January 15, 2023 – In a clear demonstration of forward-thinking leadership, St. Charles Lwanga Parish officially launched its Strategic Plan 2023–2028 during a colorful ceremony after Sunday Mass. The event marked the beginning of a new chapter, as the parish charted a course for holistic growth over the next five years.
The launch took place in the parish hall, where representatives from all ministries, SCCs, and committees gathered, along with curious parishioners. On the stage was a banner reading “Kuangaza Safari Yetu – Illuminating Our Journey: Strategic Plan 2023–2028.” The presence of our Diocesan Pastoral Coordinator and a Provincial Jesuit representative underscored its importance.
Fr. Sosthenes Luyembe, SJ, opened with a few words: “A strategic plan might sound corporate, but for us it is essentially asking: Lord, where do you want us to go, and how do we get there?” He recapped the journey of creating the plan – starting from parish surveys and consultation meetings held last year. Interestingly, he shared a fun anecdote: during one brainstorming, a child had put a suggestion in the box saying, “We need more swings to play.” That reminded them the plan had to consider all, including children (and yes, one of the actions under community life is to improve the playground!).
Highlights of the Plan were then presented by the head of the Parish Council, using a slideshow. He went through the 8 Strategic Issues: – For Catechists: “We will train more and even employ one full-time catechist by next year, so our people are well-formed.” – For Catholic Traditions: “Expect to see more devotional activities like processions and pilgrimages – we want to revive what makes us proudly Catholic.” – For Interfaith Dialogue: “We plan to start an annual interfaith football match and seminar, to foster friendships with our Muslim neighbors – because peace is built on relationships.” – For Families: “We’ll be organizing parenting workshops, because the crisis in families is real and we must address it.” – For Mayungu Church: (cheers erupted here) – “Yes, we will build our church! Starting with land purchase hopefully this year, fundraising dinners, etc.” – For Self-reliance: “We aim to reduce donor dependence. We will increase local fundraising, and initiatives like our rental stalls and maybe start a parish canteen.” (One youth shouted “And a parish Uber!” to laughter.) – For Environment: “We will plant at least 1000 trees in 5 years and embrace eco-friendly practices at church and home.” – For Child Safeguarding: “We are instituting strict safeguarding measures – training, policies – making sure the church is the safest place for all, especially kids.”
Each point was met with nods and some applause, as people saw their concerns had been heard and turned into actionable plans.
The Diocesan Pastoral Coordinator, Mr. Alex, then officially launched the plan by unveiling a printed booklet of the Strategic Plan and handing a copy to each group representative. He commended the parish: “You are among the first in our diocese to do a full strategic plan at parish level. Hongera! (Congratulations!) This is the way to go to strengthen the Church.” He assured the diocese’s support especially in training and resources to meet these goals, and urged parishioners to own the plan: “It’s not a Father’s plan or Council’s plan, it’s everyone’s.”
Subsequently, a brief Q&A allowed parishioners to seek clarifications or offer suggestions. One catechist asked how they will handle the challenge of recruiting volunteers for so many activities. Fr. Damas responded with a smile: “We will be calling upon you all! Don’t worry, we’ll match tasks to passions. If you love singing, we won’t ask you to go plant trees – unless you want to sing to the trees!” The hall chuckled.
Another parishioner from an outstation voiced, “Please remember us in these plans, sometimes we feel forgotten.” The moderator reassured him that outstations are very much included – indeed in catechist training, construction, etc., they have explicit mention. That visibly pleased our outstation delegates.
To add a celebratory touch, the CWA sang a short chorus “Mungu ni mwema – God is good”, effectively giving the plan’s launch a prayerful send-off. After a closing prayer, everyone was invited outside where tea and snacks were served.
In the courtyard, one could overhear enthusiastic conversations: Youth already brainstorming the interfaith football idea, CWA members talking about how to boost devotions, outstation folks clustering around a map of Mayungu discussing possible land spots. The strategic plan hadn’t even cooled off the press, and already, the community was buzzing with energy and optimism for the future.
The parish also set up a “feedback tree” – a paper tree on the wall where people could stick notes with any other ideas to implement the plan. Many colorful notes appeared (“Let’s have Bible study in Kiswahili after Mass” – “We need a sign language ministry for the deaf” – “Teach us farming in church land”). It’s clear people felt more empowered to voice their hopes.
This launch was more than a formality; it was a renewal of commitment. There was a sense that we are truly journeying together (as Pope Francis emphasizes synodality), each playing a part. Over the next months, we have scheduled follow-up workshops to assign roles and start specific projects like the catechist workshop, the family life seminar, etc. The real work is ahead, but with God’s grace, we trust we shall achieve much.
As a parishioner succinctly put it in the meeting, borrowing from Scripture: “The vision is for an appointed time… though it may tarry, wait for it; it will surely come.” (Habakkuk 2:3). We’ve written the vision; now we run with it.
Stay tuned on this blog and in our announcements for periodic updates on how we’re progressing on the Strategic Plan goals. And remember, “Many hands make light work.” If you feel called to contribute in any particular area of the plan, please speak to the parish office or council – your talent might be just what’s needed.
May St. Charles Lwanga and all the Martyrs pray for us as we implement this vision, that our parish may truly thrive in faith, hope, and love in the years to come!
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Together, we continue to grow as one family in Christ, for the greater glory of God!
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