Our History
The first Members arrived in Kenya in October 1989. This arrival was very much awaited and eventually appreciated by the late Michael Maurice Cardinal Otunga, the then Archbishop of Nairobi. They took charge of the Sunday School and of the Christian formation of many children and youth who benefited from the presence of the Society. Although facing many hardships, the Members eagerly tried to keep the Society’s apostolate going.
After years of presence, the Society is full of hope that its activities will keep on helping those who come in touch with it. The Society is strongly challenged by the African culture and thus needs to continue its immersion in the Kenyan lifestyle, keeping in mind and heart its spirituality and charism which should be safeguarded, every time, everywhere.
The Members
Some of the members teach in Government Primary and Secondary schools. Situated in the heart of Ruiru, these schools allow us to come in contact with hundreds of students, teachers and parents.
The Daily Apostolate
On weekdays, our SDC Centre opens at 5:00pm. We have five organized classes: three Preparatory classes, and the Elects and Aspirants classes. After long school hours, these youths are always very eager to spend some time playing together. After half an hour of games, all children and youth enter their respective classes for the lesson. These lessons include the Catechism of the Catholic Church, prayer meetings, Bible sharing, sentences from the Voice of the Beloved and the Epistles of the Apostles, lives and maxims of the saints, and formation in the spirituality of our Society.
On Saturdays, the SDC Centre opens at 5:00pm with the normal programme of catechism classes, but with some added time for play. Sunday mornings are reserved especially for those preparing for receiving Baptism, Holy Communion and Confirmation. We have six organized classes: one for every Sacrament, one for young children, and two others for older children and youths who keep on coming for catechism although they have already received the Initiation Sacraments. All Members and Candidates, including a number of Aspirants, are involved in the teaching of these classes.
On Sunday afternoon, the SDC Centre opens at 4:30pm for games. Then at 5:15p.m., all children and youth pray the Rosary together with their catechists.
Other Activities
From time-to-time activities like outings and trips are organized for all the members and children. These enhance friendship and serve to unite and build the group. It is very encouraging to see a large number of young people coming to our SDC centre for catechism.
We are also organizing formative meetings for the parents of all those who come to the SDC Centre, and other interested Christians. These meetings are held monthly and those who participate show a lot of interest.
Establishing An SDC Outreach In Kiratina
The members and candidates of the Ruiru SDC Centre visited Kiratina Outstation dedicated to St George Preca on Sunday 3 September 2023. Kiratina is an area around 13 km from Ruiru and is part of Juja Farm Catholic Parish dedicated to the Presentation of the Lord and run by the Mariannhill Missionaries.
During the visit, members shared information about the Founder and the SDC, whilst some candidates shared their experience of the SDC in Ruiru.
Following further discussions and meetings, the SDC established an outreach in Kiratina on 15 October 2023. The SDC started holding catechism and faith formation sessions on Sundays.
Visits To Rang’ala, Siaya
In September 2023 some members and candidates of the Ruiru Centre visited Holy Trinity Parish in Rang’ala. Over the past years, this was the fourth visit of the Society to Rang’ala Parish in Siaya county. The parish is part of the Archdiocese of Kisumu and is several miles away from Ruiru.
Besides continuing to strengthen contacts with Holy Trinity Parish in Rang’ala, the SDC continues to discern whether it will eventually set up a new Centre in this parish. The SDC praises the Lord for blessing it with more opportunities to make Christ loved and known.
Preca Lending Library
In January 2012 the Preca Lending Library in the SDC Centre opened its doors for the children and youth who attend the SDC. The library contains a little over a thousand books, ranging from Primary and Secondary School textbooks, story books, National Geographic magazines, biographies, books of general knowledge, lives of saints, spiritual books and many more, all in English and Swahili. We hope and pray that the “Preca Lending Library” will be another learning source from which the children and youth benefit for their well-being.
Tumshukuru Bwana Mungu wetu! Let us give thanks to the Lord our God!
Contact email of the Ruiru SDC Centre: ruiru@sdcmuseum.org.
