September 17, 2024

Inspiring Progress: Updates from St. Mary’s School and Caritas Garissa

Making a Difference

We’re thrilled to share the latest updates from St. Mary’s School and Caritas Garissa under the patronage of His Lordshib Bishop George Muthaka.

Construction Progress. The construction of the new junior secondary school classrooms at St. Mary’s School is nearing completion. This expansion will provide more educational opportunities for students in the Garissa region.

Environmental Initiatives. The church’s YACA team is making a significant impact on the environment. Their tree-planting efforts are contributing to a greener and more sustainable community.

Caritas Garissa’s Growth. Caritas Garissa continues to expand its reach and services. They have been actively building partnerships with organizations worldwide to enhance their ability to support the community.

Get Involved. We encourage you to learn more about the incredible work being done by Catholic Diocese of Garissa. Consider making a donation or volunteering your time to support these important initiatives.

August 12, 2024August 12, 2024

Enhancing the OCA Process: A Collaborative Approach

The Organizational Capacity Assessment (OCA) conducted in partnership with the dioceses was instrumental in identifying the strengths and gaps within Caritas Garissa. With the Bishop’s full endorsement, the process laid a solid foundation for targeted capacity development.

Key Elements of the OCA Process:

Diocesan Engagement: The active participation of dioceses was essential in providing valuable insights into local contexts and priorities. Their ownership of the process ensured the relevance and sustainability of the subsequent actions.
Comprehensive Assessment: A thorough evaluation of human resources, financial management, organizational structure, and partnerships enabled a comprehensive understanding of Caritas Garissa’s capabilities.
Strategic Action Planning: The OCA findings informed the development of tailored action plans for each diocese, addressing specific capacity gaps and leveraging existing strengths.

Benefits of Bishop’s Endorsement: The Bishop’s support was pivotal in galvanizing commitment and resources for capacity development initiatives. It strengthened the organization’s position within the community and facilitated collaboration with key stakeholders.

Next Steps:To maximize the impact of the OCA, Caritas Garissa should prioritize the following:

Implementation of Action Plans: Allocate necessary resources and establish clear timelines for executing capacity building activities.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Track progress, measure outcomes, and make adjustments as needed.
Knowledge Sharing: Document and disseminate lessons learned to inform future initiatives and strengthen organizational learning.

July 13, 2024July 13, 2024

Expanding Horizons: Updates from the Catholic Diocese of Garissa

Exciting Expansion at St. Mary’s Primary School

We’re thrilled to unveil the exciting expansion of St. Mary’s Primary School, nestled within our cathedral grounds. This project is a testament to our commitment to providing top-tier education and nurturing the potential of our youth.

Empowering Sustainability with CEI’s Solar Initiative

Thanks to the generous support of the Conferenza Episcopale Italiana (CEI), we’ve successfully launched a transformative solar installation project. Not only does this initiative enhance energy efficiency, but it also champions sustainable practices and environmental stewardship.

Transforming Communities through STAWI Mashinani and MWA

Our partnership in the STAWI Mashinani program, alongside the Millennium Water Alliance (MWA), underscores our dedication to revolutionizing water resource management and uplifting community livelihoods. Recently, Caritas Garissa officials joined us in reaffirming our collaborative efforts during a visit with our Bishop.

Harmony and Talent Shine at Church Choir Competitions – July 13, 2024

We’re excited to share the resounding success of our Church Choir Competitions held on July 13, 2024, at our Cathedral Parish. It was a jubilant celebration of musical prowess and spiritual unity, uniting choirs from local congregations and forging stronger community ties.

Thank you for visiting our blog. Stay tuned for more updates and stories highlighting our dynamic initiatives, community triumphs, and the unwavering spirit of faith and service that defines the Catholic Diocese of Garissa. Together, we continue to thrive and serve with passion and dedication.

St Marys Primary shcool old class rooms and the ongoing construction.

The completed solar Installation Project at the Bishops residence.

Rt. Rev. OFMCap. Bishop George Muthaka with the STAWI Mashinani Team.

The treasure of the church, the pupils of St. Mary’s School.

July 2, 2024

Caritas Garissa Community engagement

Caritas Garissa is actively engaging the community in Balambala Subcounty in the development of a sub-catchment management plan. This initiative is part of the broader community development efforts led by the Catholic Diocese of Garissa. These efforts aim to enhance sustainable resource management and improve the quality of life for the local community. The collaboration emphasizes the importance of involving local stakeholders in the planning and implementation process to ensure that the solutions are tailored to the specific needs and challenges of the area.

June 20, 2024June 20, 2024

Ongoing Developments in the Catholic Diocese of Garissa: Guided by the Leadership of His Lordship Bishop Rev. George Muthaka

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