Catholic Diocese of Sekondi - Takoradi
FR. ENGLYSHE AND FR. EBULEY AFFUL LAID TO REST
The Catholic Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi earlier today held a requiem Mass for the late Rev. Fr. Anthony Justice Englyshe and Very Rev. Samuel Ebuley Afful at the Star of the Sea Cathedral in Takoradi.
Delivering the homily, Rev. Msgr. James Margaret Mesu highlighted the need for faith in God in the face of death.
He urged Christians to prepare for death since the hour remains unknown and encouraged Christians to persevere to the end, especially in the face of challenges.
Fr. Englyshe and Fr. Ebuley Afful both dedicated their lives to serving their communities.
Fr. Englyshe, despite facing health challenges, lived a life of patience and service. He bore his cross of sickness for twenty-two years without complaint.
Fr. Ebuley Afful, on the other hand, was known for his passion for education and community development, as well as his sense of humour and dedication to social justice. He met his untimely death in a car accident on the Tarkwa-Bogoso road.
Their mortal remains were later interred at the clergy cemetery at Apowa
The Requiem Mass, which was presided over by Most Rev. John Baptist Attakruh had Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, CSSp, Most Rev. Matthias Kobina Nketsiah, Most Rev. Joseph Francis Kweku Essien, Most Rev. John Afoakwa, Most Rev. John Kobina Louis and Most Rev. Samuel Nkuah-Boateng as well priests from the Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi, the Diocese of Grand Bassam, and other Dioceses in Ghana as concelebrants.
Also, in attendance were government officials, traditional rulers, and parishioners from Eikwe and Shama.
DIOCESE OF SAN BERNARDINO SUPPORTS DEPSOCOM SEKOND-TAKORADI
The Diocese of San Bernardino in the United States has extended financial aid to DEPSOCOM Sekondi-Takoradi, facilitating the acquisition of state-of-the-art studio equipment.
The generous contribution, made possible by Rev. Fr. Joseph Ellison, a priest from the Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi currently serving in San Bernardino, materialized following an earnest plea for assistance from Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Dolphyne, the Director of Social Communications for the Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi.
Most Rev. John Baptist Attakruh, who received the newly purchased equipment earlier today, lauded the collaboration, highlighting its potential to bolster the diocese's communication endeavors and amplify the spread of the gospel.
"I am most grateful to the Diocese of San Bernardino, to the Bishop of San Bernardino, to the Mission Office, and to Fr. Joseph Ellison," remarked Bishop Attakruh.
Bishop Attakruh voiced optimism regarding future partnerships with the Diocese of San Bernardino, heralding a promising partnership in the realms of communication and pastoral ministry.
The bishop extended heartfelt appreciation to Fr. Ellison for his instrumental role in securing the support, as well as to Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Dolphyne for spearheading initiatives aimed at using media platforms to disseminate the teachings of Christ and chronicle the diocese's journey.
This commendable initiative builds upon earlier assistance, including financial support secured by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Dolphyne from the Midwest Province of the Brothers of Holy Cross, through Rev. Bro. Kenneth Haders, CSC, used in completing a modern studio and communications office for the Diocese, commissioned on October 7, 2022.
PRIESTS CALLED TO RECOMIT THEMSELVES TO LIFE OF HOLINESS
Most Rev. John Baptist Attakruh, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi, has urged the Priests to renew their commitment to a life of holiness, seeking the Lord and witnessing faithfully to the kingdom values of love, mercy, and forgiveness.
In his homily during the Chrism Mass at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Kwesimintsim, Bishop Attakruh entreated the Priests to make themselves readily available to meet the spiritual and pastoral needs of their flock.
He highlighted the mission that Jesus was sent on: “to bring healing from God to those who were sick and afflicted; solace and strength for those without hope; comfort and truth revealed by affectionate love, soothing those with physical and spiritual blindness”. He reminded them that it is this same mission passed onto the Apostles - whom Jesus appointed as His first Priests - that has been bequeathed to each Priest today.
The Bishop encouraged them thus, “follow Jesus wholeheartedly in your priestly life daily” so that they may effectively serve as representatives of Christ Himself; strengthening their flock with His saving words and sacraments; bringing comfort to all who are troubled - those subjected to injustice or abuse - through His healing mercy and forgiveness. He asked them to remember that they have a duty not only “to feed God's people” but also “bind [their] wounds” with oil of kindness and love.
He charged them to strive daily to be true representatives of Jesus; shepherding their flock with love and kindness in the celebration of the Eucharist and implored them not to neglect or abuse the people in their care, but instead support them with saving words and sacraments when they are suffering from betrayal, harm or illness.
Addressing the laity present at the Mass, Bishop Attakruh beseeched them to remain supportive towards those who devoted their lives to God's service, praying for them and loving them despite their shortcomings, understanding that they too face challenges in their spiritual journey yet are always there for others. He reminded them that each one is an integral part of Christ's Church, playing a pivotal role in its functioning regardless of their vocation in life.
The Most Rev. John Baptist Attakruh, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi, recently declared the preparations for the diocesan synod on the youth open, under the theme: "Building a synodal church: The role of Catholic youth."
This declaration was made recently during a Eucharistic celebration that marked the launching of the Synod on the Youth in Sekondi-Takoradi Diocese by the Bishop together with the Diocesan Youth Council and members of the synod preparatory committee at Our Lady Star of the Sea Cathedral in Takoradi. Bishop Attakruh noted that youth formation and ministry were essential components of pastoral ministry pointing out that the synod would help the Diocese to better respond and address the challenges facing the Catholic Church in the Diocese.
Very Rev. Fr. Francis Couston Enyam, co-ordinator of the synod secretariat, expressed his gratitude to have been given this opportunity and honour to serve mother Church. He emphasized that synodality entails true community spirit where all members play an active and conscious part in Church life and mission. He further explained that the celebration of synods is not just springs but journeys that need to be traveled through processes such as synodal processes, synodal ways, and synodal journeys.
The Prelate then implored everyone present "to open [their] hearts to God's love"; humbling themselves before one another as Jesus had done before us all as evidenced by bread, wine, water, and oil.
He concluded by expressing gratitude for the Priests’ love and service to the church and humanity.
The highlights of the ceremony included the renewal of Ordination promises by the priests and the blessing and consecration of sacred oils for use throughout the year for Baptism, Anointing of the Sick, Confirmation, and the dedication of Churches and Altars.
Welcoming everyone present earlier in his address, Rev Fr Anthony Yawson, the Parish Priest appreciatively described the annual occasion as an opportunity for gathering together in fraternal communion with their Bishop; extending prayers for those unable to attend due to ill health or frailty while expressing hope and praying that as these Priests reaffirm their commitment, they would continue hearing God’s voice which inspired their vocation and respond willingly with faithful hearts.
Fr. Enyam went on to explain that there is more to a synod than its convocation pointing out that launching is only one of many stages and phases required for its celebration which spans from October 31st to November 5th, 2023. He concluded by giving assurance that they are ready for this journey and provided a roadmap that will serve as their compass on the path towards their destination: Synod celebration.
The roadmap included: The Synod prayer in all the recognised and approved liturgical languages in the diocese, English, Mfantse, and Nzema, that will be prayed at the end of every Mass in all parishes and rectorates throughout the synodal process; unveiling a logo for the Synod with a theme of "Building a Synodal Church: The Role of the Catholic Youth", and providing a synodal questionnaire (lineamenta) to gather opinions from as many people as possible.
He disclosed that the questionnaire contains four main themes—youth formation in the diocese, empowerment of the youth for mission and ministry, pastoral care for youth in parishes and schools, and determinant factors and characteristics features of a well-grounded solid Catholic faith.
SEKONDI-TAKORADI DIOCESE LAUNCHES SYNOD ON THE YOUTH
He appealed to those receiving it to commit to prayerful study and reflection before returning their responses within the allotted time.At this point, the lineamenta was presented to the Bishop, Most Reverend John Baptist Attakruh; the Priest Representative, Very Reverend Father Lawrence Krah; the Chairperson of the Youth Council, Master Eric Ajei Boye; the Secretary General of the Synod Secretariat, Father Albin Kissi Ernim; and Mr. Chris Donkor representing the adult laity. He assured those present that until the celebration of the synod and promulgation of the synodal act, his commission will keep all updated on progress reports as necessary.
Fr. Enyam concluded by reiterating the call made by Bishop Attakruh in his convocation letter emphasising everyone's involvement in the synodal process so that together the diocese could tell a fruitful story.
In a drama sketch, the youths identified social media influence, quest for miracles, unbridled pursuit of wealth, school, employment and marriages among the contributing factors to the dwindling number of Catholic population in the Diocese.
BISHOP ATTAKRUH CREATES THREE NEW DEANERIES IN SEKONDI-TAKORADI DIOCESE
Most Reverend John Baptist Attakruh has announced the creation of three new deaneries in the Catholic Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi. This brings the total number of Deaneries in the diocese to ten.
The announcement was contained in a circular addressed to the “Clergy, Religious and Christ’s faithful of the diocese.”
According to Bishop Attakruh, “the restructuring of the deaneries is necessitated by the need to ease travelling and facilitate frequent meetings of priests and church societies within the deaneries.”
The newly created deaneries are:
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Wasa Akropong Deanery
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Prestea Deanery
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Shama Deanery
A deanery in the Catholic Church is an ecclesiastical entity comprising of a number of neighboring Parishes. It is headed by a dean – a priest appointed “by the bishop after consultation with the priests exercising ministry in the deanery.” (Canon 553)
Details of the restructuring is available in the document below.
CURIAL AND OTHER APPOINTMENTS
By: Most Rev. John Baptist Attakruh
Effective January 28, 2022
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Rev. Fr. Gordon Buadi Miezah .. Chancellor, Rector, St. Mary’s Minor Seminary, Apowa
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Rev. Fr. Paul Esibu (Secretariat) .. Ag. Financial Administrator
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Rev. Fr. Justice Kenyah Azane (Secretariat) Diocesan Bursar
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Mr. Matthew Nimo .. Investment Adviser
Budget and Audit Team
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Very Rev. Fr. Francis LeMaire, V..G.
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Rev. Fr. Paul Esibu (Ag. Financial Administrator)
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Rev. Fr. Lawrence Krah
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Mr. Matthew Nimo
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Msgr. Joseph Gyim-Austin .. Priest Personnel
Parish Priest, Adiembra-Kweikuma
Priest Personnel Board
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Very Rev. Fr. Francis Kofi LeMaire, V.G., (chairman)
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Msgr. Joseph Gyim-Austin (Priest Personnel, Ex-Officio Member)
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Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Dolphyne (Diocesan Priests’ Association President, Ex-Officio Member)
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Rev. Fr. Thomas Aidoo
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Rev. Fr. Michael Asiedu-Herzuah
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Rev. Fr. Charles Oppong
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Rev. Fr. Peter Kaitoo
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Rev. Fr. Clement Adjei .. Judicial Vicar
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Rev. Fr. Francis Siriboe .. Vicar for Religious
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Rev. Fr. Vitus Mensah .. Marriage Tribunal Office
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Rev. Fr. Francis Couston Enyam .. Co-ordinator, Pastoral and Catechetical Centre,
Director, Catechetics and Laity Formation Director, Biblical Pastoral Ministry
Rector, St. Joseph’s Rectorate, Apremdo
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Mrs. Patricia Asamoah .. Diocesan Co-ordinator, Biblical Pastoral
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Miss Theresa Acquah .. Accountant, St. Kizito Pastoral and Catechetical Centre, Apowa.
