St. Joseph Kangaita Catholic Parish

Basic Parish Information

  • Parish Name: St. Joseph Kangaita Catholic Parish
  • Patron Saint: St. Joseph
  • Date Established: 1996

About the Parish

Brief History

St. Joseph Kangaita Catholic Parish traces its origins to 1955, when Kangaita Local Church was established under Karima Mission during the pastoral leadership of Fr. Bartholomew. The first place of worship was a temporary structure donated by a parishioner, Joseph Luis, who played a significant role in securing land within the emergency village. From his home, the Christian community moved to the new site, where they erected a simple church that became the centre of Catholic worship in the area.

In 1996, Kangaita Parish was officially established after being hived off from the Cathedral Parish, together with Kiamuru and King’ong’o Parishes. At its inception, the new parish comprised the local churches of Mutathi-ini, Kiawaithanji, Gichira, and Mungaria.

The first Parish Priest was Rev. Fr. James Ndumia, who served for about two years. He was succeeded by Rev. Fr. Michael Muriithi, who was instrumental in acquiring the land on which the parish church now stands. Leadership later passed to Rev. Fr. Maina wa Teresa, followed by Rev. Fr. Gabriel Karanja.

During Fr. Gabriel Karanja’s tenure, the foundation stone for the present parish church was laid. His successor, Rev. Fr. John Gichuki, completed the construction of the new church, providing the parish with a permanent and spacious place of worship.

Subsequent parish priests include Rev. Fr. James Maina, Rev. Fr. Charles Murimi, and Rev. Fr. Patrick Maina, who faithfully served the parish for eight years. The parish is currently under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Fr. Charles Wairagu.

Over the years, St. Joseph Kangaita Catholic Parish has continued to grow spiritually and numerically, strengthening the faith of its people through evangelization, the celebration of the sacraments, catechesis, and community development.

Mission Statement

To do what is right.

Vision Statement

To enlarge and beautify the Kingdom of God.

Core Values

  • Catechesis
  • Sacramental life
  • The Word of God
  • Doing what is right

Notable Milestones and Achievements

The parish has undertaken several important development projects, including:

  • Construction of a perimeter wall.
  • Acquisition of a new pastoral vehicle.
  • Development of a parish parking area.
  • Renovation and painting of parish facilities.
  • Construction of new parish offices.

Worship and Sacraments

Mass Schedule (Parish Centre)

Weekdays

  • Holy Mass: 7:00 a.m.

Sundays

  • Holy Mass: 7:30 a.m.

Confession

  • Thursdays: 3:00 p.m.
  • Saturdays: 3:00 p.m.
  • Confessions are also available at other times upon request.

Adoration

  • Every Thursday after the morning Mass (7:00 a.m.).

Outstations and Small Christian Communities

1. St. Joseph Kangaita Local Church

Small Christian Communities:

  • St. Joseph
  • St. Monica
  • St. Basil
  • St. Augustine
  • St. Ambrose
  • St. Agatha
  • St. Charles Lwanga
  • Sts. Peter and Paul
  • St. John of the Cross
  • St. Catherine
  • Maria Consolata

2. St. Thomas Gichira Local Church

Small Christian Communities:

  • St. Lawrence
  • St. Luke
  • St. Thérèse
  • St. Ann
  • St. Francis
  • St. Anthony of Egypt
  • St. John the Apostle
  • Sts. Peter and Paul
  • St. Joseph
  • St. Charles Lwanga
  • Our Lady of Fatima

3. St. Peter Mutathi-ini Local Church

Small Christian Communities:

  • Holy Family
  • St. Lawrence
  • St. Sebastian
  • St. Stephen
  • St. Andrew
  • St. Joseph
  • St. Anthony
  • St. Thérèse
  • St. Ann

4. St. Paul Kiawaithanji Local Church

Small Christian Communities:

  • Maria Consolata
  • St. Charles Lwanga
  • St. Monica
  • St. Josephine Bakhita
  • Sts. Perpetua and Felicity
  • St. Jerome
  • St. Margaret
  • St. Thérèse

5. St. Mark Kiriko Local Church

Small Christian Communities:

  • St. Peter
  • St. Monica
  • St. Augustine
  • St. Anthony of Padua
  • St. Joseph

6. St. Teresa Gondo Local Church

Small Christian Communities:

  • St. Maria Goretti
  • St. Stephen

7. St. Luke Mungaria Local Church

Small Christian Communities:

  • St. Charles Lwanga
  • St. Paul

8. St. Charles Lwanga Kanderendu Local Church

Small Christian Communities:

  • Mary Immaculate
  • St. Peter

Institutions Under the Parish

Schools

  • Mutathi-ini Secondary School
  • Mutathi-ini Primary School
  • Kiawaithanji Secondary School
  • Kiawaithanji Primary School
  • Gichira Secondary School
  • Gichira Primary School

Religious Houses

  • Companion Sisters Community