Carroll College Campus Ministry

A Guiding Light

Our week in Browning has concluded and we have all safely returned to Carroll. This week has been full of blessings and graces, and every one of us was able to see Christ in action. In order to put into words what this week has meant to me, I want to talk about a few things that have impacted me the most. They are: stereotypes, prayer and compassion, and the impact of the school.

During one of our group reflections, we were asked to talk about stereotypes involving Native Americans. The common ones came out: distrust of white people, gambling and alcohol problems, and the idea that these kids “hate” school or “can’t do it.” Our experiences would prove otherwise.

The children we worked with were eager to work with us and showed great respect to our group and their teachers. The kids I had the privilege to work with were bright and attentive, and possessed great compassion to learn. One of the most impactful moments came when a mother welcomed us and said: “If there is anything we can do for you, please let us know.” It was incredible to see a mother offer to give us whatever she could, even if she had little herself.

Prayer is a major part of De La Salle. Before school, every class, lunch, and the end of the day involves prayer. The children ask for St. John De La Salle—patron saint of education and St. Catherine Tekakwitha—the first Native American saint—to pray for them. I saw these prayers in action on the playground during recess.

Jace, a 4th grade girl was walking in crying, after being hurt on the playground. Before any of us could attend to her, Benny, a compassionate classmate of hers put his arm around her and tried to comfort her. I truly saw the face of Christ in Benny. He followed Christ’s commandment He instructed to us in John 13:34- “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” It was so inspiring to see their prayers being answered and seeing Christ living through Benny and all of the students.

Last, I want to talk about the impact that De La Salle has on the Browning community. I heard a startling statistic, 40 percent of high school students drop out of Browning High School. However, 99 percent of De La Salle graduates go on to graduate high school. Currently, they have a junior at Stanford University. The first batch of De La Salle Alums just graduated from college and it will be exciting to see their future success.

With great zeal, we should pray for the city of Browning, the students, their families, faculty, and administrators of De La Salle. De La Salle is a guiding light to Browning and Montana, and through this school, hope and a better tomorrow is a reality.

Peace,

Colin Gunstream

A little Humor

Tis the last day of school, and all through town,
The storm has laid snow for cars to whip ‘round.

As we drove to the school, with excitement in our hearts
We were taken agasp as we drove through the wintery darts.

We arrived at the school ready to serve,
But soon there would be to many of nerve.

The weekdays were full with mathematics and works,
But we always had fun with dodge ball and smirks.

The nickname of Snooks was given unanimous poll,
To the smallest of saints her name Nicole.

Asked we were, to be of Facebook friends,
We agreed with happiness because nothing good should ever ends.

The kids became sprightly when 1 p.m. drew near,
We said our goodbyes and said “to a new year.”

Tony Rosales

What It’s Really About

Welcome to Friday

The minute we walked into the school on Monday, I was instantly ready to go! The kids were freshly back from their Christmas break, and excited to have an immersion group with them for the week. From learning about Moses to doing long division, these school days have been a blast. I have loved seeing the look on the seventh graders faces when I say “Good morning!” or when they finally understand a question that they struggled with for so long.

I came to the De La Salle Blackfeet School the fall of my senior year in high school, and I thought that trip was cool…but this one just meant so much more to me. I got to reconnect with some of the kids I worked with last year, as well as getting to know new seventh graders as well. It was Codi and I tacking on the seventh grade, working together with their teachers to help these kids focus, learn, and grow into amazing young people. They all have so much potential, it breaks my heart to know how behind in school they all are and that there’s really not a lot they can do about it besides keep going to school and, hopefully, go on to college. Some of the kids have dreams of coming to Carroll and becoming teachers, which gives me so much happiness and hope for them. But there are also some children who don’t have any dreams or don’t want to share what there are for fear of being made fun of, which is frustrating to me.

