This past weekend (October 17th - 19th) Jessica, Mike, and I went to the Red Cloud School (named after Chief Red Cloud) on the Pine Ridge reservation for their 125th anniversary. Originally called Holy Rosary, the Jesuit mission transformed into an incredible school that does some amazing work on a beautiful campus (I dare not say more because of the rivalry between the Pine Ridge Reservation and the Rosebud Reservation on which I currently reside). We crashed with a group of volunteers who very hospitable to us. They were also very incredible people dedicated to serving and teaching these wonderful students.
Since we arrived Thursday Night and left Saturday noontime, Friday was the one full day at Red Cloud. It was also the day of the celebration of their 125th anniversary. So waking up around 6:30 with Mike we toured the school with a volunteer named Garrett. He showed us parts of campus and gave us a tour around the high school (it's K-12) introducing us to countless people. After that we spent some time with some students who were doing some recording for the anniversary which resulted in us hiking around some of the hills on campus and checking out some of the landscape and scenery (which was awesome) and the chapel. After that we chilled in Garrett's Faith and Justice class for third and fourth period which was wicked cool. After this we checked out the Lakota Language studies and returned to the chapel for a bit. While wondering we ran into a volunteer named Amanda who invited us to check out her Kindergarten class earlier in the day. So we took advantage of that and played with a bunch of maniac Kindergartners who were chasing us around and I honestly think trying to kill us! Either way they were adorable and a ton of fun to hang out with.
After this point the day ended around noon since it was a half-day. Amanda invited us to join her on her bus route (volunteers drive buses too which is pretty nifty). So we jumped on bus number eight. That's when I met the Girl from Pine Ridge. Her name was Sapphoria. She was probably about first or second grade and was filled with life, love and laughter. I talked, laughed, and had fun with her and a couple of other girls in the front of the bus. They shared toys, stories, you name it. Sapphoira in particular showed me her monster dolls from some movie/tv show, her penguin blanket, and this little blue plastic bear that looked like it belonged on top of a pencil eraser. All of these things she seemed rather fond of which makes perfect sense. Anyhow, we all had a really good time getting to know each other and I honestly believe there was some sort of connection made. Especially with Sapphoria.
Her stop was closer to the end of the route so we spent a good chunk of time having fun, talking, laughing, etc. When her stop was a few minutes out she placed her bear under my bracelet on my wrist as if buckling it up. So I made some comment about buckling the bear up and gave it back to her. As her stop came into sight, she gave this plastic little blue bear back to me, telling me to keep it. My initial instinct was to decline; how could I take a child's toy? So after expressing my sincere gratitude I tried to tell her it was okay and that she could keep it. Then what happened next was so profound it almost moved me to tears. She took the little plastic bear and with a thrust of her arm held the bear out towards me saying, "Take it! So you can remember me!" Even right now those words "remember me" get me all emotional. I hardly met this little girl Sapphoria maybe thirty minutes before and here she was, giving me something of hers so I would not forget her. I hardly know what to say with those words ringing in my head. Other than this girl was so open to giving and receiving love. Not even just open, but wanting. I know this because I saw her later that day during the celebrations twice. The first time we recognized each other I waved and she came running over. I expected her to hug me around the waist, but instead she just jumped right into my arms and I spun her around and she was laughing and giggling and all excited. The second time was on the way to Mass. She was on the playground and the same series of events happened again except this time she hugged even harder.
I still have that little blue plastic bear by my bedside. It was one of the most profound experiences I've had since being here. It wasn't dramatic and it wasn't revolutionary. It was simple, heart-warming, and eye-opening. Eye-opening to what ministry is at its roots. Yes, it's love. But to say it is love is one thing, to experience it, is entirely different.
As always, prayers for Jessica, Mike and myself are always welcomed and appreciated. As always, thanks for reading, God bless.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Sunday, October 13, 2013
A New Encounter With Christ
Considering it's been almost two weeks if not more since I last posted anything (although it doesn't feel like that) there is a lot I could talk about. However, I feel compelled to share a whole new set of experiences that I have had and will soon have that bring me to encounter Christ in a new way. The three of us (Jessica, Mike, and myself) work at two different parishes on Sundays: St. Bridget's at 9 am and St. Charles at 11:30. Originally I was set to the task of liturgical coordination which quite literally ruined Mass for me. It became a stressful task that I loathed rather than a rejuvenating and prayerful encounter with God. This quickly became a problem for me in terms of both spirituality and just plain ol' stress. However, it is worth noting that I was also installed as a lector and an EM (Extraordinary Minister of Communion). Only thing was I had yet to really begin participating in those ministries.
However, last Sunday (October 6th) our boss, a Jesuit Scholastic, was stuck in Ohama Nebraska after a crazy weekend of snow (same storm that did a lot of damage to property and cattle in the western part of the state). Thus I was on my own for coordinating and was expecting it to be an extremely stressful Sunday because I honestly didn't expect many people to show up and I'd have to scramble and replace lectors, EMEs, ushers, etc. However, the unexpected happened. I lectored both readings at St. Bridget's which wasn't too bad. I actually enjoyed it (minus being nervous of course).
