Mweiga Catholic Parish

Basic Parish Information

  • Parish Name: Mweiga Catholic Parish

  • Patron Saint (Titular): Blessed Virgin Mary (Theotokos)

  • Date Established: 1956

About the Parish

Brief Parish History

Mweiga Catholic Parish was established in 1956 and is one of the oldest parishes in Gatarakwa Deanery. It is situated near Mweiga Town in Kieni West Sub-County, Nyeri County, approximately 14 kilometres from Nyeri Town. The parish was initially founded to serve the European settlers in the area before gradually opening its doors to the local African Christian community.

The first Parish Priest was Rev. Fr. Maraner, who laid the foundation for evangelization in the region. Over the years, the parish has been served by many dedicated priests, including His Lordship Bishop Joseph Mbatia, who served as Parish Priest between 1990 and 2001 before being appointed Bishop. The current Parish Priest is Rev. Fr. Samuel Njigua, who has been serving since 2023.

The parish traces its origins to Mweiga Primary School, where one classroom was initially used for worship. As the Christian community expanded, a semi-permanent church was constructed before a permanent church was completed in 1957 with support from European benefactors. The church was officially opened by Bishop Cavarela and later consecrated on 4 January 2016 by Archbishop Emeritus Peter Kairo.

Over the decades, Mweiga Parish has experienced remarkable growth. From a single worship centre, it has expanded to 20 prayer houses and successfully gave birth to Endarasha Catholic Parish in 1998 to meet the growing pastoral needs of the faithful. The parish continues to attract new converts into the Catholic faith and has administered the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation, and Matrimony to thousands of Christians.

Mission

To proclaim the Gospel of Christ, strengthen the faith of God’s people through the Sacraments, and promote holistic Christian formation and service.

Vision

To be a vibrant Christ-centred parish fostering evangelization, unity, spiritual growth, and compassionate service.

Core Values

  • Faith

  • Prayer

  • Love

  • Unity

  • Service

  • Stewardship

Notable Milestones and Achievements

  • Established in 1956.

  • Construction of the permanent parish church in 1957.

  • Consecration of the parish church on 4 January 2016.

  • Gave birth to Endarasha Catholic Parish in 1998.

  • Expanded from one worship centre to 20 prayer houses.

  • Continued growth through evangelization and administration of the Sacraments.

Worship and Sacraments

Mass Schedule (Parish Centre)

Sunday

  • 6:30 a.m. – English Mass

  • 8:00 a.m. – Kiswahili Mass

  • 10:00 a.m. – Kikuyu Mass

Weekdays

  • 6:30 a.m. – Holy Mass

Confessions

  • Every Thursday during Perpetual Adoration.

Eucharistic Adoration

  • Every Thursday at 12:45 p.m., followed by Holy Mass.

Outstations and Small Christian Communities

Outstations

No. Outstation SCCs
1 Mweiga 9
2 St. Paul of the Cross Njeng’u 6
3 St. John XXIII Solio 4 4
4 St. Monica Ikumari 4
5 St. John Kamatongu 5
6 St. Teresa of Avila Solio 5 2

Small Christian Communities (30)

1. Mweiga Local Church (9 SCCs)

  1. St. Bakhita

  2. St. Paul

  3. Mary Mother

  4. Blessed Irene

  5. Holy Family

  6. St. John Paul II

  7. St. Boniface

  8. St. Anthony

  9. St. Benedict

2. St. Paul of the Cross Njeng’u Local Church (6 SCCs)

  1. St. Monica

  2. St. Benedict

  3. St. John Paul II

  4. St. Charles Lwanga

  5. St. Peter

  6. St. Paul

3. St. John XXIII Solio 4 Local Church (4 SCCs)

  1. St. Monica

  2. St. Peter

  3. St. Paul

  4. St. Augustine

4. St. Monica Ikumari Local Church (4 SCCs)

  1. St. Catherine

  2. St. Monica

  3. St. Charles Lwanga

  4. St. Dominic

5. St. John Kamatongu Local Church (5 SCCs)

  1. St. John

  2. St. Teresa

  3. St. James

  4. St. Peter

  5. Blessed Irene

6. St. Teresa of Avila Solio 5 Local Church (2 SCCs)

  1. St. Jude

  2. Sts. Peter and Paul

Institutions Under the Parish

Schools

  • Mary Mother Academy (formerly Mweiga Primary School)

Other Church Institutions

  • None specified.