Fall 2014 Delegation Trip to Kitui, Kenya
2014 is the 10th anniversary of our life-changing partnership with the Diocese of Kitui, Kenya! This will be a very special trip to experience the joys and struggles of the Kamba people as they live out their vibrant Catholic faith amid the effects of eight years of drought.
The delegation trip is scheduled for September 30 – October 14, 2014. A portion of the trip will be devoted to a special 10-year anniversary celebration. Archbishop Nienstedt is planning on joining the delegation in Kitui for the festivities.
This will be a remarkable trip for all.
FAQs for this trip, Click Here>>
Trip Application, Click Here>>
See more about Kitui on YouTube: See Video Here>>
If you are interested in applying to become a member of a future delegation, or interested in engaging in the partnership, contact Mike Haasl, haaslm@archspm.org, 651.291.4504
Background
In 2004, the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis joined with the Diocese of Kitui, Kenya in a global solidarity partnership as a way to share faith, culture and resources. In 2005, 2008, and 2011 delegations from Minnesota visited Kitui. In September of 2006, 2009, and 2012 delegates from the Kitui Diocese were hosted by their friends in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. This partnership was initiated as a result of the U.S. Bishop’s 2001 pastoral letter “A Call to Solidarity with Africa.” Catholic Relief Services, the U.S. bishops’ overseas relief and development agency, assists with the effort.
The partnership is one of mutuality. The visits are a time to exchange faith and our inner giftedness. We try to deepen the relationships and to continue discussing how we can be a mutual support to one another on our journey.
During the visit in 2005, as the Kenyans’ struggle for access to clean water became so evident, the partners decided that addressing the challenge of water would be their top resource sharing priority. From these discussions and many meetings the H2O and Harvest of Hope projects were born.
The most recent partnership trip to Kitui was June 28 – July 12, 2011. This delegation focused on experiencing education in Kitui schools at many levels. In September/October of 2012, a group of ten delegates from Kitui visited the archdiocese to experience our faith formation, education for the handicapped, medical facilities as well as further discussion regarding potential water filtration techniques. Most importantly, enjoying friendship that develops from solidarity between two cultures.
If you are interested in participating as a delegate from the Archdiocese in the future, please contact Mike Haasl at haaslm@archspm.org.
