St. Jude’s Shrine Project update

Dear Parishioners and Friends of St. Jude, greetings from the building committee of Our Lady and St. Jude City Naggulu. Thank you for your unwavering material, spiritual and financial support towards the construction of the new National Shrine of St. Jude Thaddeus.

Allow me to share with you a brief of the works in progress;

The new church construction; the contractor is on the site, he fenced off the site, did the mapping, clearing of the ground, did dimensional leveling, and structure setting off. This is the process taken before excavation is done. 

Parish Offices: you must have observed that the parish office was demolished too, so as to give space for the new church construction. At the moment , we are making adjustments on to the existing Priests’ house in order to create space for offices to accommodate the Fathers.

Grotto: this is already in place and fully operational. I urge you to continue praying through Mother Mary for more blessings for yourselves, your families, and our project.  

On the 8^th of May 2022, we launched a ‘’Development Sunday’’. This initiative was introduced with an aim of complementing the already existing fundraising avenues, for the new church construction. 

We wish, therefore, to inform you dear Parishioners that every second week of the month, we shall celebrate it in style. Each development Sunday, we shall be guided by the Development Committee about a construction item to focus on. For this particular month of May, we set our target of collecting 10.5M Ugx for concrete stones and sand.

Dear friends, as we progress with the project, we invite you to contribute, pledge or offer any physical support towards this cause.

Lastly, the Building Committee is still committed to the project and relies on your support.  Thank you and may God bless you and your families.

Mr. Michael Joseph Mawerere

Project Administrator 

St. Jude’s Shrine Project update

Mon 23, May 2022 02:05 am

HOLY WEEK PROGRAMME 2022

Tue 12, Apr 2022 05:04 am

OLD CHURCH DECOMMISSIONED

On13th March 2022, our old church was officially decommissioned in preparation for its demolition and eventual construction of the new one. In the photograph, Fr. Dr.Pius Ssentumbwe (right), the Chancellor of Kampala Archdiocese, officially closing our old church.

Tue 29, Mar 2022 08:03 am

De- commissioning of the current Parish Church

In prepration for the construction of our new church; and following guidances from the Archdiocese of Kampala, this current church shall be de-commissioned on Sunday 13th March 2022 to pave way for its demolition.

Thu 10, Mar 2022 07:03 am

ARCHBISHOP SSEMOGERERE INSTALLED

On 25th January 2022, His Grace Paul Ssemogerere was installed as the fourth Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese at Lubaga Cathedral  by the Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda, Archbishop Luigi Bianco. He is the successor to the late Archbishop Cyprian Kizito Lwanga.

Archbishop Ssemogerere reflected on the challenges that Ugandans face in his homily, including the coronavirus pandemic, youth unemployment, and societal inequalities.

“I have come to encourage you that many of these challenges seem to raise against us to the point of paralysing us, but in such conditions, let us use the pastoral slogan, of the Kampala Archdiocese for this year, Do not be afraid, rise up pick up your mat and walk (Mark 2:11).” Most Rev. Paul Ssemogerere said.

Let us always remember to pray for our Shepherd in his new ministry.

Fri 28, Jan 2022 08:01 am

LET US COUNT OUR BLESSINGS!

Just like this past Christmas, of last week, this is also my very first New Year here at Naggulu. I am delighted to celebrate it with you; my dear parishioners, St. Jude Thaddeus devotees and you all friends of this Parish- which is also the National Shrine of St. Jude Thaddeus.

Happy New Year to you all my dear beloved!

I wish also to congratulate my brother Priests; Fr. Ignatias Mbaziira   and Fr. Jude Kyekulidde upon this New Year!

This past year 2021 has been quite challenging in many ways to most of us, if not all of us. However, not all was lost; the very fact that you are able to listen to me or hold this message in your two hands, that is a blessing in itself. The fact that you are living today; that is a blessing. Life itself is one of God’s greatest miracles in spite the many problems that come our way. We thank God nonetheless. In October 2006, an American gospel music singer Guy Penrod released a song called “Count your blessings”; I am sure many of you know it. I find it quite instructive: despite our many problems, God will always take care of us. Let me share the first two verses here (it is very likely that some of you can sing this song):

When upon life's billows
You are tempest tossed
When you are discouraged
Thinking all is lost

Count your many blessings
Name them one by one
And it will surprise you
What the lord has done

That song seems to relate with the new theme of Kampala Archdiocese which we got on 31^st October 2021, at the annual Archdiocesan Day. It goes:” DO NOT BE AFRAID; RISE UP, PICK YOUR MAT AND GO.” (Mark 2: 11).

