First Quarter, 2015Issue 3February-March Edition

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vineyardA Magazine of St Paul’s University Chaplaincy and Parish

Priest’s Reflection The Year of Consecrated Life Who do you think You Are?

Letting go Message to the Vatican Employees Leisure

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Epiphanyof the Lord

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Publisher: THE VINEYARD is published quarterly by St Pauls Catholic University Chaplaincy.P.O. Box 41512, Nairobi Tel: 0716 568 855email: vineyardmagazinefosp@gmail.com Editor:Samuel Kanja

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The VINEYARD of the Lord Almighty is the house of Israel and the men of Judah are the garden of his delight.

1. Epiphany of the Lord 4

2. A priest’s reflection 7

3. The birth of devoted love 8

4. Art and society 9

5. Of strippings, and murders 11

6. Year for consecrated life 12

7. Who do you think you are? 14

8. Proclaiming the word 15

9. The virus of fundamentalism 17

10. Message to vatican employees 18

11. The geographical church 19

12. Pictorial 20 13. Letting go 22 14. Briefs 25

15. Leisure 26

Dear Readers,

Another edition is here with us. Too much on the horizon-the year is young, the Christmas mood and memories are not far from us and the Lenten season is quick approaching.

This being our first edition in 2015, the content is quite timely and insightful. The articles form a combination of what makes us, what makes the society and what we need to grow full of confidence and aspirations. There is also abundance of what we ought to let go as well as what we cannot do without in this good life. We are called to be masters in doing what is good and spreading the net of love.

The church role in setting the agenda for the year was once again highlighted with the pronunciation of the year as ‘Year of Consecrated Life’. This only underlined the noble role of the calling-an anointing pegged to sacrifice. The journey to priesthood and the life thereafter is one full of anxiety, hurdles and temptations. However, the grace is always sufficient as described in this edition.

The society portrays behaviour as a product of its every unit-individual, family, institutions and the environment. When odd, weird and thought-provoking acts happen in the society, we need to go deeper to see the roots rather than being carried away by the weight of the branches. With the society being skewed in the value system, it is a wakeup call for every individual to have a sense and a face of humanity-to treat others, not only as you would like to be treated but as you ought to treat them-basically, as human beings.

This edition of Vineyard has been given a touch of elegance by the many thoughts synthesized by a group of bold men and women who have confidence and independence of thought-to write, to edit, to design and to make this issue a success.

As you enjoy the read, “Every achiever I have ever met says, ‘My life turned around when I began to believe in me.” - Robert Schuller

Samuel Kanja Chief Editor

Cover Story

Epiphany of the Lord SEARCHINGfor the KING

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Many times we go to the farthest places of our lives with the desire to see Jesus. Some see him in their lives; others in others’ lives and some miss to see him. Our desire to see Jesus is very important if we get committed because there is much joy in the journey as well as reaching that destination. This is put into perspective by Fr Edwin Hunja using a bible episode we know so well!

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in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the new born king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, He inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.” Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance.

He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage.” After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star

that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.

Why did the Magi come to visit Jesus? The magi were the wise men from Median tribe of the Persian Empire. The median tribe became a tribe of priest after they failed to overthrow the Persian, they gave up the ambitions for power or prestige and became a tribe of priests, they became men of holiness and wisdom, and they were skilled in philosophy, medicine and natural science. They were the soothsayers and interpreters of dreams. Later they also developed fortune tellers, sorcerers, magicians and Charlatans i.e. in Acts 8:9 we find Simon the Magician. But at their best they were good and holy men who sought for truth.

They believed in astrology. They believed that, they could foretell the future of the people, from the stars. The stars represent the order of the universe, if the unvarying order of the universe was broken by some special phenomenon, it did look as if God is breaking into his own order, announcing some special thing. Therefore when they saw the brilliant Star rising they interpreted that a

Epiphany is the manifestation of Jesus as Messiah of Israel, Son of God, and Saviour of the world. The great feast of Epiphany

celebrates the adoration of Jesus by the wise men [Magi] from the East, together with his baptism in the river Jordan and the wedding feast at Cana in Galilee. In Magi visit, the Gospel sees the first fruit of the nations who welcome the good news of salvation through the incarnation. The Magi’s coming to Jerusalem in order to pay homage to the king of the Jews shows that they seek in Israel, in the messianic light of the Star of David, the one who will be the King of the nations. Their coming means that the pagans can discover Jesus and worship him as Son of God and the Saviour of the world, by reading the scriptures. The Epiphany show that all the nations have taken their place before God and have been made worthy of the heritage of Israel.

The Gospel Matthew 2:1-12 When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea,

There is a legend that says there were not three but four Magi. The fourth wise man too saw the

star and decided to follow it, taking with him the sapphire, a ruby and a pearl as a gift for the new king. His three friends were waiting for him at an

agreed spot

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King will be born in the world. The wise men looked and searched for the King until they found him. They brought him Gold, which is the Gift for the King. They brought him Frankincense which is the gift for the priest, to produce the sweet perfume during the temple sacrifice. And lastly they gave him the Myrrh, which the gift of the one who is to die. Myrrh was used to embalm the bodies of the Dead. Jesus came to live for men and to die for them.

Searching for the King. There is a legend that says there were not three but four Magi. The fourth wise man too saw the star and decided to follow it, taking with him the sapphire, a ruby and a pearl as a gift for the new king. His three friends were waiting for him at an agreed spot. However on his way he came across a man lying and wounded by the road side. He decided to take him in an inn and took care of him. Then he continued with the journey.

When he arrived at the agreed spot, he found that his friends had already set off for Jerusalem through the desert, he was late. Alone he needed a Carmel to cross the desert, so he exchanged the Sapphire with the Carmel and proceeded on. When he reached Bethlehem he found that his friends had gone back home through another route, and Joseph, Mary and Jesus had left for Egypt, he was late too. He decided to stay at a home for a night before going back; in that home there was a small boy a year old.

That day a declaration was made that all small boy should be killed, when the soldiers arrived to kill the boy, he met the captain at the gate and bribed him with the ruby he was carrying, and the boy was saved. The mother was overjoyed but was also felt pity of the wise man because he was only left with the Pearl to present to the King.

During the years that followed he searched the King in many places but he always seemed late. Some Thirty years later he came to visit Jerusalem. He was now old and weary and dispirited. A number of crucifixions were taking place the very day he arrived. He was horrified

to here that Jesus was among those who were being crucified. He hurried to the hill of execution; perhaps with the pearl he would save his life.

