Fr. Rogatus L. Mpeka will visit our parish grouping on June 22/23, 2019 to preach the mission appeal on behalf of his home diocese of Morogoro, Tanzania, East Africa. His diocese is in great need of support on three pastoral projects:
1) Food in the drought stricken rural areas for the local priests and nuns serving in those affected parishes. About three-quarters of the parishes in the diocese are located in poor rural areas where parishioners cannot afford monetary offerings for Masses. In parishes where Sunday collections are received, the average collection is approximately $40.
2) Funds are also needed to support an orphanage that cares for about 290 children, age 3 months to 17 years as well as a home for 60 homeless elderly. Both facilities are staffed by native sisters. The most needed items include: milk, food, shoes, clothing, medicine, blankets, and mosquito nets as well as funds for education and healthcare.
3) The is also a need for assistance with its school which educates catechists to serve in 68 parishes and 300 sub-parishes. This school and retreat center is vital to the diocesan evangelization effort. Funds are needed for: books, religious curriculum, teaching equipment, building/dormitory renovations, and salaries.
Fr Rogatus will preach at all Masses offered at St. John the Baptist, Monaca and Our Lady of Fatima, Hopewell Township.