Description of Ministries:

The Chipole Connection is a Washington Non-Profit Corporation established December 19, 2002. Its purpose is to provide resources for educational, social, and health services to benefit the needy people of Tanzania. We work primarily with the African Benedictine Sisters of St. Agnes Convent – Chipole. The African Benedictine Sisters of St. Agnes – Chipole is a monastic community of more than 350 indigenous Tanzanian women, which was founded in 1939 under the leadership of the Benedictine Sisters of Tutzing, Germany. In 1967 a Tanzanian Sister became the community’s first indigenous Prioress. Their charitable work has continued and expanded. They operate an orphanage, schools, trade school, and medical dispensaries for the people of the region. The Chipole Connection assists St. Placid Priory in educating Chipole Sisters at St. Martin’s University.

Description of fundraising efforts (if any):

We initially held a couple fundraising events; however, we have subsequently used fundraising letters, which have proven effective. Simply by 1:1 education and word of mouth, we have found that individuals want to participate when they know where gifts are going and how they will be used. We are blessed with many faithful contributors from around Washington State and beyond.

Collaboration with individuals or groups outside of the parish/community:

Providence International Missions has donated medical supplies on numerous occasions. St. Michael Parish, Olympia, Social Ministries and Human Concerns Commissions has given us several grants, which were used primarily for shipping medical supplies and the purchase of medicine and supplies by the Sisters of St. Agnes. A Spokane endontist and his wife regularly donate dental supplies or funds for the purchase of medicine and supplies by a Tanzanian Sister who is a certified licensed dentist. The Washington State Environmental Health Organization provided a washer and dryer for the Chipole orphanage.

Describe visits (if any) between your parish/community and your African Partners:

2007: A laywoman who is part of St. Placid’s extended community spent 3 months at Chipole teaching English to trade school students.

2005: The Prioress and one Sister from St. Placid Priory visited the St. Agnes Community.

2004: A board member of The Chipole Connection and a member of St. Michael’s staff visited Chipole to become acquainted with the Sisters of Agnes, and to observe and assess more ways we might be of service.

2001: Two Sisters from St. Placid Priory visited the St. Agnes Community. It was in part due to this visit that the seeds of the Chipole Connection germinated.

How is your ministry organized and run:

Describe Youth Involvement (if any):

Following a visit by one of our Tanzanian Sisters living at St. Placid, students of Visitation Catholic School in Tacoma donated $ 1003.85, which they raised collecting pennies as part of an Advent 2007 project. In January, 2008 the Sister was shocked when presented a check from the students for St. Agnes Community!

Describe areas of expertise that exist in your mission work:

The Sisters of St. Agnes – Chipole provide all the expertise in Tanzania. Over the years the Board of Directors of the Chipole Connection who all come from diverse experiences prayerfully use their collective wisdom and skills participating in the Creator’s on-going work.

What other information would be helpful for others or your community to know/learn from:

Don’t re-invent the wheel. Draw upon others’ experiences and expertise.

What would you like to see or experience at future conferences