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Miss Rosina Essuah .. Matron (Hospitality)
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Rev. Fr. Anthony B. Eshun (Kwesimintsim) Diocesan Co-ordinator, Development/Caritas (Office at Pastoral & Catechetical Centre)
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Miss Linda Aggrey .. Diocesan Women and Gender Co-ordinator (Office at Pastoral & Catechetical Centre)
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Rev. Fr. Charles Oppong .. Diocesan Lands and Estate Manager (Office at Secretariat)Parish Priest, Essikado
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Mr. Benedictus K. Cudjoe .. Diocesan Lands and Estate Officer
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Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Dolphyne .. Director, DEPSOCOM Office
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Mr. Francis Ofori .. DEPSOCOM Office
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Rev. Fr. John Baptist Ephraim .. Diocesan Statistics Office
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Rev. Fr. Benjamin Doughan .. Bishop’s Secretary
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Rev. Fr. Albin Kissi Ernim (Adiembra) .. Director, Vocations and Youth Office
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Rev. Fr. Vincent Dan Teiko .. Director, Pontifical Mission Societies
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Sr. Margaret Buah .. Pontifical Mission Societies Co-ordinator
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Rev. Fr. Lawrence Krah .. Cathedral Administrator, Takoradi
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Rev. Fr. Francis Baffoe Davis .. Asst. Cathedral Administrator, Takoradi
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Rev. Fr. Richard Kwayie-Danquah (Cathedral) Sick leave
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Rev. Fr. Peter Kaitoo .. Parish Priest, Ketan Spiritual Director, St. Mary’s Minor Seminary
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Msgr. James M. Mesu .. Rector, St. Mary’s Rectorate, Nsuta
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Rev. Fr. Isaac Atta Mensah .. Rector, Dompim Tutor & Chaplain, Fiaseman SHS
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Rev. Fr. Francis Lawrence Mensah .. Parochial Administrator, Beach Road
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Rev. Fr. Michael Buah (Beach Road) .. Tutor & Chaplain, Bompe SHS Chaplain, GSTS
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Rev. Fr. Francis Atta Aidoo .. Ag. Diocesan Director of Health
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Rev. Fr. Stephen Appiah-Kubi Amponsah Parish Priest, Axim
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Rev. Fr. Mark Anthony Nrenzah .. Parochial Administrator, New Takoradi
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Rev. Fr. Marcellinus Sikayena (New Takoradi) Jubilee Hospital, Chaplain Fijai Hospital, Chaplain
Effia-Nkwanta Hospital, Chaplain
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Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Amotoe-Kwofie .. Parochial Vicar, Essikado Chaplain, Sekondi College
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Rev. Fr. John Angofie Efferh .. Parish Priest, Aiyinase
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Rev. Fr. Francis Oppong .. Parish Priest, Manso-Amenfi
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Rev. Fr. George Nii Kolley .. Parish Priest, Daboase
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Rev. Fr. Edward Cudjoe .. Parochial Administrator, Bogoso
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Rev. Fr. Samuel Annan-Donkor Sick leave
CHRISTIANS URGED TO STAND STRONG AGAINST THE DEVIL
Most Rev. John Baptist Attakruh, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi has urged Christians to let the power of Christ’s resurrection lead and empower them to profess their faith in Jesus who has broken the chains of death and given new life of hope to all.
In his homily on Easter Sunday at Our Lady Star of the Sea Cathedral, Takoradi, Bishop Attakruh stated that Jesus risen from the dead, sits at God’s right hand as mediator and high priest and exhorted Christians to stand strong and face the evil one in life with unwavering faith in God.
He asserted that Jesus shares the pains, hopelessness, and unbelief of humanity and will never turn his back on them, but will always respond to human needs and situations.
While encouraging all to read and prayerfully reflect on the Scriptures daily, the Bishop explained that the Scriptures open human heart to joy, drive away all hopelessness because God is met in the Scriptures. He added that God’s word is always alive and must bring joy and thrill in human hearts.
He urged Christians to be part of the new community, which is the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church that was formed through the power of God’s Spirit, which united them into a new order of things, a new community.
Bishop Attakruh affirmed that the Holy Spirit is the life of the church and the life of every Christian that gives them the power to resist evil, teaches them what is good and enables them to reject evil.
BISHOP KWOFIE ERECTS NEW PARISH
Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, CSSp, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sekondi Takoradi on May 13th , 2018erected the Divine Redeemer Parish and also installed Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Andoh, SMA, as the first Parish Priest.The decree for the erection of the parish which was read by the Chancellorthe Catholic Church of New Amanful - Funkoe, a satellite station hitherto part of St. John the Evangelist Parish, Apowa, known by the Patron, Divine Redeemer, has this day, the 13th of May,2018 been duly erected parish with a pastor appointed in the person of Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Andoh, SMA, by virtue of can. 519".
In a homily delivered by Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Eshun, Dean of Apowa Deanery, he urged the parishioners todo all in their power to promote peace and unity among themselves. The vibrant and colourful liturgical celebration also witnessed the installation of the first PPCfor the twin parish composed of Francis Eshun, Ed-ward Annan, Mrs. Stella Cudjoe ( from New Amanful)as well as Nicholas Nsobiabah, Stephen Mensah and Madam Theresa Ibrahim( from Funkoe).The Mass was concelebrated by Very Rev. Fr. James Owusu Yeboah, SMA Regional Superior, Very Rev. Fr. Charles Yeboah,Very Rev. Fr. Raphael Mensah, Very Rev. James M. Mesu, VRev. Fr. Anthony Eshun, Rev. Frs . George Ansah, Michael Buah, Marcel Sikayena, Emmanuel Dolphyne, Bernard Abekah as well as Rev . Fr. Hippolyte Buhika, SMA. Also present wereRev. Srs. Monica Appiah, Juliet Kyaano( O.L.A sisters) and Nana Nkane IV (Funkoe) together with Nana Yalleh KwaoAsamoah III , Nana Kobia AtinkaThis brings to 64 the number of parishes and rectorate in the Catholic Diocese of Sekondi Takoradi
MESSAGE OF HIS HOLY POPE FRANCIS
FOR THE 54th WORLD COMMUNICATIONS DAY
So that you can tell your son and grandson” . Life creates history. This is the theme chosen by Pope Francis for the 54th World Day of Social Communications, which will be celebrated on 24 May 2020, the Sunday before Pentecost. The theme of the annual Church observance is announced on 29 January (feast of the Archangels) and the message is published on 24 January (memorial of St. Francis of Sales).
EDIFY THE COMMUNITY WITH YOUR GIFTS” BISHOP KWOFIE CHARGES CATHOLICS.
Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, CSSp. Bishop of Sekondi-Takoradi Diocese has urged Catholics touse their gifts to edify the Christian community and not for their selfish interest. He gavethe admonition while delivering his homily during the celebration of Pentecost Sunday on 20th May, 2018, at the Star of the Sea Cathedral, Takoradi. Bishop Kwofie further added that just as Jesus Christ was sent by the Father, the dis-ciples of Jesus Christ also ought to carry out their mis-sion as messengers in the manner and style of Jesus Christ. There is therefore the need to embrace the mission of the church given by Christ by all peoples.The Eucharistic celebration which was presided over by Bishop Kwofie, also had Msgr. Francis Abuah-Quansah, Very Rev. Raphael Mensah, Very Rev. Peter Ekow Kaitoo, Rev. Frs. George Nii Brock, Marcel Sikayena, Bernard Abekah Paulus Afful and Martial Kuoame concelebrating. Also present were the “Chorale de l’Union de Cote D’Ivoire”; a Gregorian choir group made up of mem- bers from four Arch/dioceses in Cote D’Ivoire. This choir mainly sings in Latin, especially the Gregorian chant, aimed at keeping the Latin tunes alive.Bishop Kwofie also confirmed thirty-seven candidates during the celebration
The Holy Child College of Education, Takoradi, has held her 11th Congregation for the Conferment of Diplomas under the theme; “Teacher Licensing in Ghana; Prospects and the Way Forward”. The ceremony which was held at the Sr. Cornelia Connelly Hall on the 26th May, 2018 saw a total of 240 students graduating with 4 students obtaining 1st class honours, 57 students and 103 students also received 2nd class Upper and Lower honours respectively while 61 students had 3rd class honours and 15 students obtained passes. The Principal of the College, Mrs. Lemaire delivering her address which focused on academic performance, project interventions, infrastructural development and sports drew attention to some of the challenges con-fronting the College. These challenges include financial clearance to enable the college employ critical staff as well as the stalling of works on the two storey Science Laboratory and the Early Childhood Center. She therefore solicits for help from the government to facilitate their completion. She further charged the graduands not to see their graduation as the end of their academic and professional ambition, but as steppingstones to greater achievements. Mrs. Gifty Kusi (Deputy Western Regional Minister), who represented the Western Regional Minister, affirmed the importance of Teacher Li-censing to the provision of quality education in Ghana. She stated that
“licensing of teachers is the path to ensuring quality that will ultimately result to the attainment of excellence in operations. Standardization is synonymous with quality and quality is synonymous with excellence. Teacher licensing will therefore help to remove teachers who fail to demonstrate solid knowledge of their teaching subject and prevent effectiveness in the classroom”.
A total of eighteen awards were presented to deserving graduating students from various sponsors. Ms Rebecca Assan emerged the overall best student with a total of 7 awards.The 11th Congregation was chaired by Dr. Newman, (National Council Tertiary Education.)Dignitaries who attended the program included Mrs. Gifty Kusi (Deputy Western Regional Minister), Msgr.Francis Abuah-Quansah (Vicar General), Dr. Betty Nanor-Arthur (Guest of Hon-our), Madam Henritta Eyison (DCE Ahanta Weat), Madam Faustina Coppson (National Best Teacher, 2017), ,Prof Eric Wilmot (U.C.C), Mrs Cecilia H. Quaye (Immediate Past Principal) as well as some priests and religious from the Diocese
HOLY CHILD HOLDS 11TH CONGREGATION
MISS REBECCA ASSAN EMERGES OVERALL BEST STUDENT.
LAITY COUNCIL DELIBERATES ON THE FIRST SYNODAL ACT IN THE SEKONDI-TAKORADI DIOCESE
The Laity Council of the diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi recently deliberated on the effective implementation of the first Synodal Act of the diocese at the 23rd diocesan Easter Seminar held at St. Mary’s Minor Seminary, Apowa.
