Zambia project of Catechetical Classrooms at St. Paul's Parish Livingston

Building Faith Brick by Brick: St. Paul’s Catechetical Classrooms

In the Ngwenya area of Livingstone, Zambia, a quiet but profound transformation is underway. Since its establishment on May 27, 2018, by the Bishop Valentine Kalumba, OMI, Bishop of Livingstone, St. Paul’s Parish has stood as a beacon of spiritual renewal and communal hope. Now, with the launch of the Catechetical Classrooms project, the parish embarks on a new chapter—one rooted in formation, legacy, and the enduring mission of the Church.

A Mission Rooted in Catechesis

Catechesis—the lifelong process of faith formation—is central to the Church’s mission and to the charism of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. For the families of Ngwenya, it is also a lifeline. The Catechetical Classrooms project seeks to construct dedicated spaces where children, youth, and adults alike can gather to learn, reflect, and grow in their understanding of the Gospel. These classrooms will serve as sacred ground for instruction in Scripture, sacramental preparation, and the teachings of the Church, fostering a deeper relationship with Christ and His Church.

From Vision to Reality

The vision for these classrooms was born from the parish’s pastoral encounters: the need for structured, reverent spaces where catechists could teach without distraction, and where learners could engage with their faith in a dignified environment. With the support of parishioners, benefactors, and the wider diocesan community, the project now moves from prayerful intention to physical reality.

Each brick laid is a testament to the community’s commitment to spiritual growth. Each classroom built is a promise to future generations—that their faith will be nurtured, their questions welcomed, and their journey honored.

A Legacy of Missionary Spirit

More than a construction effort, the Catechetical Classrooms project is a legacy initiative. It reflects the Church’s enduring call to evangelize and educate, especially in regions where access to formal religious instruction is limited. In this way, it echoes the missionary spirit of the Missionary Oblates, whose work in Zambia and around the world has long prioritized the formation of the faithful, the dignity of the poor, and the proclamation of the Gospel in the most difficult missions.

By investing in catechetical infrastructure, St. Paul’s Parish affirms its role as a steward of souls and a cultivator of vocations. These classrooms will not only serve the current faithful—they will shape the spiritual landscape of Ngwenya for decades to come.