Tuesday, September 18, 2012       

After working on Catholic School Vision 2020 Leadership Development all day, the evening will involve a reception with the leadership of Loyola University to see how the Diocesan Delegation can work with the University personnel to train teachers across oceans.  The photo features Mr. Innocent Ugwoke, Teacher, St. Theresa’s College, Nsukka, Nigeria  Member of the Diocesan Education Committee, Catholic Diocese of Nsukka, Nigeria
 

Monday, September 17, 2012  

The delegation began their work today at Piper Hall on the Lake Shore Campus of Loyola University.  Their program is entitled Catholic School Vision 2020 Leadership Development.  After school they will visit Office of Catholic Schools at Archbishop Quigley Pastoral Center and meet with with Mr. Christopher Hoar/ Caritas for Children/ This group is collecting scholarship money so that children can afford to go to Catholic school in Nsukka.  The photo features Rev. Sr. Mary Brendan Ezigbo, DDL, Principal of St. Mary Nursery/ Primary Schools in Eha-Alumona,  Member of the Diocesan Education Committee, Catholic Diocese of Nsukka, Nigeria
 

We are grateful to Loyola University for convening the Catholic School Vision 2020 Leadership Development meetings to forward the vision of a cohesive and effective system of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Nsukka, Nigeria. Gratitude goes to Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I., Bishop Francis Okobo, Fr. Michael Garanzini, S.J., and the Loyola University Center for Catholic School Effectiveness, School of Education, and to Sr. Mary Paul McCaughey, O.P. and the Office of Catholic Schools for their assistance in shaping the plan for change. Our gratitude extends to the Catholic schools and parishes of the Archdiocese of Chicago, the Archdiocesan Principals Association, the Sisters of St. Joseph, the Sisters of Mercy, the Sisters of St. Agnes and the members of the Committee of Interests who have shared their talent and skill with Nsukka Catholic school leaders and educators. The delegation represents the Diocesan Education Commission and the Diocesan Education Committee who have worked tirelessly to shape a vision for change for the children and youth of Nigeria. Nno! Welcome!

Esther Hicks and Fr. Odo represent their respective dioceses

 in this collaboration and appreciate all those helping in the project.

Nsukka Delegation Wecomed This Afternoon

Rev. Fr. Dr. Wilfred O. Odo, JCD joins Rev. Fr. Fidelis Ikpe in the presentation of the Kola nut, seven were send by Rev, Bishop Francis Emmanuel Ogbonna Okobo, with the delegation of eight diocesan educators for study at Loyola University in Chicago. The welcome gathering was held Sunday afternoon September 16, 2012. The Kola nut is an important symbol in the Nigerian belief system. Breaking the Kola nut is part of any welcoming ceremony. Among the Ibos, the Kola nut is broken by the youngest person present. "He who brings Kola nut brings life" is a popular expression in many parts of Nigeria.Tell your Kola nut story in your comments.

Summer Delegation to Nsukka

The Chicago Catholic New World published several articles about this trip. Enjoy them all here are their links. Tell us what you think about the project with your comments below

Bringing Montessori to Africa 

For the children: How we are connecting to Nigeria 

Coming to realize we’re all called to ‘mission’

Vision 2020 Shared

Rev. Fr. Wilfred Odo, Judicial Vicar of the Catholic Diocese of Nsukka, Chuck Newman of Schools for the Children of the World and Esther Hicks of the Archdiocese of Chicago Office of Education begin the Committee of Interest Meeting with introductions and prayers. The reports from last month's delegation were well received by those gathered. Watch for the link to the White Paper describing Vision 2020.

Archdiocesan team arrives safely in Nsukka on Friday June 25th.

Archdiocesan Team Members
Esther S. Hicks, OCS Director of Catholic Identity and Mission and USA Project Coordinator
Sr. Barbara Jean Ciszek, CSJ, Principal, Cardinal Bernardin Early Childhood Center  
Joyce Duriga, Editor, Catholic New World, Newspaper for the Archdiocese of Chicago  
Carol R. Fendt, PhD, Co-Director, PRAIRIE Group, University of Illinois at Chicago
Jeanne Henry, Teacher, Holy Family Catholic Academy
By arriving a few days before the large meetings, team members could reconnect with their friends from earlier visits. Pray for Fr. John who is hospitalized with a stroke. The Bishop was happy to meet with the team on Saturday and showed the Kola Nut. This story telling tradition helps to strengthen the shared history among friends. The local Education Committee met with the Archdiocesan Team in the afternoon to review the schedule and presentations for the following weeks.