Seeds of Wisdom in South Sudan
Supporting Students and Families from South Sudan through EducationA nonprofit organization, working in partnership with the Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Rochester, MN and the people of South Sudan, dedicated to the education of the children of Pukuka, Yei, South Sudan, with a focus on the development of educational opportunities emphasizing Catholic values, academic success and access to improved health care.
Feature, Student Stories!

April, 2023 – Father John Lasuba and Father Jerry Mahon visit the SOW camp schools in Uganda

Web Team
3 May, 2023
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Written By Fr. Mahon

During this time of my visit to our sister school, St. John the Evangelist, Arua, Uganda, I am sincerely moved by many factors. One is the beauty and grace of education, to help someone move from where they are to so much more! This is extremely evident as I shared life with our students and their exceptional teachers.

While the conditions are a significant challenge with many limitations, the dedication of parents, teachers, and our Principal, George, creates possibilities! The desire for new life in the midst of poverty and a lack of resources is so inspiring. The faces of students reveal signs of hope and joy as they sing songs of welcome for us.

Please be assured that your generosity to Seeds of Wisdom is opening the grace and gift of a future for children that otherwise would not be possible. It is remarkable to witness their joy in the midst of needs.

After hearing about their gratitude for all that you as benefactors have given them even in the midst of tragedy, I asked them what else they need? Mind you, they need a lot. My intention was to just hear from children. They responded, a football, (meaning a soccer ball), which came from more than one group. George, the Principal took me to a Sports store, and I purchased six soccer balls for the upper grades and six for the primary grades. All together we have five camp school located in different parts of the area and then the further need for boarding students. This all happened on the last day so I regrettably will not be able to see their faces as I am preparing to return home. However, George assured me they would be super excited.

More to come as I prepare to journey to Rochester and share my experience.

Fr. Mahon

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Fr. Jerry Mahon shares a note of gratitude to supporters of Seeds of Wisdom while visiting the camp schools in Uganda

Web Team
30 April, 2023
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Fr. Mahon from the Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist writes as he visits the students sponsored by Seeds of Wisdom.

Dear Friends:

Grateful to arrive safely in Entebbe, Uganda after reasonable flights of a long distance! During our many years of offering education and formation to so many children, I have never been here with Father John. I came twice, once to bless the ground of the school and the second time for the dedication of the school.

As you know so well, we had to close the school building and by your generosity and the hand of God, we continue to educate 250 students in Arua, Uganda! Father John and I will visit all five of the refugee camps – one each day as they are a bit distant from one another!

Also, we have a passionate need to support the teachers and George, our Administrators, with assistance for sacramental preparation for the children and families! This is uch an important step and we are meeting with the Bishop of Arua asking for his pastoral assistance. Please pray for all of the needs, but in particular for this need of care for their cry for the sacraments.

In being here, I am so conscious of your generosity in making this Easter joy possible by your honest generosity. Our parish community and many others come forward to support this mission, which is very much like the Acts of the Apostles, the early Church!!

God’s peace to you!

Fr. Mahon

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SOW Benefit Dinner Photos

Web Team
5 October, 2022
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Click to view photos from our 2022 fundraiser event for SOW in South Sudan

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Making an Impact; Seeds Of Wisdom in South Sudan feature on KTTC TV NBC in Rochester

Web Team
14 September, 2022
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MAKING AN IMPACT: Rochester nonprofit provides education in South Sudan KTTC NBC TV Rochester MN.

Please note that the story mentions that tickets are available online, however we are not offering online ticket sales at this time. We ask you to please refer to the Parish office at the Co-cathedral of St. John the Evangelist to purchase tickets.   

KTTC Video Link LoadKTTC News Coverage SOW Benefit Dinner and Seeds of Wisdom in South Sudan Making and IMPACT in the lives of people of South Sudan

https://www.kttc.com/2022/09/14/making-an-impact-rochester-nonprofit-provides-education-south-sudan/

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Update and details on our Benefit Dinner – September 25th, 2022

Web Team
10 September, 2022

The seed that falls on good ground will yield a fruitful harvest.  (Matthew 13:8)   This verse is the theme for our Seeds of Wisdom benefit dinner on Sunday evening, Sept 25.

Even within a refugee camp, the Lord’s fertile ground can be found!  Thanks to your support, we are helping yield a fruitful harvest: 237 children in school, most who would not otherwise be gaining an education – truly a bountiful harvest that will lead to brighter opportunities for them, their families, and their country.

The local South Sudanese St. Bakhita Choir will provide entertainment for the benefit dinner.  We have many fun silent auction baskets.  At the live auction, you can bid on some special events: a gourmet dinner from Fr. Mahon, a 4-night vacation at Bigler’s Little Eagle Cabin on beautiful Lake Vermillion in northern MN, a hot-air balloon ride and other great items.  Former KROC radio personality and longtime St. John’s parishioner Dave Pelowski (a.k.a. Kim David) will be your emcee for the evening.  We’ll bring you up to date on the education programs, our students, and our teachers.

We are in our 8th year educating these kids.  Your prayers and donations continue to make a significant impact.  We now have 20 kids who have passed the entrance exam and are in Secondary (High School) – including one of our students who achieved a record score and was awarded a local scholarship to a highly respected school in the Ugandan capital.

Dinner will be soup and salad and dessert, catered by the Canadian Honker.   There are a vegetarian meal and gluten-free dessert options. Please join us for a night of celebration in the success of our children as well as support for their future.

We are still accepting donations for live auction items and silent auction baskets.  And, we have some volunteer opportunities for set up and clean up.    Please email info@sowsouthsudan.org if you are interested in assisting us!

Benefit Dinner tickets are on sale in the parish office, and after most Masses.  Tickets are $50 ($25 for 12 and under) and are 10% off through Sept 14.  The event will be on September 25th, doors opening at 5:45 PM, at the Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist school gym.

 

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RPR Radio Interview: Steve Deick – President of SOW in South Sudan Board of Directors

Web Team
4 September, 2022
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This is an interview on RPR radio “Real Presence Radio” presented as an update on the Seeds of Wisdom of South Sudan.  This interview describes the history and tells the story of how and why the support for Education for the students and families of South Sudan is so important.   Steve Deick President of the Board of Directors describes how he and his family and the parish of St. John the Evangelist has worked to pursuit the expansion of the world view for students and families in South Sudan through Education as a means to increase societal gains in this region.

Take a listen!  Recorded September 2022:

https://yourcatholicradiostation.com/node/60974

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