In his introductory remarks, V. Rev. Fr. Paul Appiah Himin Asante (The Diocesan Financial Administrator) who represented The Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie Cssp., encouraged the Laity to exercise their baptismal mandate in the world by putting their faith into action. According to Fr. Appiah Himin Asante, the diocese shares in the ideals of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI who says that the laity are not only collaborators but also co-responsible for the ecclesial life of the people of God.
In a key note address, V. Rev. Fr. Raphael Mensah, the Chancellor of the diocese and a Lecturer at St. Peter’s Regional Seminary, Pedu gave an overview of the formation of the diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi. Fr. Raphael briefed the Laity on the need for a first Synod which was held two years ago after forty years of existence as a diocese. He mentioned that there is the need to cast a backward glance as a diocese to see where we have come from, what we have achieved and what we could do to improve the diocese in the future.
He also mentioned that the Diocese shall provide opportunities for ongoing formation of the laity and this shall include general Faith formation on the doctrines of the Church, scripture-based formation by means of bible study workshops, seminars and other training sessions. At the local level parish priests shall carry out well planned programme for the catechists and the Societies in the church. He said Catholic parents should spend quality time with their children and take keen interest in their spiritual, social, and moral education teaching them to pray and making sure they understand Catholic Teachings and Doctrines. He finally encouraged parents to attend Mass every Sunday with their children and monitor them to receive the holy Eucharist when the time comes.
The organizers of the Seminar were the diocesan laity Chaplain Rev. Fr. Anthony Gyan, the diocesan laity Chairman Mr. Robert Peter Binney, and the diocesan laity Secretary Mrs. Grace Anane Yarley among others. The three-day Seminar also deliberated on the national theme for the laity for the year 2017: “Do this in memory of me, participation of the laity in the Pastoral care of the people”. At the end of the Seminar, the Laity Council made a donation of Food items to St. Mary’s Minor Seminary, Apowa. The closing and thanksgiving Mass was held at St. Paul’s Pro-Cathedral Parish, Sekondi.
“DON’T STRIKE FEAR IN YOUR HUSBAND”
Bishop Kwofie urges women The theme for this year’s Holy Family celebration was
“MERCY THROUGH THE EYES OF WOMEN”. The keynote address was delivered by Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, CSSp at the opening ceremony The Catholic Women Association (CWA) was established (founded) by two Nigerian Nuns of the Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus (HHCJ), namely Rev. Mother Gertrude Watruocha and Rev. Mother Saint John, both of blessed memory.
He urged them to be close to the sick, the poor, the needy and the aged of the association by helping and supporting them in good and bad moments. It was officially inaugurated at Saltpond on 22nd June, 1959 as a Lay Apostolate Society within the Catholic Church, tasked with the spreading of the Good News.
Sekondi is the first parish in the SekondiTakoradi Diocese to have the CWA established in 1959. TAKORADI: The SekondiTakoradi Diocesan branch of the Catholic Women Association celebrated this year’s HOLY FAMILY feast at the Star of the Sea Cathedral, from the 3rd to the 8th of January, 2018. He exhorted women not to STRIKE FEAR in their husbands but attract them home from their work places so that they don’t seek solace elsewhere. They should make the home a “haven of love and joy”.
The Bishop cautioned mothers-in-law to ensure that the marriages of their sons and daughters survive and thrive. Mr. Kojo Abakah, a marriage counselor , used the occasion to draw attention to the alarming rate of divorce cases in Ghana and called for love and forgiveness as the means of overcoming this challenge. The four day program was attended by close to 2000 members.
SEKONDI-TAKORADI DIOCESE CELEBRATES CHRISM MASS 2020
On Thursday, 30th April, 2020, the Catholic Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi celebrated its Chrism Mass for the religious year. The Mass which is normally celebrated during the Holy Week had to be postponed in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic and its resulting directives issued by the government of Ghana. The Mass which should have had all priests in the diocese participating as well as lay faithful was celebrated with only the Deans and a few lay functionaries with social distancing rules in full force.
In his homily, Archbishop Kwofie expressed gratitude to priests in the diocese and further expressed unity with priests and lay faithful suffering physical ailments in one form or another as well us unity with priests from the diocese assigned to duty and studying outside the diocese. His prayers had always been that, priests, religious, PPC members and societal leaders across the various parishes and church communities would responsibly do their part for the growth of the diocese.
He made mention of the fact that, ideally, over a hundred and twenty priests together with the lay faithful should have been in attendance to celebrate the Mass but as a result of us not being in normal times, only a handful of priests were present. He said, “It looks strange but the work of God must go on. God continues to use this situation to speak to us” and went on to state that the Mass was being celebrated to bless Oils to be used by priests in their ministry.
The oil of Catechumen used before Baptism prepares Catechumens to receive the Sacrament of Baptism and the Holy Spirit. Archbishop Kwofie said, “This oil will strengthen them against the empty promises and lures of the Evil One. The oil of Catechumen is especially important in a culture like ours, where the presence of the evil one is imagined everywhere”. He prayed that the anointing of the oil give Catechumen the grace to be conquerors of the forces of evil and darkness in our society.
The Oil of the Sick he said, “will be used to give life to our sick, to provide spiritual and physical remedy to those who suffer various forms of ailment”. He bemoaned physical suffering as a terrible experience and the fact that some Catholics are running from one church to another, seeking healing for their ailments. He prayed that they recognise in Mother Church, a deposit of spiritual patrimony that can nourish their bodies and give life to their souls.
The Oil of Chrism when consecrated, will be used for the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation. During the Sacrament of Confirmation, the Oil will be used to anoint candidates and will receive the Holy Spirit so they become witnesses to the message of the death and resurrection of the Lord. Going on, he said, “You all who are baptised and confirmed, remember, that you have been anointed with the Oil of Chrism, with the Holy Spirit and you stand as witnesses to the message of the Lord Jesus Christ”. The Oil is also used for the Sacrament of priestly ordination. It sets the priests apart for the services of the Lord. “As Christ our saviour is himself the anointed one, we who are anointed with the Oil of Chrism, become incorporated into him who died, was buried and rose from the dead so that the world will live”, he said. He stated further, that as part of the body of Christ, we must do things that are of Christ and also that by means of the anointing, we become sharers in the kingly, prophetic and priesthood of Christ. This same Oil will be used for the dedication of churches, to set them apart as places of worship where God himself dwells and where we enter to offer our worship.
A major feature of the Mass, the renewal of priestly promises, could not however be performed. Archbishop Kwofie said the renewal of promises had always spoken to him, especially when the Bishop turns to the lay faithful and tells them, “Pray for your priests and pray also for me your Bishop”. He said this touched him a lot, as it reminds him of our human fragility. He reminded the lay faithful to pray that God will keep his priests faithful as ministers of Christ, and the bishop, faithful to the Apostolic office entrusted to him. Speaking further, he said, “We request this from you, our lay faithful to pray for us to remain faithful as priests, to remain faithful to the Apostolic office that has been entrusted to us”.
Addressing the priests, he said it impossible to do anything by thinking their intellectual and physical power can carry them in their ministry. “The power we use to minister in the house of God, on behalf of the people of God, for the people of God is a capacity that comes from the Lord”, further stating, it is the reason for which, as priests, they must seek the face of the Lord each day and seek to connect with the Lord through prayer and listen to him through the words of scripture. He said they as priests had no power, except the power that comes from above and mentioned that “sometimes, we get so sure of ourselves that we forget to connect to the Lord who strengthens us”. Mentioning the tendency to remove God from the centre and place themselves at the centre, he asked that they remember the words of Jesus to Simon when the latter was sure of himself before the Passion of the Lord, “Simon, satan wishes to sift you all like wheat but I have prayed for you so that your faith does not fall” (Luke 22:31-32).
Referring to 1 Peter 5:1-4, he said the priest is to take care of the flock entrusted to them. Taking care of the flock also meant being a teacher of the flock. Calling attention to Catholic youth, he mentioned their suffering as a result of people dislodging the faith of the weak ones with ideologies and teachings of falsehood and said as pastor. He spoke about the challenges COVID-19 has placed before them us priests and the church in general and said it was time to reflect deeply on what it means to be a priest in these days of the virus when the people cannot congregate in the churches, reflect on the style of priestly ministry, even beyond the pandemic and considering the obvious fact that, the virus was re-shaping the world. He urged them to start a real reflection so they can hear the voice of the good shepherd who knows his sheep in all these.
He concluded with the prayer, “May God empower us with his own spirit so that we can be true pastors of the people he has entrusted to us. May God bless us all, Amen”.
The Chrism Mass which was presided over by Most. Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, CSSp, the Archbishop of Accra and the Apostolic Administrator of the Catholic Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi) was concelebrated by the seven Deans of the various deaneries in the diocese; it was also streamed live on YouTube and Facebook for the virtual participation of the Priests, Religious and the Lay Faithful of the Diocese and beyond.
Source
Department for Social Communications
Catholic Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi
Explaining the significance of the Easter Vigil Mass and the symbols, the Bishop accented that the Paschal Candle which will burn for the next fifty days was a reminder of what happened at the night that Christ rose from the dead pointing out that the beautiful Easter Exulted proclaimed Christ’s resurrection as a wonderful power at work in our world transforming our world into something beautiful.
The Prelate appealed to the congregation to let the renewal of their baptismal promises come from the heart and charged them to trust in God’s mercy and forgiveness and endeavour to forgive others too. He prayed God to grant them strength, peace, and love from the risen Lord so they can walk with Him daily.
Earlier in a welcome address, Very Rev. Fr Lawrence Krah, the Cathedral Administrator welcomed everyone warmly with the joy of the risen Lord, graciously acknowledging every presence especially the Bishop before describing the Mass as very special during which Sekondi-Takoradi Diocese will launch the Synod on the Youth.
SEKONDI - TAKORADI DIOCESE HOSTS PROVINCIAL STUDY SESSION FOR THE YOUTH
The Cape Coast Ecclesiastical Province has held its annual Provincial Study Session at the St. Kizito Pastoral Centre, Apowa from the 20th to 22nd April, 2018.The session was attended by delegates from Cape Coast Archdiocese as well as the Wiawso and Sekondi-Takoradi Dioceses. Delegates were taken through topics such as entrepreneurship, government policy on entre- preneurship, identifying financial strategies and Marketing strategies.The thanksgiving Mass to climax the study session was held on Sunday, 22nd April, 2018 at St. John the Evangelist Parish, Apowa. Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Dolphyne, the Parish Priest, charged the youth not to wait to be holy before responding to the call of God. He mentioned that "when you come to God just as you are, holiness will then be a consequence of your response to God.He further reminded them that the promotion of vocations must not only be limited to praying for vocations but must also include doing concrete things that will foster, encourage and support vocations.The theme for this year's Study Session was "Integral Pastoral Care of the Family in the Light of Amoris Laeti-tia“. The Provincial Study Session was instituted when GHANCYC decided to empower Ecclesiastical Prov-inces in the country to enable them form Provincial Youth Councils.The resource persons for the Study Session were Mr. Francis Ackon Boadu (Entrepreneur), Mr. K. B. Wil-son, Mr. K. B. Wilson (former Director for Ghana Supply Chain, Western Region), Mr. Stephen Blighton (Head of Economic Planning Unit, Western Region), and Rev. Fr. Wilfred Bebodu (Parish Priest- Tikobo 1
SEKONDI-TAKORADI DIOCESE CELEBRATES CHRISM MASS 2020
On Thursday, 30th April, 2020, the Catholic Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi celebrated its Chrism Mass for the religious year. The Mass which is normally celebrated during the Holy Week had to be postponed in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic and its resulting directives issued by the government of Ghana. The Mass which should have had all priests in the diocese participating as well as lay faithful was celebrated with only the Deans and a few lay functionaries with social distancing rules in full force
TEACH THE YOUTH TO UNDERSTAND THEIR CATHOLIC HERITAGE” BISHOP KWOFIE ADVISES.
Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, CSSp ,Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi has called for the education of the youth in order to help them understand their Catholic heritage. He made the call in a homily during the celebration of the Feast of Corpus Christi as part of a four day pastoral visit to the St. Francis Xavier Parish, Prestea. The Bishop described the youth as 'the future of the church and society' and therefore charged the adults to ensure that they are educated in the Catholic faith. This, he said, will not only help the youth to understand the Catholic faith, but will also equip them to become teachers of the faith to their peers,and also, as replacements for our ageing catechists.The Prelate also asked the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) reflect on the following concerns , namely: the youth, the catechist, church lands and the re-organization of the Parish.The pastoral visit which started on Friday, June 1st and ended on Monday, June 4th 2018 saw the Bishop visiting Himan, Anyinam, Sankofa Gold Company and Golden Star Mining Limited. It also offered the Bishop the opportunity to interact with the faithful, as well as, the Chiefs and the Elders of the communities, and also offered him a first hand experience of underground mining.Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie also confirmed 149 candidates as part of his pastoral visit, and encouraged them to use their spiritual gifts for the benefits of the church.The Bishop was accompanied by Very Rev. Fr. Raphael Mensah (Chancellor). They were welcomed to St. Francis Xavier Parish by Very Rev. Fr. Raphael Eshun (Parsh Priest and Dean of Tarkwa Deanery) and Rev. Fr. Eric Anyidor
ST. MARY’S MINOR SEMINARY CELEBRATES 30 YEARS A B APOWA:
The St. Mary’s Minor Seminary at Apowa in the Sekondi-Takoradi Catholic Diocese has celebrated it’s 30th anniversary with a weeklong line up of activities (4th to 10th December 2017) at the Seminary which culminated in a mini durbar on the 9th December, 2017. Delivering his welcome address at the mini durbar, the Rector, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Conduah informed the gathering that the minor Seminary was established in 1987 by the late Most Rev. Charles Kweku Sam due to the surge in vocations to the priesthood.
Today, the Seminary population is 58. He also acknowledged the invaluable contribution of the Seminary Board of Governors led by Sir Knight Eddie Edwin Prah as Chairperson. Also in a speech read on his behalf by Msgr. Francis Abuah-Quansah, the Vicar General, the Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, Archbishop Jean Marie Speich thanked God for the Seminary and for what has been achieved in 30 years. He further prayed that the Seminary “continue to attract more young people to priestly vocation in order to promote the work of evangelization.” Msgr. Martin Essilfie delivered the keynote address at the mini durbar on the theme “the Role of Minor Seminary Formation in the promotion of priestly vocations in Ghana”.
Whiles acknowledging the contribution of the Minor Seminary in vocation promotion, he also reminded the gathering of some of the grave challenges posed by the Computerized School Selection System, the introduction of the Free Senior High School Scheme and thus invited all to come on board and fashion a program for the Lord. The occasion of the mini durbar was used to launch the new Seminary Campus which Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie CSSp intends to develop. This project when completed will cater for 100 students and will include a chapel, a multi-purpose hall, library, kitchen and refectory, 4 classrooms, 5 dormitories, staff accommodation etc and it is estimated to cost $265,001.25 (GHC 1,321,995.00).
The Bishop, Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie CSSp used the occasion to thank the Board of Governors, the Rector and the formators, both past and present for their dedication and commitment to the Seminary. The Chairperson ,Mrs Patricia Poku-Diaby, CEO of Plot Enterprise Gh. Ltd. in her closing remarks urged all to support and help to execute the new seminary project by contributing to it.
EGYAM 2017
Most Rev John Bonaventure Kwofie, CSSp has stated that every child has the right to parental care and where there is a lack someone must fulfill it, in an address at the 10th anniversary and handing over of the Egyam Children’s Home by Mrs. Thea Van Den Bosch ,the founderess, to the Diocese of the Sekondi- Takoradi at a ceremony held on 17th January ,2018 at Egyam. Mrs. Thea Van Den Bosch assured the Bishop and the Diocese of her continuous financial assistance for the Home. Mr. Daniel Payne, the Director of the Home also said the Home though was registered on 19th October, 2005, it was commissioned on 29th December,2007 with 33 children by the then Deputy Dutch Ambassador , Mr. Michael Biekerns together with the late Bishop John Martin Darko, the Dutch Foundation and the Egyam community. The Home now has 66 children: 48 boys and 18 girls. Mr. Payne although mentioned inadequate funds for the education of the children as a major challenge. This notwithstanding, the Home he said has been able to enroll 8 children in Apprenticeship, 14 children in Senior High School, 10 children at the Tertiary level of Education. In addition a Teacher, a Journalist, a Nurse, an Accountant, a Statistician, a Supplying Officer, an Actuarial Scientist, two Seamstress, two Hair dressers and a Driver have all been produced by the Home in its 10 years history among others. The Corlaer College, Netherland also donated a new bus to the Home. Dignitaries who were at the ceremony include, Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie CSSp, Msgr. Francis Abuah Quansah,VG; Msgr. Francis Yaw Tawiah, Very Rev. Fr. Raphael Mensah ; Madam Grace Odartey, Director of Social Welfare, Ahanta West District; Mr. Jonathan Gyan, Regional Director of Social Welfare; Dutch Foundation; Hon Barnabas Biney, representative of the MP Ahanta West; Mr. Kwame Makafui, Board Chairman of the Home and Mr. Christian Donkoh Board Member of the Home. Also present were Rev. Frs. Peter Kaitoo, Anthony Eshun, Anthony Yawson, Charles Oppong, Emmanuel Dolphyne, Isaac Ata Mensah, Benard Abekah, Paulus Afful and Richard Ounoha as well as Rev. Srs . Anna Amoo (Mother General), Emily, Mary Gladys Boakye, Patricia (FST Sisters). Mrs. Elizabeth Dadson, was the Chairperson for the dubar.
ON GOLDEN JUBILEE
THE DIOCESAN CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL UNDER CONSTRUCTION - APOWA
Anniversaries are important occasions, for they not only remind us of important events, they also offer us the chance to reflect, to come together and to celebrate. According to St. John Paul II, “Every Jubilee year is like an invitation to a wedding feast”.
He continued, “the term Jubilee speaks of Joy; not just an inner joy but a jubilation which is manifested outwardly”. This joy is what will characterize the Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi which was created out of the Archdiocese of Cape Coast on 20th November, 1969 with the late Most Rev. Joseph Amihere Essuah as the first Bishop when we celebrate our golden jubilee in the year 2019.
hance the missionary mandate of the Church. In this regard, ours is the obligation to sustain what has been achieved in this 50 years and to build on it by using it as a springboard for the future. Consequently, to ensure that the significance of this milestone is not lost to us as a Diocese, the Bishop , Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, CSSp ha s initiated a number of physical projects which includes a pediatric hospital and a new Bishop’s residence as concrete reminders of our Golden Jubilee. These monumental reminders a year away from the actual celebration of our Golden Jubilee are This will be a celebration of remembrance, where key personalities like our first three Bishops of blessed memory namely; Bishops Joseph Amihere Assuah, Charles Kweku Sam and John Martin Darko, not forgotten the many Priests and Religious Men and Women as well as the laity who committed themselves to this Diocese should be dully remembered and honored. This will also be a time ,when thinking about how far we have come, we will in all humility admit that our journey has not always been smooth sailing but we can confidently say that our God has been faithful and will continue to be faithful. It is our charge then as a Diocese to plan and execute programs that will enmeant to highlight the need for the Clergy and the laity of our Diocese to individually and collectively prepare spiritually to ensure a fruitful celebration come 2019. The Bishop has therefore constituted a Planning Committee to plan for the celebration. And updates on their activities will be given periodically. It is our Golden Jubilee and we are to celebrate but it should be with a difference and with the understanding that it has a bearing on the future direction of our dear Diocese. Let this be a celebration of the contributions and sacrifices that others have made to the faith we have today. And may it also remind us of the sacrifices we are to make in order to keep this faith unadulterated for the generations yet unborn. We cannot use the joys of our 50 years as an excuse not to clearly see and anticipate.
SEKONDI-TAKORADI DIOCESE:
MSGR ABUAH-QUANSAH AND FR. AWUAH BURIED
The funeral Mass for Msgr. Francis Abuah-Quansah and Fr. Paul Awuah has been held at the Star of the Sea Cathedral, Takoradi. The Mass held on Thursday, February 13, 2020 was presided over by His Eminence, Peter Cardinal Appiah Turkson, President of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.
Addressing the congregation, Cardinal Turkson called on all to pray for the peaceful repose of the souls of Msgr. Abuah-Quansah and Fr. Awuah asking God to be “gracious, merciful and compassionate to them” He also prayed for God’s consolation for “the families, friends and loved ones of the two beloved priests.”
Most Rev. Charles Gabriel Palmer-Buckle, Metropolitan Archbishop of Cape-Coast who gave the homily encouraged all present to believe in the truth of the resurrection. He said, “Our tears, pain and sadness should not be like that of those who do not belief in the resurrection and eternal life. Jesus says ‘I am the Resurrection and the life.” He added that believing in truth of these words of Jesus “is the key to opening the graces of God in Christ Jesus won for us by His sacrificial death on the cross.”
He further called on all present to hold strong to their faith especially in tough times. “It is easy to profess faith and yet not believe fully. There are moment in our lives when we are confronted with believing what we profess with our lips. Jesus tells us that if we believe we are going to see the glory of God. Very often when someone dies, it is you and I see who are alive who are being called to marshal our faith in order to see the glory of God.”
Archbishop Palmer-Buckle who also happens to be a classmate of Msgr. Francis Abuah-Quansah asked the congregation to “ask the Lord to increase our faith in the resurrection and pray that they may be rewarded for the many years of priestly services they rendered when they were with us in human flesh.”
