ÛW’O

The Parish of Kasikeu welcomed the Little Sisters of St. Francis to the Parish, the 26 years old Sisters convent was blessed and opened and named after John Paul II who served the Church for 26years.

Ordinations/ Professions

In the month of December we thank God and the families for the gift of our religious who made their perpetual commitment. And the gift of our Seven Deacons Ordained on 8^th December 2005

New Parishes

On 1^st January 2005 the Year started with the opening of the Parish in Katheka which was an outstation of Masii Parish, with Fr. Tumaini as the Parish priest. I thank the Holy Ghost Fathers who were the pioneers of the Diocese of Machakos and started in KABAA in 1924 and for maintaining a continual presence in the Diocese. On 12^th November 2005, Good Shepherd Kikumini Parish was officially opened with Fr. Pius Kyule as the first Parish Priest and Fr. Dominic Nzuve as the assistant. This is the last born of the Parishes this Year 2005 making it the 51^st Parish in the Diocese.

CWA/CMA registration

The exercise of revitalizing the Catholic women's association (CWA) and Launching Catholic Men's association turned out a great success. Sr. Bernadette the CWA/CMA Coordinator registered close to 2,000 Men and over 13,000 Catholic women.

Diocesan collection Muvothi

A BIG THANK YOU for the effort towards self-reliance, which begins from the Parish in June every year. This year culminated with a joint effort of the thanks-giving Mass on 4^th December and an all Diocesan pulling together. To his event we invited Archbishop Emeritus John Njenga, all Parish Priests and several friends of the Dioceses including our Catholic private Schools and institutions. This was a real big blessing. THANK YOU AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL FOR YOUR GENEROSITY.

As we look forward to the New Year 2006 which has begun with several challenges of looming acute famine and drought, we brace ourselves with hope to hold each others hands in support of those who are suffering. With the prayer of Jesus as our guiding star, “ I will never leave you orphans” we thank God, all the people, institutions and Dioceses including the Government who have come to the aid of the hungry, the thirsty and the sick. WE ARE ALL CALLED TO GIVE A HAND WHERE WE CAN. THIS YEAR WE WISH TO FOCUS ON THE THEME OF “THE FAMILY…..” In the words of a famous Fr. Peter Payton of the Family Rosary. “A FAMILY THAT PRAYS TOGETHER STAYS TOGETHER”. Let us pray together as a family and as a community.

THANK YOU TO OUR PRIESTS, RELIGIOUS MEN AND WOMEN.

It is without hesitation I give my sincere gratitude to all our Fathers in charge and their assistants, our religious men and women for their great collaboration in all Diocesan activities and functions in the Diocese. We can together agree that the Lord blessed all with a great sense of duty and commitment in the year 2005; we can do it again in 2006 with God’s help

“THAT ALL MAY BE ONE”

+Martin Kivuva Musonde

BISHOP OF MACHAKOS

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THE FORMATION OF CATHOLIC TEACHERS ASSOCIATION

The Kenya Episcopal Conference through the Catholic Secretariat with the assistance of the Education Secretaries prepared a plan of action, in order to assist the teachers who have gone through the programmes CISRET and CAPAP to have a follow up, the teachers with the guidance of Mr. Koech decided to have a forum where the former could see the achievement of their programme. It was therefore decided that Kenya National Association of Catholic Teachers (KNACT) be started. An Executive committee was elected to steer this Association. The committee came up with the following Rules and Objectives, to be in consultation with the Bishops on matters of Faith and Education in our Schools.

