To facilitate the spiritual, social, and economic progress of the parish, we have several committees and councils made up of parish volunteers and leaders. These bodies ensure that specific aspects of our mission are given due attention:
- Liturgy Committee: Prepares and coordinates all liturgical celebrations. This committee schedules lectors and Eucharistic ministers, plans the music in collaboration with choir directors, and decorates the church according to the liturgical seasons. They also organize training for altar servers and liturgical workshops (for example, sessions on understanding the Mass). Their goal is to ensure our worship is reverent, inclusive, and uplifting for the congregation.
- Justice and Peace Committee: Anchored in Catholic Social Teaching, this committee raises awareness on social justice issues and coordinates actions to promote peace and development in the community. They lead initiatives like charity drives for the poor, visits to the sick and prisoners, and advocacy on issues such as human trafficking, conflict resolution, and human rights. In our context, they also spearhead interfaith dialogue efforts – building good relations with our Muslim neighbors and addressing social problems (like drug abuse or youth unemployment) together. The Justice and Peace Committee frequently collaborates with the diocesan CJPD (Catholic Justice and Peace Department) for trainings and campaigns.
- Finance Committee: This committee provides oversight on financial matters. They assist the Treasurer in budgeting, review financial statements, and ensure accountability in the use of parish funds. During fundraisers (harambees) or special collections, Finance Committee members help organize and count contributions transparently. They have helped the parish institute cost-saving measures and income-generating ideas (like parish stalls rental – see Projects). Thanks to their guidance, the parish’s financial health has steadily improved.
- Development Committee: Focused on the infrastructural and long-term development needs, this committee handles projects such as construction, maintenance, and any major capital improvements. They were instrumental in our Church building construction and dedication in 2021, the creation of the Marian grotto, and the ongoing parking area modernization project. They draw up project proposals, seek grants or donor support, and mobilize parishioners for contributions in kind (e.g., days for community labor or “harambee” funds drives). Future plans like building new offices or a hall are under this committee’s planning.
- Education & Sponsorship Committee: (Currently a sub-group under Development or Justice & Peace) – Oversees the Aquiline Tarimo Jesuit School and any scholarship programs for needy children. They work with the parish school staff to monitor educational needs and identify students who require financial support. The committee liaises with donors and well-wishers, such as friends from St. Xavier Parish (Cincinnati) who sponsor some of our schoolchildren. It also ensures that catechism and faith education resources are available (religious education materials for schools, etc.).
(Note: Some committees may overlap or be combined depending on personnel. For instance, the Justice & Peace Committee and Development Committee often collaborate on environmental conservation initiatives, and the Education function might be handled by a subcommittee given our new school project.)
- Youth Committee: (Under the Youth Ministry) – A team of young leaders that coordinate youth activities, sports, and workshops. They ensure youth voices are represented in parish planning. They organize events like youth retreats, inter-parish youth forums, and community service projects (such as clean-up days).
All committees report to the Parish Pastoral Council, and ultimately to the Parish Priest. Regular meetings and reporting ensure transparency and that everyone works in sync towards our common pastoral goals. We encourage parishioners with relevant gifts to join committees – it’s a great way to practice co-responsibility in the Church and to live out your faith through service.