Catholic Evangelization in Ghana
In 2009, the doors were opened to begin a wonderful partnership lifting some of our brothers and sisters in Christ in Ghana out of physical and spiritual suffering. We began with shipping medical beds to hospitals that did not have enough. When they ran out of beds, nurses would put two people on one and then a third underneath when every bed had two people. Our mission did not stop there, thanks to our generous donors we have helped fund water wells, the construction of medical clinics, evangelization across the country, distribution of Eucharistic monstrances and many other projects.
Explore the tabs below to learn more about the missions and donate to Catholic charity work in Ghana.
Jump to Project or Update:
- Cocoa Farm
- Water for Egyam Children’s Home in Ghana
- Ghana School and Health Center
- Ghana Responds to COVID-19
- Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi
- A Church for Enchi
- Children Waking Up at Dawn to Collect Diseased Water
- Spreading the Gift of Eucharistic Adoration
- St. Joseph School in Enchi
- Parish Outreach in Ghana
- Medical Shipments
- Yiwabra Medical Clinic
Ghana-Cocoa Farm 2022
A Project that Sustains the Community and the Church
YOU have uplifted many lives in Enchi, Ghana in the past few years by building a Catholic Church, a primary and middle school, and a water tower. These life-changing initiatives have been fruitful by providing material, educational, and spiritual support to the Enchi community. With these initiatives sparking quick growth, the community needed to adapt to new and expanding needs.
The process of collecting the cocoa that grows on the farm is time-consuming.
The unstable rainfall limits farming to take place only during rainy seasons, instead of year-round. The farm is in need of additional supplies and equipment such as fertilizers, sprayers, and tools. Also, yielding more crops will require a larger storage unit. Finally, one of the greatest struggles is that most of the determined workers have to travel long distances by foot each day to work on the farm.
Now, we have the amazing opportunity to help Enchi’s cocoa farm conquer its existing challenges, increase cocoa production, and become a stable means of income for the entire community and the church!
Luckily, we have created a plan alongside Monsignor Simon Assamoah that addresses each of these concerns…
- A tractor would save the cocoa farmer’s time and create an efficient way to collect the crop in the field
- An irrigation system would allow the farm to be in operation year-round and no longer controlled by unpredictable rainfall
- Providing additional equipment and storage would prepare the farm for its next phase of growth
- Building new homes on the farm to house forty workers and their families would remove the exhausting trek to-and-from work AND allow the children to receive an education at the nearby school
The cocoa farm is in dire need of equipment storage space and housing for the farmers and their families.
With self-sustainability in mind, Monsignor Simon’s innovative thinking led him to start a cocoa farm.
Ghana is the second-largest producer of cocoa in the world and many of the Enchi residents are cocoa farmers.
Meet Cocoa Farmer John, a Grateful Father
John Musa is a hardworking, loving dad who dreams of a brighter future for his children. Before working on the cocoa farm, John struggled with landing permanent work to take care of his wife and four children. He was among the first group of cocoa farmers, and now lives in a small hut on the farm with his family. His children go to school in a bigger village nearby. John is incredibly thankful for the support of Catholic World Mission and donors like YOU as it will help villagers like him land permanent employment and income to support their families.
“We are praying that Monsignor Simon will get the needed support so that he will employ more workers and make the Cocoa Farm Project a permanent one to help me and others take care of their families,”-John Musa
May we count on you to provide housing for two farmers and their families for $250?
In total, we are working hard to raise $25,000 to support critical work on Msgr. Simon’s Cocoa Farm Project.
We have the chance to help this cocoa farm produce around 200 bags of cocoa beans annually to help Enchi become more independent. Earnings from the farm would provide steady employment for the workers, education for the children, and sustainability for the church to continue supporting the local hospital and surrounding families.
With YOUR help, providing essentials for the cocoa farm will transform the lives of 600 schoolchildren and 3,000 parishioners in Enchi. Purchasing a tractor, gathering the farm equipment needed, installing an irrigation system, and providing homes for the farmers and their families gives the Enchi community the opportunity to continue flourishing. Self-sustainability is a life-changing gift, and YOU can give this community the material they need to archive it.
December 2022
Planting Progress: Cocoa Farm Renovations are Underway!
November 2022
The Cocoa Farm project has planted its seeds and is starting to reap success – thanks to your abundant generosity!
Since June, renovations have begun all around the farm. The bridge that connects the road to the farm has begun its remodeling process, which includes laying down concrete. The house for the workers on the farm is also in the renovation process to ensure safe and clean living conditions.
Your selfless support has given the farm the ability to harvest cocoa beans and change the lives of many in Enchi, Ghana. Monsignor Simon Assamoah is endlessly thankful for YOU and Catholic World Mission as your generosity is transforming the cocoa farm and the community!
Old bridge.
Bridge construction.
Water for Egyam Children’s Home in Ghana
The gift of “sachet” water
At the Egyam Children’s Home, 78 orphaned children get to earn an education, learn about the Gospel, and form a family with each other. Thanks to the Sisters who run the home these precious children have a place to call home.
