St. Francis of Assisi Gititu Catholic Parish

Basic Parish Information

Parish Name: St. Francis of Assisi Gititu Catholic Parish

Patron Saint: St. Francis of Assisi

Date Established: 3 May 2009

About the Parish

St. Francis of Assisi Gititu Catholic Parish is a vibrant faith community within the Archdiocese of Nyeri. Although officially established as a parish on 3 May 2009, the Catholic faith in Gititu has a much longer history, dating back to the early 1970s through the determination and unwavering commitment of the local Christian community.

The parish continues to grow spiritually and socially through evangelization, the celebration of the Sacraments, Christian formation, and community development.

Our History

In 1973, there was no Catholic church in Gititu. The faithful travelled long distances to attend Holy Mass at Holy Family Gathinga Local Church. As the Christian community grew, the distance became increasingly challenging, prompting members to begin discussing the possibility of establishing a place of worship within Gititu.

They formed the Gititu Catholic Welfare Association, with each member contributing KSh 1 towards registration. Although they initially met inside the church after Mass, they were later prohibited from doing so. Undeterred, they continued holding their meetings outdoors, remaining steadfast in their vision.

In 1975, Joseph Kogi approached Mr. Francis Waruru to discuss acquiring land for a church in Gititu. Together, they submitted an application to the Nyeri County Council, which was approved the same year. A surveyor subsequently demarcated the church plot.

That same year, the faithful began gathering for worship at Aguthi Secondary School, under a group of indigenous trees known locally as Mithandi-ini. The site became popularly known as Mithandi-ini Worshipping Ground. During this period, many believers were baptized, and the parish acquired its first copy of the Kikuyu prayer book, Mĩthia ya Mũgambo.

Missionaries including Fr. Camissasa and Fr. Gabisela supported the growing community by providing religious items for fundraising and encouraging the faithful in their efforts. As the congregation increased, members requested the use of a classroom at Aguthi Secondary School, but disagreements with the school administration made this arrangement unsustainable.

Consequently, in 1976, the Christians constructed their first timber church on the newly acquired church land and officially moved their worship there.

As membership continued to grow, plans were made to build a larger church. Before a major fundraising event (harambee), every member contributed KSh 150, enabling the purchase of three lorry-loads of bricks. The fundraising held in 1977 successfully raised KSh 94,000, allowing construction to continue.

On 4 October 1986, the completed church dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi was officially opened by Fr. Francis Vaccari, then Vicar General, who also promised to provide a tabernacle for the church.

One year later, on 4 October 1987, the parish community celebrated its first Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, its patron saint.

As the church continued to flourish, plans began for Gititu to become an independent parish. Christians from four Local Churches collaborated to prepare for this milestone:

  • St. Francis of Assisi Gititu

  • Holy Family Gathinga

  • Our Lady of Visitation Kiaigi

  • Our Lady of the Assumption Thage-ini

Together, they constructed a priests’ residence and began building a parish social hall, ensuring that the future parish would have the necessary facilities.

Their long-held dream was finally realized on 3 May 2009, when Archbishop Peter Kairo officially established St. Francis of Assisi Gititu Catholic Parish. During the same ceremony, the newly completed priests’ residence was blessed and officially opened. The Archbishop noted that the parish already possessed a habitable priests’ house, a social hall, electricity, and piped water, demonstrating its readiness for parish status.

The first Parish Priest was Rev. Fr. S.K. Kamondo, who further expanded pastoral outreach by establishing three additional Local Churches:

  • St. Anthony Nyaithee

  • St. Jude Muthinga

  • St. Joseph Kagumo-ini

He also initiated the construction of the parish offices.

He was succeeded by the late Rev. Fr. Boniface Warui, who continued improving parish infrastructure, completed major works on the priests’ residence and parish offices, and laid the foundation for a parish vehicle garage.

The parish is currently under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Robert, during whose tenure significant developments have been realized, including:

  • Construction of the parish perimeter wall.

  • Renovation of the priests’ residence.

  • Construction of a modern parish church.

  • Construction of a reinforced concrete water tank tower.

Mission

Christ-centred: To know Jesus Christ and make Him known through the Sacred Liturgy, the Sacraments, the Word of God, Christian education, and service to those in need.

Vision

To make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and bringing the loving presence of Jesus Christ to the whole world.

Core Values

  • Worship and Sacramental Life

  • Evangelization and Catechesis

  • Stewardship

  • Service and Social Justice

  • Unity in Diversity

Growth and Achievements

Since becoming a parish, St. Francis of Assisi Gititu has experienced remarkable spiritual and physical growth, including:

  • Increased infant baptisms.

  • Growth in the celebration of Holy Matrimony.

  • Higher numbers of Confirmation candidates.

  • Reception of new members into the Catholic Church.

  • Establishment of additional Local Churches.

  • Construction of permanent church buildings.

  • Increased number of catechumens.

Worship & Sacraments

Holy Mass

Monday – Saturday

  • 7:00 a.m.

Sunday

  • 7:30 a.m.

Confessions

  • Every Wednesday

  • Every Saturday

Eucharistic Adoration

  • Every Thursday – 7:00 a.m.

  • Last Sunday of every month – 3:00 p.m.

Local Churches

The parish comprises seven Local Churches:

  1. St. Francis of Assisi Gititu

  2. Our Lady of the Assumption Thage-ini

  3. St. Anthony Nyaithee

  4. St. Joseph Kagumo-ini

  5. St. Jude Muthinga

  6. Holy Family Gathinga

  7. Our Lady of Visitation Kiaigi

Together, these Local Churches form the foundation of parish life through their Small Christian Communities, where the faithful gather regularly for prayer, catechesis, and mutual support.

Institutions Under the Parish

Academy

  • One parish academy

Legacy of Faith

From the determination of a small group of Christians meeting after Mass in 1973 to the establishment of a thriving parish in 2009, St. Francis of Assisi Gititu Catholic Parish stands as a testimony to perseverance, unity, and unwavering faith.

Inspired by its patron, St. Francis of Assisi, the parish continues its mission of proclaiming the Gospel, celebrating the Sacraments, and serving God’s people with humility, love, and dedication.