Msgr. Abuah-Quansah was born on March 28, 1950 and ordained a priest on July 25, 1979. His early assignments as a priests were in Asankragwa and Apowa. He also served as Director, Center for Human Development (CEHUD) and Rector of St. Paul’s Seminary, Sowutuom. He was Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of La Crosse, USA and Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi from 2010 to 2015 and from 2015 to 2019 respectively. Until his demise on January 6, 2020, he was the Delegate of the Apostolic Administrator for the Catholic Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi.
Very Rev. Fr. Paul Awuah was born June 10, 1959 and ordained a priest on July 18, 1992. He was Parochial Vicar of St. Paul’s Pro-Cathedral, Sekondi from 1992 to 1998. He also served as Pastor of Parishes in Kwesimintsim, Axim and Asankragwa. Until his passing away on January 3, 2020, he was the Dean of the Asankragwa Deanery and member of the Presbyteral Council of the Catholic Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi.
The Mass was concelebrated by over 300 priests and thousands of lay faithful.
(carrying of their mortal remains during the final commendation)
FATHER ATTAKRUH APPOINTED
APOSTOLIC ADMINISTRATOR
FOR SEKONDI-TAKORADI
The Holy Father, Pope Francis has appointed Very Rev. Fr. John Baptiste Attakruh as Apostolic Administrator for the Catholic Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi “with all the rights and faculties of a Local Ordinary” in a decree dated 31st July, 2020.
In a statement read by Msgr. Paval Talapka, Charge D’Affairs of the Apostolic Nunciature of Ghana, he stated that the appointment took “into consideration the difficulty for Archbishop John B. Kwofie, until now the Apostolic Administrator of Sekondi-Takoradi Diocese, to continue to administer the Diocese due to his health condition and distance from Accra.”
Msgr. Talapka expressed gratitude to Archbishop Kwofie “for the great invaluable service he has rendered to the Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi until now” and also called on “all the Clergy, the religious and the Faithful to welcome” the new Apostolic Administrator and “give him the necessary support.”
Very Rev. Fr. John Baptiste Attakruh was born on 13th October 1957. He was ordained a priest on 30th July, 1989. He holds a licentiate in Sacred Liturgy from the Pontifical Institute of St. Anselm, Rome. He also holds a Master of Science in Educational Administration and Supervision of Instruction. Father Attakruh has also served as formatter and lecturer at St. Peter’s Regional Seminary, Pedu, Cape-Coast.
Prior to the appointment as Apostolic Administrator, he was the Director of the Diocesan Catechetical Institute of the Catholic Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi. Source: Department for Social Communication Catholic Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi
MESSAGE OF HIS HOLY POPE FRANCIS
FOR THE 54th WORLD COMMUNICATIONS DAY
So that you can tell your son and grandson” . Life creates history. This is the theme chosen by Pope Francis for the 54th World Day of Social Communications, which will be celebrated on 24 May 2020, the Sunday before Pentecost. The theme of the annual Church observance is announced on 29 January (feast of the Archangels) and the message is published on 24 January (memorial of St. Francis of Sales).
SEKONDI-TAKORADI DIOCESE CELEBRATES CHRISM MASS 2020
On Thursday, 30th April, 2020, the Catholic Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi celebrated its Chrism Mass for the religious year. The Mass which is normally celebrated during the Holy Week had to be postponed in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic and its resulting directives issued by the government of Ghana. The Mass which should have had all priests in the diocese participating as well as lay faithful was celebrated with only the Deans and a few lay functionaries with social distancing rules in full force
NEWLY APPOINTED APOSTOLIC ADMINISTRATOR OF SEKONDI-TAKORADI DIOCESE URGES YOUTH TO “BE AMBASSADORS OF PEACE”
The newly appointed Apostolic Administrator for the Catholic Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi, Msgr. John Baptist Attakruh has called on the youth in Ghana to be ambassadors of peace as the country prepares for the general elections in December. He made this known in an interview with SekTadi TV a day after the announcement of his appointment.
Addressing the youth he said “now we are in an election year. Don’t let yourself be used by anybody. You cannot get any good out of violence. Politics is about building up society. Learn to respect the opinions of others.”
The Apostolic Administrator also called on the Clergy and Religious to unite and work together. “We should see the mission of the Church as a collective responsibility and not just the responsibility of any one individual” he said. To the laity, he emphasized on the importance of marriage and family life. He said “Earlier in the year, when we were unable to attend Masses in our parishes, we all realized the importance of the family as a domestic Church.”
FATHER ATTAKRUH APPOINTED
APOSTOLIC ADMINISTRATOR
FOR SEKONDI-TAKORADI
The Holy Father, Pope Francis has appointed Very Rev. Fr. John Baptiste Attakruh as Apostolic Administrator for the Catholic Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi “with all the rights and faculties of a Local Ordinary” in a decree dated 31st July, 2020.
In a statement read by Msgr. Paval Talapka, Charge D’Affairs of the Apostolic Nunciature of Ghana, he stated that the appointment took “into consideration the difficulty for Archbishop John B. Kwofie, until now the Apostolic Administrator of Sekondi-Takoradi Diocese, to continue to administer the Diocese due to his health condition and distance from Accra.”
Msgr. Talapka expressed gratitude to Archbishop Kwofie “for the great invaluable service he has rendered to the Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi until now” and also called on “all the Clergy, the religious and the Faithful to welcome” the new Apostolic Administrator and “give him the necessary support.”
Very Rev. Fr. John Baptiste Attakruh was born on 13th October 1957. He was ordained a priest on 30th July, 1989. He holds a licentiate in Sacred Liturgy from the Pontifical Institute of St. Anselm, Rome. He also holds a Master of Science in Educational Administration and Supervision of Instruction. Father Attakruh has also served as formatter and lecturer at St. Peter’s Regional Seminary, Pedu, Cape-Coast.
Prior to the appointment as Apostolic Administrator, he was the Director of the Diocesan Catechetical Institute of the Catholic Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi. Source: Department for Social Communication Catholic Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi
NEWLY APPOINTED APOSTOLIC ADMINISTRATOR OF SEKONDI-TAKORADI DIOCESE URGES YOUTH TO “BE AMBASSADORS OF PEACE”
The newly appointed Apostolic Administrator for the Catholic Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi, Msgr. John Baptist Attakruh has called on the youth in Ghana to be ambassadors of peace as the country prepares for the general elections in December. He made this known in an interview with SekTadi TV a day after the announcement of his appointment.
Addressing the youth he said “now we are in an election year. Don’t let yourself be used by anybody. You cannot get any good out of violence. Politics is about building up society. Learn to respect the opinions of others.”
The Apostolic Administrator also called on the Clergy and Religious to unite and work together. “We should see the mission of the Church as a collective responsibility and not just the responsibility of any one individual” he said. To the laity, he emphasized on the importance of marriage and family life. He said “Earlier in the year, when we were unable to attend Masses in our parishes, we all realized the importance of the family as a domestic Church.”
THREE NEW DEACONS ORDAINED FOR SEKONDI-TAKORADI DIOCESE
BY: REV. FR EMMANUEL DOLPHYNE
Three new Deacons have been ordained for the Catholic Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi. The three, Rev. Stephen Awortwe Baidoo, Rev. Ernest Boateng and Rev. Justice Azane Kenyah come from the St. Anthony’s Parish, Kwesiminstim, Immaculate Conception Parish, Asankragwa, and St. Peter’s Parish, Jaway Wharf.
The Mass presided over by the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese, Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, CSSp was celebrated at the St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Kwesiminstim on Monday, January 6, 2020.
Addressing the new Deacons, Archbishop Kwofie urged them “to do the will of God generously.” He also encouraged them to “serve God and humankind in love and joy” and to “look upon all unchastity and avarice as worship of false gods.”
The Archbishop further asked all present to support the newly ordained deacons with prayer as they begin their ministry.
(Archbishop Kwofie with the newly ordained Deacons)
BISHOP ATTAKRUH CREATES THREE NEW DEANERIES IN SEKONDI-TAKORADI DIOCESE
Most Reverend John Baptist Attakruh has announced the creation of three new deaneries in the Catholic Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi. This brings the total number of Deaneries in the diocese to ten.
The announcement was contained in a circular addressed to the “Clergy, Religious and Christ’s faithful of the diocese.”
According to Bishop Attakruh, “the restructuring of the deaneries is necessitated by the need to ease travelling and facilitate frequent meetings of priests and church societies within the deaneries.”
The newly created deaneries are:
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Wasa Akropong Deanery
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Prestea Deanery
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Shama Deanery
A deanery in the Catholic Church is an ecclesiastical entity comprising of a number of neighboring Parishes. It is headed by a dean – a priest appointed “by the bishop after consultation with the priests exercising ministry in the deanery.” (Canon 553)
Details of the restructuring is available in the document below.
Msgr. John Baptist Attakruh
On Tuesday, August 18, 2020, Msgr. Pavol Talakpa, Charge D’Affairs of the Apostolic Nunciature, announced the appointment of Very Rev. Fr. John Baptist Attakruh as the Apostolic Administrator of the Catholic Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi. Until his appointment as Apostolic Administrator, he was the Director of the Diocese’s Pastoral and Catechetical Centre.Msgr. Talakpa who made the announcement urged the “clergy, religious and faithful of the Diocese to welcome and give him the necessary support.”
The Holy Father, Pope Francis has appointed Very Rev. Fr. John Baptiste Attakruh as Apostolic Administrator for the Catholic Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi “with all the rights and faculties of a Local Ordinary” in a decree dated 31st July, 2020.
In a statement read by Msgr. Paval Talapka, Charge D’Affairs of the Apostolic Nunciature of Ghana, he stated that the appointment took “into consideration the difficulty for Archbishop John B. Kwofie, until now the Apostolic Administrator of Sekondi-Takoradi Diocese, to continue to administer the Diocese due to his health condition and distance from Accra.”
FATHER ATTAKRUH APPOINTED APOSTOLIC ADMINISTRATOR FOR SEKONDI-TAKORADI
CURIAL AND OTHER APPOINTMENTS
By: Most Rev. John Baptist Attakruh
Effective January 28, 2022
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Rev. Fr. Gordon Buadi Miezah .. Chancellor, Rector, St. Mary’s Minor Seminary, Apowa
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Rev. Fr. Paul Esibu (Secretariat) .. Ag. Financial Administrator
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Rev. Fr. Justice Kenyah Azane (Secretariat) Diocesan Bursar
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Mr. Matthew Nimo .. Investment Adviser
Budget and Audit Team
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Very Rev. Fr. Francis LeMaire, V..G.