During a trip to Ghana, Deacon Rick met with the Sisters who were very eager to discuss the possibility of becoming self-sufficient through a unique and effective income-generating way…
Drinking water sold in plastic bags, also known as sachet water, is growing rapidly in West Africa. The Sisters saw this opportunity and ran with it. Currently, the Egyam Home has two water wells on its property. One of these can be converted and used commercially to produce sachet water on a large scale.
With your ongoing help, we can help the Egyam Children’s Home produce sachet water on a large scale for their surrounding community!
The Home has two water wells on its property. One of these can be converted and used commercially to produce sachet water on a large scale.
Together we can purchase a KOYO machine for the home which bags water in small size packets to sell. The returns will greatly surpass this initial investment once the Home is selling these water packets.
“If we are able to start this water facility, the proceeds will help us care for and educate the children God has placed under our care,”—Sister Mary Gladys
We have the chance to keep the Egyam Children’s Home open and change the lives of many orphaned children. This water facility is not only a blessing for the community but an outward symbol of gaining self-sufficiency.
Sachet Water Production Underway!
December 2021
The Egyam Children’s Home is on its way to producing sachet water for the community! Thanks to your selfless giving, we were able to purchase a reverse-osmosis machine and begin the construction process of where the sachet water production will take place. Accomplishments thus far include drilling a borehole, establishing the pumping machine, fixing doors, windows, and tiles, painting the building, and finishing the security post. The next steps are to transfer the reverse-osmosis machine to the production room and work on the registration of the sachet-water project to the Food and Drugs Board Authority.
The Children’s Home and the Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi express their sincere appreciation to the almighty God and YOU as they work their way towards self-sustainability.
Ghana School and Health Center
Giving the Children of West Ghana Hope
Our dedicated partner and missionary, Michael Barry has visited Ghana numerous times, and seen the pressing needs of the people. He has made it his life purpose to help those in need and contribute to bettering the society, especially in Ghana, having seen their struggle first-hand.
We have joined Michael in 2015 to provide school supplies and desks to poor children at the Gabikpo Island School.
50% complete we are partnering with Michael once again to build the Pope Francis Home & School in Ghana. It will serve not only the abandoned orphans in the village of Awudome-Avenui, but also the children on the Gabikpo Island, and bring in jobs for the village.
Click “updates” to see progress pictures and read about the progress.
About Pope Francis Home and School
Pope Francis Home and School is located on 12 acres in the village of Awudome-Avenui, approximately 10 miles outside the city of Ho, Volta Region of Ghana. It will be home to over 100 vulnerable children, including HIV patients. Many of these children are orphan as their parents are deceased due to AIDS.
Pope Francis Home and School is run by the Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Church. These religious sisters have dedicated their life to prayer and living out the Gospel, which they share and teach to the children every day.
Our plan is to build:
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Dormitory (2) – Boys and Girls , single level, 18 children each, plus a small nursery. Staffed by nurses and laity
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Kitchen– Interior western style, plus an outdoor Ghanaian setup
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Clinic– to house those in need of care, 4 suites, staffed by nurses.
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Sisters of Mary Cottage – single story to house up to 8
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Small scale family farm including fish farm
These children need our help. Thanks to very generous donor’s construction is underway.
Children in Gabikpo Attempt to Break Out of Poverty Through an Education
In the middle of Lake Volta not far from the future site of Pope Francis Home & School is the Gabikpo Island were 40 young children attend school. The island has 310 residents some are just innocent children who live simply without electricity or running water. The school the children attend has a dedicated teacher who works tirelessly for them so they are not coerced into the fishermen’s schemes and have greater opportunities because they are receiving an education. Education will save the children from a life of servitude.
Before Catholic World Mission partnered to step in to help, the children had no textbooks, notebooks, or writing utensils. They sat on the floor of a gazebo while the teacher and class helpers tried to give lessons from their two notebooks and small blackboard. As a child it is extremely hard for information to be retained when you cannot practice reading or writing what you are hearing and you are sitting on rocks and dirt floor.
Their Hope
Desks for the Gabipko Island School were delivered early in October 2015 ahead of schedule. Gabipko Island School assumed when the desks arrived in their classroom overnight that they were from the government. To their surprise missionary Michael Barry, and his team arrived the next day to celebrate the gift from Catholic World Mission.
Many missionaries from other organizations have visited the Gabipko Island School in the past promising to return with supplies for the school, but no one ever has. For them this blessing from Catholic World Mission was a first. Michael, and his Ewe speaking missionaries gathered the community to give a speech on the importance of education; to let them know they will be coming back every month to check to see that the desks are being put to good use; and if they are being taken care of then they will receive more school supplies. Michael and his missionaries also brought some school supplies with them for the children. They brought crayons, pencils, and notebooks so each child could take charge of his and her own learning.
The Pope Francis School and Health Center is Complete!
