Catechist Center

After our celebration in Mtimbwe Father took us to the catechist center.  Because the pastoral needs in the villages are so high the church has established these centers to train lay people to perform duties normally reserved for a priest.  The students here, some 300 in all, train at the center for 2-3 years with their families.  They are then sent back to their village with a new mission to preach he gospel and help their people through pastoral care.  The Marian Stove team used this center as a testing ground for the new stoves.  Over 30 Marian Stoves were installed two years ago and we visited to ensure they were all still in good order.  Everything seemed great and the few families we met seemed pleased with the stoves.  It was fairly quiet when we visited as most of the students were on a break when we toured.

Goats eating at a termite mound.  They do not eat the termites but for some reason they think the dirt itself taste good.

One of the Catechists.  She will study here for 3 years then go back to her village to preach the gospel.

Stoves here are all working well and every family seemed well trained,

Me with two catechists.  (Shirt is from Goodwill, no luggage yet)

Mom with Director of Catechists Center.  Gabriel stealing Peanuts in the background.