ST MATIA MULUMBA IRUNDU, UGANDA

       
  Friendship Parishes    
       
  The idea of Worth seeking a friendship Parish in Africa arose from the Parish Development Plan formulated in 2005. Its aim was to reach out, raise awareness and exchange ideas in a mutual relationship based on praying for and learning from each other.

     

Father Stephen Mudoola

Father James Cutts
About Irundu      
   
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  Irundu is situated close to lake Kyoga in the eastern district of Busoga, Uganda. Two hours north of Jinja it is a huge parish with 38,000 Catholics in an overall population of 110,000, served by only two priests a a seminarian, with assistance of 76 catechists.
   
  The 200 faith groups within the parish attached to 36 sub-centres and 6 centres exhibit deep involvement of the people in their professed religion. Theirs is a faith-filled laity characterised by devotional practice, love of scripture, devotion to prayer and social action.
         
Why Uganda      
         
  A committee was established and Uganda chosen because;
  • 43% of the population are Catholic.
  • The committee had connections with Uganda through members previously living, visiting or working there
  • Committee members had contacts (both in the Church and family) living in the country.
  • Uganda has become one of the more politically stable African nations.
  

St Matia Mulumba
Irundu, Uganda

Worth Abbey Parish, England
  After making contact with the Bishop of the three Diocese, members of the committee visited seven parishes in Uganda in March 2007, and the rural parish of St. Matia Mulumba in Irundu was invited to form a special friendship with Worth.      
         
Plan of Action      
         
  The Parishes will;

1. Clarify their expectations of the relationship by

  • showing a willingness to enter a mutual relationship to be in solidarity with, and learn from, each other's community.
  • seeking to grow spiritually through the relationship
  • keep the parishioners fully informed as the friendship develops

2. Agree initial objectives

  • to promote the relationship within the parishes
  • to have regular communication between parishioners and a broad based involvement
  • to identify the financial expectations of each partner, although economic projects are considered to be secondary to the relationship.
  • with visits to develop the friendship and bring the parishes closer together.

3. Regularly review and evaluate the relationship, allowing it to grow

  • Are the goals being met?
  • Has our friendship grown
  • Is it a mutual relationship?
  • Has the faith of both parishes been enriched?
  

 
         
Our Vision Statement      
         
  Worth Abbey Parish wishes to live its faith fully, and since God has called all people to be one in Christ, we wish to befriend those of different race and culture. Therefore, we hold out our hands in loving friendship to our sister Parish of St. Matia Mulumba in Irundu, Uganda.
 

Learning
We wish to learn from our sister Parish. St. Matia has a vibrant faith and much to teach us, especially about liturgy, catechesis, social care and lay leadership. We will bring back to our own Parish the lessons we learn through our relationship.
 

Offering
In a spirit of sharing and with true Christian love we offer our sister church our friendship, time, skills and material help.
 

Receiving
We look forward to receiving many blessings from our friendship. By our participation in different ways, all of us will benefit; and in particular our young people will find inspiration for their own faith journeys.