ST. JUDE RURING’U CATHOLIC PARISH

Basic Parish Information

  • Parish Name: St. Jude Ruring’u Catholic Parish
  • Patron Saint: St. Jude Thaddeus
  • Date Established: 24 December 1999

About the Parish

Brief Parish History

St. Jude Ruring’u Catholic Parish is located in Ruring’u, Nyeri Central Sub-County, approximately 500 metres from the Nyeri–Karatina Road and 2 kilometres from Nyeri Town. It is one of the parishes in the Nyeri Central Deanery.

The parish was carved out of the Cathedral Parish and officially opened on 24 December 1999 by the late Archbishop Nicodemus Kirima. The church was later blessed on 4 September 2005 by the then Coadjutor Archbishop John Njue and consecrated on 13 November 2011 by Archbishop Peter Kairo. The first Parish Priest was Rev. Fr. Dr. J.B. Ndung’u.

The Parish Priest’s residence (Father’s House) was officially opened on 23 December 2012 by Archbishop Peter Kairo.

The parish has been served by the following priests:

  • Rev. Fr. Dr. J.B. Ndung’u – Parish Priest (2010–2012)
  • Rev. Fr. James Ndumia – Assistant Parish Priest (2011–2013)
  • Rev. Fr. James Ndirangu – Parish Priest (2012–2013)
  • Rev. Fr. Patrick Wachira – Assistant Parish Priest (2013–2014)
  • Rev. Fr. Lukas Gatero – Parish Priest (2013–2015)
  • Rev. Fr. Michael Mwangi – Parish Priest (2015–2019)
  • Rev. Fr. Michael Maurice – Assistant Parish Priest (2013–2018)
  • Rev. Fr. Prof. Raphael Wanjohi – Assistant Parish Priest (2015–2017)
  • Rev. Fr. Cyrus Wang’ombe – Assistant Parish Priest (2018)
  • Rev. Fr. Samuel Komu – Assistant Parish Priest (2019), Parish Priest (2020–Present)
  • Rev. Fr. Geoffrey Kiiru – Assistant Parish Priest (2024–2025)
  • Rev. Fr. Joseph Ngachu – Assistant Parish Priest (2021–Present)

The parish is dedicated to St. Jude Thaddeus, one of the Twelve Apostles and the patron saint of hopeless and desperate causes. His feast is celebrated annually on 28 October, together with St. Simon the Apostle.

Mission

To go forth and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to observe all the commands of Christ.

Vision

To be a leading parish in carrying out Christ’s mandate by becoming a vibrant, faith-filled community that nurtures discipleship and outreach under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the teachings of the Church.

Worship & Sacraments

Mass Schedule

Sunday

  • 7:30 a.m. (Kiswahili)
  • 9:30 a.m. (Gikuyu)

Monday – Saturday

  • 7:00 a.m.

English Mass

  • Monday and Thursday at 7:00 a.m.

Confessions

  • After every Mass

Adoration

  • Every Thursday at 5:15 p.m.

Parish Associations

  • Catholic Women Association (CWA)
  • Catholic Men Association (CMA)
  • Pontifical Missionary Childhood (PMC)
  • Catholic Action (CA)
  • Youth
  • Young Parents
  • Marriage Encounter
  • Marian Group
  • Catholic Charismatic Renewal

Outstations & Small Christian Communities

1. St. Jude Local Church

  • St. Michael
  • St. Rita
  • St. Stephen
  • St. Francis
  • St. Paul
  • St. Mary
  • St. Teresa
  • St. Joseph
  • St. Benedict
  • St. Gabriel
  • St. Veronica
  • Guardian Angel
  • St. Monica
  • St. Peter
  • Sacred Heart
  • St. Gertrude
  • St. Faustina

2. St. John Maria Vianney Local Church

  • St. Paul
  • St. Francis
  • St. Joseph
  • St. James
  • St. Mary
  • St. Martin

3. St. Joseph Local Church

  • St. Patrick
  • St. Stephen
  • St. Monica
  • St. Ann
  • St. John Paul II

Parish Population

  • Registered Families: 460
  • Total Christians (2025 Census): 2,259

Current Clergy

  • Parish Priest: Rev. Fr. Samuel Komu
  • Assistant Parish Priest: Rev. Fr. Joseph Ngachu