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Rev. Fr. Paul Esibu (Ag. Financial Administrator)
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Rev. Fr. Lawrence Krah
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Mr. Matthew Nimo
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Msgr. Joseph Gyim-Austin .. Priest Personnel
Parish Priest, Adiembra-Kweikuma
Priest Personnel Board
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Very Rev. Fr. Francis Kofi LeMaire, V.G., (chairman)
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Msgr. Joseph Gyim-Austin (Priest Personnel, Ex-Officio Member)
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Rev. Fr. Philip Tandoh (Diocesan Priests’ Association President, Ex-Officio Member)
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Rev. Fr. Thomas Aidoo
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Rev. Fr. Michael Asiedu-Herzuah
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Rev. Fr. Charles Oppong
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Rev. Fr. Peter Kaitoo
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Rev. Fr. Clement Adjei .. Judicial Vicar
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Rev. Fr. Francis Siriboe .. Vicar for Religious
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Rev. Fr. Vitus Mensah .. Marriage Tribunal Office
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Rev. Fr. Francis Couston Enyam .. Co-ordinator, Pastoral and Catechetical Centre,
Director, Catechetics and Laity Formation Director, Biblical Pastoral Ministry
Rector, St. Joseph’s Rectorate, Apremdo
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Mrs. Patricia Asamoah .. Diocesan Co-ordinator, Biblical Pastoral
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Miss Theresa Acquah .. Accountant, St. Kizito Pastoral and Catechetical Centre, Apowa.
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Miss Rosina Essuah .. Matron (Hospitality)
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Rev. Fr. Anthony B. Eshun (Kwesimintsim) Diocesan Co-ordinator, Development/Caritas (Office at Pastoral & Catechetical Centre)
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Miss Linda Aggrey .. Diocesan Women and Gender Co-ordinator (Office at Pastoral & Catechetical Centre)
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Rev. Fr. Charles Oppong .. Diocesan Lands and Estate Manager (Office at Secretariat)Parish Priest, Essikado
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Mr. Benedictus K. Cudjoe .. Diocesan Lands and Estate Officer
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Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Dolphyne .. Director, DEPSOCOM Office
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Mr. Francis Ofori .. DEPSOCOM Office
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Rev. Fr. John Baptist Ephraim .. Diocesan Statistics Office
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Rev. Fr. Benjamin Doughan .. Bishop’s Secretary
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Rev. Fr. Albin Kissi Ernim (Adiembra) .. Director, Vocations and Youth Office
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Rev. Fr. Vincent Dan Teiko .. Director, Pontifical Mission Societies
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Sr. Margaret Buah .. Pontifical Mission Societies Co-ordinator
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Rev. Fr. Lawrence Krah .. Cathedral Administrator, Takoradi
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Rev. Fr. Francis Baffoe Davis .. Asst. Cathedral Administrator, Takoradi
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Rev. Fr. Richard Kwayie-Danquah (Cathedral) Sick leave
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Rev. Fr. Peter Kaitoo .. Parish Priest, Ketan Spiritual Director, St. Mary’s Minor Seminary
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Msgr. James M. Mesu .. Rector, St. Mary’s Rectorate, Nsuta
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Rev. Fr. Isaac Atta Mensah .. Rector, Dompim Tutor & Chaplain, Fiaseman SHS
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Rev. Fr. Francis Lawrence Mensah .. Parochial Administrator, Beach Road
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Rev. Fr. Michael Buah (Beach Road) .. Tutor & Chaplain, Bompe SHS Chaplain, GSTS
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Rev. Fr. Francis Atta Aidoo .. Ag. Diocesan Director of Health
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Rev. Fr. Stephen Appiah-Kubi Amponsah Parish Priest, Axim
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Rev. Fr. Mark Anthony Nrenzah .. Parochial Administrator, New Takoradi
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Rev. Fr. Marcellinus Sikayena (New Takoradi) Jubilee Hospital, Chaplain Fijai Hospital, Chaplain
Effia-Nkwanta Hospital, Chaplain
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Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Amotoe-Kwofie .. Parochial Vicar, Essikado Chaplain, Sekondi College
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Rev. Fr. John Angofie Efferh .. Parish Priest, Aiyinase
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Rev. Fr. Francis Oppong .. Parish Priest, Manso-Amenfi
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Rev. Fr. George Nii Kolley .. Parish Priest, Daboase
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Rev. Fr. Edward Cudjoe .. Parochial Administrator, Bogoso
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Rev. Fr. Samuel Annan-Donkor Sick leave
FR. WHAJAH REPOSTED HEADMASTER OF ST. AUGUSTINE SHS- BOGOSO
The Ghana Education Service as its part of the strategy to improve efficiency in the management of schools has re-posted Rev. Ignatius Miah Whajah from Nsawora Edumafua Community Senior High School, Nsawora to St. Augustine Senior High School, Bogoso, Western region.
Fr. Whajah was appointed the substantive headteacher of Nsawora Edumafua Community Senior High School on 23rd April, 2019.
He is thus reposted as the Headmaster to St. Augustine Senior High Schoo, Bogoso with immediate effect from 11th August,2020.
Fr. Whajah is a Priest of the Catholic Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi and was ordained on 8th December, 2001.
Msgr. John Baptist Attakruh
On Tuesday, August 18, 2020, Msgr. Pavol Talakpa, Charge D’Affairs of the Apostolic Nunciature, announced the appointment of Very Rev. Fr. John Baptist Attakruh as the Apostolic Administrator of the Catholic Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi. Until his appointment as Apostolic Administrator, he was the Director of the Diocese’s Pastoral and Catechetical Centre.Msgr. Talakpa who made the announcement urged the “clergy, religious and faithful of the Diocese to welcome and give him the necessary support.”
The Holy Father, Pope Francis has appointed Very Rev. Fr. John Baptiste Attakruh as Apostolic Administrator for the Catholic Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi “with all the rights and faculties of a Local Ordinary” in a decree dated 31st July, 2020.
In a statement read by Msgr. Paval Talapka, Charge D’Affairs of the Apostolic Nunciature of Ghana, he stated that the appointment took “into consideration the difficulty for Archbishop John B. Kwofie, until now the Apostolic Administrator of Sekondi-Takoradi Diocese, to continue to administer the Diocese due to his health condition and distance from Accra.”
SEKONDI-TAKORADI DIOCESE CELEBRATES CHRISM MASS 2020
On Thursday, 30th April, 2020, the Catholic Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi celebrated its Chrism Mass for the religious year. The Mass which is normally celebrated during the Holy Week had to be postponed in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic and its resulting directives issued by the government of Ghana. The Mass which should have had all priests in the diocese participating as well as lay faithful was celebrated with only the Deans and a few lay functionaries with social distancing rules in full force.
In his homily, Archbishop Kwofie expressed gratitude to priests in the diocese and further expressed unity with priests and lay faithful suffering physical ailments in one form or another as well us unity with priests from the diocese assigned to duty and studying outside the diocese. His prayers had always been that, priests, religious, PPC members and societal leaders across the various parishes and church communities would responsibly do their part for the growth of the diocese.
He made mention of the fact that, ideally, over a hundred and twenty priests together with the lay faithful should have been in attendance to celebrate the Mass but as a result of us not being in normal times, only a handful of priests were present. He said, “It looks strange but the work of God must go on. God continues to use this situation to speak to us” and went on to state that the Mass was being celebrated to bless Oils to be used by priests in their ministry.
The oil of Catechumen used before Baptism prepares Catechumens to receive the Sacrament of Baptism and the Holy Spirit. Archbishop Kwofie said, “This oil will strengthen them against the empty promises and lures of the Evil One. The oil of Catechumen is especially important in a culture like ours, where the presence of the evil one is imagined everywhere”. He prayed that the anointing of the oil give Catechumen the grace to be conquerors of the forces of evil and darkness in our society.
The Oil of the Sick he said, “will be used to give life to our sick, to provide spiritual and physical remedy to those who suffer various forms of ailment”. He bemoaned physical suffering as a terrible experience and the fact that some Catholics are running from one church to another, seeking healing for their ailments. He prayed that they recognise in Mother Church, a deposit of spiritual patrimony that can nourish their bodies and give life to their souls.
The Oil of Chrism when consecrated, will be used for the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation. During the Sacrament of Confirmation, the Oil will be used to anoint candidates and will receive the Holy Spirit so they become witnesses to the message of the death and resurrection of the Lord. Going on, he said, “You all who are baptised and confirmed, remember, that you have been anointed with the Oil of Chrism, with the Holy Spirit and you stand as witnesses to the message of the Lord Jesus Christ”. The Oil is also used for the Sacrament of priestly ordination. It sets the priests apart for the services of the Lord. “As Christ our saviour is himself the anointed one, we who are anointed with the Oil of Chrism, become incorporated into him who died, was buried and rose from the dead so that the world will live”, he said. He stated further, that as part of the body of Christ, we must do things that are of Christ and also that by means of the anointing, we become sharers in the kingly, prophetic and priesthood of Christ. This same Oil will be used for the dedication of churches, to set them apart as places of worship where God himself dwells and where we enter to offer our worship.
A major feature of the Mass, the renewal of priestly promises, could not however be performed. Archbishop Kwofie said the renewal of promises had always spoken to him, especially when the Bishop turns to the lay faithful and tells them, “Pray for your priests and pray also for me your Bishop”. He said this touched him a lot, as it reminds him of our human fragility. He reminded the lay faithful to pray that God will keep his priests faithful as ministers of Christ, and the bishop, faithful to the Apostolic office entrusted to him. Speaking further, he said, “We request this from you, our lay faithful to pray for us to remain faithful as priests, to remain faithful to the Apostolic office that has been entrusted to us”.
Addressing the priests, he said it impossible to do anything by thinking their intellectual and physical power can carry them in their ministry. “The power we use to minister in the house of God, on behalf of the people of God, for the people of God is a capacity that comes from the Lord”, further stating, it is the reason for which, as priests, they must seek the face of the Lord each day and seek to connect with the Lord through prayer and listen to him through the words of scripture. He said they as priests had no power, except the power that comes from above and mentioned that “sometimes, we get so sure of ourselves that we forget to connect to the Lord who strengthens us”. Mentioning the tendency to remove God from the centre and place themselves at the centre, he asked that they remember the words of Jesus to Simon when the latter was sure of himself before the Passion of the Lord, “Simon, satan wishes to sift you all like wheat but I have prayed for you so that your faith does not fall” (Luke 22:31-32).
Referring to 1 Peter 5:1-4, he said the priest is to take care of the flock entrusted to them. Taking care of the flock also meant being a teacher of the flock. Calling attention to Catholic youth, he mentioned their suffering as a result of people dislodging the faith of the weak ones with ideologies and teachings of falsehood and said as pastor. He spoke about the challenges COVID-19 has placed before them us priests and the church in general and said it was time to reflect deeply on what it means to be a priest in these days of the virus when the people cannot congregate in the churches, reflect on the style of priestly ministry, even beyond the pandemic and considering the obvious fact that, the virus was re-shaping the world. He urged them to start a real reflection so they can hear the voice of the good shepherd who knows his sheep in all these.
He concluded with the prayer, “May God empower us with his own spirit so that we can be true pastors of the people he has entrusted to us. May God bless us all, Amen”.
The Chrism Mass which was presided over by Most.Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, CSSp, the Archbishop of Accra and the Apostolic Administrator of the Catholic Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi) was concelebrated by the seven Deans of the various deaneries in the diocese; it was also streamed live on YouTube and Facebook for the virtual participation of the Priests, Religious and the Lay Faithful of the Diocese and beyond.