June 2022
We are thrilled to announce that the Pope Francis School and Health Center (the PFSHC) is serving families in need!
The PFSHC is a multipurpose campus, led by dedicated Sisters, that cares for vulnerable children and orphans whose parents suffer from HIV/AIDS. The Center also provides quality healthcare and education to the surrounding community. All of the work done at the PFSHC, from ministering to the sick to academics and sports, has an evangelization focus to develop the children’s God-given talents and build the Church.
The partners and community dedicated the Sisters’ housing to Catholic World Mission and the school to Atlanta’s own, Bishop Joel Konzen, to show their immense gratitude!
“PFSHC extends its heartfelt gratitude to CATHOLIC WORLD MISSION for their demonstrated love over the years! Through CWM’s Financial Support, Words of Encouragement, Prayers, and Counsel, PFSHC is able to Mitigate Hunger, Educate, Inspire, and Share the Gospel with the vulnerable. Thank you, Catholic World Mission. Proverbs 19:17 Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.”
Thanks to you, this once poverty-stricken community is moving toward a brighter future through quality education, proper healthcare, and a new-found Faith.
Progress Update:
The ribbon cutting ceremony began the construction of the Pope Francis Home and School. Bishop Lodonu attended the ceremony and gave his blessing.
Phase 1 is nearly 100% complete! This first phase includes building two dormitories, a medical clinic, a kitchen and housing for the sisters! See pictures below:
Pope Francis Home and School is under construction
The Dining Hall construction is underway, and the Generator Electric Backup system has been purchased!
Ghana Responds to COVID-19
Battling a Pandemic in the Developing World
When the COVID-19 global pandemic struck unexpectedly, the world was left overwhelmed, worried, and ill-prepared. The lack of knowledge and lack of control compelled Christ’s faithful to fall on their knees and ask for direction, protection, and healing. At Catholic World Mission, we are fervently praying for you and your loved ones’ lasting health and well-being.
Unfortunately, a pandemic health-crisis affects us all, especially those who were already battling poverty. In the developing world, the needs of our brothers and sisters have exponentially surged, lessening their hope for healing. Prior to COVID-19, Ghana communities lacked proper infrastructure and access to essential resources. This deficient and unreliable foundation has led to even greater shortages during the most critical time. For example, many major hospitals lacked the basic medical needs to even wash their hands, leaving patients, medical staff, and all individuals who come into contact with the virus vulnerable.
There are two major dioceses in the Western region of Ghana: The Wiawso Diocese and The Sekondi-Takoradi Diocese. In these communities, people are clinging on to their faith and are desperately in need of mercy and generous hearts to face the pandemic.
In the Gospel, the love, concern, and compassion that Jesus had for the sick is undeniable. Fortunately, our partner Msgr. Simon Assamoah and the Ghana Friendship Project are humbly tending to the sick by providing poorly-equipped hospitals with face masks, thermometers, liquid soaps, hand sanitizers, gloves, food, mattresses, and other essential supplies! Assisting the sick has been a community effort. Along with providing hospitals with N95 masks, two groups of nuns generously created 1000 hand-made masks.
In this unprecedented time, the selfless desire to protect the vulnerable is a visible expression of faith. Mgsr. Simon and the Ghana Friendship Project hope to protect medical workers, improve the chance of survival for those battling COVID-19, and restore dignity to the poor. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT
“Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” – Matthew 25:40
See More Pictures of the Supply Deliveries Below:
Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi – Place of Worship
The Marian Shrine at Egyam
Having a central and reliable place of worship allows all brothers and sisters in Christ to gather for healing, community, faithful development, and praise. The Marian Shrine in the diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana has served as this central place of worship for nearly 75 years.
The Sekondi-Takoradi diocese is home to 67 parishes and around 270,000 Catholics. Besides serving the immediate community, The Marian Shrine also welcomes numerous visitors, both Catholic and non-Catholic, since it is a highly revered and sought-after landmark for various pilgrimages. Within the shrine are two projects including the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto and the Stations of the Cross.
For the past few years, the Marian Shrine has undergone much needed reconstruction towards its overall infrastructure. With the generous support of local businesses, the Knights of Columbus of All Saints Catholic Church in Georgia, and the Ghana Friendship Project, the community was able to build a new, beautifully-crafted Stations of the Cross within the Shrine.
Moving forward, the community intends on finalizing reconstruction and building a hostel for pilgrims to safely spend their days and nights at the shrine. We humbly ask for your support to help provide a reliable place of community, hopeful healing, and joyous worship.
Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto at The Marian Shrine
The Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto at Egyam sits within the Marian Shrine and serves as a diocesan sanctuary for the immediate community and traveling pilgrims. Annually, both Catholic and non-Catholic brothers and sisters of Christ will journey from different parts of Ghana, seeking the Lord on pilgrimage.
The Grotto remains a landmark sanctuary for solace, spiritual upliftment, and healing.
