Holy Family Basilica Catholic Women Association

By CWA, Holy Family Basilica

CWA is an association of Catholic lay women mandated to empower Catholic Women spiritually, morally, socially and economically for the purposes of evangelizing families and society at large. The services provided help in promoting strong faith, commitment, teamwork, humility, respect, diligence, hard work, and accountability.

Its main purpose/mission is to empower Association members spiritually in order to strengthen their faith, evangelize to families and society at large.

Historical Background

CWA was founded in 1980 during the visit of Pope John Paul II to Kenya under the guidance of the late Servant of God Maurice Michael Cardinal Otunga who was the Ordinary of the Archdiocese of Nairobi by then.  NB. Holy Family Basilica CWA was started in 1986.

A priest in the Lay Apostolate office Rev. Fr. David Kamau who is currently the Auxiliary Bishop of Nairobi, was appointed by the Ordinary of the Diocese to guide the women after the visit. This marked the beginning of the CWA in the Archdiocese of Nairobi.

Catholic Women Association is affiliated to National Council of Catholic Women.

The CWA in the Archdiocese of Nairobi current membership is approximately 32,000 members in nearly 116 parishes, 14 deaneries and a chaplaincy (Prisons).

CWA actively participates in different activities at all levels of the Catholic Church, such as Small Christian Communities, outstations, and parishes in the central deanery.

CWA also participates in evangelization at all levels including:

  1. The first Christian Church i.e. the family,
  2. Sharing the Word of God in all its meetings/gatherings,
  3. Retreats and seminars,
  4. Helping the sick and needy,
  5. All church groups.

Mission, Vision & Objectives

Vision                                        

Seeking to bear witness to Christ and committed to the holistic development of Catholic women and families in the Archdioceses of Nairobi

Mission

To empower Association members in the Archdiocese of Nairobi spiritually in order to strengthen their faith, evangelize to families and society at large.

Motto

Strong in faith.

Patron

Monica who is a model wife, mother, and Saint.

Objectives

The objectives for which the association is formed are evangelical and in conformity with the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), Vatican II teachings and according to the Canon Law (Can.300/312).

  1. To work with the Church Leadership in Apostolic work.
  2. To assist and promote the active participation of members in evangelization,
  3. To promote socio-economic well-being of members
  4. To promote the doctrine of the Catholic Church.
  5. To bring Catholic women together so that they can effectively participate in the general development of their church and community (Canon 301 paragraphs 1, 2, 3, Canon 304 paragraphs 1 and 2).

Strategic Objectives

  1. To ensure pastoral development in the church
  2. Ensure that the Association is financially stable and sustainable projects are run effectively
  3. Develop capacities for the members to fully help in the implementation of the Plan of the Association
  4. Plan, implement and evaluate sustainable development projects to help the Association economically
  5. Ensure gender empowerment for confidence-building of CWA members

Goal

Strengthening faith in the total membership

Core Values

The following are the CWA core values:

  1. Commitment
  2. Teamwork
  3. Humility
  4. Integrity
  5. Respect
  6. Diligence
  7. Accountability

Pillars

CWA is anchored on the following pillars

  1. Grounded in Catholic Faith
  2. Members United in purpose
  3. Visionary Leadership

Target Group /Requirements for joining the group

Open to Catholic women (one who practices the Catholic faith and is baptized in the Catholic Church) who have attained the age of 18 years.

Benefits of joining the group

Opportunity to mature in faith and morals

In case of sickness, bereavement, wedding, a member is supported by the groups’ kitty, we pray for one another, encourage each other.

Calendar of Events   – July to December 2019

6th July                        Pilgrimage to Divine Mercy Shrine, Machakos

20th July                       Archdiocese Council Meeting

27th July                       Visit children’s home

24th August                 St. Monica Day

19th October                Charity work

16th November            Archdiocese Council meeting

How does one register

CWA in Holy Family Basilica meets every second Sunday of the month at 11.30am.  Any new member is welcomed and becomes a full member after formation.

For more details visit the Parish office: Cardinal Otunga Annex, 1st Floor.