For the fourth year in a row, we are joining together during Lent to support St. Theresa Parish in Chainda, Zambia. With limited access to electricity, their faith and determination continue to drive this incredible effort. Learn more here.
St. Therese of Lisieux (The Child Jesus) was once an outstation of Our Heavenly Father Parish, led by the Jesuits of Chelstone. In 2004, it became an independent parish under the care of the SMA Fathers. Today, the parish is a thriving community with 14 Small Christian Communities (SCCs) and 28 lay groups, including councils and committees. A 2018 census estimated 1,700 parishioners. The Parish has started an elementary kindergarten and elementary school and a department for special needs children as a means of evangelization.
Located on 400 square meters of land owned by the Archdiocese of Lusaka, the parish is constructing a new church, a project entrusted to the Society of African Missions. The five-phase plan includes:
Mounting steel pillars
Laying the floor
Building the structure
Roofing
Furnishing the church
Despite significant challenges, parishioners have made remarkable progress. Last April, they completed the concrete floor, and as of December 2024, they have made great strides in building the walls.
The community has shown incredible faith and determination, completing much of the work despite having little access to electricity. For several months, Zambia limited power to three hours a day, with Lusaka receiving electricity only at night. In November, the allotment increased to five hours daily, 11 AM to 4 PM. These shortages have affected both the church construction and the school.
They pray for a strong rainy season to boost hydroelectric power, ensuring both the church project and the school can continue to flourish.
Please keep Fr. Mathias Chungu, SMA, and the people he serves in your prayers.