St. Joseph Kamariki Catholic Parish
Basic Parish Information
Parish Name: St. Joseph Kamariki Catholic Parish
Patron Saint: St. Joseph
Date Established: 27 August 2016 (The source lists 27/08/2026, but the history clearly states the parish was canonically erected in 2016.)
About the Parish
Brief Parish History
St. Joseph Kamariki Catholic Parish is one of the parishes within Gatarakwa Deanery. The parish was canonically erected on 27 August 2016 by the then Archbishop of Nyeri, Most Rev. Peter Kairo, after being carved out of Gatarakwa Parish to enhance pastoral care and bring the Church’s ministry closer to the faithful. Rev. Fr. Charles Ngunjiri was appointed as the first Parish Priest.
At its establishment, the parish comprised four outstations inherited from Gatarakwa Parish. A new outstation, St. Maximilian Mary Kolbe, was later created from St. Monica Outstation. In 2017, the parish expanded further when two additional outstations were transferred from Endarasha Catholic Parish, increasing the total to seven outstations.
The parish continued to grow, and in 2025, St. Joseph Allamano – Kiawara was established after being carved out of the Parish Centre, bringing the total number of outstations to eight.
Since its inception, St. Joseph Kamariki Parish has experienced steady growth in the number of Christians and continues to strengthen the faith of its members through evangelization, catechetical formation, celebration of the sacraments, and various pastoral programs.
Today, the parish consists of the following outstations:
- St. Joseph – Kamariki
- St. Joseph Allamano – Kiawara
- St. Christopher – Kabendera
- St. Maximilian Mary Kolbe – Lamuria
- St. Margaret Mary Alacoque – Karuthing’itu
- St. Monica – Birisha
- St. Peter – Lachuta
- Christ the King – Kwa Joni
The parish is currently served by two priests residing at the Parish Centre together with a parish catechist, who work collaboratively in evangelization, sacramental ministry, catechesis, and pastoral care of the faithful.
Mission Statement
To proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, celebrate the Sacraments, nurture faith through prayer and formation, serve those in need with compassion, and build a welcoming community where all encounter God’s love.
Vision Statement
A vibrant community growing in faith, united in love, and witnessing Christ to the world.
Core Values
- Faith
- Prayer
- Love
- Service
- Unity
Notable Milestones and Achievements
- Administration of the Sacraments of Baptism and First Holy Communion.
- Solemnization of Christian marriages.
- Construction of the new clergy house.
- Expansion of the number of outstations.
- Continued growth in the number of Christians.
Worship & Sacraments
Mass Schedule (Parish Centre)
- Daily Mass: 7:00 a.m.
- Sunday Mass: 9:00 a.m.
Confession
- Daily
Adoration
- Every Thursday
Outstations & Small Christian Communities (SCCs)
1. St. Joseph – Kamariki
- St. Bakhita
- St. Monica
- St. Cecilia
- St. Veronica
- St. Matthew
- St. Mary
- St. Teresa
2. St. Joseph Allamano – Kiawara
- St. Faustina
- St. Thomas
- St. Stephen
- St. Jude
- St. Francis of Assisi
- St. John Paul II
- St. Catherine
3. St. Maximilian Mary Kolbe – Lamuria
- St. Mary
- St. Cecilia
- St. Stephen
- Blessed Irene
4. St. Margaret Mary Alacoque – Karuthing’itu
- St. John
- St. Augustine
- St. Paul
5. St. Monica – Birisha
- St. Ann
- St. Paul
- St. Teresa
6. St. Christopher – Kabendera
- St. Peter
- St. Anthony
- St. Ann
- St. Clare
- St. Mark
- St. James
7. St. Peter – Lachuta
- Mother Teresa
- St. Agnes
- St. Charles Lwanga
8. Christ the King – Kwa Joni
- St. John the Baptist
- St. Veronica
Institutions Under the Parish
Religious Community
- St. Martin de Porres Community (Brothers of St. Joseph)
Secondary Schools
- St. George’s Secondary School
- Lamuria Secondary School
Primary Schools
- St. Monica Birisha Primary School
- St. Patrick Kabendera Primary School
- Lachuta Primary School