However on the way he met a girl running away from soldiers, her father had incurred a huge debt and was unable to pay, so she was being sold into slavery. He paid the debt with the pearl that was remaining. But now he had to face the King empty handed. Just then the sky got dark and earthquake shook the ground. The flying stones hit him and he died before seeing the King. He never succeeded in catching up with the King the whole of his life. But he carried his

king all the years in his heart and mind. It is the King who inspired him to do the acts of love and generosity. The unnamed wise man is supposed to be you and me; we are called to be the models of faith even if we shall never meet our King physically in this world

Epiphany is, he has manifested himself to us and we are to manifest him to others by our acts of Faith and love. Acts 17:28 ‘ For in him we live and move and have our being’, God Bless the Year 2015. Fr Hunja is the assistant parish priest at St Pauls Chapel and is the youth chaplain in the Archdiocese of Nairobi

a declaration was made that all small boy should be killed, when the soldiers arrived

to kill the boy, he met the captain at the gate and bribed him with the ruby he was

carrying, and the boy was saved

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How did you get called to enter seminary and become a priest?

Quite a good question and relevant in vocation discernment. I fully attribute my vocation to priestly life to my late Mother Juliana Nangula who taught us to pray before meals and before bed time, very simple and very effective prayers which we as children would repeat after our mother. I do remember repeating same prayers of my mother when it came to my turn to pray before bed. E.g. “Lord take care of my children this night and I pray that in this home there will be a priest or religious sister” Amen. At the age of 6, 10, I repeated the same words little did I know that in 20 years ahead I would be a priest called Fr. Joseph. That seed my mother planted in me and with that deep sense of prayer, serving as an altar boy and good sense of basic community I grew up where ingredients of my vocation to religious life as priesthood.

Is seminary training relevant today?

Today seminary training is very relevant and must have efficient and effective formators. Today young men are looking for a place they can call a community, a role model and a place they can call a home. The youths have aspirations, desires, and interests. These desires, interests, aspirations need a good nursery bed to grow what we call today a seminary. The relevancy of seminary formation can be seen in the happiness, obedience, and warmth of each priest after formation. Its takes time, patience and courage for one to feel loved and ready to serve God as a priest.

Seminary formation is not a place for perfect people but men of courage who can dare to answer to God’s call radically and yet happy to serve. The formators have really to be real spiritual fathers who express love to their spiritual children. A spiritual child who is near a spiritual father/mentor is helped to walk in the right path of vocation. There are challenges but once those challenges are handled well and lovingly one is able to see the light not to be scared before serving. If you have all rounded good formators then you also have many holy priests.

Challenges you have faced as a priest and how you have handled them?

There are very many challenges priests face but all in all the sense of prayer and silence is the key to overcome fears, pains, jealousies, rumour mongering. In silence the heart is able to converse with God. There are challenges which come with the process of learning how to serve...challenges within the priestly

A Priest’sREFLECTION

Fr Joseph Nyamunga gives his reflection on the priestly journey. This is one way to help Christians have an idea of what it takes to live a consecrate life, especially as a priest. This personal account is itself a testimony.

ministry...challenges of doubts and fears of what the future holds. The biggest challenge I think which hit me hardest was when my mother died...that hit me off the road but thanks for the people who were around my life what we call the significant others. That network of people was very helpful.

People who see a vocation to priesthood and are able to gear...support...nurture that call. Thanks to all who know their priest and can not only pray for them but can dare to ask their priests ‘How are you?’ That question to me is an ice breaker in a life of a priest. Challenges will always be there but I have never handled them alone I have gained much when I share with people who matter. A priest is a human being who goes through normal challenges but he needs people who are authentic, sincere, and honest and prayerful to listen. A priest who prays well and has time for the Lord overcomes many challenges; some challenges are over with experience and time.

Advice about vocation Let the parents get interested in what is happening

in the lives of their children. In which way? Being there when their children need them especially meal time, bed time they will never know what seed they are planting in their children. A vocation is a gift from God, to God for the church. A vocation cannot grow where there is no prayer...love...peace and silence interiorly.

Beauty of religious life to serve The beauty of religious life is in listening, caring,

solidarity with the marginalized, resisting to open one’s heart and not closing it for personal glorifications, patience to be willing to see the changes, believing in God of life and to be an instrument of God amidst his people, prayer that gives one the light and direction of walking and of course carrying that cross. The Christ who calls invites but it’s me to see what Christ is carrying. Am I able to carry his cross?

Padre Joseph Nyamunga- Bolivia Our Lady of the Rosary Parish YUNCHARA. Tarija

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Fourth Quarter, 2013

Volume 3

Issue 5

March - July Edition

Inform | Transform | RestoreKshs.

100vineyardA Magazine of St Paul’s University Chaplaincy and Parish

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The christian challenge

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Third Quarter, 2012Volume 2Issue 4September - December

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vineyardA Magazine of St Paul’s University Chaplaincy and Parish

St. Paul on Love When should you pray? Jesus at the street mass

The Love of GodThe Love of God

Of alcohol, drugs and a good pen Marriage: A sacrament of service

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The Birth of DEVOTED LoveAdvent leads to Christmas in the same manner flowering brings forth fruits-one is conception and the eventual birth. Sr. Germaine looks at this linkage that every Christian should consciously consider. It is also an eye opener on how different church events are inter-linked.

The new Liturgical Year begins with the Season of Advent. This is a prayerful period for us – a new beginning that

offers each one of us TIME to inform our preparation, as, once more, we anticipate and marvel at the BIRTH of JESUS. And this period has recently passed but the mood of Christmas is still with us.We pray: “God, Our Father, through the power of the Holy Spirit you sent your son, Jesus, to come as a little child to lead us on our journey, open our hearts to the wonder of God’s presence in our lives. HEAL our wounds, BLESS our endeavours and give us loving hearts at this time.”

… I may travel in freedom and joy to meet Jesus and not hinder his coming in my heart this year. Let me look at some possible obstacles: old hurts left to fester; unresolved anger; useless fears and anxiety; jealousy; envy; suspicions. Will I listen to the challenge, take responsibility

I may travel in freedom and joy to meet Jesus and not hinder his coming in my heart this

year. Let me look at some possible

obstacles: old hurts left to fester; unresolved anger; useless fears and anxiety; jealousy; envy; suspicions. Will I listen to the

challenge...

”for a change of heart and seek the liberation I need to welcome the Christ Child?

OR Will I choose rather to drift along to the music of the market place? We pray: “Lord Jesus, empty us of our self-centredness. Rid us of our wilfulness and pride. Help us refuse to be seduced by the false thinking of our world. May your TRUTH be our glory. May our lives be governed by your holy PEACE and may we live hidden in you as once you were hidden in Mary’s womb.”

