HISTORY OF THE PARISH OF CHRIST THE GOOD SHEPHERD – BUZURUGA

Establishment of the Outstation and Parish

The Buzuruga outstation was formed from Nyakato Parish on October 13, 1992. On October 26, 2004, the Honorable Archbishop officially declared Buzuruga Outstation as a Designated Parish. This parish was officially inaugurated as a full parish by the late Honorable Archbishop Anthony Petro Mayala on November 26, 2006, with three outstations: Nyasaka, Bugarika (Mwananchi), and Buzuruga.

Acquisition of Land

The land for Buzuruga Parish was purchased from Mr. Ally Jumanne in 1992 for Tsh. 100,000 (One Hundred Thousand). It covers an area of 2.5 hectares and has been officially surveyed and granted a title deed, Plot No. 964, Block HH, Nyakato.

Founding Leaders of the Parish

First Priests:

• Fr. Antony Sami – CMF (2004 – 2006)

Lay Council Leaders:

• Innocent Walwa – Chairperson
• Justius Mwita – Vice Chairperson
• John Chonja – Secretary
• Cyriacus Lweyendeza – Assistant Secretary
• Mercia Mondea – Treasurer

Geography of the Parish

• Size of the area: 2.5 hectares, surrounded by hills to the north and a road leading to Nyambiti.
• Number of Small Christian Communities: 30
• Number of Zones: 4 (A, B, C, and D)
• The parish does not have outstations but is composed of four zones.
• Estimated number of believers: 1,500

Apostolic Groups

• Uwaka
• Wawata
• Viwawa
• Pontifical Missionary Childhood Association

Charismatic Movements

• Servants of the Lord
• Sacred Heart of Jesus
• Living Rosary
• Radio Maria
• Catholic Charismatic Renewal
• Christ the Good Shepherd Choir
• John Paul II Choir

Parish Committees

• Pastoral Committee
• Liturgy Committee
• Education Committee
• Communication Committee
• Celebration Committee
• Land and Environment Committee
• Family Committee
• Caritas Committee
• Lay Apostolate Committee
• Health Committee
• Catechesis Committee
• Security Committee

Existing Institutions

• Vodacom Tower (now owned by Tigo)

List of Serving Parish Priests

Parish Projects

• Church Construction (Expansion Plan)
• Multipurpose Hall (Already in Use)

Sources of Income

• Offerings
• Tithes
• Monthly Fundraiser (popularly known as Blue Fundraiser)
• Contributions from Small Christian Communities
• Hall Rentals
• Local Parish Donors

Spiritual Services

• Holy Mass
• Sacraments: Baptism, Holy Communion, Confirmation, Confession, Marriage
• Visiting and anointing the sick
• Priests visiting believers in Small Christian Communities to strengthen them spiritually

Priestly Vocations

• Priests from Buzuruga Parish:
  • Felician Nuru
  • Steven Bikolwamungu
• Seminarians: Three are currently pursuing their vocation
• Number of Catechists: Two

Neighboring Parishes

• North: Nyasaka Parish
• East: Nundu Parish
• South: Mwananchi Parish
• West: Mabatini Parish

Economic Activities of Believers

• Employees
• Businesspeople
• Entrepreneurs
• Retirees

Achievements

• Construction of the multipurpose hall
• Building a perimeter fence around the Parish
• Construction of a small chapel for adoration
• Acquisition of a large generator
• Annual contribution to the Diocese

Challenges

• Relocation of believers due to a shortage of land plots
• Low attendance in meetings and Small Christian Communities
• Poor road conditions reducing hall rental customers

Future Goals

• Church expansion
• Construction of a Kindergarten
• Strengthening Religious Education in Schools

Acknowledgments

We thank our pastors for their spiritual and faith guidance. We also express our gratitude to all the believers of Buzuruga Parish for building and supporting our parish.