ICTGARISSA

Exciting Times Ahead: Ongoing Developments in the Catholic Diocese of Garissa

Hello everyone,

I hope this message finds you well. I am thrilled to share some wonderful updates about the exciting developments happening in our beloved Catholic Diocese of Garissa. Our community is vibrant and growing, and we have several initiatives underway that I believe will make a significant impact on our spiritual and communal life.

Building Our Faith Community: New Church Construction

First and foremost, we are witnessing the construction of new churches across our diocese. These projects are not just about building structures; they are about creating sacred spaces where we can come together to worship, pray, and support one another. Notable progress includes:

  • St. Joseph Masalani, Wenje Parish: With the foundation laid, we are now moving forward with the construction of the walls. The community’s enthusiasm and participation in this project are truly heartwarming.
  • Our Lady of Peace outstation in Dadaab: The Construction progress of the the church is quite motivating and the willingness of members gives us hope and faith to keep going and continue building the Church and sprending the gospel.

Continued Expansion of St. Mary’s School at the Cathedral

St. Mary’s School, a significant part of our cathedral community, is undergoing major expansion and improvement:

  • New Classrooms: Construction of new classrooms is well underway, providing more space and better facilities for our growing student body.
  • Enhanced Facilities: Upgrades to the school’s infrastructure include improved laboratories, a modern library, and new sports facilities, ensuring a holistic education for our students.

Commissioning of the Pastoral Center

We are excited to announce the commissioning of our Pastoral Center in the diocese. This center serves as a hub for various pastoral activities, training programs, and community gatherings:

  • Training and Retreats: The center will host workshops, retreats, and pastoral training sessions to strengthen our clergy and lay leaders.
  • Community Engagement: It will also serve as a space for fostering community spirit, organizing outreach programs, and promoting spiritual growth among parishioners.

Commissioning of the Caritas Office

We are excited to announce the commissioning of the new Caritas Office in our diocese. Caritas plays a crucial role in our mission of social outreach and development. The new office will:

  • Coordinate Relief Efforts: Enhance our ability to respond swiftly and efficiently to emergencies and provide aid to those in need.
  • Support Development Programs: Oversee various development programs, including education, healthcare, and food security projects, ensuring they are well-managed and impactful.

Empowering Through Education

Education is a cornerstone of our mission, and we are expanding our programs to reach more children and adults:

  • Scholarship Program: This year, we are proud to provide scholarships to high school students, ensuring they have the opportunity to pursue their dreams.
  • Adult Literacy Classes: New classes have started in three additional parishes, offering adults the chance to improve their literacy skills and open up new opportunities.

Enhancing Healthcare Services

Access to healthcare is crucial, and we are making strides in this area:

  • Mobile Clinics: Two new mobile clinics will soon begin serving our remote communities, providing essential healthcare services where they are needed most.
  • St. Joseph Health Center: Renovations are nearly complete, and we will soon offer expanded services, including specialized maternal and child health care, which is a vital need in our community.

Strengthening Our Community

Our outreach programs continue to grow, addressing critical needs and fostering resilience:

  • Food Security Projects: Through community gardens and sustainable farming workshops, we are helping families improve their food security and self-sufficiency.
  • Water Access Programs: Borehole drilling projects are underway in some of our driest areas, bringing the precious gift of clean water to more people.

Inspiring and Engaging Our Youth

Youth engagement is essential for the future of our community. We are investing in their growth and development through:

  • Youth Leadership Workshops: These workshops are nurturing the next generation of leaders, equipping them with the skills and confidence to make a difference.
  • Sports and Recreational Programs: We are developing new sports facilities to encourage teamwork, physical health, and a sense of community among our youth.

These developments are a testament to what we can achieve together with faith, dedication, and the unwavering support of our community members, donors, and volunteers. Each project reflects our commitment to serving God and our neighbors, fostering a sense of unity and purpose.

I invite you all to join us in prayer for the success of these initiatives. If you would like to get involved or support our projects, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the diocesan office or visit our website.

Thank you for being a part of our journey. Together, we are making a difference!

Blessings,

Communications Director
Catholic Diocese of Garissa