St. Joseph Cafasso King’ong’o Catholic Parish

Basic Parish Information

  • Parish Name: St. Joseph Cafasso King’ong’o Catholic Parish
  • Patron Saint: St. Joseph Cafasso
  • Date Established: 1995

About the Parish

Brief History

The history of St. Joseph Cafasso King’ong’o Catholic Parish dates back to the early 1970s when it began as a chapel serving prison staff, their families, and the surrounding community, accommodating both Catholics and Protestants. The chapel, known as St. Paul, was officially opened on 20 August 1972 by the late Bishop Caesar Maria Gatimu.

As the Christian population steadily increased, the small chapel could no longer accommodate the growing congregation. Many Catholic faithful began attending services at the Cathedral while efforts were made to establish a larger place of worship.

A lasting solution was achieved through the initiative of Rev. Fr. Anthony Mathenge, who was then in charge of the prison chaplaincy, together with his committee. They engaged the Provincial Prisons Commander, and after consultations with the prison authorities and the Archbishop, land was set aside for the construction of a Catholic church.

The land was officially handed over to the Archdiocese of Nyeri on 27 October 1991. Following the approval of Archbishop Nicodemus Kirima, the foundation stone for the new church was laid by Rev. Fr. James Wainaina in August 1992, marking the beginning of construction.

In 1995, the church was elevated to the status of a parish, and Rev. Fr. Boniface Kiragu was appointed as the first Parish Priest to oversee its growth and development.

Since its establishment, the parish has expanded steadily and today comprises five outstations:

  1. St. Joseph Cafasso King’ong’o
  2. St. Patrick Kianyange
  3. St. Stephen
  4. St. Charles Lwanga Kimathi
  5. St. Peter Ngunyumu

The parish continues to grow as a centre of evangelization, sacramental life, and compassionate outreach, particularly through its ministry to prisoners, the poor, and the marginalized.

Mission Statement

To bring God’s mercy, hope, and forgiveness to all.

Vision Statement

To build a vibrant spiritual community rooted in the mercy of Christ, following the footsteps of St. Joseph Cafasso.

Core Values

  • Love for the marginalized.
  • Care for the poor, the sick, and those in prison.

Notable Milestones and Achievements

  • Construction of the new St. Peter Ngunyumu Church.
  • Successful charity programmes serving prisoners and the poor.

Worship and Sacraments

Mass Schedule (Parish Centre)

Weekdays

  • Monday–Saturday: 6:45 a.m.

Sundays

  • First Mass (Kiswahili): 7:30 a.m.
  • Second Mass (Kikuyu): 9:30 a.m.

Confession

  • After the weekday morning Mass (Monday–Saturday).

Adoration

  • Every Thursday at 5:30 p.m.

Sacramental Celebrations

  • Infant Baptism: April, August, and December.
  • First Holy Communion: June and December.

Outstations and Small Christian Communities

1. St. Joseph Cafasso King’ong’o Local Church

  • St. Joseph Cafasso
  • St. Monica
  • St. Peter
  • St. Teresa of Calcutta
  • St. Francis of Assisi
  • St. Agnes
  • St. Augustine
  • St. Rita
  • St. John

2. St. Patrick Kianyange Local Church

  • St. Paul
  • St. Monica
  • St. Charles Lwanga
  • St. Michael

3. St. Stephen Local Church

  • Blessed Irene Stephanie
  • St. Cecilia
  • St. Agnes

4. St. Charles Lwanga Kimathi Local Church

  • St. Monica
  • St. Luke
  • St. Anthony of Padua
  • Blessed Irene Stephanie

5. St. Peter Ngunyumu Local Church

  • St. Charles Lwanga
  • St. Joseph
  • St. Thérèse
  • St. Monica
  • Blessed Irene Stephanie

Institutions Under the Parish

Schools

  • St. Dominic Savio Nursery School

Religious Houses

  • Sisters of St. Joseph of Tarbes
  • Holy Angels Sisters
  • Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
  • Sisters of St. Thérèse of Lisieux
  • Christ the King Major Seminary