*By John Kusolo*
In a show of commitment to supporting the church's grassroots leadership, Serere District Woman MP and State Minister for Fisheries, Hon. Hellen Adoa, has donated a sum of Uganda Shillings 5 million to the Soroti Catholic Diocese Catechists Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCO). The donation was made during the annual Catechists’ Day celebrations, held at Fr. Hilder’s Primary School in Soroti under the Soroti Catholic Diocese on Saturday.
Minister Adoa’s contribution, which included an immediate cash donation of UGX 2 million and a pledge for the remaining UGX 3 million, was part of her personal commitment to supporting the church's essential mission of spreading the Christian faith and nurturing spiritual leaders in the community.
In her address to the gathering, Minister Adoa underscored the pivotal role played by catechists in spreading the gospel and upholding Christian values. She emphasized the need for continued support to these dedicated church servants, whom she referred to as the "foot soldiers" of the church.
“The church has a big role to play in shaping society, and I am confident that under Bishop Eciru’s wise leadership, the Teso region will see a renewed generation of faithful Christians,” Adoa remarked.
The Minister also commended the Bishop of Soroti Catholic Diocese, Rt. Rev. Joseph Eciru Oliach, for his transformative leadership, particularly in uplifting the catechists and renewing their dedication to the church’s mission.
“Bishop Eciru is now a shining star of Teso, leading us toward a more connected and prayerful community,” she added, acknowledging his efforts in strengthening the spiritual foundation of the region.
Minister Adoa’s donation is part of her broader effort to ensure that the church's grassroots work is adequately supported. She expressed her admiration for the catechists, recognizing their dedication despite the challenges they face in their work.
“The foot soldiers of the church, the catechists, are being transformed under the wise leadership of Bishop Eciru. I am committed to ensuring that the work of the church, which is vital in building a strong Christian community, is supported,” Minister Adoa affirmed.
Bishop Joseph Eciru Oliach, in his remarks, expressed profound gratitude for Minister Adoa’s generous contribution and called on the congregation to emulate such acts of giving. He emphasized the importance of voluntary contributions to the church, highlighting that such offerings should be given from the heart, as acts of worship.
“Offering and tithing are not just duties but acts of worship. As Christians, we should give with joy and from a genuine desire to support the church’s mission,” Bishop Eciru remarked.
He also reiterated the significance of prayer in the life of every Christian, particularly catechists, who serve as the backbone of the church’s outreach. The bishop encouraged parents to play an active role in guiding their children spiritually, emphasizing the importance of instilling Christian values in the home.
“Parents are the first catechists in their children’s lives. It is essential that they nurture their children in the ways of the Lord, teaching them the values of respect, discipline, and devotion to God,” he advised.
The event, which drew large numbers of faithful from across the diocese, provided an opportunity for reflection on the vital role that catechists play in the church and society. Soroti City Woman MP, Joan Alobo, who also attended the celebrations, praised the catechists for their unwavering commitment to the faith. She lauded their ability to remain steadfast in their spiritual journey, even in the face of adversity.
“Catechists are the pillars of the Christian community, and I commend you for renewing your commitment to serve the church and spread the gospel, even in challenging times,” Alobo remarked.
Minister Adoa’s donation has been hailed as a significant contribution towards empowering catechists, enabling them to continue their vital work of spreading the gospel and fostering Christian values within the community. Her engagement with the church reflects a broader recognition of the crucial role religious leaders play in shaping society.
As part of her closing remarks, Minister Adoa reaffirmed her dedication to supporting the church, noting that her contribution to the Soroti Catholic Diocese Catechists SACCO was just the beginning of more efforts to come.
“I pledge to continue standing with the church and supporting its mission to spread the Christian faith. Together, we can build a more prayerful, connected, and spiritually enriched community,” she concluded.
Bishop Eciru, in his final address, called on the congregation to actively participate in the life of the church through prayers and contributions, ensuring that the church continues to be a beacon of hope and faith in the region.
The Catechists’ Day celebrations were a testament to the strong bond between the church and the community, with leaders like Minister Adoa stepping forward to support the church’s grassroots initiatives. Through her generous donation and continued advocacy for the catechists, Minister Adoa has set a precedent for others to follow in supporting the church’s mission of spiritual renewal and community building.
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