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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first church was a modest 10m by 6m structure made of corrugated iron sheets, located at the junction of the present-day Gataka\u2013Magadi 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Over the years, St. Mary’s Catholic Church has continued to grow and flourish, giving rise to several churches:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/p>\n\n\n\n