Currently, the Grotto tower is being rebuilt since its infrastructure was too weak to survive long-term. By building a structurally sound tower, both the diocese and devoted pilgrims can safely visit the Grotto for generations.
THE CELEBRATION
“I rejoiced when I heard them say, ‘let us go to the house of the Lord”. -Psalm 122:1
In the fall of 2015, the Sekondi-Takoradi community joyfully celebrated the 70th Anniversary of the sanctuary with a diocesan thanksgiving pilgrimage inspired by Ps. 122:1. It is so beautiful to see people gather from all areas of Ghana to festively share their gratitude through praise and worship.
See photos of the Shrine celebration below:
The Stations of the Cross allows us to prayerfully reflect and appreciate God’s certain, unconditional love for us. Before the Marian Shrine had a designated area for the Stations, both the diocese and visiting pilgrims frequently sought-after its presence. However, they lacked the sufficient means to start construction.
Fortunately, numerous giving hearts understood the importance of adding the Stations within the sacred shrine. Through the combined support of local businesses, the Knights of Columbus of All Saints Catholic Church in Georgia, and the Ghana Friendship Project, the Marian Shrine now has a beautiful, life-size Stations of the Cross.
See photos of the newly-built Stations of the Cross below:
Building with Hope – a Church for Enchi
Enchi Needs Your Support!
4,000 Christian families and their children in Enchi, Ghana do not currently have a church. This is because their beloved church was demolished earlier this year due to cracks compromising the structural integrity of the building. The villagers are working tirelessly to rebuild a church home, but they will be stopped in their tracks if they run out of funds.
The blessing of a church, of a spiritual home, is one that many throughout the world do not have. This is true especially for the many children and families in Enchi, Ghana, who have recently had to give up their spiritual home because it was crumbling around them. Now, they are adrift and the growing Catholic community of Enchi has nowhere else to turn but to us, their brothers and sisters in Christ, for assistance.
Now is the time to support the Enchi community.
Building with Hope
Matching Gift Challenge
The Church is Finished, and Deacon Rick Visits!
July 2018
Our brothers and sisters in Enchi, Ghana, are so excited about their new church! They are so happy to have a place to worship God. Deacon Rick Medina, CWM Executive Director, got to visit the new church and was present for its dedication. Three bishops were there, as well as representatives from several tribes and communities in Enchi. The church was filled with joyful singing, dancing, and praise to God for the generosity of so many friends around the world who helped make this church possible, including YOU! Thank you for all you’ve done to build this church and renew hope in Ghana! Check out the photos below, and make sure to scroll to the bottom of this section to click through new photos of the finished church. You can also see progress photos from every stage of construction over the last few years!
Some Finishing Touches in Place
February 2018
The altar, ambo, tabernacle stand, railings, and a statue of the Blessed Mother have been installed in the church! Click through the carousel below to see photos of the new additions, and past photos of construction progress. Our friends in Ghana will soon need a tabernacle so that the Eucharistic presence of our Lord can be consistently kept in the church once construction is complete and the church has been blessed. To help give a tabernacle, click here.
Bishop Joseph Visits, Roof and Ceiling Installed
August 2017
Bishop Joseph visited the build site in Enchi this month–what a treat! The roof and ceiling were also installed. The church is beginning to look like a church! See photos below.
Halfway there!
March 2017
The church structure is halfway done and looking great! Check out the updated photos below.
January 2017
Scaffolding has gone up around the new construction. One of the most encouraging things about this project is the way the whole community comes together to help build–men, women, children, and even Monsignor Simon, the pastor!
June 2016
Pillars and arches are up in the new church building! Progress looks great!
Construction Begins
May 2016
Earlier this year the old church building was torn down because cracks in the walls and foundation compromised the structural integrity of the whole building. Today the people of Enchi have been working around the clock to reconstruct their church!
The villagers work tirelessly, everyone pitching in their own time and talent, to build a new church for all the families in the community; they want to finish before Easter. They constantly hold onto the hope that the young children and growing families that live there will be able to grow up with the opportunity that many of us have – the opportunity to receive the sacraments, worship, and gather together in their own home parish.
Enchi is a small village; only 15,000 people live there. 4,000 people – over 25% of the village! – are members of this church family. And this number continues to grow! Every year many new people come forward, exuberant to join the church. We want to be the reason why even more people can join the church in the coming years – because they will have a place to worship!
Without your support and generosity the construction will halt as they are coming close to running out of funds.
See photos of the progress that has been made:
Children Wake Up at Dawn to Walk Miles and Collect Disease-Riddled Water
More than 840,000 People Die Each Year from a Water-Related Disease
Children are diagnosed with malaria, river blindness, bilharzia, and more from drinking unsafe water. Each one painful and dangerous to their bodies. Not only that, 750 million people currently do not have access to clean water.
Catholic World Mission is partnering with four villages in Ghana to bring more than 8,000 children and their families’ clean water. There is an opportunity for you today to help their plight.
Mamme Yaa Adutwiwaa Gives Thanks!