Just recall Mary knowing that her cousin Elizabeth is with a child. Her response? The long journey to visit her cousin. Artists have captured on canvas that moment in history. On the one hand an elderly woman too old to be a mother; on the other a young girl too young for child-bearing. On the one hand the end of the Old Testament, on the other the New Testament just begun. Mary spends some months with Elizabeth

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Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into a picture.” This quote by Henry Ward Beecher

carries with it tons of inspiration for every artist the world over. Art is an ancient practice which had been part of general life though not recognized by many. Whether real or abstract, it has been at our disposal; if only we care to notice - It could be features like texture on a surface, clouds formation, sunset, imagination etc. Unlike science which is driven by needs, art is an open ended venture. You can work within the context of a community or decide to introduce a fresh chapter. The artist’s worry is whether they connect with the target audience.

Generally, the mind of an artist is a factory of curiosity where a story is told

ART AND SOCIETYArt is an integral tool in any society. It brings harmony and new way of looking at various life aspects through creativity and imagination. As Saidi K Koech highlights in his article, there is a lot of unexplored art. He speaks of how to embed art to the society.

before returning home to her daily routine. A routine interrupted by the call for a census. Joseph obeys the law. And far away from the comfort and familiarity of home Mary gives birth to a Son. Shepherds come. Angels come.

Week by week throughout the Liturgical Year the Good News is proclaimed. The message is simple and direct. God loves the world so much; God loves us, each one of us, so much. Do I believe that? Do I live that? I find it helpful to return to October 2013 when Pope Francis shared with us his vision for the Church TODAY. He said: “Jesus became flesh to instil in me, to instil in US the sentiment of AGAPE, which is the love of each one of us toward others, from those closest, to those far away. That is the way Jesus gave us, and living

the Beatitudes.” So we are challenged.And Pope Francis said too that we

need images and symbols to help us understand the mystery of God’s love for us. He shares with us his devotion to Our Lady. When he was studying in Europe many years ago at a time when the situation in South America was very complex, he was very moved by a popular devotion there to “Mary, the Undoer of Knots”(Details are available on line). The theology of the devotion goes back to the Second Century. Saint Iranaeus wrote: “The knot of Eve’s disobedience was untied by the obedience of Mary; what Eve bound by her unbelief, Mary loosened by her faith.”

We pray: “Mary. My mother, I entrust to your loving hands the entire ribbon of my life. In your hands there are no

knots that cannot be untied, that cannot be undone. Mary, take this knot (name a knot at present troubling you) into your maternal hands this day. I ask you to undo it for the glory of God in the name of your Son, Jesus. Thank you Mary for your loving care. Amen.”

And in conclusion I pray for, and with, the whole Community of St Pauls Chapel, past and present. I pray that all of us, now and throughout 2015, may have the eyes to glimpse, the ears to hear, and the heart to experience and live out the reality that God is EMMANUEL – God with us – the Eternal Beauty who comes to live among us. Amen.

Sr. Mary Germaine O’Neill (IBVM)-Formerly a counsellor at St. Paul’s Chapel 1988-2000.

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strongest attachment to art because of its rich heritage and history, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. This leaves me feeling naked i.e. as if Africa has nothing admirable. It is rather interesting how even with the war in Iraq; Iraqis still have the pleasure to glorify art by exhibiting Bagdad Film Festival year in year out. Such is the spirit of love for heritage and loyalty.

I wonder why we search for the closest ocean to drown the little bit of interest in advancing art instead of nurturing it. Picture this – when guiding on which carrier suits our children, somehow parents and guardians hardly look the direction of art. A similar attitude prevails in schools; kind of you are not in your right mind if for instance you decide to pursue writing or drawing. Imagine a nation where you cannot find music in its true sense (including instruments) being taught in public schools, yet music industry is said to be vibrant and a source of livelihood.

Let’s face it! A society with little or no regard for art has a big fraction of its job opportunities shut. That is one reason why unemployment aggravates. In effect, this leads to indulging in excessive drinking, moral decadency, poor states of living and suicide among other ills. Job creation in the art industry is not limited

to those directly talented. The whole chain of human capital, marketing and distribution would offer employment big-time. This leads to the big question - Why don’t Kenyans consume home-grown products or better put, why do Kenyans appreciate foreign products than locally produced ones?

I want to draw my answer from two promotions – Campaign against AIDS and equality advocacy. In the recent past, the two areas have received unrivalled backing from the state and Non-Governmental Organizations alike. I approve of the zeal and consistency to hammer in the information into the populace. I recommend such concerted effort in promoting art as an economic activity.

The state has since put in place some legislation which governs media house contents, where 40% of total air play has to be locally produced. No doubt this is a step in the right direction. But again, if it’s anything to go by Kenya’s debut tourism promotion in Washington DC, 2014, it would be hard to make progress in the art industry. The whole process was clouded with dishonesty, negative attitude and demoralization. Art genres in music, drawing, carving, painting, sculpturing, collection of artefacts and stage performance were represented. However, there were dismal gains. Why? The government shrouded itself in little or no transparency and goodwill. To that extent, the focus on art and artists is minimal.

From my brief four year personal involvement in art, I have observed a lot of potential. Seeing proof of my own skills in clear perspective, I know a great number of people can carve our society’s vision into a vast commercial venture with time. I’ve decided to soldier on and match in the frontline, convinced that many more will join in to fight for this noble course… This path of unimaginable and limitless possibilities called art.

Saidi is an artist at Gentlemans Art. You may visit his blog: gentlemansartcreation.blogspot.com

Let’s face it! A society with little or no regard for art has a big fraction of its job opportunities shut. That is one reason why unemployment aggravates

”in order to depict some reality in the society. That attention to the finer details takes the artist to the depth of what they want to communicate, guided by the width and length of the underlying facts. Art is as interesting as it is satisfying. And to the audience it is entertaining. It is not a matter of logic but a matter of giving pleasure.

When you dive deep into the art craze, many feel like you’ve dived into a mess. That’s when pessimists declare you’re crazy; in local dialect, ‘umechizi.’ You are viewed as crazy because this is a field with no definite way of doing things. It’s a field viewed with scepticism. It is a field marred with disbelieve until success finally rules.

J. F. Kennedy once said, ‘If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him.’ Unfortunately, Our Kenyan society is an earth’s distance away from this heavenly reality. People neither treasure art and craft as a trend, nor do they regard it as a profession. Perhaps they place it in the category of hobbies.

