Mary Immaculate Karatina Catholic Parish

Basic Parish Information

Parish Name: Mary Immaculate Karatina Catholic Parish

Patron Saint: Mary Immaculate

Date Established: 1964

About the Parish

Mary Immaculate Karatina Catholic Parish is one of the oldest and most influential parishes in the Karatina Deanery of the Archdiocese of Nyeri. Situated in Karatina Town, the parish serves the town and the surrounding communities, remaining a vibrant centre of worship, evangelization, and Christian formation.

Since its establishment in 1964, the parish has played a significant role in the growth of the Catholic faith in the region. Through dedicated pastoral leadership and the commitment of generations of faithful, it has nurtured numerous Christian communities and given rise to several daughter parishes that continue to serve the people of God.

Our History

Mary Immaculate Karatina Catholic Parish was established in 1964 after being separated from Ngandu Catholic Parish through the efforts of Fr. Richard Rossi and Bro. Bruno Viola.

Before becoming a parish, the area was served by the Consolata Missionaries, who provided pastoral care from Ngandu Parish. For over three decades, the Consolata Fathers, Brothers, and Sisters laid a strong spiritual and developmental foundation by establishing outstations, promoting evangelization, and supporting education and community development.

In 1996, pastoral leadership was entrusted to the diocesan clergy of the Archdiocese of Nyeri. Building upon the legacy of the missionaries, the diocesan priests continued strengthening the faith of the Christian community while expanding parish infrastructure and pastoral services.

As the Catholic population continued to grow, the original Karatina Parish became the mother parish of several new parishes. Between 1987 and 2010, it gave rise to:

  • Giakaibii Catholic Parish

  • St. Joseph Gikumbo Catholic Parish

  • Gathugu Catholic Parish

  • Miiri Catholic Parish

The creation of these daughter parishes brought the Church closer to the faithful, enabling greater access to the Holy Mass, the Sacraments, and pastoral care.

Today, Mary Immaculate Karatina Catholic Parish continues to flourish with 14 local churches, 84 Small Christian Communities, multiple Sunday Masses, a vibrant religious community of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Tarbes, and several priests serving both the parish and the wider Church.

Vision

To build a vibrant, spiritually nourished, and self-reliant Christian community that reflects the love of Christ through faith, unity, and compassionate service.

Mission

To provide a spiritual home that nurtures faith, upholds human dignity, and equips parishioners to spread the hope of Christ within the parish and beyond.

The parish pursues this mission through:

  • Promoting spiritual growth through prayer, catechesis, and the Sacraments.

  • Supporting youth and families through faith formation and mentorship.

  • Reaching out to the elderly, vulnerable, and those in need through compassionate pastoral and social ministry.

  • Building a united Christian community rooted in faith and service.

Worship & Sacraments

Sunday Masses

The parish celebrates multiple Sunday Masses to accommodate its growing congregation.

  • First Mass – 7:00 a.m.

  • Second Mass – 9:00 a.m.

  • Third Mass – 11:00 a.m.

The parish records indicate four Sunday Masses; the schedule should be updated to include the missing Mass time if applicable.

Confessions

  • Every Saturday from 3:00 p.m.

  • Confessions are also available at other times whenever a priest is available.

Eucharistic Adoration

The parish has a dedicated Chapel of Grace, open to all faithful for personal prayer and adoration.

Community Adoration is held:

  • Every Thursday – 4:30 p.m.

  • Every Sunday – 3:00 p.m.

Local Churches

Mary Immaculate Karatina Parish is made up of 14 Local Churches comprising a total of 84 Small Christian Communities (SCCs).

The Local Churches are:

  1. Mary Immaculate Karatina

  2. St. Anthony of Padua Kienja-ini

  3. St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus Mathaithi

  4. St. Peter and Paul Karindundu

  5. Blessed Allamano Ragati

  6. Maria Assumpta Kiamwangi

  7. Blessed Irene Kahachu

  8. Maria Consolata Kiaritha-ni

  9. St. Monica Kangocho

  10. St. Peter Ndaro-ini

  11. St. Peter Githima

  12. St. Francis of Assisi Gaturiri

  13. St. Charles Lwanga Thenge-ini

  14. St. John the Baptist Kiunyu

Together, these communities form the heart of parish life through prayer, evangelization, fellowship, and pastoral outreach.

Parish Institutions

The parish supports several institutions that contribute to evangelization, education, and healthcare.

Schools

  • Queen of Peace Primary School

  • Queen of Peace Annex – Ndaro-ini

  • Queen of Peace Annex – Kienja-ini

Health Facility

  • CCM Dispensary, managed by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Tarbes

Religious Community

  • Sisters of St. Joseph of Tarbes

Notable Milestones & Achievements

Throughout its history, Mary Immaculate Karatina Catholic Parish has continued to grow spiritually and physically through several important achievements, including:

  • Establishment of four daughter parishes from the original Karatina Parish.

  • Establishment of two additional local churches:

    • St. Anthony of Padua Kienja-ini

    • Blessed Irene Kahachu

  • Installation of a modern public address system, projection screens, CCTV surveillance system, and Stations of the Cross.

  • Expansion of Sunday Masses to accommodate the growing congregation.

  • Continued development of parish outstations through the construction of modern churches, perimeter walls, pews, and improved sanitation facilities.

  • Introduction of the Junior Youth Apostolate to strengthen youth formation and leadership.

  • Ongoing celebration of the Sacraments, including Baptism, Confirmation, Penance, Holy Matrimony, the Anointing of the Sick, and the Eucharist, making the parish a vibrant centre of Catholic life.

For over six decades, Mary Immaculate Karatina Catholic Parish has remained a beacon of faith in the Karatina region. Through prayer, evangelization, Christian formation, and compassionate service, the parish continues to build strong Christian families, nurture vocations, and proclaim the Gospel while serving as the mother parish of several thriving Catholic communities within the Archdiocese of Nyeri.