Mamme Yaa Adutwiwaa shared with us that before Catholic World Mission paid for a well to be built at Enchi Catholic School, she would walk two miles for three buckets of drinking water each morning with her children. She shared,
“My children were always tired, they felt sick, they could not concentrate in school. I am lucky to have a little business in town, but often I could not open until late because I spent many hours of the day in search of water.”
“Now with this water system we can get water anytime… it is a miracle for us. My children go to school early and they are no longer tired and feeling sick all the time. They are doing well in school and are so much happier. I can attend Mass in the morning and get to the market early, and my business is doing much better. All of this is because of the water system. I thank all those who help Catholic World Mission who brought clean water to my family. I pray that other communities will benefit from more wells.”
With Your Generous Donation Four Water Wells Were Built in Enchi
One of the water wells was fully commissioned in Enchi, Ghana at Nana Brentu Senior High School! The water well will be used by over 1000 students and staff from the school, and the community will share it as well. The community celebrated the event with Mass, music, dance, and a benediction before cutting the ribbon!
Please continue keeping your heart open to responding to help more people in Ghana receive clean water.
Letter from Abubakor Hadjaratu
Portable water was a major problem facing this institution (Nana Brentu High School) for the past twenty years. Access to portable water had not been easy at all. Students had to walk miles before getting access to water. Due to this problem the District Assembly provided the school with a bore-hole water that was intended to minimize the situation in a way. Yet students had to journey long leagues before getting water which sometimes resulted in lateness to class. This situation also affected the teachers on campus.
The water situation keeps compounding with the increased number of students yearly. The school authorities appealed to corporate bodies and institutions for help. This caught the attention of Reverend Monsignor Simon Assamoah who came to the aid of the school by constructing the existing bore-hole. The construction of this additional bore-hole by Monsignor Simon Assamoah has helped ease the water problem at the school. The introduction of the bore-hole and taps has helped change the once problem of lateness. Now students go to class easy to join first lessons unlike those days when students normally missed first lessons.
Again, the bore-hole and the taps have helped stop students from walking miles before getting water to drink and bathe. Students were drinking water from streams which is sometimes contaminated and even cause illnesses among the students.
The benefits continue on and on, not forgetting the fact that the introduction of this new source of water has helped students to concentrate on their studies. Students no more think about how to get water for the next day because they know where to get water.
In spite of all these benefits that the water source has brought to the school there are also challenges that need attention. First the infrequent supply of power sometimes makes it difficult to get water since the pump machine uses electricity in the pumping process so if there is no sun light, there is no water to use.
Due to this problem that is facing the modern bore-hope I would want to appeal to you if you could provide us with a stand by water for use always from the national. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Catholic World Mission and give thanks to Reverend Monsignor Simon Assamoah for sure a wonderful project he has provided for the school – we say thank you.
Letter from Endoi Safomey
The school (Nana Brentu High School) is very pleased to have a well pipe donated by Catholic World Mission. Previously, the major problem faced in the school was lack of access to water. Students had to walk about ten miles a day from the school before they could get water to use, which sometimes delayed students and teachers from going to class.
On the later part of the year 2015 Reverend Monsignor Simon Assamoah decided to solve the (water) problem for the school. With the good decision made (to install a water well) the following are the benefits the school has derived from:
Due to the good decision taken on our water problem, it has helped to provide clean and safe water for students and teachers on campus, which has therefore made the life of students and even teachers comfortable. This is because students and teachers on campus find it easier now to get clean and safe water to use. Clean water is used for cooking, bathing, washing and many more.
The mechanized bore-hole has helped save the time of students and teachers. This is because the steps of which students had to take before they could get water is now slashed, and this helps to be able to attend class early and even attend social meetings.
Aside the benefits mentioned there are some few problems as far as the pipe is concerned. The solar panel lighting system is one of the major factors that contributes to our problem with the pipe. This is because when the sun sets the pipe also turns off due to the mechanized process of the pipe. We hope you can help solve the problem above by taking the following measures:
The water pump shutting off at sunset could be solved by donating enough funds for additional water tanks to store enough water for students and even teachers when the lights are off. This can help restore the pressure on the pipe since the population of the school keeps on increasing. Another idea if you cannot help us purchase a water tank, is the donation of a generator, so the water pump can remain on always.
Spreading the Gift of Eucharistic Adoration
See How the Donation of Monstrances Spreads the Gospel
Catholic World Mission strongly emphasizes evangelistic revival and spiritual development in its core values. Thanks to generous CWM donors Eucharistic Adoration monstrances have been provided to underprivileged parishes in Ghana to foster increased devotion to the life-giving power of the Eucharist. Through the donation of a monstrance, we hope to increase opportunity for individuals to strengthen their relationship with God and for community devotion. The key mission is to let the power of the Eucharist change the world.