I admire how art and furniture shops adopt Persian, Chinese, Indian, Greece, Roman, etc. as the selling point to their product. This gives me conviction that African nations should actually have the

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Hopeless. Doomed. Evil. Heart-breaking. These are the words that I’m tempted to dwell on as I start writing this

article. What with the news surrounding us... The dead in Northern Kenya, the innocent, lovely children missing for days and then found dead, the public stripping of women, not to mention the ailing economy. One feels like packing ones bags, just like that man in the story, who faced with the raging plague of London, packed his belongings, climbed up a steep hill where he lived in a tent and became deliberately hostile to any visitors until the plague ran its full course. He survived. Clearly the global and local scenes we are facing may cause even the strongest of us to simply lose faith and plead for a return of the crusades, if not retreat into some isolated caves in search of the very elusive peace. Yet, as a very ordinary Saint put it ‘these world’s crises are crises of saints’. We can choose to face them and take steps little by little to remedy them. It is possible. A priest who seems to be very holy - in my humble opinion, recently commented on the ills we are faced with now and drew a very convincing parallel with the problems that the early Christians faced. During that summon I remember thinking that we, modern Christians, first need to really define ourselves as such; as Christians. Anyway, this same priest gave us a lot of hope, reminding us that God was still our Father, and, in connection with the crimes of stripping some women, also reminded us of one of the seven works of mercy, which is to clothe the naked. That is, if one cannot look away from a woman he finds to be

…OF STRIPPINGS, AND MURDERS...

The society has lost some fundamental virtues and values that make a healthy society. Emerenziana Oduor unfolds the state of the human world where there lacks some shreds of love, trust and respect. Some people have opted to be blind to the greater principles and disciplines of life.

offensively dressed, then to please find a lesso or kitenge to help her cover better. My heart goes out to the ladies who were victims of these horrible acts. May they be helped to heal in some way and trust menfolk once more. I’m sure this will be a long journey. In order to find some balance may I dare to mention here that there’s actually an unspoken ‘dress code’ for the Christian woman and that #mydressmychoice may imply tossing this dress code to the gutters? Oh I know I’m sticking out my neck but Christian woman, there’s a code of dress that makes us elegant and attractive while enhancing our beauty. Not seductive and maybe offending. As you dress for church, think of other people you will meet- will they be distracted from listening to the word? As for the spate of murders in the North - God really forbid that there should be any more before you read this. I need to be encouraged by someone that we Christians can actually relive, that is live again, the law of love. Like all of us, I’m shaken to the bone marrow by these

acts. Probably I need to find this saintly priest for some words of encouragement because, dear reader, I have none for you. I’ve heard many superstitiously-inclined, and that is my personal opinion, suggest these to be the end times. I would rather think that every single generation lives in the end times as we all surely face the definitive fact of our own end. Our death and judgment. Going back to the law of love, I am convinced that our society is begging for healing. Healing in our families where children will be taught love and security by couples who are securely in love. Healing of our extended families where class distinctions, envy, meanness, hatred and other evils, will be a thing of the past. Healing of individuals, by the healing love of the infant Jesus who comes to bless us at Christmas. He really does pitch camp in souls you know! –make that life-changing invite. When embraced, especially in the healing encounters with him in the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist. Then what is doomed becomes hopeful and what is evil is replaced with good.Please, for the sake of our children, let’s work for this in 2015.

Emerenziana is a parishioner at St Pauls University Chapel

Clearly the global and local scenes we are facing may cause even the strongest of us to simply lose faith and plead for a return of the crusades, if not retreat into some isolated caves in search of the very elusive peace

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Catholic Church Launches Year for CONSECRATED LIFE

In November 2014, Pope Francis issued a letter for the Year of Consecrated Life, which started throughout the universal Church on the first Sunday of Advent, 30 November 2014.

The theme for the Year is “Wake up to wake up the world. ”The observance will end on the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, on 2 February 2016.

In his message, the Pope underlined the aims of the Year of Consecrated Life, namely to look to the past with gratitude, to live the present with passion and to embrace the future with hope.

The Pope then expressed his expectations for the year-long observance: that consecrated men and women would be witnesses of communion, of joy and the Gospel, and go evermore to the peripheries to proclaim the Good News.

“I am counting on you ‘to wake up the world’, since the distinctive sign of consecrated life is prophecy,” he wrote. “This is the priority that is needed right now.”

Every life fully dedicated to the service of God is among the greatest sacrifices. Being a vessel, a voice and an ambassador of the Lord is a calling that only a few manoeuvre. It is through grace that it becomes. For this reason, the Catholic Church has declared this year to be the year of consecrate life. A year to pray for our religious orders and appreciate the good work done by our lovely brothers and sisters.

He urged religious communities to guard against gossip, jealousy and pettiness in community life, to live “in synergy” with other vocations in the Church, and to “step more courageously from the confines of our respective institutes and to work together.”

The Pope said he also expected consecrated men and women to examine their presence in Church life and to respond to the “new demands constantly being made on us, to the cry of the poor.” The first Sunday of Advent, 30 November also marked the start of the new liturgical year B. ( Source: Vatican News)

In Kenya, His Eminence John Cardinal Njue Led the Catholic faithful on 27 November 2014 in launching the year of consecrated life at the Resurrection Garden, Nairobi. He called on consecrated men and women to reflect deeply and rejuvenate their mission of evangelization to be able to continue serving God.

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Cardinal noted that the mission of evangelization calls for total dedication, commitment and selflessness. He further said the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) through its institutions led by the Commission for the Clergy and Religious, Tangaza College and Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) will organize activities that will enable the religious people to re-energize.

Speaking at the same function, the Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya and South Sudan, His Excellency Charles Daniel Balvo paid glowing tribute to the religious men and women for their commitment and dedication in offering their services. “You have always been a central part of our community,” noted Archbishop Balvo.

He said that from his visits around dioceses in Kenya and South Sudan, he had observed the great sacrifice that the religious give to God and the people and was grateful for this. “This is a special time to renew your commitment, dedication to the charism to which you promised your lives,” he said. “I wish you the Lord’s continuous strength to remain faithful.”

The colorful launch was also attended by the Chairman of the Commission for the Clergy and Religious, Rt. Rev Anthony Ireri Mukobo, Bishop of the Military Ordinariate, Rt. Rev Alfred Rotich, Nairobi Auxiliary Bishop Rt. Rev David Kamau, KCCB Ag. General Secretary, Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Rono, the clergy, religious men and women from different congregations and the laity from various regions of the country.

Rose Achiego works at the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops

John Cardinal Njue (in red cap and His Excellency Charles Daniel Balvo (to his left) lead in cutting cake at the launch of the year of consecreated life

The Pope then expressed his expectations for the year-long observance: that consecrated men and women would be

witnesses of communion, of joy and the Gospel,

and go evermore to the peripheries to proclaim

the Good News.“I am counting on you ‘to wake up the world’,

since the distinctive sign of consecrated life is

prophecy

”

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This is a pertinent question as it touches at our inner selves. It touches on the you in you. It is simply a question of self-perception. Someone once said that “we are who people say we are” but I say

“we are who we think we are”. Confusing? Hope not. Our actions are largely defined by our self-perception. Well, I don’t downplay the fact that what people say about us has a certain bearing on who we are. But for that thing which has been said by someone else about me to have an impact on me, I must first internalize it. I must accept it as the truth. Otherwise it will be useless.