Then came St. Charles parish. That's where I was ready for fit to hit the shan (gotta thank my program coordinator for that expression). We started mass with only two or three people present...the consequences were I had to do both readings. Also I was being installed as an EME at this particular Mass and being put to work right away. Finally, ten minutes before Mass I ask the Jesuit saying Mass if he had anyone to alter serve for him since our boss, the Jesuit Scholastic, usually alter served at St. Charles. Of course his answer was no and then he proposed the idea that I could do that for him. I need to restate the situation: it's ten minutes before Mass starts and I've never alter served before...zero experience. Now on top of doing both readings and distributing the second species of the Eucharist (which is stressful enough) now I'm alter serving for the first time and received a five minute crash course in what to do. Doesn't sound so bad with only two or three people present, except for the fact that right after we start the Church begins to fill up. So I'm pretty stressed out at this point and borderline waiting to have a heart attack due to anxiety.
Then, something incredible happened. It was the most enjoyable Mass experience in well over four or five months. Totally blindsided. Yet that's what happened. I think it was because I was able to experience God through participation in those three ways. Tasks became prayers and encounters. I honestly couldn't ask for a better Sunday. So the following week I was able to officially change my role for Mass. I get to participate in those three forms of prayer during the Mass (granted not all in the same service anymore...if all goes to plan). Today I even wore a cassock and surplice (and in the words of my housemate Mike, looked like a badass seminarian rocking a mohawk and an earring) which was a first...and surprisingly enjoyable.
Finally, starting Tuesday I'll be bringing communion to those who cannot make it to Mass on Sundays (another thing EMEs can do). This is an experience I'm looking forward to a lot. After hearing about the powerful experiences my friend Jon had while he was in Selma, Alabama doing the same ministry I'm very much excited and nervous to help people experience God in that way. It's pretty incredible actually. So I'll have to post about that later.
Now, I know what a number of people are thinking, "Mike's gunna become a priest (or Edmundite)! However, I'm sorry to disappoint but that isn't likely to be the case. I found those forms of participation satisfying, which is key. If they weren't satisfying and I was craving more then perhaps I would reconsider religious life. However, I did find them satisfying, and I wasn't craving more (even though I'll be doing more come Tuesday). In fact I'm more excited by the fact that I can do all of these things and still do the whole family gig, I find that extremely exciting. So I just wanted to make that clear before I get barraged with vocational questions. However, the diaconate might be a cool possibility if that were to be an option.
Either way that was an awesome experience that I have been very blessed to encounter. One that I am very grateful for. As always, thanks for reading! Prayers for Jessica, Mike, and myself are always welcomed and appreciated as we tire to survive in SoDak (which we are convinced is trying to kill us). God Bless!
However, last Sunday (October 6th) our boss, a Jesuit Scholastic, was stuck in Ohama Nebraska after a crazy weekend of snow (same storm that did a lot of damage to property and cattle in the western part of the state). Thus I was on my own for coordinating and was expecting it to be an extremely stressful Sunday because I honestly didn't expect many people to show up and I'd have to scramble and replace lectors, EMEs, ushers, etc. However, the unexpected happened. I lectored both readings at St. Bridget's which wasn't too bad. I actually enjoyed it (minus being nervous of course).
Then came St. Charles parish. That's where I was ready for fit to hit the shan (gotta thank my program coordinator for that expression). We started mass with only two or three people present...the consequences were I had to do both readings. Also I was being installed as an EME at this particular Mass and being put to work right away. Finally, ten minutes before Mass I ask the Jesuit saying Mass if he had anyone to alter serve for him since our boss, the Jesuit Scholastic, usually alter served at St. Charles. Of course his answer was no and then he proposed the idea that I could do that for him. I need to restate the situation: it's ten minutes before Mass starts and I've never alter served before...zero experience. Now on top of doing both readings and distributing the second species of the Eucharist (which is stressful enough) now I'm alter serving for the first time and received a five minute crash course in what to do. Doesn't sound so bad with only two or three people present, except for the fact that right after we start the Church begins to fill up. So I'm pretty stressed out at this point and borderline waiting to have a heart attack due to anxiety.
Then, something incredible happened. It was the most enjoyable Mass experience in well over four or five months. Totally blindsided. Yet that's what happened. I think it was because I was able to experience God through participation in those three ways. Tasks became prayers and encounters. I honestly couldn't ask for a better Sunday. So the following week I was able to officially change my role for Mass. I get to participate in those three forms of prayer during the Mass (granted not all in the same service anymore...if all goes to plan). Today I even wore a cassock and surplice (and in the words of my housemate Mike, looked like a badass seminarian rocking a mohawk and an earring) which was a first...and surprisingly enjoyable.
Finally, starting Tuesday I'll be bringing communion to those who cannot make it to Mass on Sundays (another thing EMEs can do). This is an experience I'm looking forward to a lot. After hearing about the powerful experiences my friend Jon had while he was in Selma, Alabama doing the same ministry I'm very much excited and nervous to help people experience God in that way. It's pretty incredible actually. So I'll have to post about that later.
Now, I know what a number of people are thinking, "Mike's gunna become a priest (or Edmundite)! However, I'm sorry to disappoint but that isn't likely to be the case. I found those forms of participation satisfying, which is key. If they weren't satisfying and I was craving more then perhaps I would reconsider religious life. However, I did find them satisfying, and I wasn't craving more (even though I'll be doing more come Tuesday). In fact I'm more excited by the fact that I can do all of these things and still do the whole family gig, I find that extremely exciting. So I just wanted to make that clear before I get barraged with vocational questions. However, the diaconate might be a cool possibility if that were to be an option.
Either way that was an awesome experience that I have been very blessed to encounter. One that I am very grateful for. As always, thanks for reading! Prayers for Jessica, Mike, and myself are always welcomed and appreciated as we tire to survive in SoDak (which we are convinced is trying to kill us). God Bless!
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