To help in identifying Catholic Teachers to assist the Bishops and Education Secretaries on matters pertaining to staffing in Catholic Schools especially Head Teachers and Deputies. To support the Church in her effort to train Catholic Teachers. To guide the youth on educational and ethical issues. To encourage the spirit of leadership courses for Teachers as a way of vitalizing their school management and guidance counseling skills. Sharing ways and means of improving the education standards/examinations performance in our schools. To find ways and means of raising funds to help the Association meet its objectives and aims. To provide a means for Catholic Teachers Institutions to come together to know one another and share their experiences. To strengthen the Catholic faith by encouraging the teaching of the Catholic Doctrine to all those under them. To integrate, foster and animate the utilization of the CISRET and REAP graduates. To enable the Catholic Teachers in this nation to support and carry out the church’s missions supplementing the efforts of Bishops and the Education Secretaries.

This seed of forming the Catholic Teachers Association was sown, during the time of Sr. Regina and Sr. Anna R.N.D.M. Sr. Aruna continued to bring the same awareness to the teachers and formed CTA in 20 Parishes in our Diocese. I established CTA in 22 parishes. Our Catholic teachers of the Cathedral Parish have taken up many activities and they are moving on well. One of their main activities of CTA in 2005 was to spend a day, during every term reflecting and praying together as Catholic Teachers. So they chose to move out, to places where there was a conducive atmosphere for prayer. They went to three different places, first St. Joseph’s Pastoral Centre, second to Komorock our Diocesan Shrine of our Lady of Lourdes and the third to the Resurrection Garden, Nairobi. This journey with Jesus the Teacher has graced and helped them in their mission as teachers.

Once a month they get a chance to organise the Sunday Liturgy as Catholic Teachers in their parish, and this coming together frequently, unites them. The Teachers at Mitaboni Parish and Katoloni are responding well with the activities of CTA. The recent parishes that launched the CTA were Mwala and Mbitini. It was a special day for both Parishes. They were privileged to have Fr. Michael Muange, the assistant educational secretary, to officially launch their CTA. 42 Parishes in our Diocese have formed CTA and 9 parishes yet to be formed.

Compiled by

Sr. Shelja CSST.

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CHRISTMAS THANKSGIVING MASS AND DINNER

On 3rd January 2006 the clergy and the religious Men and women in the Diocese of Machakos joined hands together as a family to pray and share a meal as a gesture of thanksgiving for the gift of the New Year 2006. The occasion began with Eucharistic celebration presided over by His Lordship Rt. Rev. Martin Kivuva, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Machakos.

The Bishop emphasized that the “The Family that prays together stays together”. He encouraged all the clergy and the religious in the parishes to have some days for prayer and sharing of their pastoral experience together as a sign of promoting unity.

After the Holy Mass all converged at St. Joseph’s Pastoral Centre for the dinner. The climax of this event was congratulating and honoring those who had celebrated Silver Jubilee and those who made their perpetual vows in the year. As Africans there was the cutting of the cake which symbolizes the sharing of a meal together as a family. The Diocese of Machakos wishes them a fruitful life as they continue committing themselves to Christ.

By Deacon Boniface Kioko

Makueni Parish

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LOVE IS GIVING AND LOVING IS SHARING

As we look around, we see emptiness everywhere. Drought and famine have shaken us. Cares and worries let us down, and fear fills our days. In these situations every one begins to ask in the depth of his or her hearts, why this suffering? Can we keep moving, in joys and sorrows, in pains and miseries, in successes and failures? God moves in mysterious ways. At this point the miracle of Jesus the multiplication of loaves comes alive, His tenderness and mercy is reached out to every one.

As we struggle, he whispers deep within us that Love is a basket with five loaves and two fish it is never enough till you start giving it away. The Lord reminds us, by the example of His very own life that there can be no real and abiding happiness without sacrifice. Our universal identity binds us together. It is up to us to preserve it by love, encouragement and support. We lack time and means, let our prayer be “Lord we have only five Loaves and two fish”. We may come out successful but not without bruises. The scars we acquire may some day be our badges of honour.

So let us remember that we are given this gift of life, shall we make ourselves a gift of life for others by being dough in the leaven. People come knocking at our doors, strangers come seeking love and care let us never turn them down. But let us ask the giver of all good gifts to teach us Lord, gently how to share.

