Who Are We?

History of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church

Establishment and Early Development

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church was established on 20th February 2000 as one of five outstations of St. Monica Catholic Parish, Njiru. The other sister outstations are:

  • Stephen Catholic Church, Maili Saba
  • Michael Catholic Church, Saika
  • Blessed Josphat Catholic Church, Njiru
  • Rita Catholic Church, Chokaa

Prior to its founding, most Christians attended Mass at either Njiru or St. Mary Immaculate Catholic Church in Mihang’o. Inspired by the desire to have a place of worship closer to their community, members of the St. Lucia Jumuiya, mainly residents of Buru Buru Farm, initiated a plan to establish the church.

During a Jumuiya meeting, Mr. Musinga shared that the late Mr. Katua had expressed a wish to donate land to the Catholic Church. This was confirmed by the late Mrs. Katua in a meeting held on 26th March 2000, where she affirmed the availability of a ¾-acre parcel for church development.

St. Lucia Jumuiya, the first and founding Small Christian Community of the church, informed the parish priest of Ruai, Fr. Justus Morogo Rotuk. On 13th August 2000, accompanied by two Ugandan Sisters, he blessed the land in a vibrant ceremony. This was followed by a celebration by the community.

Construction commenced shortly thereafter, funded by Kshs. 10,000 raised through Jumuiya contributions. Fr. Tony, then the priest in charge at Ruai Parish, donated green-coloured iron sheets. The initial structure was completed within three days through voluntary labour.

Formation and Naming

In September 2000, St. Michael Jumuiya from St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Mihang’o decided to join St. Lucia Jumuiya. This created a need for a new name. After consultation, the community chose St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, inspired by the image of the modest mabati structure standing alone in what seemed like a wilderness.

First Church Committee (2000)
The first interim committee was elected as follows:

  • Chairman: Mr. Peter Gitonga
  • Vice Chairman: Mrs. Geraldine Musinga
  • Secretary: Mrs. Ruth Kimani
  • Vice Secretary: Mr. Simon Kamau
  • Treasurer: Mrs. Jane Thuo
  • Members: Mr. Paul Kimani, Mr. George Kahura, Mr. Nicholas Mucunga, Ms. Lucia Karimi, Ms. Ann Wambui and Ms. Jacinta Wairimu

 First Baptisms

On 20th October 2000, Fr. Johnny from Ruai Parish conducted the first baptisms for children these being:

  • Mercy Waithira
  • Brian Nzuki
  • Gabriel Ndung’u
  • Michelle Muthoni
  • George Kariuki
  • Alice Mumbi
  • Teresia Wangari

Transition to Augustinians of the
Assumption
On 1st November 2001, administration of the church shifted from the Divine Word
Missionaries of Ruai Parish to Kayole Parish. This was for a period of only three
weeks, after which the Augustinians of the Assumption took over pastoral care. On
Holy Saturday, 30th March 2002, Fr. Katembo conducted the first adult baptisms:

·       Jane Wangari

·       Salome Nyawira

·       Infant John Kioi

 

Integration into St. Monica Parish, Njiru

St. John has been an Outstation of St. Monica Parish, Njiru—the first parish in Kenya entrusted to the Augustinians of the Assumption.

Second Church Committee Elections (2002–2005)
Elections on 19th May 2002 were supervised by Fr. Kabila, Sr. Lucy, and Br. Kakule. The officials elected were:

·       Chairman: Mr. Wilson Gitonga

·       Vice Chairman: Mr. Nicholas Mucunga

·       Secretary: Mrs. Ruth Kimani

·       Vice Secretary: Mr. Peter Koigu

·       Treasurer: Mrs. Helena Muthoni Mwaniki

·       Members: Jane Wangari, George Kahura, Jane Nyasuguta Momanyi and Dominic
Wainaina

Reconstruction After Storm Damage

On 24th January 2004, strong winds destroyed the church building. Reconstruction began immediately, doubling the size of the original structure. The work was completed in four months through communal contributions and support from neighbouring churches, at a cost of approximately Kshs. 70,000. New portable benches were purchased to replace the older fixed seating, at Kshs. 1,000 per bench.

Acquisition of Additional Land

On 7th November 2004, a successful fundraising event raised Kshs. 180,000 to purchase land adjacent to the Sisters of the Holy Family (Collegine) Convent. A formal agreement was signed with the late Mrs. Katua, with the remaining balance of Kshs. 20,000 settled over a period of six months. This acquisition secured the compound from any potential developments that could disrupt the church environment.

Parish Development and Milestones

By June 2004, the main parish church building in Njiru had reached an advanced stage, including the ring beam and sacristy slab for offices and meeting rooms. While this was going on, the Outstation at Katua needed to a change of office. The following were elected as the new Church Committee;

  • Chairman: Mr. Charles Mutahi
  • Vice Chairman: Mr. Moses Kiama
  • Secretary: Mr. George Ayoti
  • Vice Secretary: Mrs. Jane Nyasuguta Momanyi
  • Treasurer: Mr. Alex Muoka
  • Members: Anastasia Kimani, George Kahura and Regina Siokau

On 29th May 2005, representatives of the Sisters of the Holy Family (Collegine), Italy, Sr. Lucy and Sr. Tarcisia, moved into their convent. The compound has since undergone significant development, including the construction of a school complex.

Subsequent Leadership Teams

Our Vision

To be a vibrant community united in faith, love and service.

Our Mission

We are a Catholic community committed to proclaiming the Gospel, celebrating the sacraments, nurturing spiritual growth, and promoting social justice through faith-driven actions and compassionate outreach. 

Our Core Values

  • Faithfullness: Guided always by unwavering devotion to Christ and His teachings.
  • Inclusivity: Embracing and respecting the dignity of every person, welcoming all with open hearts and minds.
  • Community: Fostering unity, fellowship, and meaningful connections among our parishioners and  neighbours.
  • Compassion: Demonstrating Christ-like empathy and generosity, especially towards the marginalized and vulnerable.
  • Integrity: Acting with Honesty, accountability, and transparency in all endeavours.
  • Service: Committing ourselves seflessly to serve others, inspired by the Example of St. John The Baptist. 

Order of Mass

Weekdays

Monday – Friday : 7:OOam English Mass  and 5:45pm    English Mass

Public Holidays    : 9:30am    English Mass  (No Evening Mass)

Adoration and Benediction – Every Thursday at 4:30pm

Saturdays

7:30 am  English Mass  and 5:30pm    English Mass

Sacrament Of Penance

Every Saturday from 4:30pm and on Sunday, half an hour before Holy Mass. (On Request)

Sundays

  • 7:00am     English Mass   
  • 8:30am     Swahili Mass
  • 10:00am    English Mass
  • 11:30am     English Mass
  • 5:30pm     English Mass

Sunday School

Sunday School available during the 8:30Am, 10:00Am and 11:30Am Masses.

Public Holidays

Mass is at 9:30am and No evening Mass .