The first areas of emphasis are 20 dioceses in Ghana, Africa. Through the humble assistance of Msgr. Simon (pictured above) one monstrance, pictured here, will be delivered to each diocese to greater encourage community gatherings for Eucharistic Adoration from the many parishes and even greater number of outstations in Ghana. With God’s grace, communities around the world will be lifted up through the power of the Eucharist one monstrance at a time.
“The spiritual lives of our families are strengthened through our Holy Hour.” -St. John Paul II
Eucharistic Adoration is a Catholic tradition in which one is in the presence of the exposed Blessed Sacrament. Held in a monstrance, the Body of Christ is stationed in a space, usually the altar or chapel, that allows one to have personal, tranquil, and uninterrupted time with Jesus. The Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament serves as an extension of the adoration and praise given towards the Body and Blood of Christ during the Mass. Humbling ourselves before God, Eucharistic Adoration allows one to acknowledge the strength and almighty power of our Lord and Savior.
During this time of reverence, visitors may pray, recite the rosary, read scripture, offer intentions, or simply sit and be in the presence of the Lord. Open to anyone, God makes his grace available to all his children. From individuals to groups to entire parishes, Eucharistic Adoration is offered to all for petitions and thanksgiving. With the presence of the exposed and physical being of Christ, God reveals his tenderness to us in the silence. Eucharistic Adoration blesses one with a temporary escape from the secular world to bring our struggles before God. Away from the noise and distractions, adoration opens opportunity for healing, guidance, enlightenment, forgiveness, and peace.
Whether attending on a whim, on one’s own schedule, or signing up for a specific guardian time, attending adoration increases one’s involvement in the community of the parish. Furthermore, the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament offers a place in which the community can come together in deep prayer and adoration. Through offering up prayers and intentions, God pours out his love and support to parishes in need. Parishes that become anchored in Christ are able to withstand any challenge, change, or shortcoming. The more we develop this spiritual relationship, the better we get at developing an authentic love of neighbor, thus strengthening the parish family.
Diocese, Parishes, and Outstations in Ghana
Accra (Archdiocese): Arch Bishop Gabriel Charles Palmer-Buckle (65 Parishes and Outstations)
Cape Coast (Archdiocese): Archbishop Matthias Kobena Nketsiah (45 Parishes and 12 other pastoral centers with permanent assistance)
Damongo (Diocese): Bishop Peter Paul Yelezuome Angkyier (11 Parishes as of 2006 and 600,000 people currently)
Donkorkrom (Vicariate Apostolic): Vicar Apostolic Gabriel Edoe Kumordji (11 Parishes and over 75 Outstations)
Goaso (Diocese): Bishop Peter Kwaku Atuahene (20 Parishes and 225 Outstations)
Ho (Diocese): Bishop Francis Kofi Lodonu
Jasikan (Diocese): Bishop Gabriel Akwasi Abiabo Mante
Keta-Akatsi (Diocese): Bishop Anthony Kwami Adanuty (19 Parishes and over 150 Outstations)
Koforidua (Diocese): Bishop Joseph Kwaku Afrifah-Agyekum (33 Parishes)
Konongo-Mampong (Diocese): Bishop Joseph Osei-Bonsu (29 Parishes and 31 Outstation)
Kumasi (Archdiocese): Archbishop Gabriel Justice Yaw Anokye, Archbishop Emeritus Thomas Kwaku Mensah, Archbishop Emeritus Peter KwasiSarpong (35 Parishes and 155 Outstations)
Navrongo-Bolgatanga (Diocese): Bishop Alfred Agyenta (18 Parishes)
Obuasi (Diocese): Archbishop Gabriel Justice Yaw Anokye (28 Parishes)
Sekondi-Takoradi (Diocese): Bishop John Bonaventure Kwofie and Apostolic Administrator Matthias Kobena Nketsiah (40 Parishes)
Sunyani (Diocese): Bishop Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi (33 Parishes)
Tamale (Archdiocese): Archbishop Philip Naameh and Archbishop Emeritus Gregory E. Kpiebaya (11 Parishes)
Techiman (Diocese): Bishop Dominic Nyarko Yeboah (19 Parishes)
Wa (Diocese): Bishop Paul Bemile (23 Parishes)
Wiawso (Diocese): Bishop Joesph Francis Kweku Essien (20 Parishes)
Yendi (Diocese): Bishop Vincent Boi-Nai (8 Parishes)
Read the Journey of the 13 Monstrances Through Ghana
2020
During the Feast of Christ the King, Msgr. Simon leads the faithful in Eucharistic adoration. The distribution of Monstrances made possible by generous donors like you brings many to experience the peace of Christ through Eucharistic adoration.
Monsignor Simon initiated spreading Eucharistic Adoration to every diocese in Ghana. Having received donations for 13 monstrances the distribution process has started! Many of the priests did not have anything for Eucharistic Adoration, and the ones that did had extremely humble monstrances. Catholic World Mission is thankful for the generosity of our donors to give such beautiful gifts to such deserving priests and the people of Ghana.