By Sr. Shelja C.S.S.T

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SEMINAR FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS

GROUP 1 - (12TH - 15TH FEB. 2006)

1. Athi River Parish - 2 Teachers

2. Katoloni Parish - 2 Teachers

3. Kyumbi Parish - 2 Teachers

4. Kola Parish - 3 Teachers

5. Machakos Parish - 3 Teachers

6. Makaveti Parish - 2 Teachers

7. Mlolongo Parish - 2 Teachers

8. Nzaikoni Parish - 2 Teachers

9. Kithangaini Parish - 2 Teachers

10. Mbooni Parish - 3 Teachers

11. Masii Parish - 2 Teachers

12. Muthetheni Parish - 3 Teachers

13. Tawa Parish - 2 Teachers

14. Katheka Parish - 2 Teachers

15. Kanzalu Parish - 3 Teachers

16. Mbumbuni Parish - 2 Teachers

17. Kangundo Parish - 3 Teachers

18. Kitwii Parish - 2 Teachers

19. Tala Parish - 3 Teachers

20. Mitaboni Parish - 2 Teachers

21. Komarock Parish - 2 Teachers

22. Ngunga Parish - 3 Teachers

23. Mwala Parish - 3 Teachers

24. Mbiuni Parish - 3 Teachers

25. Kabaa Parish - 2 Teachers

TOTAL 60 TEACHERS

GROUP 2 ( 5TH—8TH MARCH 2006)

1. Thatha Parish - 3 Teachers

2. Matuu Parish - 3 Teachers

3. Masinga Parish - 3 Teachers

4. Ekarakara Parish - 2 Teachers

5. Ndithini Parish - 3 Teachers

6. Mavoloni Parish - 2 Teachers

7. Makueni Parish - 3 Teachers

8. Kathonzweni Parish - 3 Teachers

9. Kaumoni Parish - 2 Teachers

10. Mukuyuni Parish - 2 Teachers

11. Matiliku Parish - 2 Teachers

12. Katangi Parish - 3 Teachers

13. Yathui Parish - 2 Teachers

14. Ikalaasa Parish - 2 Teachers

15. Kalawa Parish - 3 Teachers

16. Kilungu Parish - 3 Teachers

17. Kyale Parish - 2 Teachers

18. Kiongwani Parish - 2 Teachers

19. Kasikeu Parish - 2 Teachers

20. Mbitini Parish - 3 Teachers

21. Kibwezi Parish - 3 Teachers

22. Makindu Parish - 3 Teachers

23. Kambu Parish - 2 Teachers

24. Mtito Andei Parish - 2 Teachers

TOTAL 60 TEACHERS

NB. Please send the required teachers as indicated in the schedule showing both their TSC Numbers and the schools they are teaching in.

By Mr. David Nguli

Education Secretary

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ABSTINENCE AND BEHAVIOURAL CHANGE SEMINAR FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL CATHOLIC TEACHERS

It is just to remind you, the Father In Charge of each parish to kindly choose and send the above mentioned committed practising Catholic Teachers teaching in Primary Schools employed by the TSC, (Teachers Service Commission) who are active in your Parish for a Seminar, who will also be ready and willing to give their time to share that knowledge with other Catholic teachers in your parish and Education Zone. Meals and accommodations will be taken care of, but each has to bring their personal effects. This Seminar is mandatory, so please send the required teachers from your parish.

Venue: St Joseph’s Pastoral Centre, Katoloni

Group I – 12^th to 15th February 2006

Group II – 5^th to 8^th March 2006

To confirm please contact

The DDS office. Tel: 044 - 20245

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SUNDAY COMMENTARIES FOR FEBRUARY 2006

5^th Sunday Feb 5^th

Job 7: 1-4, 6-7; Ps: 146; 1cor: 9:16-19, 22-23; Mk: 1:29-39

The New Testament readings today present us with two men with a mission to accomplish. Mark sums up a busy day in the life of Jesus; then in his curt exchange with Simon Peter, he conveys the urgency of Jesus Mission.

