CHRISTIANS URGED TO USE THEIR GOD GIVEN GIFTS

Christians have been urged to put to use the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit in their day to day living. This call was made on Saturday, October 19, 2024 by Rt. Rev. Callist Rubaramira, Bishop of Kabale Diocese at Christ the King Parish Kabale during Mass where he 530 candidates confirmed into the Catholic faith.

Bishop Callist said that Christians ought to learn the ways of Christ so that they follow them and that’s is why they are called Christians. He urged them to accept Christ wholeheartedly so that he dwells in them and changes their lives. Bishop Callist noted that “at Pentecost, we ach of the Apostles received a gift which he in turn used to glorify God. We too at baptism, each of us received God’s gift, for the benefit of all, according to the will of God and according to what he wants from each.”

Bishop Callist called on the confrimants to use the gifts of the Holy Spirit in their various duties and responsibilities to benefit themselves and others, thereby making a positive change in world for the as Christ’s disciples who keep their baptismal candles burning.

Mr. Tumukwasiibwe Nicodemus Odo, the Chairperson Parish Council for Christ the King Parish Kabale welcomed Bishop Callist Rubaramira on his pastoral visit to Christ the King Parish and administering the sacrament of confirmation. He thanked the Parish administration led by Fr. Fred Birungi (parish priest) for working hard to develop the parish. He also thanked catechists and parents of confrimants for instructions the candidates.

Mr. Odo outlined the different projects established by the parish that are driving them towards financial sustainability. These projects/activities include establishment of Christ the King Church community SACCO, establishment of an association for the boda boda and vendors to develop themselves, empowerment of Catholic Men and Women Association to be a model in the Diocese, holding special seminars with parishioners to boost their economy among others. The parish plans to develop the different plots withing Kabale town, paving the pathways to the parish church, construction of perimeter wall to strengthen security, putting up a modern canteen for the parish and continue empowering Small Christian Communities about economic sustainability.

While addressing the congregation, Hon. Catherine Atwakiire Ndamira, the Kabale District Woman Member of Parliament urged all people to turn up and register for National Identity Cards. She called on the people to take the exercise very serious since those without them have already started facing consequences. She sounded a warning to those people who who do not have national IDs and register sim cards using National IDs that do not belong to them. Accessing funds meant for Parish Development Model requires one to have a National Identification Number (NIN) hence a necessity for national ID.Hon. Ndamira further alerted people that Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) has also instructed Religious Institutions to wed only people who possess National IDs.

In August 2024, the registration body Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) issued a letter to the faith based organization instructing them to have coupes intending to wed to be in possession of national IDs. A letter dated August 28, 2024 by the Secretary General of Uganda Episcopal Conference, Msgr. John Kauta to Catholic Archbishops and Bishops instructs them to have the information publicized in their parishes so that people can comply with this new law.

Bishop Callist Rubaramira thanked Hon. Catherine Ndamira for the civic education she offered to the people of God especially about the importance of possessing a National ID. He thanked Holy Family and the Catholic Men and Women Association (CMWA) and requested each home to have a program which generates income for the family. He requested the Small Christian Communities to put in place programs of making home visitation and help them establish income generating projects, since Christ the King Parish Kabale is developing, the families too should develop. The ceremony was climaxed with thanksgiving led by members of Holy Family.