St Mary's Catholic Parish, O. Rongai

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Our History

The Catholic presence in Ongata Rongai traces its roots back to 1960, when St. Mary’s Catholic Church began as an outstation of Kiserian Parish. At the time, the Catholic community consisted of only about 40 faithful, and Holy Mass was celebrated for them once every three months.

The first church was a modest 10m by 6m structure made of corrugated iron sheets, located at the junction of the present-day Gataka–Magadi Road, opposite Tumaini Supermarket. As the community grew, the church relocated to Posta, now the site of Multi-Media University. A subsequent move brought the congregation to Fatima Hospital under the care of the late Don Domenico Pozzi.

Meanwhile, Bishop Davies, together with members of the Christian community, sought land from the Kajiado County Council on which to establish a permanent parish home. Around 1980, the present plot was granted, and construction of the church began immediately. By August 1984, the beautiful church building was completed, blessed, and officially opened.

The parish was later entrusted to the Comboni Missionaries, who established a formation house within the church compound. At the time, the parish served about five outstations, extending as far as Noonkopir and beyond Kisaju. Through their dedication to evangelization and formation, the Comboni Missionaries played a significant role in strengthening the faith community. During their stewardship, St. Monica Noonkopir Parish was established under the SMA Fathers, while Holy Spirit Kandisi Parish was entrusted to the Sons of Divine Providence.

In January 2007, the Comboni Missionaries handed over the parish to the Diocese. Fr. Francis Mwangi and Fr. Charles Ndemange became the first diocesan priests to serve the parish.

Over the years, St. Mary’s Catholic Church has continued to grow and flourish, giving rise to several churches:

  • St. Charles Lwanga / Mount Carmel Nkoroi Parish
  • Our Lady of Fatima Parish
  • St. Monica, Kware Parish
  • Sacred Heart of Jesus

Today, St. Mary’s stands as a testament to the faith, dedication, and perseverance of generations of Catholics who have helped build and nurture the Church in Ongata Rongai.

Catholic Ministries

Our parish is a vibrant community of faith made up of various ministries and associations that serve different age groups, interests, and apostolates. These ministries provide opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship, service, and active participation in the mission of the Church. Whether you are a child, youth, adult, or senior member of the community, there is a place for you to grow in faith and serve others

SCCs / Jumuias
Small Christian Communities are neighborhood-based faith communities where members gather regularly for prayer, scripture sharing, mutual support, and strengthening Christian fellowship.
CMA
Catholic Men Association is a fellowship of Catholic men dedicated to strengthening their faith, supporting their families, and serving the Church through leadership, mentorship, and community outreach.
CWA
Catholic Women Association is a ministry that empowers women to live out their Christian vocation through prayer, service, family support, and active participation in parish life.
YCW
Young Christian Workers is a movement that helps young working adults integrate their faith into daily life, promoting Christian values, personal development, and social responsibility.
Senior Youth
A community for young adults, ages 18 to 25, seeking to deepen their relationship with Christ through fellowship, spiritual formation, leadership development, and service to the Church.
MYM
Missionary Youth Movement is a youth ministry, mainly teenagers, focused on evangelization, missionary outreach, faith formation, and inspiring young people to become active disciples of Christ.
PMC
Pontifical Missionary Childhood is a ministry for children, ages 0 to 14, that nurtures missionary awareness, prayer, and charity, helping young Catholics grow in faith while supporting the universal mission of the Church.
SVP
Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a charitable ministry dedicated to serving the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized through practical assistance, compassion, and Christian solidarity
CJPD
Catholic Justice and Peace Department is a ministry committed to promoting justice, peace, human dignity, and social responsibility through education, advocacy, and community engagement.
Choirs
The choir ministry enriches the liturgical life of the Church through sacred music, leading the faithful in prayer and worship. Through song, choir members serve God, proclaim the Gospel, and help create a reverent and uplifting atmosphere during the celebration of the Holy Mass and other liturgical services.
Altar Servers
Altar Servers assist the priest and deacon during the celebration of the Holy Mass and other liturgical services. Through their reverent service at the altar, they help ensure the smooth conduct of the liturgy while growing in faith, discipline, and devotion to Christ.
Lectors
Lectors are entrusted with proclaiming the Word of God during liturgical celebrations. Through prayerful preparation and clear proclamation of Scripture, they help the faithful hear, understand, and reflect on God's message.