A Wall of Hope, A Classroom of Faith: The Story of St. Paul’s Catholic Church

In the heart of Ngwenya Township, nestled within the vibrant city of Livingstone, Zambia, a young parish pulses with quiet determination. St. Paul’s Catholic Church, established on the 27th of May, 2018, began as a humble outstation of Christ the King Parish. Today, it stands as a beacon of faith and resilience, serving two hundred and fifty families whose daily lives are shaped by hard work and unwavering devotion.

Most parishioners earn their living as house helpers, security guards, and stone crushers. Their hands are calloused, their days long, but their spirits remain generous and strong. Within this community, six small Christian communities and ten lay organizations gather regularly, weaving a tapestry of spiritual life that is both intimate and expansive.

The church itself is beautiful. Its parish hall welcomes many, but the grounds remain open and exposed. Without a protective wall, the parish faces constant security challenges. And while the faithful gather for Mass and meetings, there is no dedicated space for catechism classes or lay group activities. Children sit under trees to learn. Youth groups meet wherever shade can be found. The need for shelter is not simply practical—it is pastoral.

The Oblates and lay leaders have envisioned a solution: the construction of a catechetical building and a parish wall fence. These structures will not only safeguard the church grounds but will also provide a dignified space for spiritual formation, community meetings, and youth education. The classrooms will become sanctuaries of learning, where holy childhood groups and young people can study, pray, and grow.

The community has not waited passively. They have pledged $2,400 toward the project and have begun fundraising efforts with determination. Their commitment is matched by generosity from beyond—$20,000 has already been received to support the initiative. The total estimated cost stands at $19,760, and with this momentum, the vision is within reach.

This is more than a construction project. It is a story of faith built brick by brick, of a parish that refuses to be defined by its limitations. It is a testament to what can be achieved when a community believes in its future and acts with courage. As of August 2025, St. Paul’s Catholic Church walls have risen, classrooms have opened, and the Gospel is echoing louder than ever before. Thanks to the generous support 0f our donors, this project is complete for now. A parish continues to grow for God’s glory.ir patron and St. Eugene as their guide, they step into the next century of mission—ready to leave everything, ready to serve, ready to proclaim Christ crucified and risen.