Centenary Goal for 2026 for the Diocese of Masasi

S+TAMP=Support & Train A Masasi Priest

Currently the Diocese of Masasi is divided into 36 parishes and many of the rural parishes have up to ten daughter churches. This creates an enormous burden on the clergy to travel the large distances between churches to take services, and to minister in so many communities.

To alleviate the pressure, and to be more effective in Christian Mission,

S+TAMP=Support & Train A Masasi Priest

Currently the Diocese of Masasi is divided into 36 parishes and many of the rural parishes have up to ten daughter churches. This creates an enormous burden on the clergy to travel the large distances between churches to take services, and to minister in so many communities.

To alleviate the pressure, and to be more effective in Christian Mission, Bishop James has made a proposal to create up to 70 parishes by 2026, with a priest in each parish.

Currently there are 49 priests working in the 36 parishes, 13 urban parishes have two priests each. So to calculate the number of new priests needed, to meet the centenary goal, we need to take into account the number of priest that we shall lose through retirements, and other factors by 2026, which is estimated to be 7.

So let us calculate how many new priests are needed, we will still have 42 priests in post in 2026, and we shall need 83 for 70 parishes, of which 13 are urban two priest parishes. Therefore to meet this centenary goal the need is for 41 new priests to be trained and ordained.

Like in the UK, it takes two years full time study as an ordinand, to be readied to be a deacon, and then there is a further year spent learning, as a deacon, working in a parish, before ordination as a priest. During their time as a deacon, they are supported by the people in the parish where they work. These new priests will all need to be selected, and start training by the beginning of 2023, in order that they can be made deacons in 2025, and priested in August 2026.

Part of the issue with the local training of priests, is the capacity at Rondo Theological College. There are currently 15 ordinands in training who are all in their first year of study.  Rondo can support in training over 30 ordinands in any one year, as these ordinands will be living without their families. Currently there are four tutors, led by former Bishop Patrick, who are ensuring that the trainee priests receive a good theological education.

It costs the sum of £500 each year for each ordinand, so £1000 in total.

The financial cost to train the required number of priests to meet the centenary goal is 41 x £1000 = £41,000.

The Diocese has already supported those first 15 priests for one year, and the Friends have committed £10,500 to this project over the next two years, which will ensure these 15 priests complete their training.

If you would like to support S+TAMP please contact our Treasurer, The Reverend Stephen Jarvis.