Like any middle school students, the kids have those times when they just seem to have ants in their pants! It’s confusing to work to find the balance between being their friend and being a mentor, trying to be approachable and loving but also helping them learn their curriculum. Though, when it comes down to it, the children are here because they or someone who loves them wants them to receive the best schooling possible here. The support systems here are mind-blowing to me- every single member of each family is backing these wonderful young children. It shows me that these bonds are deeper than the snow outside and have more strength than any of the wind.
Alaina Clark

This Is About More…

Another day has gone by here in Browning. I think we would all agree that as the days go on, they seem to move faster and faster. Patrick, Nicole and I have been spending the week with the 6th graders at the school. The sixth graders seem to have a personality all their own. The 6th grade boys are some of the greatest pranksters and goofballs I have ever met. At the same time, each one of them has a sweet personality that could melt anyone’s heart. It didn’t take the 6th graders long to take to having the “immersion students” in the class. Within the first five minutes we were there on Monday, Nicole was granted the nickname Snooki (from Jersey Shore) as the boys believed that she had an obvious pop culture twin.

As the week has progressed we have grown even closer to each one of the students. We follow the sixth graders around from classroom to classroom throughout the day. In most classes we help the students with their work or assist teachers in daily tasks. However, I feel like one of my primary jobs has become answering questions. “How old are you?”, “Are you married?”, “What’s your favorite college football team?”, “Who’s your best friend?” and “Do you have a car?” are just a few of the questions the sixth graders have shot our direction.

Today, Mrs. Moore (the sixth graders homeroom teacher) had us give the students a presentation about ourselves. We shared about where we were from and a few fun stories about Carroll (the students were especially interested in the ghosts of Carroll College). Again, the sixth grade boys enjoyed teasing “Snooki” when she shared her love for Kobe Bryant and Justin Bieber. Patrick was interrogated about his previous career playing high school football and I received the usual teasing about being an OSU and MSU fan.

It amazes me how much the students want to know about our lives and how much they look up to our example. When I realized how much these kids looked up to us, I really began to reflect on the type of role model that I am. I was forced to ponder this question even further when we attended mass with the students today. During his homily, Father Ed challenged the students to shine the light of Christ in all situations, inside the school and out. Father Ed’s homily got me thinking, how do I shine the light of Christ? Do I shine His light in all circumstances? Even the little choices that I make, from laughing at a dirty joke to listening to inappropriate music impacts the light that I shine to His glory. I have resolved this trip to Browning is about a lot more than serving in a school. The Headlights trip to Browning is about uniting different communities in Christ. The uniting of our Carroll Community and the community surrounding the De Le Salle Browning School is more of a journey towards the common understanding, love, and peace of Christ. In the end, this trip has been far more than an opportunity to serve; it has become an opportunity for me to be challenged to reflect upon my own life choices…. How can I better glorify Christ in all that I do?

Tessa Berg
Junior

Make Yourself at Home…

Today marks our third day at the De La Salle Blackfeet School yet it feels as though we have been here for years. My heart has found rest here, the wide skies, open planes and people who accept you as immediate family make this community feel as warm and welcoming as the sunlit adoration chapel.

How is it that somewhere so far from everything I know has already become my home? Yesterday as the kiddos geared up for their Christmas play in the gym Devan and myself were able to steal away to the Little Flower Church across the street for some prayer time. I found a side chapel, where sunlight streamed in on the Tabernacle clothed in an Indian beaded cover. Father Ed was surprised to discover me there, however he told me, “Make yourself at home here.” It feels like home, I wish I could say it better, but despite what our language arts teacher may say…sometimes words fail.

I ache knowing how far behind the kids are from the state standards for their grade levels. However I continually learn the importance of living in the present. Christ meets you where you are, not where you wish you were, and it is meeting these kids here in their time of need, in their fleeting laughter and contagious joy that has brought me closer to God in these past days. Their eagerness to enjoy each other and seize the day inspires me and keeps me on my toes. I also find myself laughing at things I haven’t laughed at in ages (for example, farting ketchup bottles). We are all children of God, and no matter what we live through we are meant to keep that childlike excitement and gaze. That presence has been nurtured by playing tag, joking with the kids, and desperately trying to shoot baskets on the playground. The kids playfulness despite their difficult situations reminds me of how we are meant to go on for God. Hold Christ’s hand tight, follow closely in his steps and keep His light in our eyes.