We have had low moments in life, for example; the covid-19 pandemic, the death of our dear ones, the loss of jobs and businesses, name them; they are quite many. Despite all that, we have something to thank God for. This past year; 36 adults got baptized; 72 children, aged one year and below were baptised; 159 children aged one to seven years got baptized; and also 39 who were above seven received this Sacrament. We were also blessed with 154 children who did their First Holy Communion (in Luganda Kalimwezi); 73 received the Sacrament of Confirmation and 37 did their Solemn Commitment (Omugigi, in Luganda). And then we had 12 marriages (with only one couple as Naggulu Parishioners).

By the grace of God, we successfully held the three annual National Novenas to St. Jude Thaddeus; and also marked the national celebrations of St. Jude Feast here on 28^th October, wherein His Grace, the Most   Reverend Paul Ssemogerere, was Main Celebrant.

It would not be fair if I didn’t say something about what is at the heart of most of us: “THE CITY”! That is our church construction project and all its associated developments here at the National Shrine of St. Jude Thaddeus. I wish to thank you for your financial support   towards this project. Though we may not have something physical to show, a lot of background work is being (and has been) done by the Building Committee as a whole. I appreciate the commitment, sacrifices and the energy of each and every one on this committee in this past year, 2021.  In brief, allow me to lay out some achievements and challenges. 

PROJECT ACHIEVEMENTS

a. We submitted our revised architectural designs to KCCA for statutory approval on the 18^th June 2020 and structural drawings on the 23^rd April 2021. By the grace of God, we received the approvals on the 27^th October 2021. That date is memorable; that was when we were concluding the novena to St. Jude Thaddeus!

b. The Quantity Surveyors prepared the Bill of Quantities (BOQs) which were issued to prospective contractors to come up with cost estimates.

c. The building committee put in place a Contracts sub-committee whose task is to do a contractor selection and contract negotiation.

d. Out of nine potential contractors, only five were able to submit their bids on the 4^th August 2021; and the opening was also done on the same day.

e. The Fundraising sub-committee is continuously mobilizing funds for this big and important project whose cost is 6,497,228,066 (Six Billion Four Hundred Ninety Seven Million, Two Hundred Twenty Eight Thousand and Sixty Six Shillings.)

f. The building committee was able to introduce two additional avenues through which we can contribute funds towards the project, that is through;

· The Merchant code 1204524 using Airtel

· The website which supports Airtel & MTN users, and for those in the diaspora using Visa and Master cards.

PROJECT CHALLENGES

a. Covid 19 pandemic: affected the church project with restricted movements and lockdown. Because of this pandemic, people could hardly meet to pray, strategize and fundraise.

b. Death: some members on the building committee passed on, notably amongst others; our chairman Mr. F.X Kitaka, Mrs. Regina Mukiibi, Mrs. Mary Kayongo and Fr. Godfrey Kyeyune. 

c. Low economy: due to the lockdown and loss of jobs/businesses, people were not working, yet the church depends on their support.

d. It took us long to receive approvals from Kampala Capital City Authority.

e. Donor fatigue   

CONCLUSION

We give thanks to God through our patron saints; Mother Mary and Saint Jude Thaddeus for enabling us get where we are now. Gratitude goes to members of the building and technical committees for the sacrifices they have made and their tireless efforts. Needless to say, is the invaluable support that we are getting from you dear Parishioners, Friends of Naggulu and St. Jude Thaddeus devotees. Rest assured that when contractor-negotiations and other matters are resolved, we shall commence the construction.

Lastly, my humble appeal to you is that; please, continue to support this project with your prayers and with moral and financial assistance. Together, we shall succeed.

May the Almighty God continue to bless you. Happy New Year; Let us count our blessings!

Sat 01, Jan 2022 02:01 am

A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ of the Naggulu, Our Lady and St. Jude Family,

At this special time of the year, we celebrate the coming of our Saviour, who came into our world in the humblest of circumstances and was welcomed in the first place by poor shepherds who were the first to be told about the good news! “Today in the town of Bethlehem a Saviour is born to you, who is Christ the Lord” Luke 2:11

Christmas greetings to you wherever you are today, every family has their own special way of marking Christmas, their own traditions which are often handed down from our parents or grandparents. Irrespective of our different traditions, we are still united as one Naggulu Parish Family in remembering and celebrating the birth of Christ our Saviour.

