The initial attempt to start an African Community started with the Xmas party organized by Fr. Adrian Dixon and Sr. MaryBasilia Ezike on the 20th of December 2006 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Gateshead. Among those who participated were:
Fr. Adrian Dixon,
Sr. Mary Basilia Ezike,
Sr. StellaMaris Onwuka,
Sr. M.Chioma Okaneme,
Sr. M.Chinazo Ibezim,
Elizabeth Muvuyi,
T
eresa Njoroge,
Jane Mukui,
Agnes Gatonga
Gladys Mugambi
Rev Deacon Osaro Omobude
Though it was a party, the intention of starting an African Community was made known to them and they were quite delighted. They all agreed to reach out to others. This led to the first meeting we had on the 26th of January, 2007. Joined to the first group were Fr.Jude Ogbuanu( who was God sent) and sister Flora.It was in this meeting that these few members decided strategies to use and gather people. Those founding members of the African Community with great enthusiasm reached out to many other Africans and invited them to our first African Mass which took place on the 25th of March 2007 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church and of which I am a part of. Unfortunately, some of the founding members have now left but thereafter some others were selected; thereby forming a core group. Posters were put in the churches of the diocese and everybody worked hard to promote the Community. At a meeting of the core group, just after the inauguration, it was decided to name the community "AFRICAN CATHOLIC COMMUNITY"
Rev. Adrian Dixon has been very supportive both spiritually and financially. Jude has taken on the leadership as the Spiritual Adviser and has also led the group to the stage it is now. Adrian have worked hard to organise the Mass. We have always had priests in attendance and tried to bring the different mode of worshiping or of saying mass in the many various countries of Africa. Liturgical Practice was on the 3rd Sunday of each month at 4p.m(now the last Sunday of the month) and the African Mass on the last Sunday of each month at 2p.m. After six months approx..The African Catholic Community was officially inaugurated by the late Bishop Kevin Dunn. It was a successful day. The inauguration made the Community popular and the attendance increased. However, we need a lot more to join the choir practice and the Mass. Supporters are from far away places such as Stockton, Norton, Durham and of course those of Newcastle and neighbouring towns. After each Mass we have been providing entertainment and have been able to do this by the kind donations of committed members and supporters of the Community , and by fundraising, e.g. raffles
We had a meeting of the Core Group on the 22nd April 2008 when we elected the Executive Committee who would run the Community :
Rev.Fr. Jude Ogbuanu - Chair
Sr. Basilia Ezeke- Vice Chair
Celine Sheinman - General Secretary
Elizabeth Muyuvi - Assistant General Secretary
Sr. Valerie- Treasurer
Flora Tozonowah - Financial Secretary
Rev. Decon Osaro Omobude - Public Relations Officer
Agnes Offiong - Social/Welfare Secretary
Kufre Okoji - Assistant Social/Welfare Secretary
Augustine Kpotivi - Church Warden
We have been visiting the bereaved and those who have celebrated joyous occasions e.g birth of new born babies. The Community is there for you and if have anything to do and need the support of the Community, please do not hesitate to inform any of the executive members Also at the Meeting it was decided that posters advertising our usual Liturgical Practice and Mass day should be re- distributed to all parishes and even left in some shops and that invitation cards/promotional leaflets be sent to all parishes so that this event could be well advertised. The Public relations Officer has since carried out some areas of this work. As mentioned above, there are quite a number of devoted members, some put in good attendances, some showed their commitment by donations (either food or money) and some are constantly working at the background to improve the Community. May God continue to bless all.
