grunt work!”
Click here to read the rest of this and other posts on the province blog.
St. Joseph’s class of 2015
St. Joseph Indian School recently featured members of its graduating high school seniors on the school website.
“My name is Kyran and I have attended St. Joseph’s for ten years,” writes one of the students. “These past few months, I’ve really taken a step back and tried to enjoy my time here, knowing it’s my final year. To be involved with St. Joseph’s for so long is really an amazing accomplishment for me!
“I’ve participated in a bunch of different activities while attending high school. The clubs I’ve been a part of include the Native American Club, Drama Club, and FFA (Future Farmers of America). I have participated in basketball, baseball, and football.
“I have made countless memories while at St. Joseph’s. One of my favorites is the time I went to Maine for a donor luncheon. Meeting the people who make this place possible was really extraordinary.
“I want to thank every single one of my houseparents. I don’t know how you put up with me, but I really appreciate it. For the staff and teachers, all of the Family Service Counselors as well, words can’t express how much I thank you guys for being there for me. You guys really are special, so just another thanks to everyone who works at St. Joseph’s.
“My plan for next year is to attend the University of South Dakota and major in business. Some advice I’d like to share is don’t be afraid to try anything you really want to do. You can’t be afraid to fail — failing is a part of life and it will only help you get better. Also, if you’re going to do anything, do it to the best of your ability.”
Click here to read more of the student autobiographies.
High school students live in a family home on the St. Joseph’s campus while attending Chamberlain High School.
Please remember
+Fr. Willem Zoons, a member of the Dutch-Flemish Confederation, died April 18. He was born in 1927, professed in 1947 and ordained in 1954.
+Fr. Ivo Nicolau Scheid, a member of the Brazil – São Paulo Province, died April 13. He was born in 1926, professed in 1949 and ordained in 1953.
+Sr. Corinne Oberembt, OSB, who briefly served in SCJ ministries in Hales Corners, Wis., and in South Dakota, died on April 14. She was 90. Funeral arrangements and burial were at the Benedictine’s Sacred Heart Monastery in Yankton, SD.
Three SHSST seminarians make deacon promises
Pictured above are the three SHSST seminarians who professed deacon promises on April 15 at an all-school Mass. They are Paul Bonk of the Diocese of Springfield, Ill., Francisco Javier Gordillo Villamil of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, Mo., and Alfred Pillarelli of the Diocese of Gaylord, Mich. Looking on is President-Rector Msgr. Ross Shecterle. Gordillo Villamil is expected to be ordained to the priesthood and begin serving in parish ministry in December. Bonk and Pillarelli are scheduled for priesthood ordination in the summer of 2016.
On the calendar
The North American Immigration Committee meets at the Provincial Conference Center April 21-22. The committee is doing follow-up on one of the topics raised at the 2013 North American Continental Conference (immigration). This will be the committee’s second meeting (the first was in February).
Members of the committee include: Fr. Peter McKenna, Fr. Claude Bédard, Fr. John Czyzynski, Br. Duane Lemke, Fr. Richard MacDonald, Fr. Zbigniew Morawiec, Fr. Eli Munzungu Ngoy and Mark Peters (US Province director of Justice, Peace and Reconciliation)
Provincial’s time
Fr. Stephen Huffstetter returns to the office this week after meetings in Ottawa and Mississippi. Next week, April 28-29, he meets with the Provincial Council (the annual budget meeting).