There is no time to bask in the admiration of the crowd as Jesus suggests, “Let us go elsewhere….”We find the same compulsion and urgency in the second reading, in which Paul is so deeply interested and has made himself a slave to all. In a very different sense Job speaks of himself as a slave, lacking purpose, his days are an unremitting drudgery, like those of a workman who waits for his wages. Job is familiar to all of us; if few of us share his innocence, all of us share his anguish and bewilderment. We have all experienced his despair and still wonder: WHY SUFFERING?

6^TH Sunday Feb: 12

LV. 13:1-2, 45-46; Ps: 31, 1Cor.10:31-11; 1, Mk 1: 40-45

Today’s 1^st reading provides a background for the Gospel story, Marks’s account of Jesus cleansing the leper. In ancient Israel the word leprosy covered a number of skin diseases and the law prescribed the person unclean and isolation was imposed because it was infectious. It was also the priest who decided that the leper was “clean” or healed. Jesus sent the leper in today’s gospel to show himself to the priest and to make the prescribed offering. The leper, who is cleansed by Jesus, acts like a Christian missionary: he went away and publicized the whole matter. He spreads the report “abroad” proclaiming the word and giving glory to God.

7^th Sunday Feb: 19th

Is: 43:18-19, 21-22. 24-25, Psl: 40. 2Cor:1:18-22, Mk: 2:1-12

In today’s 1^st reading Isaiah prepares the exiles in Babylon for the “New Thing” God is about to do for them. So new is this new act of God on their behalf that it will make all God’s past favors forgettable, he says. And this is all because of God’s own willingness to forget their failures, their forgetfulness of the past. In the 2^nd reading, Paul seems to affirm the promise of Isaiah when he says, “God is faithful” But for Paul, God’s promise of newness is most fully realized in Christ Jesus. “For” as he tells the Corinthians, “however many are the promises of God their YES is in him”.

8^th Sunday Feb 26^th

Hos: 2:16-17, 21-22, Ps: 102, 2Cor:3:1-6, Mk: 2:18-22

Covenant love, is very evident in today’s readings. The oracle of Hosea declares God’s intention to renew the covenant with wayward Israel, by returning with them to the desert. God’s hope is that a fresh encounter will lead again to espousal,” with integrity and justice, with love and with mercy.” The same imagery controls the presentation of Jesus in today’s Gospel. Defending his disciples for not fasting, Jesus casts himself as the bridegroom, a role reserved for God in the writings of the prophets. As wedding guests, his disciples witness and celebrate the arrival of the new covenant. In the 2^nd reading Paul describes himself and the Apostles as ministers of the new covenant written on people’s heart. We are all LETTERS OF CHRIST addressed to the people we meet. Are you delivering the message that Christ has written in your heart?

Sr. Anna R.N.D.M

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FINAL VOWS – SISTERS OF OUR LADY OF THE MISSIONS

The long awaited day dawned on 14^th January 2006 for Srs. Angelina and Annancieta when they assembled at the Cathedral, of our Lady of the Lourdes, with all the R.N.D.M sisters in the Kenyan Province, their families, friends, and the Christians from their home parishes, Ikalaasa and Kitwii. Bishop Martin Kivuva officiated at the beautiful, colorful, inculturated ceremony assisted by Monsignor Alfonse Mondiu, and a number of priests from far and near.

During his homily, Bishop Martin highlighted the international character of the R.N.D.M. Congregation and thanked them for the services they have accomplished in the Diocese over the past 34 Years. The climax of the ceremony was the profession of the final vows of poverty, chastity and obedience which were preceded by the moving rendering of the litany of the Saints lead by the choir masters of Kitwii Parish. The vows were signed by Srs. Angelina and Annancieta, Sr. Margaret Mc Inervey, Congregational leader and Bishop Martin Kivuva the Bishop of Machakos Diocese.