Let me give a good example. If one is weak academically and the rest of the colleagues label that person a failure, the person in question can decide to take in what people

Just Been Thinking…Who Do You Think You Are?

Muriithi Anthony says “…we should strive to be the best that we are capable of being” This is a brighter way of doing things in life. Your life cannot be the same with that of other people since there is only one YOU in this world. If you want to always be a winner, then do your best and learn from failures but NEVER by putting yourself on the weighing balance with others.

We are in a society, which to a larger extent equates disability to inability. For the disabled person he/she can decide to subscribe to the societal view that terms him/her as unable. This will block the person from trying anything giving excuses that he/she is unable due to disability. But on the other hand, this person can brush all the societal branding aside and decide to forge forward within his/her ability. At the end of the day this person ends up as an achiever and proving that “disability is not inability”. Having a positive image about oneself helps us move forward.

Some people are weighed down by what people say about them. Other people’s thinking becomes theirs. This leads to negative self-image and hence poor individual performance. A fact that is obvious to us is that we are living in a competitive world. A world where merit is the ‘in thing’. Due to this,

comparison is inevitable. People tend to compare themselves with certain individuals. The thing is we are all different, unique and with different capabilities. In other words, I cannot be exactly like someone else. I might not measure up to his/her achievements. To some the failure to be like someone else (one’s hero) might lead one to feel like a failure. This may lead to negative self-image. Due to the above fact about capabilities, we should strive to be the best that we are capable of being. This means my best might be below somebody else’s best but that doesn’t mean that I am a failure. That’s my best and it’s good enough.

Who we think we are therefore becomes crucial. It determines our actions. Eventually it determines who we are. Who do you think you are, a failure or an achiever? The answer lies squarely on you. But remember, the key to a positive self-image and progress is within you. How do you use it? Our self-perception is a result of self-awareness, which is as a result

of self-evaluation. Know your weak and strong points. Know yourself as much as possible. This will define your behaviour and the choices you make.

Remember, “You are you when you are at peace with who you are not”.

Muriithi is a Quality Assurance Manager-Safaricom and also a Sunday school teacher at St Pauls Chapel

The thing is we are all different,

unique and with different

capabilities. In other words, I

cannot be exactly like someone

else

”

have said about him/her and decide not to strive because he/she believes in what other people have said about him/her i.e. is a failure. But the same person can decide to brush the ‘labels’ aside and sermon the inner energies and put a lot of effort in his /her academic work.

Due to this inner drive, this person will become successful because he/she believes that he/she isn’t a failure but an achiever. Another example worth mentioning is about disability.

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Some of the most important lessons I have learned, so far, from the time I joined lectors ministry include how to be a

good proclaimer of the word in church. Ordinarily one may think it is just about handpicking someone who knows how to read, ready and willing to do it. Not really. Besides having been installed, they equally have trained on how to be good proclaimers.

Here below I choose to share with you, dear reader, some of the ways of having a better proclamation because at times you will still find yourself, installed or not, taking a reading in church. When you do it well, you have glorified God and ashamed the devil. By doing it poorly, you distract people’s attention and their minds start wandering instead of paying keen attention to the word of God. That means, depending on how you read there in front, you either work for or against God by either drawing people to Him or away from him.

Know the reading you’re supposed to take and know the page number in the lectionary. The sacristans will be very helpful in this. Have it well in advance so you can rehearse it and master it well. This helps you even in familiarizing yourself with some of the big terminologies that may be present in the reading, pronunciation, punctuations among others. Again, be sure you’re using the right lectionary.

PROCLAIMING THE WORDOtieno Peter Paul helps us in looking at the work of a lector and how every individual can develop and nurture the basic skills that makes it a wonderful experience rather than a routine act. Some of the suggested ways are always ignored and one can tell something has been missing. Have a look and learn to read the Word.

Arrive in good time on your day to take the reading. It’s important to start with the procession from the sacrist. Be sure the lectionary is positioned where it should be. If you’re taking the first reading, you will be the one to carry the lectionary to the alter at the right time.

When holding the lectionary as you proceed to the alter, ensure it is held facing your side (which is the side of the congregation) and not the alter/priest side thus turning the back of the lectionary to the church.

At the lecturn, adjust the microphone to suit your height. If you do not, you could be proclaiming to yourself unawares and leave the congregation wondering what is wrong with you. Starting to scatter the flock you’re supposed to be feeding. No need to test the mic. Most of the time you will find it on. If it’s not, you will just turn it on. It would be important to familiarize yourself the microphone operation early enough (more so if it’s going to be your first time to use it there).

Be sure you’re on the right page you had marked and on the same reading you were to take. Stay composed, noticing that you’re doing the work of GOD and thus He is with you. You may want to say your own personal prayers before going to read in order to call for divine intervention.

adjust the microphone to suit your height. If you do not, you could be proclaiming to yourself unawares

and leave the congregation

wondering what is wrong with you.

”

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Do not greet the congregation. This is not homily. Just announce the reading in the order given in the lectionary precisely. i.e.

1. The reading: e.g.: The 1st reading,

2. Theme: e.g.: Rejoice Jerusalem, Your Lord is coming

3. Source: e.g.: A reading from the book of Isaiah 5:...

It is important to say the theme before the source so that the congregation find it clearly distinct from the body of the reading. Notice that many of them do not have the theme.

Project your voice when reading, observe punctuation marks for they can change the meaning of the phrases you read. Ensure you do not insert/omit a word as you read. This is a common practice to many. The word should be accurately proclaimed as intended. Again you’re not supposed to be too fast as you can leave part of the congregation behind. People digest at a different speed. That also does not mean being too slow. Try as much as you can, also, to get the right pronunciations for the words.

End the reading as it is written. Do

not be tempted to start putting in

some statements that are not written there for your conclusion. The present lectionary does not have ‘This is...”. It only says “The word...”

I wish you a good proclamation. You can join the lectors to learn more and be installed to be a fully commissioned member. There are other activities like visits, retreats plus some fun.

Otieno Paul is a Lector at St Pauls University Chapel.@OtienoPaulPeter, pp@liveyourdream.co.ke

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theme themeSpirituality

Human history started accelerating with unprecedented changes with the Scientific and Industrial Revolution in the XVII century. The original attitude of the Church was rather negative: fear, resistance and misgiving.