11 of the 13 monstrances have been delivered by Monsignor Simon! Monstrances have been delivered to Bishop Peter Atuahene of the Goaso diocese, Bishop Gyamdi of the Sunyani diocese, sisters of the Infant Jesus Convent, Reverend Fr. Anthony Aful Broni of the University College of Education in Winneba, Fr. Dominic and Bishop Essien in the Diocese of Wiawso, Bishop John Bonaventure Kwofie of Sekondi-Takoradi, Bishop Joseph Kwaku Afrifah-Agyekum of the Diocese Koforidua, Vicar Apostolic Gabriel Edoe Kumordji of Donkorkro, Fr. Bokoe of Bonyere St Paul’s Parish in the Diocese of Kumasi and Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Enchi.
In November 2015 Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Enchi, Ghana graciously received a Eucharistic Monstrance for their humble church. This is the eleventh of thirteen monstrance’s to be distributed! To commemorate the feast of Christ the King in November, the parish held a Eucharistic procession around Enchi. The procession with the Blessed Sacrament celebrates the sacrament and signifies the true presence of Christ in our world, and reminds us of our pilgrimage to heaven. Cannon Law 944 states, “When it can be done in the judgment of the diocesan bishop, a procession through the public streets is to be held as a public witness of veneration toward the Most Holy Eucharist, especially on the solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ.” View the pictures to see the joyful and reverent procession of the Blessed Sacrament!
Every Eucharistic monstrance is received with such joy. We are so thankful for Monsignor Simon’s call to bring Eucharistic Adoration to Ghana and help the people feel the presence of the Lord in an undeniable way. This would not be possible without the contributions of generous benefactors. With your help the goal is to raise money for eight more!
A Gift from the Knights of Columbus
In late March, the Knights of Columbus sent Catholic World Mission a chalice and paten for a priest to use in Ghana in memory of SK Larry Carl Obenstine, given our vast work in Ghana. A friend of Catholic World Mission generously donated his time and efforts to deliver the chalice and paten to Fr. Jeremiah in the community of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Tsito, Ghana. Mike Barry delivered the chalice and paten along with glass pitchers for the water and wine before transubstantiation. Fr. Jeremiah also offered up the Mass for the Obenstine family. We are so thankful to share some of the photos from his trip.
St. Joseph School, Enchi
Children are our future no matter where they live.
Children are our future no matter where they live. It is our duty and our privledge to help children around the world who are trapped in the cycle of poverty. 80,000 children die each year in Ghana due to treatable and preventable diseases. We are blessed by your support to help the children in Ghana by putting a roof over their heads so they aren’t eating on dirt floors, and clothes in their back to protect their skin against the sun.
Villagers Celebrate Construction of the Cafeteria Roof with Mass and Dancing!
Getting a meal shouldn’t be that dangerous. But in many areas of the world it is. For years these children in Ghana have eaten outside rain or shine in a field that is across a busy highway. They had nowhere to wash their hands, or to be covered from the rain and dust storms, and no shade from the blistering sun. They appealed to Catholic World Mission to help alleviate their suffering, and thanks to generous donors the covered canteen project began. When the canteen was finished the whole village came to celebrate it’s opening. The celebration included mass, and a reception with food and dancing. Everyone was happy the children would finally be eating in a safe environment while at school.
Ghana children thank CWM donors!
Together with the help of St. Helen Catholic School in Vero Beach, FL and all the parents and volunteers we collected uniforms for students to use in Ghana!
Having collected over 600 uniforms, the Burgener family drove from Florida to a local parish in Atlanta to deliver the uniforms so they could be sent to Ghana on a shipping container. Monsignor Simon helped facilitate the donation to the school. He is a crucial ambassador for Catholic World Mission. The uniforms went to a school in Enchi, Ghana called Immaculate Conception school. We are so thankful for their help in embracing the beatitude to “clothe the naked.”
Parish Outreach Ghana
Only 2 priests serving 26 outstations
Catholic World Mission donors have provided training and transportation to facilitate the needs of a parish which covers a vast area in the Archdiocese of Waiwso.
The Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Enchi has only two priests who serve not only the needs of the parish, but also the needs of people in 26 outstations which feed into the parish.
The Associate Pastor visits these outstations in rotation. The catechists play a critical role in filling the gap: preparing parishioners for sacraments, teaching Church doctrine, and caring for the concerns of the villagers.
Spreading the Gospel and Catechism throughout Ghana
Most of the catechists are in need of training and a clear understanding of Catholic doctrine in order to better lead the faith formation of parishioners in the 26 outposts.
With help from Catholic World Mission donors, funding was provided for a training course for the catechists in the parish. The first of these took place in late November 2013.
Motorbikes are the New Means of Transporting Catechesis
Prior to the training course, the whole parish came together to celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King, marking the end of the Year of Faith. During the celebration, an apsonic motobike was presented to the Catechists for their use. The head catechist will use it when necessary to send messages to the other catechists and also visit some of the stations to help the priests.