Source
Department for Social Communications
Catholic Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi
SEKONDI-TAKORADI DIOCESE:
MSGR ABUAH-QUANSAH AND FR. AWUAH BURIED
The funeral Mass for Msgr. Francis Abuah-Quansah and Fr. Paul Awuah has been held at the Star of the Sea Cathedral, Takoradi. The Mass held on Thursday, February 13, 2020 was presided over by His Eminence, Peter Cardinal Appiah Turkson, President of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.
Addressing the congregation, Cardinal Turkson called on all to pray for the peaceful repose of the souls of Msgr. Abuah-Quansah and Fr. Awuah asking God to be “gracious, merciful and compassionate to them” He also prayed for God’s consolation for “the families, friends and loved ones of the two beloved priests.”
Most Rev. Charles Gabriel Palmer-Buckle, Metropolitan Archbishop of Cape-Coast who gave the homily encouraged all present to believe in the truth of the resurrection. He said, “Our tears, pain and sadness should not be like that of those who do not belief in the resurrection and eternal life. Jesus says ‘I am the Resurrection and the life.” He added that believing in truth of these words of Jesus “is the key to opening the graces of God in Christ Jesus won for us by His sacrificial death on the cross.”
He further called on all present to hold strong to their faith especially in tough times. “It is easy to profess faith and yet not believe fully. There are moment in our lives when we are confronted with believing what we profess with our lips. Jesus tells us that if we believe we are going to see the glory of God. Very often when someone dies, it is you and I see who are alive who are being called to marshal our faith in order to see the glory of God.”
Archbishop Palmer-Buckle who also happens to be a classmate of Msgr. Francis Abuah-Quansah asked the congregation to “ask the Lord to increase our faith in the resurrection and pray that they may be rewarded for the many years of priestly services they rendered when they were with us in human flesh.”
Msgr. Abuah-Quansah was born on March 28, 1950 and ordained a priest on July 25, 1979. His early assignments as a priests were in Asankragwa and Apowa. He also served as Director, Center for Human Development (CEHUD) and Rector of St. Paul’s Seminary, Sowutuom. He was Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of La Crosse, USA and Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi from 2010 to 2015 and from 2015 to 2019 respectively. Until his demise on January 6, 2020, he was the Delegate of the Apostolic Administrator for the Catholic Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi.
Very Rev. Fr. Paul Awuah was born June 10, 1959 and ordained a priest on July 18, 1992. He was Parochial Vicar of St. Paul’s Pro-Cathedral, Sekondi from 1992 to 1998. He also served as Pastor of Parishes in Kwesimintsim, Axim and Asankragwa. Until his passing away on January 3, 2020, he was the Dean of the Asankragwa Deanery and member of the Presbyteral Council of the Catholic Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi.
The Mass was concelebrated by over 300 priests and thousands of lay faithful.
(carrying of their mortal remains during the final commendation)
THREE NEW DEACONS ORDAINED FOR SEKONDI-TAKORADI DIOCESE
BY: REV. FR EMMANUEL DOLPHYNE
Three new Deacons have been ordained for the Catholic Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi. The three, Rev. Stephen Awortwe Baidoo, Rev. Ernest Boateng and Rev. Justice Azane Kenyah come from the St. Anthony’s Parish, Kwesiminstim, Immaculate Conception Parish, Asankragwa, and St. Peter’s Parish, Jaway Wharf.
The Mass presided over by the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese, Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, CSSp was celebrated at the St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Kwesiminstim on Monday, January 6, 2020.
Addressing the new Deacons, Archbishop Kwofie urged them “to do the will of God generously.” He also encouraged them to “serve God and humankind in love and joy” and to “look upon all unchastity and avarice as worship of false gods.”
The Archbishop further asked all present to support the newly ordained deacons with prayer as they begin their ministry.
(Archbishop Kwofie with the newly ordained Deacons)
FATHER ATTAKRUH APPOINTED APOSTOLIC ADMINISTRATOR FOR SEKONDI-TAKORADI
BISHOP KWOFIE Cssp. DECIDES TO PARTNER WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN A MASSIVE CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN
The Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie Cssp., Bishop of Sekondi-Takoradi diocese, recently declared a “Diocesan Sanitation Day” which was a response to the synodal decision to be a front- player as a diocese to partner with the government of Ghana to help clean the environment. The Bishop paraded major streets in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis on the Sanitation Day not only for the inspection of the diocesan clean-up exercise in progress but also to actually get himself involved in the massive campaign of tidying the environment. It was a delightful scene when the Bishop in his “ready-to-work” attire and gloves witnessed several Catholic faithful both youth and adults who had sacrificed their time and individual domestic chores happily engaged in the public clean-up exercise in every corner of the diocese.
In an interview with Rock FM and the Youth of the diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi, the Bishop mentioned the fact that even though the Catholic Church exists to evangelize and to provide services in the area of education and health, She is also committed to her social responsibility of caring for the environment. He also said that a research he had read revealed that about 80 percent of the diseases reported at the hospitals in Ghana are environmentally related and Sekondi-Takoradi is no exception. He admitted that there is too much filth in our Gutters and the habit of littering about is getting worse. He mentioned that those who are paid to clean the environment still need the support of the masses to make society function properly hence the drastic social intervention of the diocese to help clean-up the environment.
The Bishop in conjunction with Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (S.T.M.A) which provided the diocese with sanitary facilities for the cleaning of public drains, streets, markets, road sides and open spaces declared on radio interview that if the environment is clean so much diseases would be avoided in our dear country. He therefore mandated the Justice and Peace Commission of the diocese to sensitize Catholics and non-Catholics alike on the need for environmental cleanliness.
DONATION OF A BASKETBALL COURT TO ST. MARY’S MINOR SEMINARY, APOWA
Mr. Travels Walker, a son of Walker family in Southern California, USA recently made a remarkable donation of a brand new basketball court to St. Mary’s Minor Seminary, Apowa in the Sekondi-Takoradi Diocese. This kind gesture was in fulfilment of a promise made by the family abroad to send their son to visit Ghana for the very first time and to support the Seminary.
The Vicar General, Monsignor Francis Abua Quansah, the Staff, Board of Directors, Seminarians and Students of St. Mary’s Senior High School gathered to commission the newly donated Basketball court. In his speech, Monsignor Abua Quansah mentioned that Seminarians in Ghana were mainly introduced to soccer and volley ball since his time as a Seminarian and so the Seminary should be grateful to the foreign donors through whose gesture the opportunity has been granted them to explore other areas of sports and games in this era. The Rector of the Seminary, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Nana Banyin Conduah who is also the first product of the Seminary to become its Rector said that Games and Sports are the two things that make Seminarians physically and mentally healthy. The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Seminary, Mr. Eddie Prah expressed words of appreciation to Mr. Travels Walker and the entire family in California for the love shown to the Seminary.
FR. WHAJAH REPOSTED HEADMASTER OF ST. AUGUSTINE SHS- BOGOSO
The Ghana Education Service as its part of the strategy to improve efficiency in the management of schools has re-posted Rev. Ignatius Miah Whajah from Nsawora Edumafua Community Senior High School, Nsawora to St. Augustine Senior High School, Bogoso, Western region.
Fr. Whajah was appointed the substantive headteacher of Nsawora Edumafua Community Senior High School on 23rd April, 2019.
He is thus reposted as the Headmaster to St. Augustine Senior High Schoo, Bogoso with immediate effect from 11th August,2020.
Fr. Whajah is a Priest of the Catholic Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi and was ordained on 8th December, 2001.
EVANGELIZE ONE ANOTHER IN OUR BID TO PROPAGATE THE GOSPEL AND TO SPREAD THE MESSAGE OF JESUS.
Every year it's part of the Diocesan Youth council to put all the youth groups under one umbrella to pray and worship as one family. The Annual Lenten recollection was organized as part of the activities which was held on Saturday 11th March, 2017 at Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto under the theme mooted by His Holiness Pope Francis for the celebration of this year’s World Youth Day; “the Mighty One has done great things for me and Holy is His name” (Lk 1:49).
Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, the Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Sekondi-Takoardi has admonished the youth of the Diocese to evangelize one another in our bid to propagate the gospel and to spread the message of Jesus.
In his message dubbed “youth evangelize youth” during a Mass to culminate the just ended Diocesan Youth Lenten Recollection where he attended as the Guest of Honour; he articulated that, the only way to evangelize was by our lifestyle and if it becomes necessary we add words.
He called on the over one thousand seven hundred youth who had gathered from the north and south of the Sekondi Takoradi Diocese including members of CATHSU to “arise and build”. He said that there was the need to collectively build our Faith, Church, Diocese, Nation and the World at large; and that as youth we should rise above parochial interest and seek the interest of the masses.
Vatican announces themes for upcoming World Youth Days
2016-11-22 Vatican Radio
(Vatican Radio) The Dicastery for Laity, the Family, and Life issued a communiqué on Tuesday listing the themes for the next three World Youth Days (WYD).
The press release notes that the themes were chosen by Pope Francis “for the three-year World Youth Day journey that will culminate at the international celebration of the event to be held in Panama in 2019.” World Youth Day is celebrated at the diocesan level each year on Palm Sunday, with an international gathering every two to three years. The most recent international Day was celebrated in August, 2016, in Krakow, Poland.
The Blessed Virgin Mary is at the heart of the themes for the upcoming WYDs, which are taken from the Gospel of Saint Luke:
32nd World Youth Day, 2017: “The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is His Name” (Lk 1:49)
33rd World Youth Day, 2018: “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God” (Lk 1:30)
34th World Youth Day, 2019: “I am the servant of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word” (Lk 1:38)
The themes are a continuation of the reflections begun by Pope Francis for the last three World Youth Days, which focused on the Beatitudes. The Dicastery’s press release recalled Pope Francis’ remarks at World Youth Day in Krakow, when he invited young people to have “memory of the past, courage for the present and to have/be hope for the future.” The themes “are intended to give a clear Marian tone to the spiritual journey of the next three WYDs” and at the same time “give a picture of young people on a journey between the past (2017), present (2018), and future (2019), inspired by the three theological virtues of faith, charity, and hope.”
The Dicastery noted that the “path that is being proposed to young people can also be seen to be in harmony with the reflection that Pope Francis has entrusted to the next Synod of Bishops: Young People, Faith and Vocational Discernment
District one Junior Auxiliary of the Knights of St. John International within the Sekondi-Takoradi Diocese
Biennially, the 1st District Cadet Commandery and District one Junior Auxiliary of the Knights of St. John International within the Sekondi-Takoradi Diocese organizes a Jamboree to take stock of past events and plan for the future amidst Religious and Social programs.
This year's Jamboree was held from 19th to 22nd August 2016 at Sekondi College on the theme "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy" Matt 3:8.
Among other things to were games, quizzes and military drill competition. Where certificates were presented to deserving commanderies and auxiliaries.