Hence the conviction in many scientific and political circles that the Church would soon become a relic of the past, since was not capable of reinterpreting and reconfiguring itself according to the challenges of the emerging trends and transformations. In other words in those times the Catholic Church was pervaded and controlled by fundamentalist feelings and behaviour. The church was surprised taken aback and shaken by the departure from the traditional, strongly religious rural world, where she had always the last and unchallenged word.

In modern times, at the end of the second millennium and at the onset of the third one, again waves of unprecedented changes hit the church particularly in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The Catholic Church is rather prepared to stand by them, guided by the long standing and epoch-making Magisterium of the Second Vatican Council and by the serene and inspiring leadership of Pope Francis. Other religions and movements are far less equipped and are living moments of tragic and violent hysteria against all types of changes.

On the fore front, several groups such as the Islamic State (IS) in the Middle East, Boko Haram in West Africa, Al Shabaab in East Africa Kenya included. All of them are marked by rabid reactions against changes in education, styles of living, gender roles and religious pluralism with unparalleled cruelty and blood shedding, reminiscent of the extermination camps of Hitler in Germany and Stalin in Siberia. What to do?

The military answers of many governments are obviously inadequate; they do not reach the depths of human persons, both individual and corporate, where deep convictions, fears and prejudices are seated. The challenges are at the level of attitudes, convictions, mind-set, emotions, fears, traditions both religious and cultural.

The Faith response of Christmas messageThe liturgical season of Christmas offers a golden opportunity to redefine and reenergize our responses and feelings vis a vis the above mentioned threats and menaces. We Catholics are against all types of violence whereby human lives are trampled upon

THE VIRUS OF FUNDAMENTALISM

Fr Francesco Pierli writes that “…they do not reach the depths of human persons, both individual and corporate, where deep convictions, fears and prejudices are seated. The challenges are at the level of attitudes, convictions, mind-set, emotions, fears, traditions both religious and cultural.” This is the basic reason why one needs to know the ‘Why’ of human behaviour so that they can provide the solutions.

and shattered with immense grief and sense of loss. At the core of the Christmas message there is : shalom – fraternity – solidarity in Jesus the newly born Messiah. The prophet of Noel liturgical days is Isaiah whose message is unequivocally clear: The peoples shall beat their swords into ploughshares – and their spears into pruning hooks – one nation shall not raise the sword against another - nor shall they train for war again – O house of Jacob come – let us walk in the light of the Lord (Is 2:4 – 5).

Pope Francis is particularly keen on reasserting fraternity, tolerance and joining of hands. A few quotations from his messages during the visit in Turkey in November 2014: As religious leaders, we are obliged to denounce all violations against human dignity and human rights - As such, any violence which seeks religious justification warrants the strongest condemnation because the omnipotent is the God of life and peace - My wish is that Turkey, which is a natural bridge between the two continents (Asia and Europe), is not just a point of intersection, but at the same time a point where men and women belonging to all cultures, ethnicity and religion live together in dialogue,”

The education response to the fundamentalismBesides solid scientific excellence, every university or learning institution should strive to insist on solid and dynamic spiritually and ethical values. New generations of frontrunners are to lead people not only by decrees and laws but by example and fascination and drive of their inspiring styles of living. Glowing personalities whose accessibility, personal contacts, initiatives are clearly in favour of fraternity, synergy, pluralism agent all type of fundamentalism and against the walls of separation be they grounded on religious differences, ethnic and tribal allegiances and on class and political boundaries. Extraordinary personalities for extraordinary times such as the ones we living in! Moreover we Christians can count on a capital which no other religions enjoy: The social teaching and message of the Bible, of the Christian traditions and of our modern universal and local churches. Yes! The Challenges are paramount, but pamoja we are ready to turn them into unique opportunities.

Fr. Francesco PierliFr Dr Francesco is a professor of social ministry and coordinator of the MA, MBA and PhD programme at Tangaza University College ( CUEA). The PhD offered is in Social Transformation vy

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POPE FRANCIS MESSAGE TO VATICAN EMPLOYEES

The spirit of true Christmas is emulating Christ – who came to serve, not to be served, the Pope added, reminding employees that they should not be afraid of humility and tenderness towards others. Peace, too, he said, needs enthusiasm and care.

Concluding, the Pope departed from his prepared remarks to ask forgiveness for his shortcomings and those of his collaborators, “and for some scandals, that are very hurtful. Forgive me. Merry Christmas and please, pray for me!”

Source – Catholic News Service

6. “Look after your work, doing it with enthusiasm, humility, competence, passion and with a spirit that knows how to thank the Lord.”

7. “Be careful of envy, lust, hatred and negative feelings that devour our interior peace and transform us into destroyed and destructive people.”

8. “Watch out for anger that can lead to vengeance; for laziness that leads to existential euthanasia; for pointing the finger at others, which leads to pride; and for complaining continually, which leads to desperation.”

9. “Take care of brothers and sisters who are weaker … the elderly, the sick, the hungry, the homeless and strangers, because we will be judged on this.”

10. Care for Holy Christmas – so that it never becomes a feast of commercial consumerism but a feast of joy in welcoming the Lord;

1. “Take care of your spiritual life, your relationship with God, because this is the backbone of everything we do and everything we are.”

2. “Take care of your family life, giving your children and loved ones not just money, but most of all your time, attention and love.”

3. “Take care of your relationships with others, transforming your faith into life and your words into good works, especially on behalf of the needy.”

4. “Be careful how you speak, purify your tongue of offensive words, vulgarity and worldly decadence.”

5. “Heal wounds of the heart with the oil of forgiveness, forgiving those who have hurt us and medicating the wounds we have caused others.”

When Pope Francis met before Christmas with Vatican employees, mostly lay people with families, he asked them to do 10 things.The list sounded remarkably like suggestions for New Year’s resolutions:

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In 1971 synod of Bishops in Rome, it was noted that Small Christian communities already existed in Africa for quite some time; probably

since 1961 in Zaire. This supports the possibility that Small Christian Communities (SCCs) could have been replicated from ancient people who divided their community into small close-knit units. These units were in essence meant for easy geographical coordination, in a manner that was not clan-based. For instance, among the Kikuyu community, that cohesiveness was known as ‘mwaki.’ So when the SCCs came into being, it was named after such united entities and to date, it is called mwaki.

From a different school of thought, the organized and recorded way on existence of SCCs began in Latin America where they are known as the Basic Ecclesial Communities (B.E.Cs). Back then, the BECs were associated with the development of Liberation Theology and social action.

In the life of the church, the SCC began and developed well after the second Vatican council. Vatican II remains to date the most significant event in the history of the Catholic Church. The council propagated the use of dialogue in the church in order for her to face challenges of the modern world.

In the process of the reforms, The Vatican II Council looked into details a number of areas. Some of these areas later gave rise to the SCCs. The themes that led to the birth of SCC include:

• The place of the laity in the church.• The return to the source of faith,

especially the scriptures.

