Faith and Life

 

The Catholics in Lüderitz number approximately to about 1800-2000.  Hailing from different regions in Namibia as well as from South Africa, they have made the "Bucht" (Bay) their home.  The Catholic Community is made up of people belonging to different races and language groups.  Nonetheless, special efforts are made to accommodate different linguistic groups at the Church Services and the Holy mass.  However, the official language of the Church remains Afrikaans.

   

   

In order to facilitate a better sharing of faith and faith-experience, the whole community is divided into Blocks, consisting of 10-16 Catholic families.  There are 22 Blocks in all.  They come together for Bible Sharing on the first Monday of the every month and for praying the Rosary together on the third Monday of every month.  In addition to the Block gatherings, each group is entrusted with a specific task, such as cleaning the church twice a year, raising funds on different occasions, etc.

   

   

The church holds a "Basaar" (feté) every year in the month of May.  It is a unique experience, where everyone brings out the best from his treasure-chest for the success of the event.  An ad hoc Basaar Committee sees to the necessary preparations, and ably organizes the day’s events.  The main attraction is the “Braai” (grill).  Other delicacies attract hundreds as well. 

   

   

The faith formation of the children is taken care of by a team of dedicated lay people and the priests through offering them Catechism classes, viz., basic catechism for children up the age of 9, two years in preparation for the reception of the First Holy Communion, three years of intensive catechism to deepen their faith, and two years in preparation for the Confirmation.

   

   

The young children are encouraged to join Jongwag and Bloukring (a Catholic Young Students Movement, adopting the training skills of Boy Scouts and Girl Guides).

   

   

The community is also enriched by the contribution of the Church Choir, the Youth, Pamekange Omwene (Namcaa), Legion of Mary, Willing Hands, and other pious organizations.

   

   

As an outreach programme of the Church, the Catholic Aids Action initiated a group of volunteers (also from other Denominations and faith groups) into home-based care for the AIDS-infected and affected individuals and families.

   

   

   

Faith and Life Pictures from the Album