The Jamboree during its official opening saw lots of dignitaries both in the societal and religious circles.
The thanksgiving mass was held at St. Paul's Pro Cathedral, Sekondi, where Rev. Fr. Eric Elliason, who is also our spiritual director, was the main celebrant with Very. Rev. Fr. Fuakye and Fr. Ezekiel as co-celebrants
Participants departed on Monday 22nd August after a morning mass.
LonLon sonn Odo nkwaaaa
ORDINATION 2016
Sekondi Takoradi Welcomes Four Priest's in to the Lord's VineYard
Since it became a diocese, it has gained a number of priests yielding up to 155 and this year the diocese has produced four priests to add up to 159 priests in the Sekondi-Takoradi diocese. Namely
Rev. Fr. Kizito Erzuah Ehwie From Bogoso
Rev. FR. Benjamin C. K. Arthur From New Takoradi
Rev. Fr. Francis Mewoah From Kwesimintim
Rev. Fr. Ezekiel Takyi From Assorkor Esaman
The Ordination took place at the Star of the Sea Cathedral Takoradi 16th July 2016
In his sermon he said they must apply their energies to the duty of teaching in the name of Christ the chief teacher. They should share, meditate and let the doctrine and the example of their life attract their followers in the same way the must carry the mission of scarifying in the power of God. He said they should remember they were chosen from among people appointed to act for them in relation to God.
He explained the Ministries that seminarians have to go through at the Seminary. that is, Candidacy, Lectorship, Acolyte and Diaconate before ordination to the priesthood.
He said the task of the priest is not Part-time but rather full time. The priests must be ready at all times because of the people who have been entrusted to them and they have to continually pray for the people of God.
They have to attend to the concerns of the people of Christ and have to be ready in the morning afternoon and evening even night for the faithful.
He also said some of our faithful are losing their faith because they follow the so-called men of God. The faithful go to church not really because of the Service to God because they feel spiritually unsecured therefore patronize other pastors for what they call spiritual DIRECTION (Akwankyere) He therefore ask the newly ordained priests to let the doctrines of the church nourish the people.
What is so painful is our church members are following these people spending monies on them only to be deceived eventually. So our Priests should follow our members in their homes like the way the old missionaries did Home visitations by listening to the people’s confessions and to solving their problem for them and to give them Holy Communion.
Home visitation should be very important to our newly ordained priests to be close to the members of the church. They should go and say mass in their homes and unite god faithful together.
BISHOP KWOFIE RESUSCITATES FRIENDLY RELATIONS WITH THE DIOCESE OF GRAND-BASSAM
Bishop Kwofie resuscitates friendly relations with the Diocese of Grand-Bassam as he receives Bishop Raymond Ahoua into Sekondi-Takoradi diocese.Thelate Rt. Rev. Charles Kweku Sam the then Bishop of Sekondi-Takoradi diocese established friendly relations between his Diocese and the Diocese of Grand-Bassam in Cote D’Ivoire.
The cordial relationship between the two Dioceses enabled them to showcase individual cultures and to learn from each other.
Some priests and lay faithful of Grand-Bassam diocese used to visit parishes in Sekondi-Takoradi diocese to have practical contact with each other and to learn from each other. This relationship between the two dioceses appeared to have dwindled following the demise of Bishop Sam.
The present Bishop of the diocese Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, in the first year of his episcopacy initiated a new friendly relations with the diocese of Grand-Bassam. Bishop Kwofie visited Grand-Bassam with some of his Curia members last year April to open a fresh page friendly relations. He was happy with his visit to Grand-Bassam diocese.
Bishop Kwofie reciprocated their hospitality by inviting Bishop Ahoua to visit his diocese. On Friday the 15th of April, 2016 Bishop Ahoua was warmly received at the Elubo Boarder by some priests of the diocese and rested awhile at the Spiritan community in Elubo. The official welcoming ceremony took place at the Star of the Sea Cathedral premises.
Bishop Kwofie Officially welcomed Bishop Ahoua and his team of priests who accompanied him to Ghana. The cultural displays by the cathedral youth and the songs by the Holy Rosary choir made the programme very lively and exciting. Bishop Ahoua thanked Bishop Kwofie and expressed words of appreciation for such a rousing welcoming ceremony.
Bishop Ahoua spent three days in the diocese. He visited places of interest, some parishes and celebrated the Eucharist with the French speaking community of our diocese at St. Mary’s Minor Seminary.
APOSTOLIC NUNCIO TO GHANA VISITS SEKONDI-TAKORADI DIOCESE
2016 DIOCESAN COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN
HELD 0N 9TH APRIL, 2016 AT STAR OF THE SEA CATHEDRAL-TAKORADI
The Diocesan Women and Gender Development Coordinator (Mad. Linda Barbara Aggrey), who addressed the participant from all the parishes in the diocese, said Women Council forms greater part of the laity in the Church in Ghana. There is a need for every baptized catholic woman to be part of the Women Council in every Archdiocese/Dioceses worldwide.
Mad. Linda stressed on the theme Woman as “Sowers of Hope” Women should play a vital and meaningful role to maintain their children in Catholic faith. Upbringing of children adapting the doctrine of the church will obviously maintain our children in the church to replace us in future.
Women coordinator, lamented on our youth going astray against the holy teachings of the church, since some parent especially women were living their children to go to other faith. “Sowers of hope” Women should sow a proper seeds in their children and nurturing it gradually through prayers and regular teaching of the church so that they will not go contrary to the faith or the doctrine of the church, and surely God will answer our prayers to replace us in the near future for the growth of the Church.
Mad. Linda Barbara Aggrey entreated all women to send their children to church activities most especially the liturgical ones for them to be conversant or have knowledge of whatever we practice in Catholic faith so as to maintain them for the mother church In Ghana.
On the 22nd of April 2016, His Excellency, Most Rev. Jean-Marie Antonio Speich, Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana paid what can be termed as a four-day “Maiden Pastoral Visit” to the Catholic diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi.
The Bishop of the diocese, Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie Cssp. gleefully disclosed the maiden pastoral visit of the Nuncio to the faithful of his diocese and it was well received.
Following the announcement of the Nuncio’s visit, the Priests and religious and the lay faithful of the diocese organized a terrific welcome package that awaited the Nuncio at the premises of Asempa Hotel near Kwame Nkrumah roundabout in Takoradi.
It was indeed a must-see occasionas several Non-Catholics supposed the diocese was receiving the Holy Father Himself. There was a great acclamation by groups of people as Nuncio’s flight passed over them and touched the grounds of the oil city.
The lay faithful danced their hearts out accompanied by a brass musical ensemble with the law enforcement escort leading such a euphoric procession to the star of the sea cathedral for the official welcoming Ceremony.
In his words of appreciation at the cathedral, the Nuncio admitted it was a kind of welcome gesture deserving of the Holy Father.
The second phase of the welcome ceremony took place on the evening of the same day at the Martyrs of Uganda Parish, Beach Road. After exchanging felicitations in the Church there was a great banquet to welcome the Nuncio held at the V. Rev. Fr. Kizito Abizi Parish Hall Complex, Beach Road. There were speeches in honor of the Nuncio as well as songs of praises by the Parish youth choir.
On the Saturday 23rd of April 2016 His Excellency Jean-Marie Speich had an encounter with different groups of people in the diocese at different times. He celebrated the Eucharist with the youth of the diocese at St. Peter’s Parish, New Takoradi and had a special meeting with them after Mass.
The Nuncio answered all questions posed by the youth and asked them why they are not going out to testify that they are Catholics. He mentioned to the youth that at the age of 21 he decided to choose Jesus and he made a very clear decision to follow Jesus. He encouraged the youth to do house to house evangelization and not be shy of proclaiming Jesus.
At midday, the Nuncio met with priests and religious of the diocese at the Star of the Sea Cathedral Hall for lunch and in-house discussions.
At 3:00pm he visited St. Mary’s Minor Seminary to interact with the Rector Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Nana Banyin Conduah, the Spiritual Director Rev. Fr. Peter Abel, the Board members of the Seminary as well as seminarians. The Nuncio dedicated the newly built divine mercy statue erected at the seminary premises to mark the year of mercy for the Seminary.
The next place of visit was Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto, Egyam. It was a historic visit which brought great joy to the chief and people of Egyam since for 70 years of its existence as Marian shrineit was the first time the Grotto had received the representative of the Holy Father in Ghana. The Nuncio expressed his joy for being the first Nuncio to visit Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto in Egyamin the History of Sekond-Takoradi Diocese.
The holy Child college of Education celebrates 70 years
The holy Child collage of Education has celebrate it 70years anniversary since its establishment.
The collage was establish in20th February 1946 when the first badge of the Catholic sisters of the society of the Holy Child of Jesus. A religious society congregation which was regarded as the first class teaching order for girls in England.
5th march 1946 the school was establish in cape coast as the Holy Child School and collage by the then Governor. Due to it increase in number the collage was move to Takoradi in 1955 at the Fijai Hills. It started with 70 young women and now boast of 859 students.
Since its establishment the school has been handled by 10 principal including the current principal, after the sister who started the collage, the first substance Ghanaian principal was Mrs. Lucy PeprahTawiah in 1981.
A speech delivered by the current principal of the collage, she said the school academic performance keep increasing and this is due to the hard work of both teaching and non-teaching staff and this has kept the school in high standard.
In some of the ongoing projects the school manage to construct its own access road to the school to give main entrance. And 5 classroom was also build to contain the increase number of student.
In attendance was the Chairman of the board of directors Most. Rev. Bishop John Bonaventure Kwofie in his welcome address he said not long ago the Holy Child senior high celebrated it speech and price given day and the Holy Child collage also bring to a close series of activities. He said all HOPSANS are happy to return to their Amar matter to see that the Collage is growing healthy and beautiful.
They have to feel proud because the collage is a pais setter in training of a new kind of teacher for our Country Ghana. This achievement is due to the selfless work done by the past and present principal, teaching and non-teaching staff and the Rev. Sister of the society of the Holy Child of Jesus who gave their time, energy and personal resources to work without salary, sacrifice to enrich the collage.
Present was the Deputy Minister of Education in charge of Tertiary Hon Samuel Okudzato and he said it is only through education we can archive social Justice, equity, and fight Poverty and diseases so he commend the catholic church the found sister for the vision of giving quality education to our young women.
He said those day when the nation was in reform it was the church who started education so he paid tribute to the Catholic Church for not only interested in our soul but holistic in the development of people in Ghana.
There was award present to the 3 past principals and student who perform in the last academic year
C.Y.O DIOCESAN MANAGEMENT MEETING
Diocesan management council meeting was held at St. Matthew Catholic Church ,Tarkwa. In all 22 crusaders and Senior Crusaders attended the meeting which discussed report from from the six deaneries namely ,Sekondi,Takoradi, Apowa, Axim,Tarkwa and Asankragwa .
Photos from Diocesan CYO meeting held in Tarkwa on 24th June ,2016