The Geographical Church-Small Christian Communities

Fr Stephen Mbugua gives a rich background of the Small Christian Communities and also the essence of this tradition in the Catholic Church. He points at the key themes that should always guide such a community so that the church can grow from within-the family unit-bottom up.

• The need for unity among Christians and

• The church’s role, responsibility and openness to the world.

The Vatican II council initiated the spirit of openness through which particular churches began to rediscover themselves anew in the light of the challenges that they were facing.

After the council, it was the responsibility of various Episcopal conferences, and groupings of conferences to actualize the recommendations of the council. In this spirit, the Vatican’s regional bodies like Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) decided to adopt the formation of SCC This was made a priority for actualizing the theology of the local church in 1973 AMECEA Bishops’ Plenary Meeting and 1976 as well.

Between years 1962-1965 when the Vatican II Council took place, African countries were going through a number of political challenges because most of them were fighting for independence. In the life of the church, there was a rapid decrease in the number of foreign missionaries. The church had to therefore device ways through which such a decline could not affect the activities of the young African church.

Dependence on foreign aid and missionary personnel were identified as Eastern Africa’s weaknesses, and this could continue unless the church became self-ministering, self-supporting and self-propagating through the active participation of all members. It is against such backgrounds that SCC was initiated, thus defining the church as local.

In this manner the church became an entity by the local people, for the universal populace i.e. It became a sacrament and a reflective sign of communion between God and His people. It also became a link between individuals and a communion of faith, hope and love among people. This happened through a process of enculturation.

From the Bible, we learn that such local churches are born through apostolic and missionary preaching. But that is not enough - they are meant to grow so that with time they become firmly rooted in the life and culture of the people. Led by the local people, it basically meets local needs by offering local solutions. It as well finding within itself the resources needed for its life and mission. In this case, the task of evangelization becomes the responsibility of all the baptized. Through SCC the faithful share and participate fully in the life of the church.

Essentially, members seek to form a faith community with each other through weekly or regular common prayer, reflection and mutual action. This way, the SCC continually enhances their commitment to the church and each other through caring and loving relationships

We can therefore conclude that an SCC is a manageable group of about 10-20 adults living within each other’s neighbourhood. Further expounded, SCC is a community of groups consisting of Christians related to a specific geographical area or residence or work.

Fr Mbugua is the Fr In-Charge at St Pauls University Chaplaincy & Parish

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1 Joe Gitau and Felista Mutahi on a live interview live by anchor Julie Gichuru of Citizen Tv. The talk about Family Today was conducted at St Paul’s

2 St Paul’s University of Nairobi Choir and their visitors perform Christmas Carols at the chaplaincy premises. The 2014 performance was televised

3 LEADING FROM FRONT- CMA Men leads in opening procession as they sing a song meant to encourage non-members to join in.

4 BAPTISM- Fr Hunja assisted by Deacon Yuan from Vietinum baptizes an adult candidate during his home parish family day. God uses the sacrament of baptism to give his divine life to those who believe in him.

5 ANNOINTING- Fr Kago apply Chrism oil on child’s face. As a sign of strength, this oil imparts the power to resist evil.

6 PURITY- After annointing, Fr Macharia places a white cloth on child’s head. The cloth symbolizes purity.

7 OFFERTORY- Mutunguru parish CWA members take the offering to the altar after CMA members gave a special contribution.

8 PEACE- Men of St Paul’s Parish, mingles with Mutunguru Parishioners as they share the sign of peace. Both parishes are in Nairobi Archdiocese.

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9 Sharing a Meal- Having a Meal together is always a sign of unity and fellowship.

10 AS A TEAM- They sang, danced and conquered as they celebrated the fruit of their labour.

11 DECLARATION- With the power bestowed on me by the choir and the these two ladies I declare this DVD officially launched. “I now formally release it to the market”

12 Fr. Kaigua flanked by two students. Being the University of Nairobi Chaplain, he was a guest by default

13 On one hand the students try to locate some more guests as per invitation as those present discusses the modality of launching

14 A cross section of the students who could not hide their joy after getting through the last leg of music marathon

15 The two students on the far left (a lady and gentleman) are the key figures behind successful production of this DVD

16 The UoN student choir launches a DVD titled Ushuhuda Tosha.The MC explains what comes next

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reflection

Letting Go…And since the New Year is here with us, most of us are inspired to refocus our energy and attention

on the right things, I think it’s a perfect time right now to start letting go of the wrong things. Wouldn’t you agree?

So today, I challenge you to this:

Let go of your temper. – Never do something permanently foolish just because you are temporarily upset.

Let go of petty grudges. – Life is far too short to be spent nursing bitterness and registering wrongs. If there’s someone in your life who deserves another chance, give it to them. If you need to apologize, do it. Give your story together a happy, new beginning.

Let go of the idea that everyone has it better than you. – If the grass looks greener on the other side… Stop staring. Stop comparing. Stop complaining and START watering the grass you’re standing on.

Let go of lingering false beliefs. – Stop from time to time and ask yourself, “Is it true?” It’s funny how we can

sometimes wrap our minds around things and fit them into our version of reality. But thinking something does not make it true. Wanting something does not make it real. So watch your

thoughts. Be wise. When your identity is not rooted in the truth, it can lead to toxic and lonely places where we seek approval from the wrong things.

Let go of expired ideals. – Growth is painful. Change is painful. But in the end, nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere you do not belong.

Let go of yesterday’s tragedies. – You are not what have happened to you; you are what you choose to become in this moment. Drop the needless burden, take a deep breath and start again. Ultimately, you will know you are on the right track in life when you become disinterested in looking back, and eager to take the next step.

Let go of your tendency to avoid problems. – You cannot change what you refuse to confront.

Let go of life’s little annoyances. – Don’t let dumb little things break your happiness. Frustration and stress come from the way you react, not the way things are. Adjust your attitude, and the frustration and stress is gone.

Let go of assuming other people are more “normal” than you.

Let go acting standoffish and unapproachable. – We all need to learn to be more human. Don’t avoid eye contact. Don’t hide behind gadgets. Smile often. Ask about people’s stories. Listen.

Let go of the idea that some people are below you. – Even if you’ve worked

really hard to get to where you are in life, there’s no such thing as a self-made

person. Someone believed, encouraged, and invested in you. Be grateful and

be that someone for others too. What goes around eventually comes around.

No one has ever made themselves strong in the long run by showing how small someone else is. So don’t be lazy and make assumptions about people. Ask about their story. Then listen. Be

humble. Be teachable. Be human. Be a good neighbour.

Let go of the idea that you are what you physically own. – You are an incredible human being who’s entirely detached from what you have physically acquired in this world. Remember to remain humble. Ultimately, two things define you more than anything else: Your patience when you have very little, and your attitude when you have more than enough.