Lastly the sisters were missioned to Matuu and Katoloni communities by Sr. Margaret who represented the R.N.D.M. congregational leadership team in Rome. Like all Kenyan celebrations the customary Siku kuu followed and the cutting of the cake which was shared. Words cannot convey our deep gratitude to all those who shared our joy, especially our Bishop Martin, the R.N.D.M, family members, our parents, brothers, sisters and all who participated.

Thank you and may God bless and reward you all.

Sr. Angelina M. Ngewa

Sr. Annancieta M. Kiio

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DID YOU KNOW

That in the Diocese we educate more girls than boys at secondary school level? The Diocese comprises of two districts presently – Makueni and Machakos. In Makueni there are nineteen all girls’ secondary schools against seven all boys’ secondary school. Among these schools the catholic sponsored/owned are sixteen, thirteen of them being girls and three of them boys.

In Machakos there are twenty five all girls’ secondary schools. Among these schools are catholic sponsored/owned are fourteen – where ten of them are girls school and four for boys.

Collectively there are forty four (44) all girls’ secondary schools against twenty two (22) all boys’ schools in the Diocese.

The rest of the secondary schools in the Diocese are mixed schools where we have equal numbers of boys and girls – thus catering less for the boy child in terms of secondary school education provision.

By David N. Nguli

Education Secretary

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MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER

NEXT MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEK END MARCH 24TH - 26TH 2006 AT PASTORAL CENTRE KATOLONI. WELCOME

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INSURE WITH PACIS INSURANCE COMPANY

The Kenya Catholic Episcopal Conference has endorsed for her Institutions a fully pledged PACIS Insurance Company. Contact them for motor, fire, Burglary, Personal accident Insurance among others.

For personalized Insurance Service call us or visit us at:

Centenary House, 2nd Floor

Off Ring road, Westlands.

P.O. Box 1870 - 00200 Nairobi

Tel: + 254 - 020-4452560

Fax: + 254 - 020-4452561

E-mail: info@paciskenya.com

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NATIONAL APPEAL FOR FAMINE RELIEF ON 19/2/2006

In a recent Kenya Episcopal meeting held at Langata in Nairobi the Catholic Bishops renewed their appeal to all Kenyans and foreign donors to contribute food to help some 3.5 million people starving in the country. The Bishops set aside 19th February 2006 as a day of National prayer and collection of money and other supplies for famine relief.

N.B: An assessment by Caritas Kenya in 13 most affected Dioceses showed that about 2,384245 people were affected. The current National Estimate is 3.5 million people in dire need for relief food. The affected Dioceses include Marsabit, Isiolo, Lodwar, Garissa, Maralal, Malindi, Mombasa, Kitui, Machakos, Murang’a, Kitale, Meru, Ngong and Embu.

Let us join together in prayers and in every kind of support knowing that this being a National responsibility, as a church let us remember the words of Jesus, “I was hungry and you gave me to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me to drink…” (Mathew 25: 31….)

+Martin Kivuva Musonde

BISHOP OF MACHAKOS

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BISHOP’S DIARY

February

2nd Tala Confirmation

3rd Holy Rosary College - Tala

4-5th Tala Confirmation

10th Land Board

12th Our Lady Queen of Peace - Katangi Parish - Blessing

17-19^th Mwala Parish Confirmation

20th Diocesan Priests Meeting - Machakos Cathedral.

23rd Caritas Meeting K.C.S

March

1st Ash Wednesday - Cathedral

11th Precious Blood Kilungu

18th St. Joseph’s Seminary Nairobi

24-26^th Makaveti Parish - Confirmation

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A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger (Proverbs 15:1)

Catholic Diocese of Machakos

P.O. Box – 344 - 90100, Machakos

Tel. +254-044-20484; Fax-254-044-21308

E-mail: bishopsomks@wananchi.com

Website: http//www.machakosdiocese.org