Our Diocese

A Newsletter from Mpika Diocese

May 2001

Important Dates

Appointments

Fr. Daniel Kashimoto from St. Mark’s-Isoka to Chilonga as Priest in Charge.
Fr. Telesphore Kalungu from St. Mark’s- Isoka to St. Charles Lwanga, Kopa as Priest in Charge.
Fr. Albert Chanda from St. Charles Lwanga-Kopa to St. Mark’s-Isoka as Priest in Charge.
Fr. Justin Chomba from Lwitikila to Chilonga.

Yusufu Scouts

In the month of April, 32 Yusufu Leaders had a training camp at the Lwitikila river. The camp’s aim was to give the leaders special skills in self-reliance and effective leadership. The motto of the camp was: Learning by doing. Part of the training was ABSEIL – descending the cliff of the mountain with a rope. In the beginning, this was not easy because the mountain seemed too steep. The exercise needed courage and confidence. A robust bridge was built across the fast flowing Chinsonkolo river, near the Lwitikila falls. All earned their leadership badges and certificates.

Yusufu Scouts celebrate the feast of their patron

Before the camp came to an end, there was task sharing among the leaders to visit and encourage other troops. Francis Mulenga visited the scouts in Kasama Archdiocese: Mpulungu, St. Paul’s, Mbala and Mambwe met at Mambwe Mission. 120 boys attended. A football competition was among the games during the feast of St. Joseph the Worker. A number of Scouts made their promise which included : doing a good turn every day. On his way back, Francis Mulenga passed through Mbala to check on the Scout’s fields as a follow-up of what they reported during the ICL workshop and confirmed the progress. Thanks to Mbala Fathers who gave the boys the car they used, thanks too to Mambwe Fathers and the Sisters for their encouraging spirit.

Justin Katubala went to Chilonga were Chibaye, St. Andrews’ Chengelo, Malashi, Kabutula and Chilonga gathered for the feast celebrations. They also had a lot of activities.

Albert K. Chota went to Chinsali where Ilondola, Mulilansolo, Nsemiwe, Thomashi and Chinsali gathered for celebrations. On Monday, 30 April 59 Scouts made their promise during High Mass, that was celebrated by. Fr. Piet Verkleij. As part of his homily he encouraged the boys to be salt of the earth. The boys did some charity work at Chinsali Hospital. Thanks to all who gave their time for the youth apostolate.

Computer Course

Mr. Lutz Hamann, a computer specialist, conducted computer lessons for the Diocesan staff (Ms M. Magawa, Mr. Albert Chota, Ms Monica Chimfwembe and Sr. P. Tembo) from 16-18^th May. The course was mainly based on Windows 95/98 and Microsoft Word 97 basics. This course was an eye opener, as helpful tips, useful tools and the ten commandments for computers, were intensively dealt with. At the end of the course the participants were awarded certificates.

Diocesan council if the Laity

The first Diocesan Council of the Laity meeting took place at the ICL from 23-25 April. All Parishes (except Serenje with apology) were represented. Mr. Gerva Nsanzya of Monze from the National Desk, assisted by Mr. Clement Mumbo facilitated the meeting, coming up with a number of objectives. On the last day, after a session on leadership, elections for the executive positions were held. The following are the new office bearers:

Chairperson: Mr. D.C. Mulenga, Isoka

Vice:Mr. Chingaipe Banda, Ichengelo

Secretary:Ms. Mary Mwango, Chalabesa

Vice:Mrs. Silvia Kabwe, St. Andrews’

Committee members:Mrs. Patricia Kabombo, Ilondola and Mr. Lumamba Ohinga, Nakonde

Consultants on development activities

In the month of May ,the Diocese was visited by 2 consultants for Development initiatives.

Mr. Gabriel Banda from OXFAM: He held talks with the Pastoral Co-ordinator, the Youth Promoter and the Women’s Promoter. He also paid a visit to Chinsali Parish. This was in view of establishing partnership with the Diocese.

From 14-16 May, Mr. Kudzai Chatiza, a consultant from Zimbabwe assisted by Mr. Sampa Kalungu from CCJP National Desk and Mr. Bernard Mwiche from Kasama facilitated a Strategic planning workshop at ICL. In attendance were some CCJP members from around Mpika, the Pastoral Co-ordinator, Youth Promoter and a DCCW representative. Discussed, among other issues, was the possibility of re-establishing links with donors and identifying Diocesan Development priorities.

Youth department

From 6-12 May the ICL hosted seven catholic teachers and three priests at a workshop for material development in Biblical Formation. The Team managed to work on the Old Testament only. The draft is in Bemba and editing is in progress. It is foreseen that the New Testament will be done but at a later stage.
The week-end of 19 May, 35 Youth from Ichengelo Parish gathered at the ICL where they had a retreat preached by Fr. Justin Matepa. We recommend them for the seriousness they demonstrated. We are grateful to their sponsors.

Leaving

• Sr. Emeldah Mwape SCJ from Chengelo Community to Malole.
• Fr. Peter Pilawa from Chinsali to Germany for a medical check-up.

Condolences to:

• On 11 May Bro. Jan Leenen (M.Afr.) died in the Netherlands from Cancer. He worked for long years in Kasama Archdiocese and we all knew him as a hard working and very helpful Brother. He had gone on home-leave for a medical check-up, only to be told that he had terminal cancer and only a few months to live. After a lot of suffering he died in peace with our Lord. He was laid to rest in Heythuizen (NL), on Wednesday, 16 May. The funeral mass and the burial were well attended by his family, people from his hometown Weert and many White Fathers. May he rest in peace.
• Bernard Mutale Kasonka (diocesan watchman) whose older sister passed away on 18 May at Chipundu.

We pray that God will comfort and strengthen the families in their sorrow and grant eternal rest to their departed loved ones.

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