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Let go of seeking happiness from outside yourself. – In life, you have to create your own sunshine. Happiness starts from within. So read something positive every morning and do something positive before you go back to sleep. Keep your focus on all the positive possibilities and opportunities, and you will feel great. Feel great, and you will do great things.

Let go of wanting stuff you don’t need. – Don’t think of cost. Think of value. And remember, it’s always easier to find wealth by needing less, instead of making more and more and more.

Let go of wanting to be repaid of every good deed you do. – Don’t worry too much about what’s in it for you. If you’re making a positive contribution to others, there’s always something in it for you. You were born with the ability to change someone’s life. Don’t ever waste it. Be kind. Be present. Be someone who makes a difference.

Let go of all the little white lies and charades. – How do you build credibility? It’s not rocket science. Be honest. Follow

through. Honour your promises. Say sorry

when you screw up. Be the type of person

you want to meet and spend time with. Be the type of person

whose actions, words and values always agree with each other.

Let go of any hypocrisy. – For instance, don’t pray when it rains if you don’t pray when the sun shines.

Let go of putting everyone else’s needs in front of your own. – Give as much as you can every day, but don’t allow yourself to be used. Listen to others closely, but don’t lose your own voice.

Let go of fearing what your intuition is telling you to do. – Fear kills more dreams than failure ever will. So don’t let fear shut you down; let it wake you up. Do one thing every day that scares you. The more that you act on your intuition fearlessly, the more your intuition will serve you. If you genuinely feel something, pay attention.

Let go of waiting for the stars to align. – Remember, you don’t always need the perfect plan. Sometimes you just need to give it a try, let go, and see what happens. Just do the best you can until you know better. Once you know better, do better.

Let go of the need to get everything done at once. – Keep going. True purpose has no time limit. True purpose has no deadline. Don’t stress and overwhelm yourself. Just do what you can right now.

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regarding success. – Appreciate the grey area between the extremes of success and failure – the journey, the process, the path – what you’re learning, how you’re helping others learn too, and the growing process you allow yourself to participate in. And above all, never let success get to your head or failure get to your heart.

Let go of criticizing yourself. – Nobody is inspired by your misery or self-deprecating comments. If you wish to inspire yourself and others, be joyful. Have fun. Love yourself. Forgive yourself. Accept yourself. Be unapologetically YOU.

Let go of those who say you aren’t attractive enough. – More women worldwide are suffering from anorexia and bulimia than are fighting breast cancer. There are similar statistics for men too. Love yourself the way you are, because you are beautiful just the way you are.

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reflection

By Marc and Angel

Let go of changing just to impress people. – Change because it makes you a better person and leads you to a brighter future. Change because you know it’s the right thing to do for YOU.

Let go of needing everyone to like you. – Everyone doesn’t need to like you, and some people won’t no matter what you do. Try not to take the things these people say about you personally. What they think and say is a reflection of them, not you.

Let go of all negative influences. – You can’t expect to feel good if you surround yourself with negativity. Be with those who bring out the best in you, not the stress in you.

Let go of thinking that giving up the wrong things (and relationships) means failure. – Giving up and moving on are two very different things.

Let go of the idea that it’s too late to start over and get it right. – Remember, it’s always better to be at the bottom of the ladder you want to climb than the top of the one you don’t.

Let go of putting things off for one more day. – Stop procrastinating. Stop wishing for it and start working for it. Do what you have to do today so you can do what you truly want to do, and be where you truly want to be, tomorrow.

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briefs

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The aim of the choir is to proclaim the Good News in song and evangelize through Music ( Liturgia sacra 14-19). The year cannot end at St. Paul’s without a good Christmas Carols. 2014 was no different. The

carols were on 21 December 2014.The choir invited three music professors from the USA to help in galvanising the local instrumentalists and present a soul inviting and heart filled concert. Professor of organ Dr. Stijn de Cock from Wisconsin University, Professor of violin from State University of New York (SUNY) Professor Maureen Yuen and Professor of Violin and chamber orchestra conductor Dr. David Chun Chin Leung. Dr. Chun conducted and helped in fine tuning the choir. Professor Maureen helped in training the violinists while Dr. Stijn played the main part of accompanying the choir. The team of 20 instrumentalists were led by Mr. Fred Pessa, a music and violin teacher based in Nairobi.

The carols were hosted by Ms. Julie Gichuru of Citizen TV. Thanks to Royal Media that part of the concert was live on National TV. The live part was a discussion on whether

CWA (Catholic Women Association) had an activity on Saturday 6th December 2014 in preparation for

the Christmas. The activity was a visit to the Missionaries of Charity Needy Children’s Home in Lang’ata. In addition to bringing clothes, foodstuff, and monetary gifts, the CWA members assisted with general chores such as feeding the children, folding clothes from the wash lines and cutting meat for the next day’s meals.

By Esther MbithiSt Paul’s CWA Member

Catholic Women’s Association St. Paul’s Parish

St. Paul’s Chapel Parish Community ChoirChristmas can bring us hope as a nation. Dr. Wamugunda, Mr. Nyachae of CIC dug into the issue meticulously. The Saturday before the carols the choir had staged a classical Concert Gloria by Vivaldi at the All Saints Cathedral again conducted by Dr. Chun with the support on an orchestra. The concert was to raise funds for 3 things: Hospice, to buy string instruments and purchase a new organ.

On 14th there was an afternoon carols at the Mater Hospital. This visit was most fulfilling because of the atmosphere and the dedication that choir has to the sick. Every 2 years the choir takes part in the Handel’s Concert in the company with other choirs to raise funds for the Nairobi Hospice. We thank the Mater Hospital chaplain and management for making that event possible. This Easter the Choir will present the Crucifixion on Palm Sunday 29th March at 3.30 p.m.

Thank you for your support always.

By Choir PR, Marketing and Welfare Committees

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children’scorner

Join the DOTS

27 vineyard

children’scorner

Crossword Puzzle

Colour this picture

Down1. Who were tending their flocks by night2. Who announced the birth of Christ to the

shepherds3. The wise men bowed down to _________him4. Jesus was born in this town6. “The ______of peace” - one of the titles of

Jesus8. mother of Jesus9. Jesus was born in a ___________10. The shepherds were in the ______ when they

saw an angel

Across1. The wise men followed a ________ that led

them to Jesus5. human father of Jesus7. There was no ______ at the inn for Jesus9. one of the gifts of the three wise men11. Jesus could not stay at the _____ because it

was full12. and on earth _____, goodwill toward men

(Luke 2:14)

Birth of Christ

10

11

12

9

6

5

3

1 2

7 8

4

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