ST. CHARLES LWANGA GATARAKWA CATHOLIC PARISH

1. Basic Parish Information

Parish Name: St. Charles Lwanga Gatarakwa Catholic Parish

Patron Saint: St. Charles Lwanga

Date Established: 1958

2. About the Parish

Brief Parish History

St. Charles Lwanga Gatarakwa Catholic Parish is one of the historic parishes within the Archdiocese of Nyeri and serves as the headquarters of Gatarakwa Deanery. The parish traces its roots to the early evangelization efforts of the Italian Consolata Missionaries who introduced the Catholic faith to the region in the early twentieth century.

The parish was officially established in 1958 after being carved out of Mweiga Catholic Mission. Its foundation was spearheaded by Rev. Fr. Marlane and Rev. Fr. Briganti, whose missionary dedication laid the foundation for the growth of the Catholic faith in the Kieni region.

Over the years, the Catholic population continued to increase, making Gatarakwa Parish an important centre of evangelization and pastoral ministry. Through its missionary outreach, the parish has given birth to several daughter parishes, namely:

  • Sirima Parish

  • Karemeno Parish

  • Mugunda Parish

  • Wiyumiririe Parish

  • Kamariki Parish

Today, St. Charles Lwanga Gatarakwa Parish remains a vibrant Christian community with nine outstations, served by two priests and supported by dedicated catechists who play a vital role in evangelization, catechesis, and pastoral care.

Beyond its spiritual mission, the parish has established a strong legacy of supporting the local community through youth formation, care for vulnerable members of society, faith formation, and holistic community development. Under the pastoral leadership of Archbishop Anthony Muheria, the parish continues to strengthen Christian values while promoting social and environmental stewardship throughout Gatarakwa Deanery.

Mission Statement

To promote spiritual growth through evangelization, community outreach, and holistic Christian formation.

Vision Statement

To be a Christ-centred parish anchored in holistic faith formation, evangelization, and a participative Christian community.

Core Values

  • Faith

  • Hope

  • Charity

  • Humility

  • Self-denial

  • Compassion

  • Unity

Notable Milestones and Achievements

  • Established as one of the pioneer parishes in the Kieni region in 1958.

  • Successfully gave rise to five daughter parishes within Gatarakwa Deanery.

  • Continues to serve as the pastoral centre of the expansive Gatarakwa Deanery.

  • Promotes evangelization alongside holistic and environmentally conscious community development.

  • Provides spiritual, moral, and social support to families, youth, and vulnerable members of the community.

3. Worship and Sacraments

Mass Schedule (Parish Centre)

  • Sunday Mass: 11:00 a.m.

Confessions

  • Saturday: 4:00 p.m.

Eucharistic Adoration

  • Sunday: 3:00 p.m.

4. Outstations and Small Christian Communities (SCCs)

Outstations

  1. St. Jude

  2. Holy Cross

  3. St. Augustine

  4. Blessed Irene

  5. Holy Family

  6. Mother Teresa

  7. St. John Paul II

  8. St. Elizabeth

  9. Our Lady of Consolata

Small Christian Communities

1. St. Jude Outstation

  • St. Monica

  • St. Thomas the Apostle

  • St. Padre Pio

  • St. Kizito

  • St. Athanasius

2. Holy Cross Outstation

  • St. Patrick

  • St. Dominic

  • St. Maximilian Kolbe

  • St. Clare

  • St. Bernadette

  • St. Justin

3. St. Augustine Outstation

  • St. George

  • St. John Mary Vianney

  • St. Philip

  • St. Gabriel

  • St. Anthony of Padua

  • St. Pius

  • St. Matthias

  • St. Benedict

4. Blessed Irene Outstation

  • St. Bridget

  • St. Mary Magdalene

  • St. Rita

5. Holy Family Outstation

  • St. Joseph the Worker

  • St. Cyprian

  • Our Lady of Fatima

6. Mother Teresa Outstation

  • St. Catherine of Siena

  • St. Perpetual

  • St. Ignatius of Loyola

7. St. John Paul II Outstation

  • St. Francis

  • St. John Chrysostom

8. St. Elizabeth Outstation

  • St. Boniface

  • St. Peter

9. Our Lady of Consolata Outstation

  • St. Bartholomew

  • St. John the Baptist

5. Institutions Under the Parish

Secondary Schools

  • St. Augustine Secondary School

  • Kimunyuru Secondary School

  • St. Bakhita Girls Secondary School

  • Bellevue Secondary School

Primary Schools

  • St. Rose Catholic Academy

  • Embaringo Primary School

  • Ngaringiro Primary School

  • Bellevue Primary School

  • Githura Primary School

Training Centre

  • St. Rose Catholic Academy