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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The following lesson plans were developed to spread the good news about a great man.   Father Nelson Baker, born and raised in Buffalo , New York , spent his life helping those less fortunate.  Thousands of young men and boys, unwed mothers, deserted infants, and countless others in need were first-hand recipients of his love for life and his love for God.

It is our duty, as the Catholic educators of Western New York, to inform and allow our students to experience the excitement of the celebration of the life and times of Father Nelson Baker.  The lesson plans that follow cover Father Baker’s entire life, from his early years, to his death, to advancing his cause for canonization.

This project was made possible through the generosity of a core group of individuals.  First, a very special thank you goes to Mr. George M. Martin for underwriting this entire project.  Not only did he financially support this endeavor, but he planted the seed a year ago when he said that something must be done to build an awareness of this great man in our schools.

Special thanks to our committee for their countless hours spent meeting, planning, and crafting these plans.  Sister Ellen O’Keeffe, SSJ, Principal of Our Lady of Victory School in Lackawanna, recruited three of her teachers for their expertise at the primary, intermediate, and junior high levels and also for their devotion to Father Baker’s cause for canonization.  The committee included Julie Gannon, primary teacher, Sharon Michalewski, intermediate teacher, Sheila Flynn, junior high teacher, and Sister Ellen.

Finally, no project would ever be complete if it were not for the reviewers and editors.  Brother Robert Bimonte, FSC, Superintendent of the Diocese of Buffalo, spent many hours reviewing the final product and offering advice for improvements.  Diane Dumansky, secretary for the Department of Catholic Education, who also spent many hours, served as a chief editor.  Many thanks to both Brother Robert and Diane for their valued input.

We are thrilled to offer this packet to your school and pray that it be used to complement your existing program.

Daniel J. Grande

Director of Curriculum and Technology

Diocese of Buffalo