Chelston SSVP visits St. Joseph, Makoka Out Station

St Joseph Out station

For a long time now the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SSVP) at Chelston's  Our Heavenly Father Catholic Parish, commonly known as Chelston Parish, has been planning to visit some outstations. Chelston  Parish has several outstations, many of which are rural. Today, 15^th July, 2012 six SSVP members visited St. Joseph Parish in Makoka situated several kilometres east of Lusaka off the Great East Road. The SSVP members arrived at the Parish during the Sunday Mass. Fr. Miti was the Celebrant and was celebrating Mass at Makoka for the first time. He was warmly welcomed by the congregation. During his homily he urged the congregation to unite and work together and to live their Christian calling by example and not only word of mouth. 13 new members were added to the body of Christ through the rite of baptism during the mass.



The congregation joins in singing during mass at Makoka

It was such a wonderful experience for the SSVP members to see how Mass is celebrated in this small rural outstation. All the Church members seemed to know each other and there was a warm atmosphere. The choir was really great, they played the instruments very well and the singing was very infectious. There was jubilant dancing and ululation during the gloria, offertory, hossana and thanks giving hymns. Women, children and men stood up and danced to the rhythm of the musical instruments and singing of the choir. They all joined in song and dance in worshipping the Lord. SSVP members were stuck by the difference in the active roles played by all members in singing and dance particularly in reference to the 07:00hrs 'business' Sunday Mass at Chelston Parish.

Sr. Shapole addressing Makoka parishioners
as fellow SSVP members look on

SSVP was warmly welcomed during Mass. The SSVP representative, Brother Lawrence Chitalima explained the purpose of the visit to the congregation. He said that SSVP was in the area on a fact finding mission to establish some of the challenges that the needy are facing in Makoka. After Mass SSVP members met the members of the Parish Council and other members of the congregation.  The SSVP East Deanery executive representative, Sister Daphne Shapole explained the mission of SSVP based on Matthew 25-corporal works of mercy. She urged the members of St Joseph to establish SSVP and collaborate with Chelston Conference in assisting the needy in Makoka. Thereafter, SSVP presented some pieces of clothes and pairs of shoes to the community for the needy. The pieces were counted and stored in the Parish Chairperson’s home for distribution to needy community members next Sunday.

SSVP members were later invited to the Parish Chairperson’s home where they were given refreshments before leaving for Lusaka City. All the members were very excited about the experience and thanked God for a very successful visit. It is hoped that SSVP conference will be established at Makoka and that the new partnership with Chelston Conference will grow.

To learn more about Chelston SSVP work visit our face book page, chelstonstvincentdepaul or e-mail us at chelstonstvincentdepaul@yahoo.co.uk