Sacred Heart of Jesus Gathugu Catholic Parish

Basic Parish Information

Parish Name: Sacred Heart of Jesus Gathugu Catholic Parish

Patron Saint: Sacred Heart of Jesus

Date Established: 28 March 1999

About the Parish

Sacred Heart of Jesus Gathugu Catholic Parish is a vibrant faith community within the Karatina Deanery of the Archdiocese of Nyeri. Located in Konyu Location, Mathira East Sub-County, the parish serves thousands of faithful through evangelization, sacramental ministry, Christian formation, and pastoral outreach.

Since its establishment in 1999, the parish has continued to experience remarkable spiritual and numerical growth, becoming a centre of vibrant Catholic life in the region.

Our History

Sacred Heart of Jesus Gathugu Catholic Parish was officially established on 28 March 1999 after being carved out of Mary Immaculate Karatina Catholic Parish by His Grace Archbishop Nicodemus Kirima.

The founding Parish Priest was Fr. Rufus Wambugu, who guided the young parish through its formative years and laid a strong foundation for its spiritual and pastoral development.

At its inception, the parish consisted of only five local churches. As the Catholic faith continued to grow within the area, two additional local churches were established, bringing the total to seven local churches serving approximately 3,384 faithful.

The parish has witnessed continuous growth in Christian life through increasing numbers of Baptisms, First Holy Communions, Confirmations, and Christian marriages.

It has also been richly blessed with priestly and religious vocations. To date, the parish has produced six priests, including four diocesan priests and two religious priests, as well as one religious deacon and one seminarian currently in formation. In addition, thirteen religious sisters from the parish serve in various congregations.

Parish Priests

Since its establishment, the parish has been served by:

  • Fr. Rufus Wambugu

  • The Late Fr. Peter Kariuki

  • The Late Fr. Matthew Mwaniki

  • Fr. Samson Mugo

  • The Late Fr. James Mwai

  • The Late Fr. Abraham Ngumba

  • Fr. Isaiah Njogu

  • Rev. Fr. Ezekiel Thuita (Current)

Vision

To build a Christian community that is transformed by the Gospel and committed to serving God and humanity.

Mission

To proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, make disciples of all nations, and serve those in spiritual and material need.

Core Values

The parish is guided by the following values:

  • Living and proclaiming the Gospel as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.

  • Promoting vibrant liturgical celebrations and opportunities for spiritual growth.

  • Encouraging collaboration between the clergy and the laity in the mission of the Church.

  • Caring for the poor, vulnerable, and those in need.

Worship & Sacraments

Daily Mass

  • Monday to Saturday – 7:00 a.m.

Sunday Mass

  • 9:30 a.m.

Confessions

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available upon request throughout the year. Organized parish confessions are held during the seasons of Lent, Advent, and on other special occasions, including parish spiritual celebrations.

Eucharistic Adoration

  • Every Thursday morning.

  • On the last Thursday of each month, the parish holds two periods of Adoration:

    • Morning Adoration

    • Evening Adoration at 3:30 p.m.

The faithful are also encouraged to spend time in personal Eucharistic Adoration throughout the week.

Parish Community

The parish consists of seven Local Churches and 51 Small Christian Communities (SCCs), which form the foundation of parish life by promoting evangelization, prayer, Christian fellowship, and pastoral care.

Local Churches

  1. Sacred Heart Gathugu

  2. Holy Family Kiamabara

  3. St. James Kahara

  4. St. Martin de Porres Kieni

  5. St. Paul Ndimaini

  6. Blessed Irene Nyaatha Kahuti-ini

  7. St. Peter Gatina

Vocations

Sacred Heart of Jesus Gathugu Parish has been blessed with numerous vocations to the priesthood and religious life.

The parish has produced:

  • 4 Diocesan Priests

  • 2 Religious Priests

  • 1 Religious Deacon

  • 1 Seminarian currently in formation

  • 13 Religious Sisters serving in various congregations

Parish Institutions

The parish currently has:

  • Religious House: One Religious Community

At present, the parish does not directly manage schools, health facilities, children’s homes, or training institutions.

Notable Milestones

Since its establishment, the parish has achieved several important milestones, including:

  • Expansion from five to seven local churches.

  • Continued growth in the Catholic population and sacramental life.

  • Construction of a modern priests’ residence.

  • Construction of new parish offices.

  • Establishment of a Eucharistic Adoration Chapel.

  • Growth in priestly and religious vocations.

  • Strengthening of Small Christian Communities throughout the parish.

Sacred Heart of Jesus Gathugu Catholic Parish continues to grow as a welcoming Christian community rooted in prayer, evangelization, and service. Guided by the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the parish remains committed to nurturing faith, promoting vocations, and serving the people of God through the celebration of the Sacraments and active participation in the mission of the Church.