All Saints Catholic Church (Afrika Huis) marks 30 years.

By

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Andoh, SMA

The All Saints Catholic Church marks 30 years of its official opening. On November 29th, 2024, the feast of Christ the King, the year-long anniversary celebration was officially launched by Dr. Justice Richard Kwabena Owusu Kyei, chairman of the anniversary committee with the theme “30 years of growth in the Lord-giving back to mission”.

A series of activities have been outlined to mark the year-long celebration. The first activity on the anniversary program is parish historical symposium, held on 18th January 2025.  The parish historical symposium generated conversation that highlighted the stages of development that All Saints community has gone through in the course of more than 30 years of existence.  This event brought together parishioners and representatives of societies that constitute the All Saints Church. The guest speakers for the day were Very Rev. Fr. Frans Thoolen, SMA; Very Rev. Fr. Janssen of the  White Fathers, and Mr. Augustine Joseph Tano, a pioneer member of the community.

Other speakers for the day were Mr. Michael Appiah Kubi, Madam Martha Duku, Mr. Cosmos Awuah, Madam Cecilia Achonu and Mr. Sylvanus.

Representatives from various societies in the Church gave accounts of how each society was established and the contribution and services they render in the church. The Masters of Ceremony (MCs) for the day were Madam Marion Mesumbe and Sister Kesley Duku. History presentations were interspersed with cultural exposẻ from Ghana, Zambia and Nigeria to highlight the cultural diversity of All Saints (Afrika Huis) Community. Other celebrations outlined to mark the anniversary are –

Ø Anniversary Lenten Revival  from 9th to 11th April;

Ø Pastoral visitation of Bishop on 19th May;

Ø Parish fun and culture day on 29th May;

Ø Anniversary Fundraising on June 1st.

Ø Parish Pilgrimage to Lourdes from 18th to 21 July;

Ø Parish Bible week celebration in September;

Ø Anniversary Harvest Thanksgiving on 5th October;

Ø Parish video and photo exhibition on 26th October;

Ø Anniversary Memorial Service on 1st November and

Ø Anniversary climax and thanks giving service on 2nd November.

As a community we take advantage of these events to make inventory of individuals and organizations whose vision and hard work contributed to the growth of All Saints Catholic Church and Afrika Huis and to acknowledge their good works. We also want to take opportunity of the celebration to recognize the good work and support of the SMA Fathers who initiated the ministry to African migrants and continue to support and sustain its growth.

Currently All Saints Catholic Church (Afrika Huis) is a quasi- parish in the Diocese of Haarlem Amsterdam and serves as a home to many Africans and non-Africans. Here we live and share with one another, helping each other to make meaningful insertion in the Netherlands. With the good foundation of our Catholic faith and hinged on the fulcrum of faith and civility, we hope to contribute our just quoter in building and sustaining a humane, just and harmonious society here in the Netherlands. We invite all our friends, benefactors and families to join us to joyfully celebrate this milestone