Raven Dryden

Structure

The Evening of
January 8, 2013

As we dive deeper into this experience, I continue to learn about life. On the surface, we look calm and collected, but secretly we are all digging deeper into a reflective understanding of who we are and who we want to be. My initial shock of this adventure came when I realized the reality of being in middle school again and the demanding nature of structure in my life. Yet, this is something that I think we all forget about, as our lives get busier. Is structure important? Is structure something worth maintaining or even establishing in life? I had the opportunity to dive into these questions today and really create an understanding for myself of what they mean. As I was journeying through the day, I found myself heading to Native American Studies with the students in seventh grade. What I beheld as the class unfolded was a powerful presentation of family and structure. Mrs. Rides At The Door, the Native American Studies teacher, asked each student to give a synopsis of a presentation they had preparing on the topic of people important in the Blackfeet Oral Tradition. Each student, a bit shy and highly rested from break, gave a little information before thankfully surrendering the conversation to Mrs. Rides At The Door, who seemed to present a vivid history for each student. As more and more connections were made, the seventh graders themselves began to realize to what extent they were connected in their family history. I was fascinated not only by the stories but also by the ability each of these individuals to understand where they had come from, and then, from there to be able to discern where they want to direct their energies for life.
I recently read a book discussing loneliness in our society. One of the topics it addressed was rootlessness (the separation of the individual from their family and past). The apparent connection of the book with school came when I realized that I could barely tell the story of those who came before me to make my life in its current form possible. Often times we are tired of our story, but really it is an advantage to understanding ourselves through the opportunities we have been given. The story of each of our families is no doubt empowering, funny, chaotic, sad, rough, and no doubt intriguing. Our story is unique and is a force that we can use effectively if only we are willing to take time to listen, whether it be in the silence of a past loved one or the superfluous, passionate story of a grandpa. Let us not forget who we are!!!
Codi Krueger
Junior

Hectic Days

Hello and thanks for following us!

Our two days in Browning thus far have been hectic. The mornings are early but as we drive the 10 miles into town the sunrise is amazing behind us and the silhouette of the mountains with Glacier Park in front of us is majestic. Once we get to school the day begins with lots of activity. Everyone is beginning to settle in to the routine. I was recruited today to sub for the school receptionist so have had a different experience of interacting with students, teachers and parents. I think after a day of answering telephones, sorting mail and finding items for people i have a new appreciation for the front office of a school!

The group has been doing a terrific job of being present and helpful where ever they can. As we reflected last night there were a lot of great stories of interactions with kids and with teachers. The teachers here are all young and many of them are volunteers, giving this year to be here for an experience of service and a small stipend. I asked the Carroll students to really observe today the service these teachers are giving and think about the difference they are making in the education of these kids. I am hoping this will serve as an opportunity for each one of these students to think about a year of service in their own lives once they are done with college. Though in many respects this is a very ordinary rural town with challenges of poverty and addiction this school is a special place of service. Being here this week is a gift and I am excited to see what is yet to come.

Peace,
Colleen

The First Day of School

Greetings from Browning, MT!
Let me tell you, did we have a fun filled and energetic day at De Le Salle Blackfeet School! Returning to middle school was both exciting and frightening but at the end of the day we were all bursting with stories to share about our students. We were placed in teams of 2/3 in the classrooms of grades 4-8.
Fred, Colin, and I held down the fourth grade students in Ms. Stack’s room. When we arrived at the school I think we were more intimidated than the students to open up and say hello, but we were soon reminded of the innocence of a child’s heart. For them, loving is so simple and they welcomed us with open arms.
Throughout the day we participated in each subject ranging from religion to math. We also played at recess, shared lunchtime, and had birthday snack with a student!! It was inspiring to remember how thrilling the classroom life of middle school education can be. The students get so excited about learning, even if they wouldn’t admit it. Personally reading with a young girl during library time was very rewarding. Halfway through reading time she looked up at me and exclaimed, “Isn’t this just such a great book!” I couldn’t help but smile knowing that I was making a difference simply by being present to her.
This evening after heading home we hiked up to a near by cemetery. Raven, Fred, Alaina, Tessa, and I finished preparing a chili dinner while sitting around the fire with activities. These activities consisted of some hardcore bible trivia and narrative reading of the hobbit! Sounds nerdy I’m sure but spending time with each other was awesome. Following dinner we drove about two miles down the road to look at the big sky and star gaze. I’ve never seen so many stars! It was a wonderful way to end a perfect day.

With love from Browning!

Devan Hromcik