St. Charles Lwanga Ngangarithi Catholic Parish

Basic Parish Information

Parish Name: St. Charles Lwanga Ngangarithi Catholic Parish
Patron Saint: St. Charles Lwanga
Date Established: 5 June 2016

About the Parish

Brief History

St. Charles Lwanga Ngangarithi Catholic Parish is one of the youngest parishes in the Archdiocese of Nyeri. The parish was officially established on 5 June 2016 by His Grace Most Rev. Peter Kairo, Archbishop Emeritus of Nyeri. At its inception, the parish comprised two local churches: St. Charles Lwanga Ngangarithi and St. Paul Ciara-ini.

The first Parish Priest was Rev. Fr. Philip Wahome, who served from 2016 to 2021, assisted by Rev. Fr. Peter Githinji (2016–2020). In 2020, Rev. Fr. Benard Watoro was appointed Assistant Parish Priest and continues to serve the parish. Rev. Fr. Richard Kibe became the second Parish Priest in 2021 and served until 2025. The current Parish Priest is Rev. Fr. John Wambugu, who assumed office in 2025.

Since its establishment, the parish has been supported by deacons, seminarians, catechists, and committed lay faithful who continue to play an important role in evangelization and pastoral ministry.

The parish has experienced steady growth over the years. At its inauguration, it employed only one staff member (a cook); today, it has five members of staff serving the parish. Its physical resources have also expanded from two parcels of land and one pastoral vehicle to five parcels of land and two pastoral vehicles.

The parish has an estimated Christian population of between 1,300 and 1,500 faithful, with numbers continually changing due to migration and demographic transitions. Active parish organizations include the Catholic Men Association (CMA), Catholic Women Association (CWA), Catholic Action (CA), Senior Youth, the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC), and Friends of the Pontifical Missionary Childhood (PMC).

Through its commitment to evangelization, catechesis, and community life, St. Charles Lwanga Ngangarithi Parish continues to grow as a vibrant community of faith dedicated to proclaiming the Gospel and serving God’s people.

Mission Statement

To embrace the Catholic faith through catechesis, acts of charity, communal prayer, and journeying together in love by following the teachings of Christ as a Christian community.

Vision Statement

To form a Christ-like community through evangelization.

Core Values

Integrity
Charity
Faithfulness

Notable Milestones and Achievements

Since its establishment, the parish has made significant progress in both spiritual and pastoral development, including:

Continuous catechesis for children and adults.
Strong collaboration and harmony between the two local churches.
Close cooperation among priests, parish leaders, and the Christian faithful.
Regular celebration of Holy Mass within Small Christian Communities and family homes.
Promotion of mutual support and solidarity among parishioners during times of need.
Growth in parish infrastructure, staffing, and pastoral resources.

Worship and Sacraments

Mass Schedule (Parish Centre)

Weekdays

Holy Mass: 7:00 a.m. – 7:35 a.m.

Sundays

First Mass: 7:30 a.m.
Second Mass: 9:30 a.m.

Confession

Every Friday after the morning Mass.

Adoration

Every Thursday: 5:15 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
PMC Adoration: Every third Sunday at 2:00 p.m.

Sacramental Milestones

Baptisms: 615
First Holy Communions: Over 500
Confirmations: 261
Marriages: 27

Outstations and Small Christian Communities

1. St. Charles Lwanga Ngangarithi Local Church

Small Christian Communities:

St. Kizito
St. Cecilia
St. John the Apostle
Sacred Heart
Immaculate Heart
St. Joseph the Worker
St. Francis of Assisi
St. Daniel Comboni
St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus
St. Peter the Apostle

2. St. Paul Ciara-ini Local Church

Small Christian Communities:

St. Monica
St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus
St. John the Baptist
St. Mary Magdalene
St. Joseph, Husband of Mary
St. Augustine
St. Francis of Assisi