Catholic Schools Week proclamation • Editorial -- Catholic schools: Leading students to the ultimate goal MADISON -- Governor Jim Doyle has proclaimed the week of Jan. 30-Feb. 5 as Catholic Schools Week in Wisconsin. The proclamation coincides with the national observance of Catholic Schools Week by Catholic schools across the country. The theme for this year's observance is "Faith in Every Student." The proclamation notes that Catholic schools "strive to foster the growth of the whole person in preparation for the future," "are committed to reaching out to all children, regardless of heritage, religion, race, and economic status, and, indeed, have made this commitment part of their mission;" and "recognize the role of parents as the primary educators of their children, successfully involve parents and communities in support of the schools and encourage local creativity and excellence in education." Wisconsin's 348 schools enroll nearly 70,500 students or just about half of the total nonpublic school enrollment in the state.
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Thomas Awiapo: Catholic Relief Services changed his life

By Julianne Nornberg
CATHOLIC HERALD STAFF

MADISON -- Born in Ghana, West Africa, Thomas Awiapo was orphaned by age 10 - and if it weren't for Catholic Relief Services (CRS), he wouldn't be who he is today.

Thomas Awiapo (Catholic Herald photo by Julianne Nornberg)

Sharing his experiences as both a beneficiary of CRS and as a CRS staff member, Awiapo spoke recently with staff members of the Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center in Madison.

He visited Madison for meetings and discussions regarding the Global Solidarity Partnership project. The Diocese of Madison has a relationship with the Diocese of Navrongo-Bolgatanga in northern Ghana. Awiapo served as the guide and liaison for the Diocese of Madison's first delegation to Ghana.

Childhood survival

Awiapo grew up in a small town with no electricity. "In my village, the only water I saw was from the rivers," which they used to drink, bathe, and had to share with the animals, he said.

Some suffered from the germs in that water, others died, and others survived, he said, noting that doctors and hospitals were unknown entities.

His father died when he was eight and his mother died when he was nine, leaving four boys to survive on their own.

"The four of us used to fight over food," he said.

His two youngest brothers died of malnutrition and lack of care. His older brother disappeared from the village and Awiapo has not seen him for 27 years.   Full story ...

Curtis Martin: Next speaker in lecture series

MADISON -- Curtis Martin, president and founder of the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS), will deliver the next address in the St. Thérèse of Lisieux Lecture Series on Thursday, March 3, at the Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center in Madison.

His address is entitled "New Evangelization and 'the Saints' of the New Millennium."

FOCUS is one of the most dynamic and fastest growing movements in the Catholic Church.

Through humor, stories, and his own life experiences, Martin allows people to see how faith in God is lived out in everyday life. He aims to equip people with the tools to discover the fullness of life and happiness.   Full story ...