Thirty eight catechists were trained during this first session, covering topics including: the Liturgical year, catechists as agents of the New Evangelization, and notations on conducting Sunday service without a priest.
You can take action now to support the missionaries in Ghana, and spread the gift of faith through out the country. The missionaries have several outstanding needs that you can address financially now:
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Provide bibles and Catechism of the Catholic Faith books for different age groups for the next phase of training, which includes practical faith application and living out of the faith.
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Fund two more motorbike’s for the catechists.
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Bring the Word of Christ, including sacraments and pastoral care to people in dozens of villages in Ghana
We are thankful for your support and generosity thus far. Without you these missionaries could not fulfill their mission.
Medical Shipments
Shipping millions of dollars in medical gift-in-kind
Catholic World Mission donors have made it possible for us to ship millions of dollars in medical gift-in-kind to Ghana- just this past year. Supplying short-term clinics and stocking hospitals with essentials such as ECG machines, patient beds, incubators, respirators, anesthesia machines, exam tables, antibiotics and lab supplies, we feel certain that this program has saved lives.
We want to do more! Treatable and preventable diseases kill over 80,000 people – mostly children – each year in Ghana. A simple infection can lead to a deadly disease without proper antibiotics and care. About 25% of the population in rural villages test positive for malaria. Hepatitis b is prevalent and proven deadly, although very treatable, given the availability of medicines.
Our Hope for Ghana: With your continued support we can fund various missions to fulfill the beatitudes they most need in the most remote parts of Ghana. Click the other tabs to explore our projects.
CWM Philanthropists Provide Medical Supplies Directly to the Hospital
Catholic World Mission donors have made it possible for us to ship millions of dollars in medical gift-in-kind to Ghana- just this past year. Supplying short-term clinics and stocking hospitals with essentials such as ECG machines, patient beds, incubators, respirators, anesthesia machines, exam tables, anti-biotics and lab supplies, we feel certain that this program has saved lives.
But there is much more to do!
On a recent trip to Ghana, our missionaries took pictures of the rusty operating table (right) that is being used in the Enchi District Hospital. There is another table in the O.R. room, but the broken hydraulics will not allow the surgeon to move the table up and down.
Dr. Frank Agbemordzi in Ghana Reaches Out to CWM for Aid
Our hope is that we can furnish a new operating table in our next shipment of medical supplies to Ghana.
Dr. Frank Agbemordzi, Medical Director of the Enchi Hospital, is counting on our help. He talks here of the urgent need for supplies at his hospital. Dr. Frank also has expressed much gratitude for the supplies sent over the years. “Catholic World Mission donors have changed the way this hospital operates,” the doctor tells us. The Enchi Hospital in Ghana had a critical shortage of hospital beds, for instance. Patients in overflow areas were often placed on the floor, awaiting turnover. Catholic World Mission recently shipped dozens of hospital beds to the Enchi District Hospital, providing for a higher standard of care at the hospital.
The most recent shipment of supplies including five respirators and a much-needed anesthesia machine: essential, life-saving equipment that is used on a daily basis at the hospital.
Treatable and preventable disease kills over 80,000 people- mostly children- each year in Ghana. A simple infection can lead to a deadly disease without proper anti-biotics and care. About 25% of the population in rural villages test positive for malaria. Hepatitis b is prevalent and proven deadly, although very treatable, given the availability of medicines.
CWM Donors Spread Clinics Across Ghana!
In addition to hospitals, supplies are used for short-term clinics in remote villages, where residents have virtually no access to medical care. For some villagers, it would require a two-day walk on unpaved roads with no electricity to find a medical center. In times of distress, people stay put and rely on the natural remedies they have on hand: often limited and sometimes dangerous.
Missionary doctors holding short-term clinics provide medicines and transportation to hospitals if needed, potentially saving thousands of lives over the course of time.
In partnership with Father Simon Assamoah of the Archdiocese of Wiawso and like-minded charities, we have been able to implement a coordinated effort to supply short-term clinics, hospitals and medical facilities with necessities to elevate the level of care in Ghana.
Yiwabra Medical Clinic
Every year in Ghana 80,000 children die from treatable and preventable diseases.
Yiwabra is a tiny village a couple of hours from Enchi, (but people from Yiwabra do not have access to transportation to get to the bigger villages). The village has little infrastructure and no hospital. Our mission for Yiwabra is to build a permanant medical clinic. So far they have a well, septic tank, and roofing materials, but there is more to do! A medical clinic in such a remote area is life saving for a village like Yiwabra.
We partnered with the Diocese of Wiawso to build a Medical Clinic for Yiawbra, Ghana with the anticipation to finish in 2015. We have come a long way from building the foundation to raising the roof. Explore the tabs to learn more about this Medical Clinic in Ghana.
This fresh water well was dug to serve the needs of the village medical clinic.
Septic tank installation allowed for plumbing projects to take place on schedule.
While the plumbing was installed children enjoyed playing in clean water.
A generous donor offered to “Raise the Roof” for the medical clinic!