Christmas, is a family time, where all families come back home to be together for the feast. It therefore, reminds us that families are important for our own wellbeing and for the society we live in. They nourish us, support us and give us a sense of belonging. The family is also the primary cell of the Church, the place where faith is nurtured and grows in us, for that reason it is sometimes called the domestic Church.

Because families are important, homes are very important too and should always be graced with peace and love. Without a home it is very hard to have a family life, therefore, as we celebrate Christmas this year, let us think about our brothers and sisters living on the streets of Kampala who have not had a chance to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, because they have no homes to turn back to! The tens of thousands who are living in dire poverty, the displaced brothers and sisters due to various reasons, to mention but a few.

Let us also remember and pray for the many families who have lost their dear ones, especially our parishioners, due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, in the past year, and especially those who couldn’t mark their passing as they would have loved due to the restrictions, may their souls rest in eternal peace!

For Christians, Christmas challenges us to open our hearts and our homes in compassion to those who are in need, the grieving, the sick, the homeless, and the refugees. Christmas makes them feel lonelier and isolated than ever, hence, the need to share love and comfort with them.

I believe no Christmas message would be complete without a plea for humility which is the key to God’s heart. Let us strive to maintain humility, peace in our hearts, homes, communities, places of work and the entire country, by avoiding actions that disrupt peace.

I also wish to take this opportunity, to say a word of thanks to our Priests Rev. Fr. Joseph Mary Bbuye, Rev. Fr. Ignatius Mbaziira and Rev. Fr. Jude Kyekulidde for the great pastoral work you do in our Parish, thank you so much and may the good Lord continue to guide you.

Our Catechists, the Parish Administration/Support team, our Parish Volunteers, the Parish Council, and to you all dear parishioners, as well as friends of Naggulu Parish, who have contributed so generously towards the running of our Parish, in terms of prayers, advise, finances, and social support, may the good Lord bless the work of your hands.

Let 2022 be a year of increased faith, peace and love for one another, forgiveness, honesty, integrity, reconciliation, repentance, hard work and commitment in our respective callings by God, as we continue to develop our Parish spiritually, socially and economically.

May our Patron Saints, Mother Mary of Perpetual Succour and St. Jude Thaddeus continue to intercede for each one of us throughout the New Year!

Wishing you all a peaceful and memorable Christmas day, and may the joy of Christ’s birth embrace you and your families with abundant love, peace, joy and hope.

Please keep safe and mindful about the Covid-19 pandemic as well your personal security during this festive season.

Much Love and prayers,

Margaret Sheila Matovu

Sat 25, Dec 2021 00:12 am

LET US SHARE THE PEACE OF CHRIST

Sat 25, Dec 2021 00:12 am

NAGGULU PARISH PROGAM FOR HOLY MASS

Greetings to you all Naggulu parishioners.

Following the easing of the covid-19 pandemic lockdown restrictions on places of worship, we wish to announce that; the church will be fully open to congregants with effect from, Friday 24th September 2021, at 6: 30 A.M.

We shall be running our regular Mass times as follows:

a) Week days: Mass at 6:30 A.M, 7:00 A.M and at  1 P.M.

b) Sunday Mass: 7 A.M, 8 A.M, 9 A.M, 10:30 A.M, 12 P.M, 1: 30 P.M and at 5:00 P.M

c)The Sacrament of Penance:  Saturdays after the 7A.M. Mass. It is possible to have confessions on request in the course of the week.

d) Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: Thursdays at 5:30P.M. In the course of the week you are welcome to do personal adoration at the chapel of the Blessed Sacrament.

Please when here at church, please observe the Standard Operating Proecedures (SOPs) that the Government prescibed to limit the spreed of Covid - 19. These procedures, just to remind ourselves, are among others; wearing face masks at all times, washing of hands using soap/ using alcahol based hand sanitisers, and maintaning a social distance of atleast two meters from one person to another.

For inquiries, please contact the Parish office. 

Many thanks.

Fri 24, Sep 2021 08:09 am

BANNS OF MARRIAGE

Mon 13, Sep 2021 15:09 pm