St. Benedict Kiamuiru Catholic Parish

Basic Parish Information

Parish Name: St. Benedict Kiamuiru Catholic Parish
Patron Saint: St. Benedict
Date Established: 1996

About the Parish

Brief History

The Christian faith in the Kiamuiru area dates back to the 1960s when Catholics travelled long distances to access pastoral services and participate in the sacraments. As the Catholic population steadily increased, the need for a parish within the locality became more evident.

Around 1985, discussions on establishing Kiamuiru as a parish began. This vision was realized in 1996 by the late Archbishop Nicodemus Kirima, who officially declared Kiamuiru Local Church the Parish Centre and established St. Benedict Kiamuiru Catholic Parish. The new parish was carved out of the Cathedral Parish, which at the time comprised nineteen local churches.

The first Parish Priest was Rev. Fr. Raphael Kishare, while Mr. Joseph Nderitu served as the first Parish Pastoral Council Chairman. The inaugural parish Mass was celebrated on 21 February 1996 (Ash Wednesday).

Since its establishment, the parish has been served by the following Parish Priests:

Rev. Fr. Raphael Kishare (1996–2002)
Late Rev. Fr. James Mwai (2002–2006)
Rev. Fr. David Hunyu (2006–2008)
Rev. Fr. Gerald Mathenge (2008–2014)
Rev. Fr. Charles Wairagu (2014–2016)
Late Rev. Fr. Erastus Gathathu (2016–2017)
Rev. Fr. Paul Kimani (2017–2025)
Rev. Fr. John Gachoka (2025–Present)

Over the years, St. Benedict Kiamuiru Catholic Parish has continued to grow spiritually and pastorally, strengthening Christian formation, expanding its pastoral outreach, and promoting active participation through Small Christian Communities, parish associations, and evangelization.

Mission Statement

To proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ by celebrating the Eucharist and the Sacraments, fostering Christian formation, strengthening families and Small Christian Communities, promoting stewardship, serving the poor, and witnessing to the Benedictine values of prayer (Ora), work (Labora), hospitality, peace, and community.

Vision Statement

To be a Christ-centred Catholic parish, united in faith, hope, and love, forming missionary disciples through prayer, the Sacraments, evangelization, and compassionate service in the spirit of St. Benedict.

Core Values

Faith in God
Prayer and the Eucharist
Charity
Unity and Communion
Stewardship
Integrity
Evangelization
Excellence

Notable Milestones and Achievements

Acquisition of additional parish land.
Establishment of St. Teresa Githoithiro as a new outstation.
Introduction of regular Sunday Masses in all outstations.
Successful establishment of a Police Post within the parish.

Worship and Sacraments

Sacramental Life

The parish celebrates Infant Baptism at the end of every quarter. Catechetical formation is also provided for adults preparing to receive the Sacraments of Initiation or to be received into the Catholic Church.

Mass Schedule (Parish Centre)

Weekdays

Holy Mass: 7:00 a.m.

Sundays

Holy Mass: 7:30 a.m.

Confession

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available during Small Christian Community Masses, Association Masses, and upon request.

Eucharistic Adoration

Every Thursday: 6:00 a.m.
Every third Sunday of the month: 3:00 p.m.

Outstations and Small Christian Communities

The parish comprises 7 local churches with a total of 39 Small Christian Communities (SCCs). Holy Mass is celebrated every Sunday in all outstations, while each SCC hosts at least three Masses annually.

St. Benedict Kiamuiru – 7 SCCs
St. Anthony of Padua, Muruguru – 10 SCCs
Sacred Heart, Gatitu – 7 SCCs
St. John the Baptist, Micha – 5 SCCs
St. Thomas Aquinas, Githiru – 5 SCCs
St. Monica, Marua – 5 SCCs
St. Teresa, Githoithiro – 2 SCCs

Institutions Under the Parish

Educational Institutions

The parish is privileged to have Kagumo Teachers Training College within its jurisdiction under Catholic sponsorship.

The parish also sponsors:

St. John Bosco Kiamuiru Comprehensive School
Githiru Comprehensive School